Saguaro- the Softer Side

A lover of blur shoots a saguaro!

The above is a triptych of three saguaro detail images. I found that using intentional camera movement on the very prickly saguaro transformed it into something soft and dreamy- and quite different from the actual cactus. A white balance shift helped with this effect as well.

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Geometry

Another photo from our very short stop at the outlet mall… who knew I’d create something I like from an outlet mall???

This is started as an in-camera multiple exposure of a fountain and an archway.

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Saguaros

Tuesday we made our last (fingers crossed!) trip to Phoenix for medical appointments for my husband’s back. It’s annoying and worrisome that doctors are leaving our town and that we sometimes have to make the almost 2 hour trek down the mountains for medical care. We have been spending the night each time and adding on something fun to the trips to make it more enjoyable each time.

On the way there we made our usual stop at the outlet mall for a short break- and this time I took the time to practice doing in-camera multiple exposures of the saguaros by the parking lot. Because my camera doesn’t have all the bells and whistles for multiple exposure, I often get discouraged and give up doing it in camera. However, this time I think I got a good result and enjoyed editing it pretty quickly in Photoshop.

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Almost Iris

It’s almost Spring here in Prescott- finally. Our irises are going to bloom today or tomorrow, so I took some photos of the buds and leaves over the weekend. This one was taken using intentional camera movement- you can almost see it begin to unfurl.

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Winter is Coming

Actually, winter is HERE- as most of the country can testify. Arizona has escaped the bomb cyclone of snow and below freezing temperatures, but rain and snow are now hitting the high country, with just rain here (so far). Fingers and toes crossed that the Phoenix area (where we will be meeting our kids) will be warmer and drier.

Good thoughts sent out to all those stranded due to flight cancellations!

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Crow’s Fall

A huge step outside my comfort zone! A couple months ago I joined an online group of expressionist photographers run by Valda Bailey and Doug Chinnery (both of whom are idols of mine). I had doubts about doing it, because I knew I would be in WAY over my head But I am so intrigued by this genre and in so awe of these artists that I just took the big leap and did it- and am so glad I did! I still have a big case of “imposter syndrome” (who am I to be in this group of REAL artists etc. etc.?), but I am learning a lot and experiencing photography as art in whole new way.

For example- December’s assignment was to create an image in response to the poem, “Crow’s Fall,” by Ted Hughes. I thought I knew who Ted Hughes was (Sylvia Plath’s husband), but knew nothing of his work. If you are interested, the title above is linked to the poem. I had an instant reaction to the poem and submitted the above image. Yesterday was the critique, and I was thrilled to get a positive response. Whew! I’m still treading water in this group, but am feeling so inspired by the teachers and other photographers.

In case you are wondering- I am in FIVE photography groups now, if you count our quarterly Ladies Zoom Party!

And yes, my interpretation of the poem was political. I try to be sunshine and light on my blog, but this poem brought up some darker feelings in me.

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