Tag: Still Life

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #210 Picking Favorites

This week Sarah (Travel with me) asks me to share three of what I consider to be among my best shots. This exercise really tests my ability to be self-critical. Pick out three (just three!) that stand out as particular favorites. I need to choose three from different genres: macro, wildlife, street, landscape, architecture, or portraiture.

Genre: Still Life

My inspiration for this photograph started in my photography class. I needed to create a photo with the theme of kitchen. Items from my mother-in-law were recently sent to us. I placed these tarnished serving pieces on a piece of glass and watched for shadows. Pleased with the result. I entered this photo in an online contest and was selected as the week’s photo.

Kitchen Utensils

Genre: Landscape

I met with a group of local photographers in downtown Sacramento. At first, a scavenger hunt was the goal, but after looking around Old Sac, I went to the Tower Bridge. After watching the dry lightning strikes I listened and began to anticipate the next bolt of lightning. Got it!

Lightning Striking

Genre: Telling a Story/Street

This carousel or Merry-Go-Round was taken at a local shopping mall. I wanted to capture movement. In doing so, I created the story of the boy and his horse actually escaping from the ride.

Merry-Go-Round Escape

Genre: Nature

The feature banner image of the Peeking Flamingo was taken at the Sacramento Zoo. When I showed this image to my college professor she like it so much that she asked if she could use it as a class example. Made me feel good.

Selecting just three is a tough call. I ended up picking some images that I have hanging in my home. I hope that you enjoyed this post. Let me know which one is your favorite.

How fast they grow, how time goes by.

I don’t always have enough time to grab that perfect shot when it comes to family photographs. I really don’t know why. When I got married photographs were mostly taken when we went places, or during noted events. When I started my family I remember getting a simple Kodak camera. We took one roll of film, and returned the camera because I didn’t like the results.  My next camera was a point and shoot Fuji and I was satisfied with the pictures. I paid attention to the limitations of the camera and usually shot in natural light.  I kept the subject simple and focused on my family. With my family I am part of the interaction, and I take mostly snapshots.  But I try to keep my wits about me and focus on keeping the photo sessions short and fun for all.

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Smiling, happy baby

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Getting ready to throw his ball

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Happy four month old

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Not another photograph. Ema put away the camera.

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Two happy brothers

Needs of the baby changes so quickly.

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Eli doesn’t quite know why the sad face. Probably ready to eat!

And a few more weeks and Lucas is flipping over, and holding himself up for a 5 month pose.

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Lucas can flip himself over!

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5 month old and holding steady

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Eli tries to fit into Papa’s hat

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Alyssa taking care of Lucas

Looking at all these photos I am reminded that my pets are needing some camera time. Got to get to it.

The move to my Nikon N80 film camera, and then to digital DSLR has taken my focus away from documenting family exclusively. When I pick up my camera I use it to explore my surroundings. I use it to help me relax. I use it to connect with other photographers. I use it to share my thoughts. My perspective is one of observer. I try to create artistic renditions of the world around me.

So what do I do with all the images that I take?  My Facebook friends, my Flickr site, and emails replace the family album. There is still something special about looking through albums, but some of my albums are falling apart. Never got into the family photos on the walls. Now I  scrapbook with a focus on both family, and documenting my photo journey. A Photo’s Worth is another outlet for me. What do you do with your photographs?

The following still life, landscapes, and animal images are a sample of what now hangs in my room.  I am collecting more photos every week. Feels great!

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Nicki’s Silver

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Wash Day Company

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Sea Gull Stands Guard

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Peeking

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Mono Lake at Sunset

With my Camera Totin’ Tuesday group and growing grandchildren I will soon have another group of photographs to share on my wall, with my friends, and with fellow enjoyers of all things photographic.