I captured this photograph inside the Tumacácori National Historical Park (just south of Tubac, Arizona and north of the Mexican border). The park consists of the ruins of 3 Spanish mission communities, including a restored church and a museum. It was originally established in 1961, in a different location, and then after the Pima rebellion of 1751 the mission moved to its present location, on the west Sid of the Santa Cruze River. By 1848 the mission was abandoned and efforts to restore and stabilize it began in 1908. These clay pots were inside the mission's storeroom (also known as the granary). The granary pots were filled with seeds and grains and were stored for next season’s crops (keeping them safe from rodents). The pine beams you see here were hauled from the heights of the Santa Rita Mountains, which in turn supported the thick adobe columns. These pots where in a small room, so small as a matter of fact, that I had to push myself into a corner to get this shot. What I love about this photo are tapering lines and how they’re in contrast with the circular pots. Notice how the dominate color of the pots demand your attention. This, together the linear photographic components, lead your eyes around and about the image but always back to the pots. *Notice how the pots are inset and that there’s room for more.
I drove past this half (lol) truck one very foggy day last fall. It sat in the middle of a well maintained farmer’s field… and yet there it sat, with tiny bits of shrubbery under it…. leaving me ask myself, “and why?" I love the way the fog frames in the truck; making in known that the truck IS the subject. There aren’t any lead in lines per say, it’s just simply, a truck ....BUT it’s in its oddity that makes this photo grab ones attention, and then it’s in the rusted details that makes you look for more. I have this photograph hanging on my wall, it is one of my favorites (and the men can appreciate it too).
We often stay in our RV on "McDonald's Ranch's" property while we attend the Arizona Fine Art Expo, in Scottsdale, Arizona I've walked past this saddle many times during our stay, and with each passing I'd notice the contouring lines; the horizontal fence rail, the vertical straps and the curvature of the saddle. I wanted to take a photo of it however the lighting was always poor (the sun was too low in the horizon and there was a building blocking its rays). So, I waited patiently until this February day, when the sun was high enough in the horizon to strike the saddle with its warm rays. You'll notice that I chose to not shoot the entire saddle, choosing instead to fill the frame with the saddle itself. Then, in post processing, because the sky was soft and white, I chose to continue that by adding a white vignette around the remainder of the image. This shot would look great in a reclaimed wooden frame!
While in Scottsdale, I asked a friend where I might find some Sante Fe style homes that would be worthy of photographing. I was told we should visit Tubac (which is south of Tuscan and near the Mexican border). He also suggested that we visit the many great art galleries too; it sounded like a perfect excursion. We arrived in Tubac around 8:30 a.m., when the sun was still low, the streets where quiet and the businesses were still closed; we basically had the town to ourselves. It was so quaint, it was lovely. As we drove and then walked around this tiny town I spotted this brightly colored adobe home, with the stark contrast of the the casting shadows and white framed window. Then, while framing this photo, I also noticed how the tree, the shadows, fence and saguaro tree (together) created a natural frame around the entire photograph, and the white framed window too. This was the shot I was after. After completing our tour, we visited a coffee shop and soaked in the warm morning sun until the shops and galleries opened. We ended up spending the entire day in Tubac (really enjoyed the galleries), and although it was a 6 hour round trip, we had such a fantastic (fun) day that we considered the drive well worth it!
This photograph was taken at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, though it really could be anywhere. On this particular day we purposely walked barefooted through the sand; it was a February morning so it was cold! Why would I do such a thing you might ask, because I try to do something different every day and by doing that I create a memory specific to that day. That said however it helps to photo document everything. There are many ways in which I could have cropped this photograph however it's important to remember the direction of flow; and in this case its flow approached me vertically. So, because the footprints approached ME (a mother) I just had to call this photo "Homeward Bound” ....where you’re always welcome.
Black and white photography; you either love it, hate it, or it depends on the shot. Some of the photography groups I follow ask, “Which version do you like, the black and white one or the color one?”, and the response tend to spit down the middle. Personally, I feel it depends on the shot. I ask myself does black and white help lead your eye to the subject, or does it make your eyes look harder for the subject? I also look to the darkest darks and the lightest lights and ask, am I taking away from composition or adding to it? That said however, there aren’t any golden rules in “art”. Although I love black and white, I love to see a hint of color (you’ve likely noticed) but again, there isn't a golden rule and personally, I feel it depends on the shot. Good friends, Jo and Lesli share a passion for vintage car restoration and while visiting them recently I snapped a few photos in their front yard. I took many photos of their truck but my favorites are the ones I took lying on the ground, looking up at the truck (as I did here). I have many full view shots (I’ll post them another time), I prefer the abstract views, like these two. Thanks Lesli and Jo, for being so accommodating!
Black and white photography; you either love it, hate it, or it depends on the shot. Some of the photography groups I follow ask, “Which version do you like, the black and white one or the color one?”, and the response tend to spit down the middle. Personally, I feel it depends on the shot. I ask myself does black and white help lead your eye to the subject, or does it make your eyes look harder for the subject? I also look to the darkest darks and the lightest lights and ask, am I taking away from composition or adding to it? That said however, there aren’t any golden rules in “art”. Although I love black and white, I love to see a hint of color (you’ve likely noticed) but again, there isn't a golden rule and personally, I feel it depends on the shot. Good friends, Jo and Lesli share a passion for vintage car restoration and while visiting them recently I snapped a few photos in their front yard. I took many photos of their truck but my favorites are the ones I took lying on the ground, looking up at the truck (as I did here). Thanks Lesli and Jo, for being so accommodating!
This photo is part of the Desert View Watchtower, at the East Entrance to the Grand Canyon. With the semi opaque canyon in the back ground, the main focus hear is most certainly the structure itself. That said, notice the many lines that lead your eyes to the door; don't you just want to know what's behind that closed door(?)! Considering the physical location of the door, I rightfully name it, “The Grand Door". Perhaps a door that leads to a vast number of opportunities and change. :-)
In my retirement, I’m enjoying many of the things I’ve waited years to do. Not to be misunderstood however, I greatly enjoyed business development; especially the creative implementation of them (and friends I've made along the way!). I occasionally miss the business world, until I remember the taxing hours developing a business demands. I’ve been brainstorming, “What can I do that would combine my passion for business and fill my creative soul?”. Oh my gosh, the answer has been in my face the whole time, a career in travel photography. So, to fill that void I now have (this) website that offers a printing service. You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram (look for their links at the bottom of each page). The photographic industry has changed so much (since I had my photo lab and studio), that I have had a lot to learn. I really enjoy the challenge though, and the creative results are (personally) rewarding. I know I’ll be continually challenged but what a great way to keep both my brain active, myself active and my creative soul engaged. ABOUT THIS PHOTO: This photograph contains 14 photos (Yes! ...14, all layered on top of each other), as well as HOURS of tedious work to set it up and a lot of time post processing. LOL, I quickly discovered that the water droplets had a mind of their own! I can’t tell you how many times I had everything just .....perfect, when a droplet would drop off, roll together or, or, or! :-) *FYI: The droplets are ONLY 3 mm wide.
In my retirement, I’m enjoying many of the things I’ve waited years to do. Not to be misunderstood however, I greatly enjoyed business development; especially the creative implementation of them (and friends I've made along the way!). I occasionally miss the business world, until I remember the taxing hours developing a business demands. I’ve been brainstorming, “What can I do that would combine my passion for business and fill my creative soul?”. Oh my gosh, the answer has been in my face the whole time, a career in travel photography. So, to fill that void I now have (this) website that offers a printing service. You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram (look for their links at the bottom of each page). The photographic industry has changed so much (since I had my photo lab and studio), that I have had a lot to learn. I really enjoy the challenge though, and the creative results are (personally) rewarding. I know I’ll be continually challenged but what a great way to keep both my brain active, myself active and my creative soul engaged. ABOUT THIS PHOTO: This photograph contains 14 photos (Yes! ...14, all layered on top of each other), as well as HOURS of tedious work to set it up and a lot of time post processing. LOL, I quickly discovered that the water droplets had a mind of their own! I can’t tell you how many times I had everything just .....perfect, when a droplet would drop off, roll together or, or, or! :-) *FYI: The droplets are ONLY 3 mm wide.
"Lake Powell Wahweap Overlook"
The "Wahweap" lookout, is just north and west of Page Arizona and borders the state of Utah. The lake in the background is Lake Powell, a man made reservoir (the Glen Canyon Dam) on the Colorodo River. Its a tourist hot spot that’s famous for its scenic beauty, camping, fishing and house-boating. This is a photo of a freestanding wall at the visitor’s center. I chose to use the wall to frame the distant scene, and kept everything in focus (for those DSLR users; use a large f-stop). IMPORTANTLY, I chose an exposure for the distant mountains, not the wall. Note that this type of shot may be difficult to attain with an older iPhone. That said however, they do tend to pick up more of the shadowed light than a DSLR so give it a try!
While visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico I went for a stroll though a neighborhood near the famous art district, Canyon Road. I happened upon this cozy little casita; with its small deck and brightly painted trim. As I took this shot, I I could envision its owner enjoying his/her coffee in the warmth of the morning sun. How quaint!
"Crystal Wildflowers" Mankind has always been driven to create, whether in music, art, design, innovation or, or, or.... the list can go on forever. Creativity together with imagination keeps us engaged and wanting more. That said, "more" could be a new location, or from an obscure angle, or creatively looking for something out of the ordinary, like this glass ball. I had fun setting this up this shot and quickly discovered something "new"; the magnification of the sun through a glass ball can start a fire in seconds! Yikes!
