John’s challenge is “Favorite Images of 2022.” The premise is simple. Simply share my favorite images captured in 2022.
Let me say that waving 2022 goodbye was not hard for me. Though it seems that each year goes by a bit faster.
When I am out and about, I often focus on textures. Getting up close and personal with my subject matter. So this week’s challenge was just up my alley. Jude (Cornwall in Colours) says, “Study the texture and forget about what it is you are photographing, imagine reaching out and touching a photograph. What would you feel? Is it hard or soft, smooth or rough? Texture becomes the subject here.” And so I will meet this challenge.
Years ago I subscribed to a magazine for my young son, and on the last page there would be an abstract close-up photo with the caption, “Can you guess what this is?” So I began to photograph with this in mind. Some of these you will be able to figure out easily, others may be trickier.
So, how well did you do?
Anne (Slow Shutter Speed) challenges me to look for non-domestic animals that live in my neighborhood. I live in Fair Oaks and much of the surrounding wildlife preserves and nature centers Anne has done a wonderful job describing. So I will look in my backyard, mostly.
This little guy (not sure of the gender) loved to eat the cactus that I called “Bob & Bea”. Bob and Bea were neighbors who lived across the street and gifted us this plant. One late, late evening I got a call that I had to come right away. I rushed right over for this emergency. This cactus blooms once at night and they didn’t want me to miss it. In my backyard, this plant bloomed over and over. Oh, back to the squirrel. He/she would come every day and eat just a little. Until there was no more plant. At the time I didn’t mind the company.
In my current house, my neighbor’s trees host many squirrels. There is an oak tree, a blackberry bush, and many other tidbits to munch on. But here in my yard, these industrious workers look for places to bury their acorns. My flower pots with their lovely soft soil are perfect. Not so cute when the dirt is dumped out of the pot, or the plants are uprooted. My dog Moxie is fascinated by squirrels. She doesn’t chase them away, she watches them quietly.
This summer a pair of Spotted Towee birds built a nest in my oleander bushes. I learned to recognize their particular bird call. While enjoying some of the berries I captured this image with my new iPhone 13 Pro.
While looking out my window this turkey surprised me.
Using my Fuji 80mm macro lens I was able to shoot some visitors to my garden. This dragonfly showed up for his photo shoot on time.
This fly knew it was better to settle outside on my succulent than in my house.
Green Acres Nursery opened up a short distance from my house. Sometimes I will visit with my camera, and sometimes I visit with Moxie. Both are welcome there.
While visiting a local park with my grandson we came across some goats. Goats are used here to clear fields to prevent fires.
Thanks for checking out the local wildlife found in my Fair Oaks backyard and surrounding areas. What animals can you find in your local area if you stop, look and listen? Do any of my animals specifically capture your attention?
As Tina announced last week, this week’s challenge is a Treasure Hunt. In the past, I have created a list of treasures to be found on my photographic journey. Now I will go through my images to uncover these treasures.
Pet
Clouds
Child looking forward to the future
Umbrellas of all kinds. But with the drought here the parasol is more useful.
Trucks of all kinds.
Walking along the street there are many things lost: a mitten, glove, glasses, soccer ball, baseball mitt, and bicycle.
Saw this busker many years ago while walking along Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
I am always looking for reflections when I am near water, glass, mirrors, or shiny metals.
I hunted through my library and found all these treasures. I hope you enjoyed my findings? Which photograph caught your attention?
A Photo's Worth 