Bark abstracts:
Do you believe in MAGIC?
A month or two ago, the instructor of my photo group announced that the topic for our final would be MAGIC.
Final?
FINAL???
We had not had any topics during my tenure with the group, so I was dumbfounded to be given a topic- and even more so that there would be a FINAL!
I vacillated between several ideas- mostly not literal interpretations of the theme- but one morning, I just woke up with the idea fully formed, including the ideal model to use- our friend, Dale.
Fortunately, Dale was up to the task and within a few days the photo was taken, edited, and printed at Costco. Later on, I got my brand new Epson printer set up and attempted to print it myself. I am still learning the ins and outs of printing photos, so it took several hours of test prints and more editing to get it to look the way I wanted.
No grades were given, but the photo was given a rave review by the instructor- whew! The only negative comment was that the edge of his watch showed- darn! It’s gone now.
I’m now on summer break, with the group/class resuming near the end of August.
Lost and Found
I was at the right place at the right time last week and was able to bring home this sweet bird nest that had fallen out of a tree at a friend’s house. Sadly, little egg shells were nearby. I intended to spend all of Mother’s Day morning in my garage studio photographing the nest (and beautiful Mother’s Day flowers from my daughter) using different lenses and backgrounds. However, rain and hail put a stop to the project after an hour.
Here are a couple lensbaby shots of the nest. More to come!
Golden Weeds
I finally upgraded my ON1 software to the latest version (there was a deal I couldn’t resist. . .), mostly because my photo group purchased some of their tutorials for us. I’ve just barely scratched the surface of the new interface and all the new filters (new to me, that is). One thing I have noticed is better performance than with my old version of the software.
I added a texture in Photoshop to this light box photo of weeds and then added another filter and a border in ON1 Effects. Fun! Now I just have to remember to use it . . .
Peaceful
A peaceful view taken on our March trip to California
Hiding behind the Camera
I realized that I never did post the photo I used for my photo club’s self-portrait theme. So here it is:
Rustic and Rural
I’m once again on the lookout for photos that have elements of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (imperfect, impermanent, incomplete). I recently gave a presentation to one of my photo groups on this topic, and next month we will all be bringing in our wabi-sabi photos. Here are a couple shots in and by the Drover’s Shed at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, which show the process of weathering and decay over time.
The windmill:
The kitchen:
Lensbaby Tree
I love trying to create impressionist effects with my Lensbaby.
I took the photo above a bit farther by editing it in Photoshop and Topaz Impression.
Dappled
I loved this old eucalyptus from the arboretum we visited a couple weeks ago. There are even initials carved into the bark!
The Same, But Different
I borrowed a lightbox from my friend, Debbie, and had some fun photographing weeds on it. This is the same photo with different treatments in Lightroom.
Round and Prickly
Here’s one of the many pathways at the arboretum- this one guarded by barrel cactus.
Mellow Yellow
Some Lensbaby fun. . .
Boojum Craziness
I have a new favorite desert plant- the boojum tree. It is actually not an Arizona native, but it was planted at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It’s related to the ocotillo, another favorite of mine- but it is CRAZY looking!
It’s REALLY tall! I would say this specimen is 15-20 feet high.
Below is a young one.
And another view of the trunk. . .
A Shady Spot
There was so much to photograph on our outing last weekend. I loved the contrast between the dark tree (mesquite?), the green leaves, and the yellow blossoms peeking through from the background.
Happy Earth Day! Go outside!
On the Garden Path
at the Bryce Thompson Arboretum
melinda anderson photography 