Out West

During this time of year, when it is cold and just too miserable outside, it is a good day to reflect on trips taken in the past and how lucky I was to be able to see the sites the USA has to offer.  
A few years ago my husband and I went out west, to Arizona.  Seeing the desert in it’s beauty was a wonderful experience, and one I will never forget.  I can not imagine how people were able to survive out here a long time ago.  For now, I will just remember it’s beauty.

Nature Finds A Way

Just imagine, a little tree growing on a rock.  Nature finds a way.  Most trees would die, but this one is thriving.  It might not be a tall oak, but it is alive.

Thinking Of The Critters

Colder weather is on its way.  We have had a fairly warm winter, but colder weather is coming soon.  I always think of our animal and bird friends this time of year.  People have taken their land and feeding grounds and put roads in their travel paths.  I know deer spend most of their time in 1 square mile, but do take a few breaks around this, depending of food and mating habits.  I wonder how much people population has to do with their travel patterns.

Make it snow, make it snow, even if it is an inside image.  It is so much fun to watch and relax.  

Capture the magical moment of Christmas with a snow globe.  I remember as a child how these would fascinate me.  You could watch them snow for hours.  Shake it up, create a storm in the globe.  Snow Globes are more common now than when I was growing up, but still a wonder to watch.  They have the best snow of all,  you do not have to shovel it.

When will it snow next ?

Sometimes I secretly hope it will snow, just so I can take pictures.

Right now let it snow, let it snow keeps running thru my head.  Once it does I might think differently.  Taking pictures of where snow can be a challenge.  The brightness of the snow may make everything else seem dark.  

My Favorite Time

Ah the evening, the end of the day!  I hope for a beautiful display to fancy my eyes with a treat.

As the years gets shorter or longer, watching for that special sunset is always changing in time.  You have to be quick, or it all goes away.

When shooting sunsets, I find it easier to have my handy tripod handy for longer exposures as it gets darker. 

Hints:

1. Angling the camera can make a big difference on how it captures the last beautiful glow of light.
2. Don’t put the horizon line in the middle of the photo.
3. Slightly underexposing the sunset with the camera, can make the colors look more rich and defined.
4. Look behind you, sometimes a totally different view is better that the one ahead.