Assignment- A picture within a picture

This assignment was a challenge.  It was difficult to hold an image up to a scene where the scene has changed (it's even difficult to describe), and keep both shots in sharp focus.  I like the concept and was successful up to a point.  I will try again with subjects that I'm more connected with, using some family photos for example.

The End Of My View

The beautiful barn, across the street from my house, will soon no longer be there.  I must say that even though I will never forgive my neighbors they did have the barn taken down in style!  They were considerate enough to have the barn dismantled in a photo-friendly way.  This scene unfolded by surprise since I did not know the barn was coming down; therefore, I grabbed my camera and shot the images through my bedroom window.  They aren't award winning photos but they tell a story.

The photo above has a vignette effect and the photo below has a 'glow' added to it.  Since the sky was so bright and white I chose a 'glow' to make the subject blend with the sky.  Rather than apologize for the white sky I worked with it.

 Below, I turned the image into an old-fashioned image. Again, I think the subject lends itself to an antique look.

What a Quote!

Sometimes Facebook has value to me!  I saw this posting and "stole" the image.  So what makes one happy?  I read or heard (who can remember with all the tv shows, books, radio and friends) an explanation that has really stuck with me.  All that people want in life is to be heard and valued.  From that, happiness is achieved.  To me, that is a powerful lesson to learn. The older I get the more that lesson rings true for me and those around me.  When you have people around you that do not listen or value you, they must be let go.  One can't be happy with toxic people influencing one's life.

A Painter's Scene

I am not sure why but this "type" of subject matter doesn't usually attract my attention; however,  in this case, it was all that I saw around me.

When Cars Were Cars!

I miss you Stevie!

Due to Irene I was not able to see Stevie Nicks in concert.  I had the best tickets too!  How could I be too upset when others were watching their homes and property wash away?  I will catch Stevie another time when she will most certainly propose to me!

Basement Stairs

These cellar stairs were eerie as the lone light bulb flickered often.  I'm riding out the storm and trying to pass time before the power goes out.  These might not be the best photos but it is therapeutic for me. Am I the only one very worried about a flooded basement and falling trees?  This is when I wish I lived in an apartment!

Windows

An old factory that I visited contained a variety of windows.  Each window had a character of its own, performing unique functions, casting different shadows and in a surprising nature (photo 1) creating a rainbow of different colors.  In the first photo, I turned the overall scene into black and white, however, the colors on the floor are as they were.  Photo 2 has no manipulation beyond cropping and photo 3 has a 'tin' filter added to it.

Overlook Mountain, Woodstock, New York

My annual hike to my favorite mountain, Overlook Mountain.  Lindsey climbed the tower to see the great view.  I choose to stay firmly on the ground!  Below is a view I was able to share with her as we ate our lunches.

Summer Sun

Photographers know the power of the summer sun.  Depending on its location in the sky, an image takes upon a very different look and presents a very different photographic challenge.  Above, the sunset casts shadows and adds "noise" (speckled appearance).  I added a little extra noise.  Below, the sun, around 11am, provides bright light, "blowing out" and image in many cases.

Driving through the countryside I found this unique building

Perhaps if we gave teenagers a "canvas" against buildings that are sitting empty, our neighborhoods would be more colorful and look more respectful.  Studies show that murals, in the inner city, have a low rate of vandalism.

Wedding Photos

This is a fun, free site.  I spend two minutes creating this collage so there are probably duplicate photos or undesirable ones....but  you get the idea!

Faceless Portrait

Passing by a back alley I found this woman acting very strangely.  Though her behavior was odd, the photo-op was undeniable.  I hope this vagrant is well, has found a home, and is healthy and happy.  I like to create stories when photographing.  I like to imagine the 'story' of the subject.  In this case, I will name the anonymous person Trisha. 

Old Time Gate

At a recent photography meeting the topic of 'scene junk', and the need to eliminate it, was raised by Linda, the expert speaker.  In this photo I had to move in tight and at a strong angle in order to get a shot.  I might have just passed up the shot altogether but I liked the shadows and the rustic look of the gate.  In the manipulation process I ended up adding a soft look/glow to make the image a touch more ethereal.  After all, this was in a cemetery.  For what it is worth, enlarging the photo shows the image as intended, much brighter.

Beauty

I am pleased with the contrast in colors of the dark purple, light purple and bright green leaves.  Below, I found a few petals had fallen onto one of the large green leaves.  I find the perspective to be interesting.

Nature

 Summer is my favorite season because I'm able and willing to get outside to see all that nature has to offer.  The deer was less than a stone throws away and didn't mind me pulling up along side of it.  It didn't mind the electric window going down or the 'gun-like' camera!  It was the most peaceful moment.  A car in the distance spooked the deer and it disappeared in the woods.  I was honored that she didn't mind making a connection with me.  Below is a photograph that I shot with my new, point and shoot camera.  That Sony camera continues to impress me.

Syracuse

It always amazes me, when I go to an urban area, in this case Syracuse, how many parks and other outdoor facilities are available.  It was nice to see people running and blading and families enjoying the many playgrounds.  I've always felt that city life was for me!

Angel on Break

I want to ask, "Is that an Oprah Book Club selection?

Pillars of Strength

A trip to Troy, New York, resulted in a few shots that I like.  This shot, taken by my new camera is pleasing to me.  There weren't many moments when the sky was blue; however, I see a hint of it here.
The lighting and colors constantly changed today making photography challenging, but fun.

Early Days of Summer

Being locked out of work, due to Regents' Exams, I have had extra time in the morning to drive around.  I caught the sun between the tree branches and found it to be calming, serene.  Thank Goodness For Summer!

Testing My New Camera

I bought a Sony Cyber-Shot recently.  I am practicing and so far so good. 

Red Barn Door

I found this door on the side of a great barn.  I love 'red barn' paint.  If I had an appropriate door for this color I would be painting right now!

Pull Up A Chair

Serenity

Currently, I am reading a non-fictional account of a woman trying to rescue her children from the Shakers.  This account takes place in the 1800s and "paints" a fascinating look at Shaker life.  The main character, Eunice, though cheated and manipulated by Shaker society, did not deny the beauty of their sprawling farms.  Here is a small part of the Shaker's beautiful, sprawling landscape.  The Great Divorce, by Ilyon Woo tells a very unique story about a very unique society.

Shaker Broom

I really like the light streaming into the window which also causes the colors to be 'warm'. 

Locks are so symbolic, aren't they?

I imagine that this latch and lock once protected the items beyond the door.  Sadly, this lock now prevents trespassers from entering the center of the building.  The many floors and an even greater number of rooms, of a once thriving factory, now sit waiting for a wrecking ball.  Upstate New York is literally crumbling in all corners of the state.  These deteriorating buildings serve as a reminder of the demoralization of 'dying' cities everywhere.  People are leaving New York in droves.  Given the means to do so, I'd be part of that crowd.

A splash of color

I learned that Shaker's like color, though they also stress simplicity.  The desire for color seems contradictory to me as color, to me, represents differences, creativity and pleasure.  I found the colors, in this cabinet area to be striking.  Below?  Well...sheep, enough said.  Compared to my friends, who went to the same Shaker Village, my photos are "baaaddd".  Get it? Sheep..."baaadd"..ok I'm tired!

Shaker Village Trip- More images to come

I had been to the Shaker Village, near Pittsfield, before; however, not with photography as the intent. There are literally hundreds of subjects to photograph.  I'll share more as time goes on, however, I like this photo with its vibrant purple and green colors.

Sun? No Way!

Choosing to leave rather than enter

The Hallways Are Empty But One Can Feel The History

Staircase



Whichever direction one takes, there is always a light to follow



A Terrific Day For A Nature Walk

 These images aren't fantastic; however, spring's greenery has yet to fully blossom.  Can you spot the TWO turtles in the above image?

Amazing Spring Day!!

Something New - "Framing Images"...literally

Having problems posting so I am attempting to fix. Who knows what the viewer will see.