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“Desert Dust Storm” While visiting the Palm Springs area recently, the frequent high winds meant my camera had to stay in my bag, and Arlo and I were sequestered to the RV; it was quite the site to see, and experience. The wind howled as the blowing sand and dust pelted the RV. At times it looked like fog, and it blanketed entire valleys and neighborhoods. Drifts of sand accumulated as the sand blew and swirled across the roadways. At times the wind was almost violent, and yet it was “only” 70 mph winds (I can’t imagine winds over 100mph!). This photo was taken from inside my RV :-) ....where I was sheltered from the wind and (most) of the blowing sand and dust. The wind shook the RV so I waited for a moment of calm before capturing this image. I love how the dust helps to define the depth of field in this image; something I didn’t expect to ever capture in a desert scene. I'm thrilled!
If you take a closer look an artist’s small scene landscape, you’ll usually notice these three predominant elements; a focal point, the overall contrast and the composition. When these elements are creatively harmonious the image speaks for itself, and we take note. Now, take a look at this image, and see if you can spot these elements. This image was taken along California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, home to John Muir’s, Pacific Crest Trail; an enormous hiking trail that starts at the Mexican border, and ends at the Canadian border (2650 miles in total). The trail covers some incredibly taxing terrain; from the dry heat of the desert to icy and rugged mountain tops ....but so stunningly beautiful. That said, if I could turn back time, I'd be on the Pacific Crest Trail! It's important listen to your spirit of adventure and to remember that when the fear of staying the same weighs more than the fear of change, that’s when it’s time to face the fear, and make the change (in all regards).
A windpump is a type of windmill which is used to pump water from the earth. In the early 1920’s there were well over 6 million windpumps in the US alone however with the increasing use of fossil fuels they slowly disappeared from the landscape.; the ones that remain are generally on range land where livestock roam and where electricity needed to run a pump isn’t available. Today, with the rising awareness of climate change and the increase in energy costs, the windpump is making a comeback. For years I’ve been wanting to capture a unique photo of a windpump, but to no avail ....until I happened upon this vivid scene. Notice the dark storm clouds, the shaded middle-ground and the sun kissed foreground; together creating horizontal layers of vibrant color. Now notice the vertical windpump and how it cuts through the layers of color and how the blades stand out against the dark sky; together these things demand ones attention. Fortunately, the sun shone just long enough for me to capture this unique image! An interesting side note: A windmill is used to grind grain. A wind turbine is used to generate power. A wind pump is used to pump water from the ground.
