Thoughts on Photography

Name's Mary, blogging grasshopper

Yesterday, temps around 70 under sun, overnights around 50, cool and clear…oh my. Pond needed work, but no hurry…

For a month, I’ve been taking photographs in automatic mode. I’ve taken a few shots I thought were good, but, something just wasn’t right. I thought about it every day but didn’t take the time to discover what I was missing. With a new camera that’s somewhat more sophisticated than the other, I thought I’d better be brave and learn through experiment…maybe, turn the dial? Push a button? Read a menu? Not a manual - no way. Convince myself if I push a button I won’t break the camera or cause it to explode in my hands? The options in picture-taking are endless and tempting. I tried something new and I like it. I took one small baby step and turned the dial once…

Ahhhh. A course in amateur photography would be good for me. I don’t know much about it, i.e. aperture and f-stops…what do they really mean?

I realized the pond work would take longer than anticipated. I was thinking about my picture taking habits. One is using digital zoom often. It isn’t always necessary.

Get closer, if you can.

I netted an excess of at least fifty lettuce plants as round as small pizzas and weeded for three hours. The Koi were spooked and my knees are still sore but it was a fun job.

As always, little things grab my attention like a single green blade growing on driftwood.

The Hibiscus was calling me. I dropped the pond net, rinsed algae from my fingernails, and tried a macro shot that sent me flower hopping.

Did I hear the Gardenias call me? No, their fragrance drew me there. White flowers are difficult to photograph.

The harsh winters in the Mid-Atlantic states killed them before December so I’ve always disliked Mums until now. Here’s a robust returnee.

Back to work…found a frog unhappy with my intrusion.

When my back was turned, I knew they were there - irate and noisy Tufted Titmice. This one paused for five seconds. How unusual!

My commitment to following the police cadets has made me think more seriously about photographing people. If the landscape is part of the story, it makes sense to keep your distance.

Otherwise, go to them. See and read their expression during the most difficult physical workout they’ve ever experienced. I’ve relied on zoom too often out of laziness or being timid. With their permission, I can be with them.

Now I’m remembering to sit or recline on the asphalt, or get on my knees. My slide show will tell their seventeen week story on Graduation Day, when the dark days are behind them. They’re delighted to view it with families and friends and will have their own copy.

On a chilly morning, how can you capture the steam rising from his body after he finished the workout of his life? You walk up to him and fire away. Don’t be shy.

Yes, that’s Nikki Parker (Johnson) on the far left :o)