Good Day Sunshine!

Stepping outside to sip my morning cuppa, I discovered this sky. I knew it would be a good day. How could it be any other way. These colors have the ability to fill you up with joy!

It's All in the Details

Mostly, I think we stop looking at the things that surround us on a daily basis. We pass them right by without a nod. A new place has me looking at all the detail or is it 365+1 that forces me to find images worth taking. At any rate, this is my fav from week 3.

Quirky Portland

I continually discover things I love about Portland. This is a photo of a metal ring whose purpose is to tie your horse when you visit the shops. It's still there after all this time. I tied my Lexus to it. You gotta love the reflection captured in the bit of puddle next to it.

Christmas Camellia

I love this Christmas Camellia. No matter how cold or snowy it is, she blooms at Christmas, in January, whenever. She doesn't have to share time with any other flowers, outdoors that is.

I have taken many photos of her over time but I loved this perspective, from behind, with the bit of transparency from the leaf.

So sweet!

Fool Me!

New Year's Eve was spent on the island of Kauai. At the stroke of 9:15, the fireworks began. I find it perplexing to get good fireworks images and when all you have is a point and shoot camera, it is even more so. I actually managed to capture some interesting images, though probably not in the category of good. This is my favorite. It really looks like some form of sea life, maybe because it was floating over the ocean. haha I love all the trailers, caused by the low lighting conditions.

Advice

I ran across this blog piece titled Advice,whose intended audience is aspiring photographers but I do find it useful for creative people of all endeavors. A few of the authors thoughts which struck accord with me are:

-- Style is a voice, not a prop or an action. If you can buy it, borrow it, download it, or steal it, it is not a style. Don’t look outward for your style; look inward.

-- Never apologize for your own sense of beauty. Nobody can tell you what you should love. Do what you do brazenly and unapologetically. You cannot build your sense of aesthetics on a consensus. 

-- Never compare your journey with someone elses. It’s a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never “arrive”. No one ever does.

-- Embrace frustration. It pushes you to learn and grow, broadens your horizons, and lights a fire under you when your work has gone cold. Nothing is more dangerous to an artist than complacency.

I share this photo of mine, taken at Council Crest Park, of a statue sculpted by Frederic Littmann. It is a mother and child and shows the joy of it all...

Have a great day!

Canon Beach haystacks

I have not known anyone to not be totally amazed at the beauty of the haystacks when first viewed.