Rust – A Photo's Worth

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #226 Textures

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.

Animal Textures

Peeling Textures

Plant Textures

Man-Made Textures

Natural Textures

Unidentified Objects

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?

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #223 Flights of Fancy

For this week’s challenge Journeys with Johnbo has me considering sharing images of interesting or unusual subjects that represent notions or ideas that seem incredible even today or seemed unrealistic at some point in the past.

An idea, narrative, suggestion, etc., which is extremely imaginative and which appears to be entirely unrealistic, untrue, or impractical; thinking which is very speculative.

My usual dream state is very practical, and not very whimsical. When I was a child I had a recurring dream of being able to fly and living in a department store. Now, most dreams I have are realistic, and lean toward darkness. But in my photography I look for fun and imaginative images.

Taken at a fountain I saw this figure pop into view.

The bark on this tree calls out to me.

Funny little person is ready to drive away.

I think I see some dogs starring at me.

Is this a duck?

This airport monitor just saw something frightful!

This rock formation on Maui talks to me in all kinds of ways.

Some more whimsical images.

Sometimes I feel like my dogs are trying hard to talk to me. What wisdom can they impart?

This last image expresses my my dream state of being able to fly away!

Now you can see that my photography gives me room to take flights of fancy.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge # 191 Curves

Ann-Christine thought we would find more examples of curves: funny, beautiful, unusual – roads, paths, art, architecture, animals, plants – anything that interests you. Because, curves are everywhere around us. And she is correct.

Visiting my brother-in-law’s AMPG factory in Indianapolis, Indiana

I liked the way the curve of a concrete table played upon the dark, rocky background

An amusing look at machinery. Do you see what I mean?

I visit many farms in Yolo county. Rusting equipment always capture my imagination

Nature presents many opportunities to see curves. One of my favorite curves is the “S” curve.

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Refuge taken during wetter times in 2007.

This abandoned behive shows off some curves.

This spectacular maze is found at The Getty, a place I would like to revisit.

Enjoying the coastline curves at Laguna Beach, the rocky coast of Northern California or on the Island of Kauai

A close look at a piece of art reveals curves.

And finally, this flamingo at the San Diego Zoo has perfected the “S” curve!

Keep looking for curves. It makes for amazing photography. Curves make the world go round.

Lens Artists Challenge #168: Seen better days!

This week Tina invited me to share images of places and things that have, “seen better days”. Evidence of our past is easily found here in Northern California. When I go out with my camera in hand, I am on the lookout for these abandoned items, settings, and buildings.

I came across this abandoned bee hive in our local nature preserve, Effie Yeaw.

These passengers have seen better days! This Thunderbird set the stage for Halloween parked in Old Fair Oaks

Greeting travelers in Strawberry, California

What’s the story behind this Buick? Could this be a subject for a crime novel?

Some cars make it into an auto museum and some cars are just abandoned.

I wonder what was the price of gas when this gas station closed?

How many times have you misplaced an article of clothing? I’m surprised at where these lonely ones were found.

A scarecrow could still make use of this straw hat!

Flip flops flop after a grueling hike in Kauai

Gold and silver mining had much to do with the creation and downfall of many towns in Northern California. Bodie is one such example. In 1962 Bodie became Bodie State Historic Park, and an official gold rush ghost town. It is an example of “arrested decay”.