Week 43 – Theme # 9 (Product)

This theme was a challenge for me. I do not have much experience “setting up” pictures. My photography hobby is focused on nature, more along the lines of “let me grab the camera and see what the birds are doing.” What I love about this challenge is learning so much about all the different areas I can explore and the techniques I can try when I get more time.

I have been drinking coffee since I was twelve. I’m half Italian and love nothing better than sitting down with a good book and a cappuccino. When I don’t have the time to froth up milk, my “go to” grocery store brand of coffee is Melitta. Melitta’s North American headquarters are actually right here in Clearwater, FL. Melitta uses an extra fine grinding method which, in my opinion, makes a terrific cup of coffee. You get a very flavorful cup without having to use an extra amount. For this picture, I used the iPhone 10 in portrait mode and put studio lighting over the can of coffee to highlight the brand in the photo.

Burp! Week 42 -Wildcard #36

Last week, while going to get the mail, I witnessed a Great Blue Heron catch a fish for a meal. I photographed all stages of the process from the point where the fish was still alive until the photo above where you can see the fish in his neck. It took the Heron at least ten times of throwing his head back with the fish in his mouth before he (?) could swallow it. I was very close through the whole process. Some of the photos actually upset me as they are so graphic and gruesome, rather than gross anyone else out, I thought I’d share this one. 🙂

Week 41 – Theme 38 Hard/Soft

This waterfall was photographed a few weeks ago while on a sunset cruise around Bear Lake in Tuckasegee North Carolina. My idea is that water falling is a “soft image” and provides contrast for the “hard” rocks. Western North Carolina is known for its beautiful waterfalls. I have some better photos of the waterfalls around Lake Glenville but they were taken over a year ago and do not qualify for this year’s challenge.

Week 40 – Theme #43 – Contrast

I wasn’t sure what to do for the theme “contrast” and have been thinking about it for a bit. While reviewing my photos from my trip to Western North Carolina last week, I stumbled upon this photo of a spotted moth that might fit the bill. Its black spots/markings are in contrast with its white body. I also adjusted the contrast to the max to make the moth “pop” off the driveway. I was originally photographing the moth to practice Macro photography.

Week 39 – Theme #10 Leading Lines

I took this picture last week at our cottage in Western North Carolina. I am always amazed at how tall the trees in our community are. When a storm blows through, it seems as if they will bend in half. I get nervous watching them sway above our roof. I thought this would do for a creative use of leading lines as these trees lead my eye straight up to that Carolina blue sky,