Sunday, May 1, 2022

[Luv2shoot]

Hello All. Welcome to May and Blessings to All.

I like that the first day of the Month starts on a Sunday.  That is the way I would have done it if it were my job to create a calendar. And I just checked.  This month is the only time this year that the 1st is on a Sunday.  

Well, you know that for me Sunday means something creative to share. (See my first image)
I was so excited when my magnolia tree bloomed this year, it was spectacular.  The blooms were all a bright white and plentiful.  I, being the procrastinator that I am, figured that I had plenty of days to photograph the blossoms.  The second night after the tree was at its peak, we had temps below freezing and the majority of the blossoms turned an orangy brown. Usually, just the tips are damaged but this time, the entire bloom was cooked. And then when the winds came, the petals were stripped from the branches.  I did manage to go out one evening when the sun was starting to set and I actually got some decent photos this time because of the softer light from the setting sun.  And because of the colorful blue background and orange petals, it was something totally different than my usual photoshoot of this tree. 

Have a wonderful day.

LORELL

[Adamphotoman]

Nice that you captured it before you lost all the petals.

[Rich]

Lorell,
The first one is the winner in my eye! Very dreamy and relaxing to view. A 20 x 24 enlargement hanging in the bank or a corporate office is not out of the question.

Second one very poignant.
Third one very crisp and the blue background shows it off.
Will they bloom again this year?

[Luv2shoot]

Grant, I get lazy and often think that I will wait till tomorrow because I seldom like the shots I take of the magnolia tree in bloom. As you can see, there is no leaves around the blooms, they have yet to emerge.  So, the background is sparse and full of branches and twigs.  But this year, it offered something a little more colorful and diverse.  I am glad I got out there when I did too.

Rich, Thanks, I appreciate your feedback and liked how you pointed out that the three offered something different.  That means a lot to me. You know, it is funny that you often say, print big and put it on a wall of a corporate office. I use that thinking a lot when I sometimes am asked to pick a favorite for a contest or just for printing.  I often think about which one would I want to hang on the walls in my house.  It is always a deal-breaker for me.  Great minds think alike.  Thanks, Friend. 

I just came in from trying to photograph a red tulip from my neighbor's front year. I couldn't get anything decent even kneeling on the ground and using black velvet for a background.  So, in response to my frustration, I hanked the tulip from the ground and brought it into the house.  Maybe i can have better luck if I set something up inside.  We shall see. 

I am going over to the Challenge Forum to start the  May challenge. Michael suggested "RED".  So, I will go with that. 

See ya all later,
LORELL

[Dreamin]

Lorell, what lovely images!  That first one could be used on a card!  I would buy it! I like all three, but I agree with what Rich said about them. Good comment, Rich!!
Hi, Grant! 
I also tried to take a photo of a flower, first one of the spring season!! But mine is just a plain sharp image, not quite as artistic as Lorell's, and taken with my phone for a quick snap...it's very windy and I will wait for the wind to die and try something more subtle!! 

   

[Dave]

Beautiful, Lorell. The first is my favorite.

Hi Grant.

Rich, good analysis of Lorell's photos.

Natalie, the crimsons & pinks look great against the greens - nice one.

I too am finding "Reds" a challenging theme; took a few shots this morning and haven't tried processing them yet, but initial outlook isn't promising.

So here's a shot from this morning's early walk that turned out better. It was still a bit dark, so I lightened the RAW image a bit. But other than a touch of sharpening, that was all I felt the photo needed.

   

[Dreamin]

Pretty yellow roses against the dark.....nice image!! That seems to be your style, and you do it well!

[Rich]

You're welcome Lorell!

Natalie, a gorgeous flower! Wonderful Fushia color with the contrasting greens really set it off!

Dave, Wow, the bright yellows with the dark background really sets them off. I like the branch on the left. The overhanging leaf gives a little depth to the photo.