Through the Viewfinder -

 I often challenge myself to "see" my surroundings in a new ways. So, I

 pick up the camera and capture "sightings" through the viewfinder. This week

a few Agave fronds captured my attention.

Recently I moved the Agave to its current location next to the decaying painted pot.

But it wasn't until the morning light hit both of them that I realized how perfect they

are together. (Note to self, move things around.)

 The daily hummingbird visitors are usually not as still as this one was. The branch is on

a grape vine just outside of my bedroom window.

 I was on the phone with my daughter having one of our

marathon chatting sessions when I picked up the camera and zoomed in. 

Out of 4 images I was able to get this one is my favorite. 

In my garden this cactus bloom is nearly as photographed as the the 

white Sea Urchin blooms are. I usually go outside to photograph the blooms but

on Tuesday the sky was so thick with dust that the nearby mountains were invisible. 

Who knew that shooting the image from inside would create a better

 background than usual? 

(note to self, keep looking for different perspectives)

 Earlier today my thoughts were chaotic, as they often do, when

the light on the palm fronds caught my attention. This time of year for a short time

when the sun comes through the dining room window the light on the fronds is

stupendous. During the few minutes it took to aim the camera and shoot

a few images my thoughts shifted and became calmer.

I've come to realize lately that my

form of meditation is photography; it gets me outside of

my head. When I'm engaged in capturing what I see through the viewfinder I'm in a much

better place. 

 I don't think it can be said enough, Art Heals!

The lighting on the palm fronds danced even
more in the above version. Love apps!

And speaking of light, I happened to look out front a few

minutes ago and noticed that a tree, whose name I can't remember, 

was perfectly lit. Images are everywhere.

Love the quote from this article. "The day you stop worrying about what you can buy, (photography
equipment)  and instead turn your attention to where you can go and what you can
 experience will be one of the happier days of your life."

Salton Sea Pelicans

 Near the Salton Sea.

 This trio seemed to be posing. 

They're such

 a humorous looking bird.

 Very contented.

Loving the new camera! 

 Checking me out?

Photographing from the road, above the beach, the angle of the camera and the

pelican taking flight resulted in this bizarre effect.  He almost looks flat against the sea.

For some facts about the Salton Sea

read a Blog post here. Written by Randy Brown

the post lists what he was ignorant about 

regarding the Salton Sea. 

Salton Sea - Egrets/Herons

On Thursday the blue of the Salton Sea was surreal and the perfect backdrop for

photographing egrets. I wasn't the only one who thought this small section

of beach was an amazing spot to photograph. I stayed up on the road while

a photographer with a huge camera and lens ventured down to the shoreline

to get closer to the birds. I would imagine that he ended up with some

sky in the photos. Shooting the photos from above eliminated the boring light

blue sky. 

 If it wasn't for a gazillion pesky flies I think I could have continued photographing

much longer. As it was at least 20 flies followed me into the car when I opened

the door. Buzzing flies made for an "interesting" drive home. 

For most of my life I've lived near the Pacific Ocean so you an imagine

my disappointment 8 years ago when I moved to the desert and first saw

the dying Salton Sea. Waves? Clean walking beaches? 

Non-existent. The stench of dead fish was

overpowering and the area that once dreamed of

becoming a tourist destination was more

dilapidated and barren than I was prepared for. 

  

It's only been in the last few months that I've become intrigued about the Salton Sea.

Last December was the first time in years I even thought about visiting it. My brother

was visiting and we needed a distraction from looking at Board and Care places for

mom. Sunset at the Salton Sea seemed to beckon to us.

• Egrets are commonly pure white in color, but herons exhibit various colors.

• Egrets have significantly black legs and yellow beak, which is not very common among herons.

• Herons prefer to perch on a higher place during resting, while egrets stand on the shallow water more often than not.

I barely got this shot just as I turned to get into the car, in fact I didn't think that 

I'd gotten it. I love how the Egret is walking with such purpose. Just

taking a stroll along the beach; almost human.

While I think this guy is nuts I will be following
along, via FB, on his trek next June around the Salton Sea.
116 miles in 6 days in temps that could
reach 120. Yep, he's nuts!
But it's for a good cause.
Follow along on FB.

August Moon - New Camera

 The gift of a full moon! Sometimes it does take a  new "tool"

to "see differently." The faithful Powershot SX10 gave me years of seeing the

world through its lens and now its child has taken up the reigns. Canon Powershot SX50. 

I've considered a DSLR but know that the weight of a larger camera is too

much camera for spontaneity. At least for me it is. Knowing

how I work is important when buying a new camera.

 A little PSE enhanced. I haven't been able to photograph
the moon since moving from medium format 

 to digital cameras over a decade ago. Doing a Happy Dance!

 First moon shot with new camera. 

Palm tree detail. 

R.I.P. Robin Williams
I don't think I've ever felt as sad about any celebrity 
passing as I feel about Robin.

August Happenings

 Feather fabric sun print. Painted fabric. Machine Stitched. 

Painted canvas board.

 Jumble of leaves on work table.
Some of the leaves have been scanned or photographed

 for digital or fabric work.

 During the rainstorm last Sunday an outdoor circuit died after an extension

cord tripped the reset button. Mind you

this is the circuit that the fountain, drip system, and outdoor lights are plugged into.

There are now 3 extension cords running across the yard to the fountain; sitting water

is a magnet for mosquitoes carrying West Nile.

I miss the outdoor lights at night but not nearly as much as I'm missing the automatic

drip system! Triple digit temps and hand-watering . . . well, I could either whine about

it until an electrician can come to replace the circuit or turn the unpleasant time into photography

sessions. I always say that there are photographs everywhere and to prove it I shot

the above one this morning. iPhoneography at its best. 

Digital piece. Trio of leaves. Acrylic painting. 

I still can't figure out where July went! Anyone 

have a clue?