Friday, July 29, 2011

2011 210/365 Gerber Daisy at Hartford Hospital and a Ramble about Photography

Gerber Daisy at Hartford Hospital
Is it about photographing a scene and site and place that is picturesque and perfect? Or - is it about finding that picturesque and perfect in the in between? Is it about making an image out of nothing? About finding the 'art' in the unexpected? Or - is it finding the unexpected in the 'art'? Or - is it simply about the moment?..and the exquisite light?

My answer to all of her questions is YES!  Yes, because photography is sometimes one of those or all of those and then it is also other things and combinations of still other things - amazing and wonderful, eh?  After thinking about Marcie's post, I was inspired  to write a bit more about how I am finding photography working in my life right now which I decided to do here on my blog.  Here's the rest of what I would say to Marcie:

Just wanted to add that I'm using photography to cope with a challenging situation.  I have discovered it helps me to be centered and grounded and in the moment -- just a little bit of the moment -- like an eye dropper's worth or the amount that fits in my view finder.  When I am feeling overwhelmed by my dad's perilous health situation - making pictures helps me deal with a more manageable bit of the larger situation -- to just focus on that small bit for a moment, roll it around, work the contrast, adjust the angle, even draw out beauty and art not seen at first glance, a chance to look away from the whole loud and screaming energy of the entire mess and go deep, focused, and quiet for a brief time.  It provides me a different perspective and a chance to soften and exhale during a time when my instinct is to brace for an attack and be holding my breath.  It's a beautiful respite that gives my brain and heart enough space to be more aware and present and protected during the moments when I'm caught up in all of it at once. 
Click to see my whole Hartford Hospital set and please consider stopping by Marcie's site - you won't be disappointed!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

2011 209/365 Reflections in Glass

Reflections in Glass
I'm a little late to the Exploring with a Camera theme: Reflections in Glass.  This photo was captured through the window of my dad's current room at Hartford Hospital.  After I shot this, a storm quickly descended on the area.
Reflections in Glass
As the sky darkened, I began to see more of the room itself being reflected in the window.
Reflections in Glass
This last photo really highlights a repeating pattern made by the window shade.  I noticed this partly because repeating patterns are the current Exploring with a camera theme.  Cool.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

2011 207/365 Deep Breath Out

Deep Breath Out

~after 7 and a half hours of coronary bypass surgery, 
dad is on his way to a full recovery~
I hope.
What a day.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

2011 203/365 Fire Orange Day Lily, Dad's Garden

Fire Orange Day Lily, Dad's Garden

The Daily Shoot #ds613
Make a photograph featuring nature in some fashion.
My husband, a dad, planted a beautiful garden over flowing with day lily flowers.  Some of the plants were given to us by his dad and some came from a garden my dad had planted (we removed some before he moved to a new house).  So, today, as I think about this garden and look at this beautiful flower, it dawned on me that the day lily garden by the road is truly a "Dad's Garden" and that made me smile.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Seaful Procession

Sea-ful Procession

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Saturday, July 9, 2011

2011 190/365 Under the Green Umbrella

Under the Green Umbrella
Under the Green Umbrella

Flickr Project 365/ Creative Every Day 2011

The Daily Shoot #ds598 
Make a photograph of something very green. Don't settle for vaguely green. 
Go for saturation.

Friday, July 8, 2011

2011 189/365 Monochrome Float

Monochrome Float
Monochrome Float

Flickr Project 365/ Creative Every Day 2011
The Daily Shoot#ds588

Make a monochrome photograph today. Keep in mind that monochrome doesn’t have to mean black and white.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

2011 187/365 Blue Hour Annie

Blue Hour Annie
Blue Hour Annie

Flickr Project 365/ Creative Every Day 2011

The Daily Shoot #ds580
Make a close-up photograph of something. 
Fill the frame with your subject if you can.

I had read about "the blue hour" and thought it sounded very cool.  And, then I happened to take this shot and a few others accidentally during the blue hour and just love the beautiful blue cast!   I'll have to take some more blue hour photos on purpose during the summer.
Also, coincidentally, the totally optional "creative every day" 
theme for July is Blue!

Monday, July 4, 2011

2011 185/365 Happy July 4th!

Happy July 4th!
Happy July 4th!

Flickr Project 365/ Creative Every Day 2011

The Daily Shoot#ds593 
Make a photograph today that features the sky.
Twenty-five more of my fireworks shots can be seen here: fireworks.
Happy 4th to all my American friends and family!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

2011 184/365 Smoothie & the Blender

Smoothie & the Blender
Smoothie & the  Hand Blender

Flickr Project 365/ Creative Every Day 2011

The Daily Shoot #ds586
Make a photograph of two complementary objects arranged to show their relationship to each other.

The hand blender my mother in law gave us for our wedding 18 years ago finally conked out - luckily the marriage is still going strong!  We just purchased a replacement blender and away we go smoothly into the next 18 years!  Bzzzz!