Thank you for the image inspiration, but especially your method for working, as an artist who has taken many more thousand photos than I will ever be able to paint in my lifetime. Edits and images are just a part of my process. But I am not as skilled as you in the taking of images- My goal for my paintings is to create what my photo editing skills lack so the piece is better than the photo! People say “oh it’s like a photo” but if they saw my reference photo they would not think so. Your bird images are fantastic-
A truly magnificent post! There is so much metaphorically to unpack here that I know it will take me several "reads" to appreciate it all. Ebb-and-flow, timing, pacing, observation/mindfulness followed by discernment and reflection have all been very much on my mind these days for both personal and, shall we say, political reasons. I commented just yesterday on Bishop Steven Charleston's FB page that I know when I'm in a state/grip of "too fast, too loud, too much, too many," I'm riding the horse in the wrong direction. I find my both productive AND peaceful flow state when I "download" to "slower, quieter, simpler, fewer." I must say, though, I envy your self-discipline and dedication to details that your shoot/save/cull process requires. Patience is not my strong suit! But the rewards to us, your viewers with whom you share your largesse, are infinite!
Pancake ice would make the most beautiful rug, or fabric, or both. It's a stunning photograph. The ebb and flow ice photos are also stunning. They capture not just the ebb and flow but that in- between, no-man's land space, which I feel as often as ebb and flow. Beautiful photos as always.
This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing more about the work you do to process all of your images and make them come to life. It makes me appreciate your work even more. I agree that the multiple shots of the feather were totally worth it - the fernlike tendrils reflecting the light are exquisite!
Your ice shots just keep coming with things I love looking at! That ebb and flow of ice on sand is terrific! Do be good to yourself. You are doing wonders and they are definitely appreciated!
I appreciate how the more deeply you go into the why of your how, it makes so much sense; the desire to spend the time in nature without making the photos the focus... even as you are creating to share. The more I read, the more I slowed to spend more time with each image, having some idea of what has gone into it, picking up on that time spent out side, with these little creatures...
Always glad I've slowed to spend time here--again, thank you.
Really beautiful images Karen. For me that photo of the Great Blue Heron in flight is a standout. I am looking forward to seeing them in a few months once they migrate back here North again. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous photos and good thoughts to ruminate over. At 69 I'm feeling more ebb than flow and get frustrated and chastise myself. I'll watch for the patterns and see.
Thank you ever so much, Karen. Both for another collection of your skilled and artful images, and that you shared what your image processing entails. Thanks also for explaining how your brain plus camera characteristics inform how you plan your shots. I’m fascinated! Years ago an architect friend gave my then young son a book from the “How Things Work” series. That gift to my son explained the sequence of steps needed to dismantle the Empire State Building, in great detail. Today, Karen, your post comprised another volume of “How Things Work.” 🙏🏽
Thank you for doing the hard work, Karen. I just have to show up here and be thrilled! Now I know I would make a lousy photographer, too many steps for this perfectionist’s mind. Much more delightful for me to ‘just show up and be thrilled’ when I am wandering in nature. Grab my iPhone for the occasional photo or video . After all, I was behind the times with a flip phone until a few years ago, so I am still fascinated with my own iPhone photos. Seeing the world through your eyes is always a wonderful experience. And by the way, I immediately thought; boy with seal…
Thanks Karen, the first photo is like an event horizon, Indigo is one of my fave colours. Hmm I see squirrel not an elephant facing to the right, its bushy tail slightly bent at the end...and I hear 'Dug' from the film UP saying, 'Squirrel!!' ;-) LOVE the feather and the leaf. Nature's artistry is breathtaking. Thank you for all the work and effort to bring the world's beauty to us.
Thank you Victoria! Love the squirrel, and oddly that is the third reference to squirrels in my day so far! We often joke that I respond to bids the way 'Dug' responded to squirrels!
🤣 Little did you know that you'd be teaching so many of us about birds...I'd no idea what a Junco was before I saw your photos! Junco = little fluff ball of cuteness (in winter).
Thank you for the image inspiration, but especially your method for working, as an artist who has taken many more thousand photos than I will ever be able to paint in my lifetime. Edits and images are just a part of my process. But I am not as skilled as you in the taking of images- My goal for my paintings is to create what my photo editing skills lack so the piece is better than the photo! People say “oh it’s like a photo” but if they saw my reference photo they would not think so. Your bird images are fantastic-
I love that you are painting them! That is so fun - and even more time consuming! Thank you Gloria!
You continue to amaze me and bring me more amazement with these beautiful pictures. You are an incredible artist. Again, thank you!
Thank you Linda!
A truly magnificent post! There is so much metaphorically to unpack here that I know it will take me several "reads" to appreciate it all. Ebb-and-flow, timing, pacing, observation/mindfulness followed by discernment and reflection have all been very much on my mind these days for both personal and, shall we say, political reasons. I commented just yesterday on Bishop Steven Charleston's FB page that I know when I'm in a state/grip of "too fast, too loud, too much, too many," I'm riding the horse in the wrong direction. I find my both productive AND peaceful flow state when I "download" to "slower, quieter, simpler, fewer." I must say, though, I envy your self-discipline and dedication to details that your shoot/save/cull process requires. Patience is not my strong suit! But the rewards to us, your viewers with whom you share your largesse, are infinite!
Thanks Lauren. I agree with that assessment entirely. It's hard in a world that feels like it's constantly demanding more/faster.
The gulls flowing/flying in front of the moon was my favorite. Appreciate your telling your process of getting the photos up.
Thank you Sharon! That was fun to try and get.
Pancake ice would make the most beautiful rug, or fabric, or both. It's a stunning photograph. The ebb and flow ice photos are also stunning. They capture not just the ebb and flow but that in- between, no-man's land space, which I feel as often as ebb and flow. Beautiful photos as always.
Thank you Mary!
This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing more about the work you do to process all of your images and make them come to life. It makes me appreciate your work even more. I agree that the multiple shots of the feather were totally worth it - the fernlike tendrils reflecting the light are exquisite!
Thank you Alexa - and thanks for asking the question!
Everything has a rhythm, an ebb and flow, a cycle. Thank you for this reminder. It helps me be gentle with myself in the ebb tide...
I'm glad Julie! It's just part of the natural order of things.
Your ice shots just keep coming with things I love looking at! That ebb and flow of ice on sand is terrific! Do be good to yourself. You are doing wonders and they are definitely appreciated!
Thank you Sandy - I LOVE taking ice shots.
I appreciate how the more deeply you go into the why of your how, it makes so much sense; the desire to spend the time in nature without making the photos the focus... even as you are creating to share. The more I read, the more I slowed to spend more time with each image, having some idea of what has gone into it, picking up on that time spent out side, with these little creatures...
Always glad I've slowed to spend time here--again, thank you.
Thank you Alison! I love that it helped you slow down!
Really beautiful images Karen. For me that photo of the Great Blue Heron in flight is a standout. I am looking forward to seeing them in a few months once they migrate back here North again. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Neil! It's so interesting, I never thought of them migrating. We've had 12-14 hanging around the cove every morning.
Gorgeous photos and good thoughts to ruminate over. At 69 I'm feeling more ebb than flow and get frustrated and chastise myself. I'll watch for the patterns and see.
Thank you Nancy! It could be fun to look for the ebb and flow, especially the flows!
Thank you ever so much, Karen. Both for another collection of your skilled and artful images, and that you shared what your image processing entails. Thanks also for explaining how your brain plus camera characteristics inform how you plan your shots. I’m fascinated! Years ago an architect friend gave my then young son a book from the “How Things Work” series. That gift to my son explained the sequence of steps needed to dismantle the Empire State Building, in great detail. Today, Karen, your post comprised another volume of “How Things Work.” 🙏🏽
Thank you Gary! I love being part of the "how things work" series.
Thank you for doing the hard work, Karen. I just have to show up here and be thrilled! Now I know I would make a lousy photographer, too many steps for this perfectionist’s mind. Much more delightful for me to ‘just show up and be thrilled’ when I am wandering in nature. Grab my iPhone for the occasional photo or video . After all, I was behind the times with a flip phone until a few years ago, so I am still fascinated with my own iPhone photos. Seeing the world through your eyes is always a wonderful experience. And by the way, I immediately thought; boy with seal…
Lol, as a recovering perfectionist, I understand that comment. Thank you Lor!
Love this post. And love that little junco!
Thank you Alison!
Thanks Karen, the first photo is like an event horizon, Indigo is one of my fave colours. Hmm I see squirrel not an elephant facing to the right, its bushy tail slightly bent at the end...and I hear 'Dug' from the film UP saying, 'Squirrel!!' ;-) LOVE the feather and the leaf. Nature's artistry is breathtaking. Thank you for all the work and effort to bring the world's beauty to us.
Thank you Victoria! Love the squirrel, and oddly that is the third reference to squirrels in my day so far! We often joke that I respond to bids the way 'Dug' responded to squirrels!
🤣 Little did you know that you'd be teaching so many of us about birds...I'd no idea what a Junco was before I saw your photos! Junco = little fluff ball of cuteness (in winter).