Texture Illuminated 4.13.12

On the last day of my Spring Break, Friday, we drove up to northern Washington to the Semiahmoo Park and then to Birch Bay. We were almost to Canada and I had never been that far north before. Both parks were beautiful and unique. It was an amazing new experience and a great place to recharge. 

Location: Semiahmoo Park

Settings: ISO 200, 250mm, ss1/400, f/22 (sunlight wb)

Intent: The sparkling of the sun and the texture of the clouds

LR Processing: Clean edit with basic settings and tone curve to add definition

Location: Birch Bay Park

Settings: ISO 200, 18mm, ss1/100, f/22 (sunlight wb)

Intent: The texture of the rocks and the lines of the water and beach

LR Processing: Clean edit with basic settings and tone curve to add vibrancy

"The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." - Henry Miller

  

The Rocky Shore 3.18.12

My goal for March has been to find a better balance in my life. One of the things that has been helping is getting back to spending one day on the weekend using my camera. Not only does this allow me to take photos to share with you, but it also helps me recharge. Taking photographs is a time to focus on something I am passionate about and something that brings me joy. This past weekend, my mom and I headed to Kitsap Memorial Park after a fun ride on the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton. The weather was not the best, but the rain had stopped and the sun was peeking out a bit. With the weather being what it was, I was drawn to the shells and rocks covering the beach. I thought it was the perfect place to capture some natural texture. I really like the end result after a bit of a clean edit in Lightroom. I also attempted a self-portrait. I framed the shot, set the settings and then had my mom take the photo. While there are elements I like, I am still not a fan of my self-portraits. I am determined to continue to try though. What do you think of the photos below? Thank you for sharing!

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/4000, f/2.0 (cloudy wb)
Intent: The texture of the shell and the color of the rocks

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/2500, f/2.5 (cloudy wb)
Intent: The texture and detail of the barnacles

Settings: ISO 200, 41mm, ss1/320, f/5.0 (cloudy wb)
Intent: The leading line to the canal and to use the available light

"A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are for." - John A. Shedd

  

Looking Up at Clark Lake 3.8.12

Sometimes when you look up you see the most beautiful things that may otherwise have gone unnoticed...

Settings: ISO 200, 18mm, ss1/160, f/22 (sunlight wb)

Intention: The bright blue sky and the wispy clouds

Settings: ISO 200, 28mm, ss1/500, f/7.1 (sunlight wb)

Intention: The vibrant sky against the tree

Settings: ISO 200, 18mm, ss1/60, f/11 (sunlight wb)

Intention: The texture and shape of the tree against the setting sun

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls." - Joseph Campbell