Today’s pictures definitely fit into that “old school” philosophy of image making.

Subtle beauty. Most critters are beautiful, and those that people fear or think are unpleasant are usually among them. This Spiny Fence Lizard was photographed in New Mexico in 2005. My first desire was just to get a sharp picture, and then I began to work a little on catching a good pose. My reptilian friend eventually departed and it was only then that I realized from a photo review, all of the vivid colors that were interwoven amongst the gray scales. I have always been disappointed (in myself) that I never spent a solid week making western lizards my primary photographic focus. Wonderful little creatures, although this fellow was almost a foot long.

Sunrises lend themselves to straight forward and beautiful pictures, but also to surreal abstracts that are nothing but color. I love them all, but identifiable silhouettes such as a lake and a shoreline, that can become dreamy semi-abstracts are among my favorites. The only thing wrong with a morning like this is that it ends too soon.

This image was made shortly after the above photo. I think this composition makes it a little less abstract than the first picture. My choice of lens is the main reason. This “normal” perspective excludes many of the dark areas in the first picture. It is that narrow window of light in the previous shot that I believe, makes the image different. It is good to view that picture in its entirety. I still like this shot but the key to most good photography is to at least strive for some variety. Click, click, click.

Speaking of sunrise/sunset. Pure and wonderful abstracts can be made when you deal with the very last (or first) rays of the day, on textured and patterned sand. I metered off the bright areas of sand to keep this picture dark and moody.

Birds are living art. We just have to be there to see it, capture it in pictures, and share it. This is a Great-blue Heron.

Doubled-crested Cormorant.

For many of you, flowers will once again be a subject for your camera, as this current season dies a slow death. One July morning in 2010 I came across a small patch of Purple Coneflowers. Flowers mean the possibility of many subjects might be right at hand. These three pictures were all made within a few minutes of each other. The macro photographer must always keep searching. Your subjects are infinite, and finding several within three feet of one another, is not only possible but common. I love flower photography, both for what they are, and what they bring us. The butterfly is a Buckeye.

Life is as much about why we do things, as it is what we do and how we do it. Those latter two facts may mean the most to our friends, our family and our bosses, but to ourselves, our motivation or lack of, indicates whether we do the right thing or not, and how well we do it. When I look at the world around me, and the people in it, I try to always ask why. In the end it will speak volumes as to what it was they did, and how well they did it. You may find that to be true, whether you look outward, or inward. I know that motivation has proved the leading indicator when I examine my own retrospectives.

Have a special day,                                                                                                                             Wayne