Posted on February 24, 2010 in Black and White, Landscape, Nature
It looks like another “snow event” is on the way for my neck of the woods over the next 2 days. At least a foot is predicted. I know I should take advantage of the photo ops that a winter storm provides, but I’d much rather stay inside where it’s warm and dry! [wimp!] 🙂 This image was taken at Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia, Pa. a couple months ago. I’m working to get my new computer up and running after my old one crashed last weekend and things are slow but moving along. I’m able to edit photos again, so I’m happy. Whoo hoo!
Posted on February 10, 2010 in Animals, Black and White, Landscape, Nature, Wildlife, Winter
Holy cow….THIS is a blizzard! I didn’t venture any farther than the front porch today to capture these images. How could I? The snow is well over my knees and I don’t have high enough boots! I just want to snap my fingers and have it all disappear! The birds were enjoying the feast of sunflower seeds that my feeders provided and they didn’t seem to mind the cold and blowing snow. There were Tufted Titmouses, Black Capped Chickadees, White Breasted Nuthatches, Mourning Doves, a Bluejay and the ever-present gray squirrels. I hope I see my most-favorite person ever very soon….the man who comes to plow my driveway! 🙂
Posted on January 10, 2010 in Landscape, Topaz, Winter
I had to talk myself into going out to photograph today…it was bitterly cold! Since we had snow on Friday, I thought I’d head to a nearby lake that I photographed in the Fall. There were some folks ice fishing, and parents pulling children on sleds across the frozen water. I knew I wouldn’t be out long, so I photographed a few things and started to head back to the warmth of my house. On the way I spotted this nice red barn nestled in the valley. The above image was processed with Topaz Simplify. The one below is without Simplify.
Posted on January 5, 2010 in Black and White, Landscape, Winter
This image from Lancaster County, Pa. was created with a layer of 2 shots – a softened version and a sharp version. I layered the softened version on top and with a layer mask painted through the 2 trees in the foreground so that they would appear sharp while the rest of the image is soft. There is also a little Topaz Simplify added as well. A little snow on the fence and branches would have been a nice touch, but while we had snow at home, it was all melted in Lancaster County the day I visited.
Posted on January 3, 2010 in Black and White, Landscape, Winter
I love rural landscapes and set out to photograph them whenever I can. Barns, silos, animals, farm equipment, etc. all appeal to me photographically. In my mind this scene works because it’s winter and there are no leaves on the trees. While I was shooting, I imagined this composition with full leafy trees and I can’t see it as having the same draw for me. The silos and barns were in the fog, so the dark tree trunks and branches really stand out against the haze in the background.