Do you look forward to night photography? It is more challenging, but there are rewards. But daytime gives us more variations of light with which to work. I’ll photograph whenever I can. This week Sofia asks us to show off our day and night photography. So here goes.
We start at the beginning with frozen toes in Yosemite Valley capturing the first light at Yosemite Falls. This was 9 years ago and I was very new at photography. It was a good thing my friend Laura got me out there in the bitter cold. It was worth it!

Pretty soon the sun becomes more intense and we run for shade. It’s nice how the direct sun highlights form and colors. Of course that intense sun can also warm our backs and cast our shadows.


When the sun is low in the sky, it backlights objects, like this giraffe, with a warm glow.

We all love to capture sunsets with their beautiful colors.

During a full moon, like the sun, the moon casts its own light as seen on this lake.

In total darkness we can capture ambient light and also have some creative fun.


As I said, although I prefer the golden and blue hours, I’ll take my camera out any time and have fun. Thank you Sofia for this wonderful challenge. When you respond, please remember to link to Sofia’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
I enjoyed reading your poems and seeing your related images last week prompted by Ann-Christine. Some of you had creative and enjoyable responses. Next week Egidio leads his first challenge so be sure to look for his blog.
Take care everyone and stay safe!
Anne, you captured the light is so many beautiful ways. The giraffe photo is indeed marvelous with that soft glow around it. Wonderful gallery!
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Thank you Egidio! That giraffe was a good catch. Sometimes you just have to be present and seize the opportunity.
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What a gorgeous shot of the full moon, Anne! Stunning. I also love your shower of colored lights at the end. Fireworks? Or Christmas decorations? You have a wonderful connection with nature, which comes through in your photos. :)
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Thank you Patti! I’m glad you liked the moon shine on the lake. The colored lights were Christmas decorations. I just enjoy playing with lights.
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Lovely gallery Anne 🙂
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Thanks Brian!
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I love that waterfall image, I didn’t get to see that when I went to Yosemite, sadly. Great shots Anne.
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Thanks Leanne! You were here during the drought, so no waterfalls. It varies from year to year. When I went to catch the firefall, there was no water.
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Beautiful set of day and night images, Anne! The Yosemite Valley is stunning. I love the moon light especially. The Yosemite Valley is wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks Amy!
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You’ve really shown us in this post how the light can vary according to the time of day or night! I love the shot of Yosemite Falls, the giraffe and the moonlight on the lake 🙂
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Thanks Sarah! You’ve picked the ones most people like. The giraffe was a lucky catch.
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This WAS a wonderful challenge and I love the brilliance you brought to it, Anne. Well worth the cold toes to see the waterfall at Yosemite. And its special because it isn’t always flowing as we learned. I always enjoy your experiments with light and today was no different. I especially love the softness of the giraffe photo. The moon over the lake was my favorite. Serenity.
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Thanks Donna! That night we made lemonade out of lemons!
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Beautiful work, Anne. You can see your development over time. Faves? Giraffe and moonlight on the lake.
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Thanks -N!
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Beautiful as always Anne. Loved the moonlight and your playtime with the lights at the end especially. I was another who saw yosemite with no waterfall so I’m envious of that one!! And of course the backlit giraffe!
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Thanks Tina! I was at Yosemite one year for the firefall. Lots of fire; no fall! I’m too old to do that again.
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Such an interesting collection for day and night.
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Thank you Anne!
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You captured all the nuances of light during the day so beautifully, Anne. From the harshness of the heat to that stunning giraffe with the soft glow. And, of course, your wonderful nighttime shots.
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Thanks Sofia! This was a great challenge.
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A lovely gallery, Anne! I will chime in about the moonlight and Yosemite. My absolute favourite is the giraffe in that magical light.
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Thanks Ann-Christine! The giraffes just started coming down the hill at the right time! Call it luck.
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Not only…you have to be ready with your camera!
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Great captures!
Love the giraffe photo!
Ambient light clicks mesmerising!
Interesting creative fun!
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Thanks Philo! I appreciate your comments,
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I have to agree with other commentators, the giraffe just stood out. The last shot is crisp and detailed. Anne, you cannot go wrong with sunset shots.
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Thanks Ritva! You’re right with sunset shots especially when birds fly through the frame.
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It certainly helps 😀
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Lovely captures, Anne! The night shots are great, but something about that waterfall image speaks to me. Beautiful work.
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Thanks John! I will always remember freezing just to catch that first light!
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Been there, done that… on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I got some of my favorite sunrise photos. 🙂
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Great photos. Love the waterfall, giraffe, et al. Excellent.
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Thanks John!
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Lovely sunset photo, Anne!
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Thank you Siobhan!
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