Wednesday, January 8, 2025

[Dave]

Around 6:45 this morning my photographer friend Sandy and I will be at the city's largest park. The main goal (unlikely to be reached) is to see and photograph the bald eagle that has been spotted there. But the park has many other things of interest to photographers, so we're hoping the strong winds die down by the time we get there.

Well the winds are increasing. Sandy and I agreed that it would be frustrating and useless to do any outdoor photography today.

Our front yard is divided into 2 sections: the larger part runs to the sidewalk and has a variety of succulents, ornamental grasses, and drought tolerant flowers. It also has my small raised-bed planter and 15 or so large pots for seasonal attempts to grow various tomatoes and peppers.

The other areas is called the inner yard. It runs from the house about 15 or 20 feet until reaching the first section and is bounded by a wrought iron gate between 2 brick pillars and an old fence.

Five days ago I looked around the yard for some fall color to photograph.

1) Here is one of the brick pillars and a small section of the fence...

   

2) A few paces east of the pillar I saw this group of dried ivy foliage...

   

Have yourselves a  productive and healthy day.

[Rich]

Dave, The first one is my favorite, I like the contrast of the brick on one side and the wood on the other. The red (ivy)? climbing up the brick grabs the attention.

Bad fires out in your neck of the woods! Looks like you are not too close but with that wind you never know! Be Safe!

Here is another from Key West, Florida.

[Dave]

Hi Rich, and thanks.

I am convinced that there are good photos available no matter where you are; just gotta keep your eyes open.

Neat photo. It has a quirkiness that is appealing. And the restaurant in the background reminds me that it's been a while since I've made Sloppy Joes. I like them with more barbecue sauce than ketchup, topped with sliced or diced jalapenos, and sprinkled with crumbles of either feta or blue cheese, or sometimes shredded Carolina Reaper cheese.

Yes, the fires are pretty intense. Yesterday they said 30,000 people are under evacuation orders and 15,000 homes are at risk. I'm sure that those numbers have gone up.

My location (35 to 60 miles from the wildfires) is not at risk from them. The only impact to me of the fires in the usual areas many miles north would be poor air quality if the wind changes and sends smoke-filled air in my direction.

[Man From Ironbark]

I'll agree that photos happen if you are there with a camera and the best camera to use is the one you have with you at the time.

Dave I do like both your photos. Agree that you find the photo and that everything is interesting enough even if it may not be enough for others. But there's always something interesting going on that requires a photo for it may not be there forever. The beauty or artistic expression one sees is what one tends to capture. As they say, in the eye of the beholder.

Great capture there Rich. It has a bit of everything. Such a lively scene. In Australia a 'sloppy joe' is a loosely fitting oversize cotton windcheater or big tshirt. Can see something similar in the doorway of Sloppy Joes.

Still sorting wetland images. This is a Pacific Black Duck.

[Dave]

Thanks MFI.

As always, your thoughts about photography are very well-expressed.

Excellent sharpness and clarity in your photo of the duck.

[Rich]

Thanks Dave.
Wow, made from scratch sloppy joes! Impressive! I just use the canned sauce.

Thanks Peter. Excellent exposure on the duck with all the darks in the photo. Interesting definition of sloppy joe!

[Man From Ironbark]

   
Two Black Ducks