A Visit to Aripeka

I took the kids to Aripeka to take some pictures.  It was a beautiful day, and we had a good time.

 I think this bird owns this boat... he was not intimidated by me taking picture after picture of him and his residence.

 ...And if you believe that, I've got some swampland in Florida to sell you.

 Love this quaint bathroom set up... the toilet that almost falls through the floor, the empty soap dispenser that almost popped me in the head when I tried to get the non-existent soap... ahh...lovely!  No, really... it made me laugh.

 We thought this was funny... GET OUT!!!

My Minimal/Abstract Photos

I am still enjoying this style of photography.  My class is over, but I plan to continue to take photos throughout the next semester.  I will hopefully take intermediate photo in the summer. 

And Still More of My Minimalist/Abstract Photos

I am having just way too much fun with this project!

The blue and green photo was taken from underneath my patio table.

This rusty barrel is one of my absolute favorites.  So simplistic but still beautiful... the perfect combination of rust and moss green. 

I found the orange fungi by a tree in my mom's yard.  We swear it just appeared overnight.

Lester Hayes

This is a great interview with Lester Hayes who was one of the first to create abstract photos quite by accident, using a Kodak Instamatic camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnGoYTt6Reg

Abstract Photography

Here is a site about abstract photography that gives some interesting ideas on what makes good abstract photography:

http://www.photopoly.net/the-art-of-abstract-photography/

More Project 5 Attempts

Wow! My backyard has a lot of interesting textures and looks MUCH better close up!

My Project 5 Photo Attempts

I am trying to produce minimalist/abstract photos for this project. I am finding a lot of interesting shots right in my backyard which is an added bonus... I waste no fuel!

Ciro Totku Photographs

Ciro Totku is originally from Russia, but his photographs are from time spent in Cambodia.  Totku's work is minimalist and sometimes abstract, but also very beautiful.  Take a look at his website:

http://www.totku.com/

Echo and Black Desk are mysteriously divine as are many others.

More Photographs from Project 4

I had a great time hunting down these shots in all kinds of weather.  The photo of the field may help me find my next photography subject for project 5, but as for now, the subject is still evolving.  The field pictures were shot not too long before sunset which created the interesting shadows and colors.  I'd like to thank the farmers for not plowing straight lines, as it adds interest to my picture!

I love this photo... it looks fluffy and inviting.

This was taken in the rain, obviously, as you can see the raindrops streaking behind the wire.  Almost looks like someone was trying to escape with the strands of hair stuck in the wire.

Photo by Doug Menuez

On the Life website, Doug Menuez gives tips on taking photos of your travels.  One of his photos was taken through a curtain, which makes the picture look like a tapestry.
http://www.life.com/gallery/66531/image/ugc1332901/make-your-travel-photos-great

Project 4

Project 4 has a "Sense of Place" theme, and I picked the rural countryside as a subject.  The calf was so inquisitive and just stood there staring at me, but also keeping a close eye on where mom was.  The "tagged" cows were also curious as to what I was doing.  I think they are all hoping for a handout, but usually move on once I don't offer them anything.

Florida Bill on Photographing Farms

     While doing a search for photographs of farms, I found numerous sites up in arms about the bill proposed by Florida Senator, Bill Norman in March 2011 that would make photographing a farm or its animals without the permission of the farm owner a first degree felony.  I must say, this concerned me quite a bit... I do not want to go to jail over a picture of a cow.  Bill decided to revise the bill and make it a misdemeanor if a photo is taken on the property of the farm, but now, a roadside picture is fine.

      It still makes me a leary about taking roadside photos, and I must admit that I was already a little nervous taking photographs by the road anyway.  It feels very voyeuristic, and if it makes me uncomfortable, what about the people that may see me photographing their property?  My intentions are innocent, but they don't know that.  I guess if there was someone out there to ask, I would take that opportunity, but when I am just driving by, looking for a good photo op... the whole process is more a spur of the moment situation.
Here is a link to the story:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/agriculture/sen-jim-norman-scales-back-bill-that-inadvertently-criminalized-farm/1158811

New Found Sight

I found Debbie Hartley's photos at http://www.betterphoto.com/, then I found her own website at:
http://www.debbiehartleyphotography.com/.  Her pictures are very inspiring and very close!  I love the photos of flowers and bugs that give an abstract look to the composition.  There are also some beautiful shots of spiderwebs and dandelions with dew.

My Sunset Photographs in October

I was too late to take photos for my project, so I played around a bit with my camera and the available light.  I love the colors... cliche sunsets and all!