My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
The camera became my companion.
Edward Weston
There are times when I can be calm much like the water of this pond and at other times, well not so much. The challenges of living life can act like a fierce wind that creates internal waves. I’ve discovered tools to return to the calm and one of them is time in the silence of nature with a camera, taking deep breaths.
I have often photographed when I am not in tune with nature but the photographs look as if I had been. So I conclude that something in nature says, ‘Come and take my photograph.’ So I do, regardless of how I feel.
Minor White
Happened to me with this image last night. I wanted to get out east to see if I could find a sunset image. Because I left late I stopped at Riverbend Ponds and walked to a spot I’ve shot from before. The sun had set but the clouds looked promising. I felt no urgency only a need to be there. It was cool enough that I was glad I wore my coat. Nothing spectacular but oh so beautiful. A few geese and ducks honked and quacked. I wondered if they liked the scene also. I smiled. Only took 16 images but have three keepers I like. So, I went and took the photograph.
“Give me solitude,… give me again O Nature your primal sanities!”
Walt Whitman
This is a midday image of the pond near Cattail Ponds. I heard the deep croaking of the heron then watched it gracefully flying away from me. Their croaking stirred up the geese and mallards as they quickly joined in. Seems they did not want me coming too close. This is not far from the road but the solitude was what I needed, a bit of sanity. Love the deep blue fall sky.
morning light arrives
ms
trees reflected in still waters
nature’s calming gift
Trees and their reflection along the eastern edge of Dixon Reservoir this past week. The plains were shrouded in fog and everything was blanketed in morning dew. Love the feel of this image even though the technical quality is lacking. The backlit leaves, the calm water and the reflection make it happen for me.
Update: As per suggestions from Tom I played around with this image and came up with this post processed scene. I do like it better. Let me know what you think.
I have friends vacationing in Hawaii with kids and grandkids. I’m a bit envious of them sitting on the beach working on a tan. All the photos they’ve sent include big smiles. Yet, this morning while visiting the Top Minnow Natural Area, I was reminded by the red-winged blackbirds and the meadowlarks of just how beautiful it is right here. They were reminding through their joyful songs to be grateful for where I’m at and what I have. These two Canada Goose told me the same thing. I’m learning to listen to the wisdom of nature more often.
“Sometimes I need
Mary Oliver
only to stand
wherever I am
to be blessed.”
This morning I drove out near the Arapaho Bend Natural Area and parked along Horsetooth Road to listen to the meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds. Watched several red-tailed hawks perched atop old cottonwood trees searching out breakfast menu. I am posting this image because of the tree reflections in the water and the rising morning sun. Almost no wind gave the water a glass like look. Have a wonderful weekend!
Drove out east near Prospect Ponds then over to the Arapaho Bend Natural Area. Cloud cover over most of the sky as we have a front moving into the area bringing more rain and snow. It’s always nice when a couple of Canada Geese photobomb my image. Adds a little punch, spice to it for me. Have a wonderful weekend!