Lens Artists Challenge #396: Illustrate a Quote

Gosh, I do a lot of confessing in this blog. I don’t usually pay attention to quotes. Yes, I read them, but then quickly file them away. So Ann-Christine’s challenge is a bit of a stretch for me, but a worthwhile experience. As I looked for quotes, I realized how the experiences of obtaining them and how they pertained to my pictures affected me. Let’s see what I found.

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!-John Muir.

I have witnessed many beautiful sunrises in various venues, but my photo below is a special one–first light at Yosemite Falls. Capturing this scene, during the winter, required getting up while it was dark, finding a place on the bridge, and waiting. As my friend and I waited, more photographers came. It was cold! The wait and frigid temperatures were worth it. Afterward, I remember feeling like I accomplished something amazing. Would I do it again? Only if I was prepared for freezing cold–thermals and two layers on top, and hand and foot warmers in place!

During my quote search, I came upon a few, but perfect, unattributed beauties like this one.

Colors are the smiles of nature.

Nature has many ways of bringing us joy–the forest, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and the ocean. But one stand out are the rainbows with their brilliant colors. I captured this rainbow during a campout in the Sierra Foothills after a short sprinkle of rain.

You know I love to photograph landscapes, and many are to be found in our National Parks. We happened to be at Lassen NP last year. I remember stepping out of our trailer to the smell of pine trees–how wonderful! Lassen is still recovering from a devastating wildfire, but much of her beauty remains.

Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer – and often the supreme disappointment. – Ansel Adams

I started with Sunrise, so it’s only fitting that I end with Sunset. These are the two most photogenic times of the day to capture wonderful photos. This was taken early in my photo hobby effort. I guess I knew then when to press the shutter. How often does the setting sun shoot a beam through an open barn door? Unfortunately, I found another perfect, but unattributed, quote.

Sunset: the sun’s fiery kiss goodbye to the day.

I had fun finding quotes that would fit my photographs. It’s an exercise I hope to do again. When you respond, please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week we looked back with Beth. I had fun seeing your memories. Next week it’s my turn to present the challenge, so beware and look for my post!!

In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient!

Lens Artists Challenge #333: Complementary Colors

Color, that’s what it’s all about. It’s used to entice us to purchase items. We dress in colors that complement our complexion. And as photographers we always use color even if we process in black and white. This week, Egidio encourages to show us how we use complementary colors in our photography.

Nature gives us color every time we go out, especially complementary colors. First is green. What doesn’t complement green. On the color wheel colors shades of orange, red and purple complement green when you cast a wide net.

But we humans know how to use complementary colors also. From a seat cushion, to fireworks against a golden bridge, to an abstract and to a ship’s interior.

When you see ads, interior spaces or store fronts, think about how they use color. Thanks Egidio for this wonderful and colorful challenge. When you post your response, please link to Egidio’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I enjoyed seeing your responses to Ritva’s post that had us looking down last week. You gave me lots of ideas! Next week Tina is presenting the challenge, so be sure to look for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Lens-Artists Challenge #254: Spiritual Sites

Oh Tina, what a trip you’ve put me on with this challenge on spiritual sites. My mind went to spirituality right away. My spirituality is very personal and would take up more than just this post. But turning spiritual into someplace peaceful and contemplative helped me focus. Going through my archives I did find some places where I’ve found peace and was able to focus.

First, let’s start with Sedona. As you mentioned this special place has calming and energetic vortexes. I’ve been there three times and have found this to be true. I knew I needed to go to Sedona after my son was killed. There, I found peace and closure. My favorite spot is Red Rock Crossing, a calming vortex.

Sedona

Water has always been soothing for me whether it’s a still, calm lake in Waterton National Park, Canada; the splash of a wave hitting a wall in Pacifica or first light on Yosemite Falls.

And doesn’t a foggy sunrise bring you to that sense of peace? The sun never fails to shine through.

Let’s close with sunset. Which is always a reflective time on whatever may be troubling you or making you happy.

I close this post with a sense of calm. Thank you Tina for leading me on this spiritual trip. When you respond to this challenge, please link to Tina’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag in the WordPress reader. I enjoyed reading all your fragmented posts last week. They were creative and amazing. Next week Patti will be presenting our challenge, so be sure to look for her Pilotfish blog.

On the road again: First glimpse GNP

Excitement churned inside me. This was to be our first time in Glacier National Park, located in Montana , but as we approached traffic was backed up 1/4 mile before we could show our senior pass and get in. I thought, not another Yosemite! I have seen many traffic jams in Yosemite Valley.

All we knew was that we needed to go on the Going To The Sun road that stretches across the park. Because we arrived late, we wanted to do something else for our introduction to the Park. Our friendly Park ranger kept telling us to either ride the tram or drive on the Going To The Sun road (GTTS). “You’ll see everything,” she said.

“But what about this area?” I asked, pointing on the map. She mumbled something about the GTTS road. I knew that conversation was hopeless. So we took our maps and literature back to the car. We mapped out a plan while we ate our lunch.

Since there was a 2 1/2 hour wait to get on the shuttle, we decided to walk to Lake McDonald and do the loop along  McDonald Creek. Well, we didn’t get on the right trail, but we weren’t alone. Two other couples were walking the wrong trail. It was pretty and moseyed along the creek.

We wanted to build up our walking/hiking legs slowly after sitting in the truck for four days. And this walk was the perfect distance. Tomorrow, we’ll get there early, hop on the tram, go all the way across the Park, and decide where to get off on the way back. I’m also thinking that if we wait until Monday, there may be less people.

We’ll decide tomorrow. At least for today we got our first glimpse of GNP.