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?
This week John doesn’t, “…want participants to think that this challenge is all about oceans, lakes, and rivers. The theme “On the Water” encompasses whatever manner of water floats your boat (or doesn’t).”
A Sacramento summer calls out for water. In my case I can choose between a shower or the blue pool I have for my puppy. Or I can sit in front of a fan and look over my photo library. Being from the east coast I am drawn to the beaches found on Long Island, N.Y. Many a 4th of July was spent in traffic on the causeway leading to Jones Beach. I get a calm feeling listening to the waves crashing. My last year of college I had an apartment a block away from Long Beach (New York), and in the spring mornings I would go down to beach, and nap on the sand. Now on the west coast I enjoy the waves found in Pacific Grove, Ca.
The crashing of waves at Laguna Beach in Southern California
Pacific Ocean off of Kawaii
As a photographer water takes a big step forward in my search for subject matter.
I like to look for reflections.
Taken in Yosemite National Park
There is a certain playfulness found when people are around water.
Catching the last frog in the fall before winter hibernation. Taken at Effie Yeaw, a nature center in Carmichael, Ca.
Heading north from Santa Cruz on Highway 1 we stopped to watch wind surfers.
The ripples in the water reminds me of impressionist paintings.
I use shutter speeds to freeze droplets
Frozen droplets
Action stopped by fast shutter speed during a swim meet
Or create a silky flow created by using a slow shutter speed.
Waterfalls in Hilo Hawaii
This fountain dances to music in front of the Bellagio
“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?
A Photo's Worth 