Amy provides my new challenge this week. This week, our theme is “Here Comes the Sun”. I will explore the sunlight and things under the sun, whether it’s in the morning, middle of the day, and/or before the sun goes down.
Any reason to shop!
I’m not a super early riser, but if I want to capture exceptional images in Sedona, Arizona I made it a reason to set my alarm. I arranged a family reunion in Sedona. The family met in Sun City West where my parents lived and carpooled up to Sedona, It was August 2005, and it was my mother’s 80th birthday. My brother and I shared a room, and with my new dslr Nikon D70 camera, we headed out each morning at 4:30 a.m. It’s true, “The early bird catches the views”. Peaceful, quiet, and no crowds!
It is going to be a hot day (4:54:16) 8/21
Just starting to peek through (4:57 am) 8/22
A sleepy little town below (4:57:37) 8/21
The effects of the sun are starting to wash over the mountains (5:00.58) 8/21
Heading out, and looking for more views (5:00 am) 8/21
Ready to head back to the hotel and catch some zzzzs (5:30) /21
When the sun is out I am always on the lookout for backlit images.
Swim practice
Sunsets are amazing.
Late afternoon sun on a farm on Mt. Diablo
Mt. Diablo sunset
Yosemite’s El Capitan
El Capitan after the sun went down.
Golden Gate Bridge
Long Beach, Ca
Sunset reflection
Again, thanks for letting me share my take on, “Here comes the sun!” Does any special image catch your attention?
“Natural light photography uses the sun as a light source. The available light from the sun varies with the time of day. A sunny day provides full illumination, while an overcast day may afford texture and nuance to a photographer.” — Annie Leibovitz
For this theme, Amywould like to share photos of changing light throughout the day in different parts of the world.
Different parts of the day are something I can relate to. Different parts of the world are harder for me. My days of travel occurs when I was in high school. My father, a civil engineer, was working in Karachi, Pakistan. After a few months, the whole family joined him there. I attended Karachi American School (KAS) for two years. I visited London, England; Delhi, India; Katmandu, Nepal; Bangkok, Thailand; Hong Kong; Israel; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; Madrid, Spain; and The Netherlands. I returned home to New York for my senior year and my travels stopped. I did visit Niagra Falls, Canada for my first anniversary. About 3 years ago my husband and I got passports, and then life happened. So no travel photos from me.
I thought this challenge would be an easy one. My photographs are carefully cataloged in Lightroom. I can find my sunrise and sunset images. But looking over my catalog I am reminded of all the beauty I have captured, and all the times I spent with my friends and family. I am grateful for this.
Sunrise
I am not usually an early morning person. Though once I am up I appreciate the stillness I feel as the sun fills the sky.
Mono Lake at sunrise.
Visiting Sedona, Arizona my brother and I woke up early to catch the sunrise, and beat the blazing heat in August. Quiet and peaceful time.
Sunset
My sunsets demonstrate variety. I like being near the ocean. Originally, from New York and now living in California most of my sunsets are reflected on water.
Golden Gate Bridge as the sun goes down.
San Fransisco Bay Bridge
Yosemite National Park – El Capitan
Driving away from Mount Diablo the light fell just perfectly on this farm setting. The “Golden” hour.
Maui Sunset
Images from around Sacramento, and Yolo County, Ca.
Dramatic End of the day
Lightning strikes along the Sacramento River in downtown Sacramento, Ca.
Light makes such a difference in creating an image. Do you have a favorite time of day to take in the world?
Patti says, “For this week’sLens-Artists Photo Challenge #136, we’re circling back to the alphabet. This time, we’re going to focus on the letter S. What images can you find that feature a subject that begins with the letter S? Here are some ideas to get you started.”
My friends and I visit sunflower fields in Yolo County.
Shadows on my Sunflower!
In Sacramento, there is the Museum of Medical History. An interesting place to visit when it reopens after CoVid. So my first letter S is for Skeleton with its funny sign.
Is this the result of too much touching?
So many things that shout out to me, “Pick me! I start with the letter S!”
Smilie Face Cookie
Shadow Friends
Sunset on Tower Bridge
Sailboat
Shadow on a leaf
Another Skeleton
Variety is the Spice of Life!
Silverware
Staircase
Smiling
Silly Signs
Swimming
Singing
Did I really need to caption these photos? Could you guess my S word?
Our first day on the Island of Kauai we head toward the Waimea Canyon. This proved to be our most adventurous day. Anxious to see as much as three photographers in our mature condition we started early with a stop at our local Starbucks. With a perfect cappuccino, cameras, lenses, batteries, and hats we are off.
Heading up western part of Kauai
First glimpse of the canyon
The colorful restaurant begged to be photographed!Driving along we stop at every lookout point and admire the lush, green landscape
With camera in tow we explore the trail. Our traditional shadow selfie.
I am feeling pretty good about my choice in camera equipment. For this portion of the trip I am switching between my 18-55mm zoom lens and my 10-24mm wide angle lens. I am able to clip the lens case to my jeans, and travel light.
An easy trail to follow
Swaying grasses
Group of Palm trees
Love the color
Canyon lookout
Lichen creates texture
Continuing up Waimea Canyon we arrive at Waimea Canyon Lookout. I have not yet witnessed the Grand Canyon so I marvel at this wonderful landscape.
Waipo’oo Falls
First glimpse of Waipo’o Falls
A river runs through the canyon
Can you see the profile?
We started early and we were ready for a break. All along the canyon there are no commercial fast food places. We came across the Koke’e Lodge, and stopped for lunch. Located in Koke’e State Park the view is a stark contrast to the canyon views I have seen all morning. Enjoyed lunch, and then headed back to Hanapepe.
Kekaha Beach our next destination will always be filled with good and bad memories. Happy to see the ocean, after all Kauai is an Island. But as a reminder just as I am leaving the beach, I fall. My lava rock is hard and not forgiving. Luckily my jeans protected my skin, but my right leg, ugh. No one wanted to take that photograph!
Kekaha Beach waves crashing!
Getting into some people photography. Looks like an enjoyable stroll along the shoreline.Sandpipers going in the other direction!
When I was last in Kauai I remember going over a Swinging Bridge. Too tired, and not quite in condition to go across I viewed it from afar.
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge over the river.
This first day ends with a sunset view from the Waimea Canyon.
Goodnight Waimea Canyon!
So ends my first day on my photographic journey in Kauai. More days of exploring, photographing, relaxing and enjoying time with good friends.
A Photo's Worth 