The willow trees are leafing out, and the branches are full of catkins. The wind was blowing today and the willow branches were moving and swaying. The contrast of the early leaf yellow and the blue sky was particularly beautiful. These were captured with my iPhone 7, the camera that is always with me, using the Slow Shutter App. Then Lightroom was used to add contrast and clarity.
Wind in the Willows 1
Wind in the Willows 2
Wind in the Willows 3
We decided to go on a road trip today, even though the weather was not great. But because we have a new car, and we wanted to learn how to use all the new gizmos! So we set our destination to “Fabyan Windmill” (Fabyan Forest Preserve in Kane County) and followed the directions in the new navigation system. It got us to the first boundary of the preserve, but not the entry point. Maybe best to get an address next time. So, amongst the goose poop, we walked around in the cool, damp air just looking. Except I can’t just look when there are Bur Oaks! I had my iPhone 7, so these images are iphoneography, and all editing was done on my iPad. I need to know that mobile solutions work! I don’t always have easy access to my computer.
The Apps I used: For capture, the iPhone 7 native camera and LenkaCam for black and white images. For editing, I used Snapseed and iWatermark+ for my logo. I’m still learning the best way to use the watermark app.
So imagine the cold, damp air, clouds overhead, with goose poop under your feet, and surrounded by a grove of Bur Oaks. Add the Historic Windmill at the top of the hill.
About 6-8 inches of snow blanketed our neighborhood last night. Today was a beautiful day for a walk in the snow, with some playfulness along the way. The contrast of the white snow against the dark bark always draws me. These are just a few images I captured.
Birds in Snow
Snow Triangles
Salt Pattern
Not Shoveled
Pine Needles Weighted with Snow
Snow, Glorious Snow
Snow Drift
Wind meets Frozen Water at the Tree
Piled up Snow
Snow Plow Tracks
Curly Snow Pattern
River Snow Clumps
Liquid Water Meets Frozen Water on the River
I’ve been noticing tree branch patterns lately. When there are no leaves, the form of the branchs and shape of the tree are more obvious. I see a possible idea for a photography project taking root in my mind! Here is a recent image I captured at sunset. The beautiful, rich colors are a backdrop for tree branches. Maybe the first in a new series? Best start before the leaves come out, or I’ll have to wait until next winter.
My best sunset photos are often taken with my iPhone in the grocery store parking lot. Maybe it’s because I run errands late afternoon and when I come out the sun is setting? I do know there are no obstructions. I point my iPhone up and there are no buildings, electric wires, street lamps or “things” to get in the way of the glorious colors and how they reflect on the clouds. This sunset image was captured yesterday after a quick run to the grocery store.
Then when I got home, I had to quickly grab my iPhone again because I loved the way the clouds and colors peeked through the tree branches.
We are still doing remodeling in our kitchen. The tile worker who did our floor and was so amused at me need to lay on the floor to take photos of row upon row of screws. He saw me get out of the car and said, “You just can’t stop taking photos, can you?” So true!
How many photos do I need of sunsets and clouds? I’ll let you know when I find out. Seriously, the colors, the rays of light, how the colors reflect on the clouds, the shape of clouds…need I go on?
There are many ways to mark the seasons of the year. Is there snow? Do I see green? Is anything blooming? Do I need to rake leaves? But for a photographer, it’s all about color and light. Here are a few impressionist images that mark the seasons.
Fall Afternoon
Fall Color
Winter Cold
Spring with Bluebells
Summer Pines
Winter Sunset
I’ve always wanted to enter the Danada Nature Art Show, but usually I find out about it when the winners are announced, which is too late. This year I was able to submit two of my images:
Winter River Reflections at Sunset taken at Cenacle, Blackwell Forest Preserve, which won Honorable Mention
Winter Trees Noon taken at St. James Farm Forest Preserve:
