PHOTO FRIDAY - TOWER

This is a night-time shot of the Heidelberg Materials plant in my hometown of Leeds, Alabama. I am posting this one here for the Photo Friday July 5, 2024 challenge "TOWER". If you are a return visitor to my blog  then you know that I love night-time photography. There is something about the light at night that transforms an object or scene, often giving them an almost magical appearance. 

Shot on an Apple iPhone 15 Pro  ƒ/1.78  1/5  6.765mm  ISO1250

Capturing the Beauty of Wildflowers

Purple butterfly bush with Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

NIKON D80   ƒ/8  1/125  135mm   ISO125

Spring and summer bring an explosion of color as wildflowers bloom across meadows, forests, and even urban spaces. This week, Photo Friday has set an exciting challenge for photographers: capturing the ephemeral beauty of wildflowers. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a budding enthusiast, this blog post will provide you with tips and inspiration to make the most of this vibrant subject.

#### Understanding Wildflowers

Wildflowers are not just pretty faces in the plant world. They play crucial roles in ecosystems, supporting pollinators and contributing to biodiversity. Understanding a bit about the types of wildflowers in your area can help you plan your photography sessions better. Research local wildflower species and their blooming seasons to time your outings for peak color.

#### Equipment Essentials

While it's true that the best camera is the one you have with you, certain gear can enhance your wildflower photography:

1. **Camera:** A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will give you the most control. However, smartphones with good cameras can also produce stunning shots.

2. **Lens:** A macro lens is ideal for close-ups, capturing intricate details. For broader shots, a wide-angle lens works well.

3. **Tripod:** Essential for stability, especially in low light or when using slower shutter speeds.

4. **Filters:** A polarizing filter can reduce glare and enhance colors, while a diffuser can soften harsh sunlight.

Techniques for Stunning Wildflower Photos

1. **Composition:** Follow the rule of thirds to create balanced and visually appealing shots. Get creative with angles – try shooting from ground level to give a different perspective.

2. **Focus and Depth of Field:** Use a shallow depth of field (wide aperture) to isolate your subject from the background, creating a beautiful bokeh effect. Ensure the flower's most interesting parts, like the center or petals, are in sharp focus.

3. **Lighting:** Early morning or late afternoon light is soft and warm, perfect for flower photography. Overcast days can also be great, as the diffused light reduces harsh shadows.

4. **Background:** Pay attention to the background to avoid distractions. A simple, uncluttered background will make the wildflower stand out.

When photographing wildflowers, remember to respect nature. Avoid trampling on plants or disturbing wildlife. Stay on designated paths and leave no trace of your visit.

Editing your photos can enhance their beauty. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust brightness, contrast, and color saturation. Be mindful not to overdo it; aim to maintain the natural beauty of the flowers.

Once you’ve captured and edited your wildflower photos, share them on social media with the hashtag #PhotoFriday and #Wildflowers to participate in this week’s challenge. Engage with the Photo Friday community by commenting on and liking other participants' submissions. It's a fantastic way to get inspired and connect with fellow photographers.

Photographing wildflowers is a rewarding experience that combines a love for nature with the art of photography. As you embark on this week's Photo Friday challenge, take your time to explore and appreciate the beauty of these natural wonders. Happy shooting!

For more information on Photo Friday and to participate in future challenges, visit the [Photo Friday website](https://www.photofriday.com).

Kudos to CHATGPT for taking an idea and putting it into a very nice format.

 Photo Friday - #Film

This weeks challenge on Photo Friday is #FILM. I tried to think of the last time that I actually shot anything on film and one of my favorite photos came to mind. This shot, from 1974 - 1975,  is of Todd Rundgren and John Siegler at the Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama. The picture was shot using a Pentax K1000 with Kodak Ektachrome film at ISO 1000. I've since digitized the image many, many times and what you are seeing is not the original photograph although I do still have the original negative. 

Todd has always been one of my favorite musicians and I enjoy sharing pictures from past concerts.

 CityScape - This weeks' Photo Friday Challenge

I love Photo Friday challenges. If you go back through this blog you'll no doubt come to the conclusion that its' sole purpose was to participate in Photo Friday challenges (and you'd probably be right).

Each week Photo Friday posts a challenge word or phrase, with its associated hash tag. Challenges exist as a fun diversion for our members, a chance to creatively interpret the word and seek out photographic situations that embody your independent expression of it.

My Photography Arsenal

Embarking on a photography journey is akin to delving into an ever-expanding universe of gear possibilities. Each piece becomes not just a tool, but an extension of your creativity, allowing you to capture moments in ways previously unimaginable. In this post, I’m thrilled to unveil the ensemble of camera gear that accompanies me on my photographic adventures.

Nikon D80 DSLR:

Let’s begin with where it all started – the Nikon D80 DSLR. This venerable camera marked my initiation into the world of digital photography 16 years ago. With its 18mm to 135mm zoom lens, the D80 offers versatility, allowing me to capture a wide range of subjects with ease. From sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits, this trusty companion has been by my side through countless photographic expeditions, capturing memories with precision and clarity. I am including a link to a YouTube video by BoostLeekd Media that is very informative.

5 Reasons WHY the NIKON D80 is still a great camera in 2023!

GoPro Hero12 Black:

Enter the GoPro Hero12 Black – a powerhouse of action-packed photography. As a recent addition to my gear collection, the Hero12 has revolutionized the way I capture dynamic moments. As a senior citizen I no longer go mountain biking  or scuba diving but its compact size and rugged design make it the perfect companion for adrenaline-fueled adventures, from mountain biking escapades to underwater explorations. With stunning 4K video capabilities and advanced image stabilization, the Hero12 ensures that every thrill-seeking moment is immortalized in stunning detail.

Here's a YouTube video by Jordan Hetrick that is good starting spot for using the GoPro Hero12 Black.

GoPro HERO 12 BLACK | Beginner's Guide & BEST Settings

DJI Mini 3 Drone:

Taking my photography to new heights – quite literally – is the DJI Mini 3 Drone. This nimble aerial marvel provides a bird’s-eye perspective unlike any other. Whether soaring above majestic landscapes or weaving through urban skylines, the Mini 3 unlocks a realm of creative possibilities. Its intuitive controls and impressive stability make capturing breathtaking aerial shots a breeze, adding a whole new dimension to my photographic repertoire.

Here's a great video from the DJI website-

Meet the DJI Mini 3

iPhone 15 Pro:

Last but certainly not least, we have the iPhone 15 Pro – a pocket-sized powerhouse that is redefining the boundaries of mobile photography. With its advanced camera system and innovative Night mode capabilities, the iPhone 15 Pro has quickly risen to prominence as my go-to device for capturing stunning photographs, especially in low-light conditions. From spontaneous street scenes to captivating cityscapes, this pocket-sized marvel delivers unparalleled image quality and versatility, ensuring that no moment goes uncaptured.

Here's a link to a great video by AppleInsider on using the camera on the iPhone 15 Pro

How to master the camera on the iPhone 15 Pro

In the ever-evolving landscape of photography, having the right gear can make all the difference in bringing your creative vision to life. From the enduring reliability of the Nikon D80 DSLR to the cutting-edge innovation of the iPhone 15 Pro, each piece of gear in my arsenal plays a unique role in shaping my photographic journey. As I continue to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of creativity, I’m grateful for the tools that accompany me on this exhilarating adventure, capturing moments both big and small with clarity, precision, and boundless imagination.

More Night Photography

I love shooting photographs at night. There is something magical about finding an everyday object or location that becomes transformed by the nuances of lighting at nighttime. Light changes our very perception of everyday objects. Unfortunately, there's just too much light during the day, and scenes get washed out. Glaring light makes it difficult to capture details. So, here I am, posting photographs that I have shot at various times in my life, but always at night. Some are re-posts; some are not. I hope that you enjoy them.  I have always been fascinated by the way that light can change our perception of the world around us. At night, when the sun is down and the moon is up, the world takes on a different character. Shadows become more pronounced, and details that are not visible during the day come to life. I love being able to capture these fleeting moments with my camera.

Looking west, towards Birmingham, from Whitmire Street in Leeds

Trackside, just east of the Leeds Historic Depot

First Methodist Church - Leeds, Alabama

Bronze Nude - Hunter Museum of American Art - Chattanooga, TN

Riverfront Parkway - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Winding sidewalk; part of the Tennessee River Walk. This portion of the riverwalk comes down from the Hunter Museum to Ross's Landing.

Railroad crossing signal, looking west toward Birmingham. 

Ross's Landing - Chattanooga, Tennessee (2014)

I watched a YouTube video by Tim Childers about Ross's Landing. Tim is a retired educator living in Chattanooga, and he publishes a video every day chronicling his life. I love watching them, especially for the scenery of Chattanooga, where I lived for 18 years. Tim gives a brief history of Ross's Landing and explains where Chattanooga got its name. What surprised me is that Tim highlighted a fountain at the river that has been out of service for several years. This saddens me, but it reminded me that I have photos of a time when the fountain was working. I really hope that the city of Chattanooga restores the fountain back to working condition. I also hope that you'll check out the YouTube channels by Tim Childers. I'll leave links to them. Tim doesn't know me from Adam, but I find his videos about life, photography, and life after retirement interesting.

Life in Motion Diaries

So, without further ado, here are the pictures of the fountain at Ross's Landing from August 21, 2014.

.

Our little corner of the universe

I've been spending a lot of time tending to the garden and doing yard work, but I still managed to find a little time to fly my DJI Mini 3 drone and take a few photos. I'm getting better at flying the drone, which makes it even more enjoyable to use. Today I just took a few shots of our little homestead, which we love. I really enjoy flying the drone because it gives me a different perspective of our little piece of heaven.

Embracing Retirement: From Restlessness to a Passion for Photography

Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter in life, filled with opportunities for exploration and self-discovery. Yet, for me, this transition also brought feelings of restlessness and uncertainty. After years of dedication to a career, the sudden abundance of free time left me searching for purpose and fulfillment. However, it's precisely during this period of adjustment that unexpected passions can emerge, leading to exciting new ventures.

Such was the case for me. After bidding farewell to the workforce and finding myself with ample time on my hands, I soon realized that idleness did not suit me well. While leisurely pursuits initially offered some enjoyment, I craved a deeper sense of purpose—a meaningful endeavor to channel my energy into.

It was during a casual ride around the streets of my hometown that inspiration struck. Photography had been an early interest of mine, relegated to the sidelines amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. I had always enjoyed framing shots of nature, but also had a deep fascination for nighttime shots with tricky lighting that pushed my skills as a rank amateur. It was time pick it back up and see where it leads me.

With the decision made, I embarked on a journey to hone my skills as an amateur photographer. Armed with little more than determination and a keen eye for composition, I delved into the world of photography with gusto. Every sunrise and sunset became an opportunity to capture the fleeting beauty of the world around me, while every outing presented a chance to refine my technique and expand my creative horizons. I have re-read the manual to my 16 year old DSLR and watched countless videos on photography in an attempt to re-learn a hobby that had been put to the wayside.

As my re-kindled love for photography grew, so too did the desire to share my newfound passion with others. Thus, the idea of starting a YouTube channel dedicated to amateur photography was born. It was a daunting prospect, to be sure—venturing into the realm of content creation as a retiree with little experience in the digital landscape. Yet, fueled by passion and a thirst for learning, I embrace the challenge wholeheartedly.

This is where things get a bit sketchy. I'm really not a very good photographer and even a less skilled video editor. I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks and launching a YouTube channel as a content creator is a daunting task. 

Planning my YouTube channel proved to be a transformative experience. Creating narrative, shooting new material, and editing video into something worthy of your time and attention is proving quite difficult. It is out of that difficulty that an idea was born. What if I create a a photography channel that does not teach? Perhaps viewers could critique my work and offer constructive criticism.

The channel is moving slowly and may not go public for some time, if at all. but what began as a response to restlessness has blossomed into a fulfilling passion—one that continues to inspire and enrich my life in ways I never could have imagined. And to think, it all started with a simple click of the shutter and a leap of faith into the world of amateur photography.

Night Stalker-Photo Ops

 

Night time along side the tracks waiting for this freight train to move on so that I could get a shot of the train in motion. I got tired and gave up, promising myself that I'll do this again another night.

This is the old Railway Depot in my hometown of Leeds, Alabama

Photo Friday: STAIR

 

I stumbled across Photo Friday today after a long absence. Several years ago I posted very often but these days it just seems harder and harder to find the time to get out and shoot good photos. This one, which was actually shot in January 2020,  looks like it fits the bill for the Photo Friday topic this week.
#STAIR

Still Alive and Well

 ...in the words of the late great Johnny Winter. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8--jVqaU-G8

Just thought that I would put something on the old dusty blog. I forget that this thing exists most of the time.

Until next time

Photo Friday: Petals

I sort of stumbled across Photo Friday today after a long absence. Several years ago I posted very often but these days it just seems harder and harder to find the time to get out and shoot good photos. This one, taken in my backyard looks like it fits the bill for the Photo Friday topic this week.
#petals

Tempus Fugit...the older I get the faster it goes!

Well, look here. The old dusty blog is still hanging around. It's been almost a year since my last post. And to think, about this time last year I told myself that I was going to breathe some new life into the old Simple Contemplations Blogspot. And what happened? Life happened!. You're walking along, minding your own business and what happens? You get busy, you get sick, you get better, you get sick....and you just plain start to slow down. Work becomes harder. Exercise and staying fit becomes harder. Being creative becomes harder. Getting along with people gets harder. And to top it all off, you realize that you're almost 65 and still haven't figured out where you fit in.
I once had a job that I liked ( don't get me wrong, I like my current job as much) and lived in a city that I absolutely loved. Everything that I liked to do was within minutes of my home. Bicycling trails, hiking trails, lakes with swimming, and neat shops and places to eat. And what happened to all of that? The owner of the company that I worked for did what companies sometimes do....hire  a new general manager with absolutely no experience in the industry with no idea of how to do what you do....And what do they do? Instead of trying to learn about your business and processes and why you do what you do they try to re-invent it from the ground up. Forget that it wasn't broken. Forget that it didn't need fixing. Forget that they just ain't going to listen to a damn word you say because they've decided that they're smarter than you. What happens then? In my case, the rat bastard made my life miserable with his management style that consisted of bullying, badgering, cussing, and berating. There is only so much of that a person can take. But, when you get to the point of thinking that there might just be a quick way out of this misery you get a call with a job offer "back home" that literally saves your life. A good job with good people. And did I say "back home"? Yeah, back home. I had visions of reconnecting with old friends and getting closer to my family. I envisioned have Sunday dinners and family get togethers where we all just enjoyed being in each others' company. My wife gave up a seventeen year job that she absolutely loved so that we could move "back home". I owe her so much!
Well...guess what? You can't go home again. People change; you no longer have that much in common with old friends and for reasons totally unknown, family gatherings are awkward. You're the one who moved away. You're the one who had to work and couldn't always make it home for holidays. The one who wasn't always there when Mom and Dad needed help or the just needed someone to be with them. And the people who were there do remember.
I've realized lately that I just don't fit in "back home" I'm happy here but not really content. I think of running away but then there's the mortgage, the car payment, health insurance; oh yeah, health insurance! Over a thousand dollars a month just for health insurance. I'd said all along that I'd like to work until I'm 67 or thereabouts. I still like my job and it pays me well but truth be known, I'd love to retire now. Just can't afford it. I never planned for this part of my life, always going and doing and spending as if the money was just going to keep flowing for eternity. Almost 65 and not a lick of savings. How stupid is that? Man, what a dumb-ass I turned out to be....Oh well, I guess I've rambled enough....Going to go think a bit about selling this old house, take whatever profit I can get out of it and getting the heck out of here! This isn't really going anywhere so I guess I'll wrap it for now....maybe more thoughts later.

Studies in Light

I'm re-hashing a few slightly older photographs that I took in Chattanooga a few years. I'll post them on PHOTOFRIDAY for #LIGHT.

NOT ALL DOGS WHO WANDER ARE LOST!

Foreword

I posted the title of this blog page on Facebook as a humorous response to someone’s concern over stray and/or lost dogs. Of course, things didn’t go well for me after that and I ended up deleting the entire message thread. It did have one good result; my oldest sister saw the post and we started to reminisce about childhood days gone by and one of our goofy dogs.

The Story

This is where I must clarify…. We say one of OUR dogs but, truth be known, we never bought or owned a single dog ever. Oh, don’t misunderstand. We had plenty of dogs. I’d just never say that we owned one.

Our dogs just seemed to wander up into the yard. One of my sisters would give them a snack or two and the stray would tend to hang around a bit; sometimes for years! They were always to come and go as they pleased. 

One of my favorite dogs during my junior high school years was Buster. He just wandered up one day. He was a friendly dog and we all enjoyed playing with him. My mom supplied table scraps for Buster which meant that he was always well fed. Buster followed us every where we went. We’d hike down to the creek and Buster was always right there with us. If we went for swim in the creek Buster went for a swim too! Buster even had a few odd talents (for a dog). He would bring things home. And I mean good things like hand tools, clothing, and cakes. Yes cakes. He once came home with a Dolly Madison Pound Cake, fresh in the un-broken wrapper. We eventually found out that he had discovered that one of our neighbors’ storage room doors didn’t latch properly and Buster would help himself (and us) to whatever he could get away with.

One fateful day when we were all playing in the front yard Buster walked out into the road in front of our house. He put his head down like a charging bull and did just that; charged a car and butted it head on. It knocked him through the air about 10 yards and he spent the next hour or so running around in crazy circles. He’d vanish for days at a time after that but always seemed to make it back to our house for one more snack. I have to say that I really don’t remember what eventually happened to Buster. I know that my sister Janet will tell me. She could make this story so much more interesting that I am able.

Anyway, the whole point of this story is this. When I see a stray dog, I don’t jump to the foregone conclusion that it is lost. I don’t think that it has escaped from its yard. I just assume that it’s a free spirit exploring its world. I know that there are people who feel distressed over this and feel that they must “rescue” the poor lost animal. I don’t, and I make no apologies for being this way.

Idle Sunday Photos

Sometimes you just have to take a few minutes to look around you and enjoy the simple wonders that God has given us.

Tiger Lilly

The Tiger Lilies are blooming all around the yard this week and this lone flower decided to show off among the ferns.

Photo Friday - Summer

A couple of pictures from the archives for the Photo Friday subject #SUMMER

Coolidge Park on the North Shore in Chattanooga, Tennesee

Chickamauga Lake in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Monster In The Tree

 

Do you see it?  Another one for PhotoFriday. #trees

Interesting streets and walkways

This is a post for PHOTO FRIDAY that I thought would be interesting. The subject this week (May 11-17) is STEET. While not really a street I think that this fits into the overall theme of the subject.

 

This is the glass pedestrian bridge that goes between the Walnut Street Bridge and the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 



Reflection

Chattanooga riverfront, as seen from the north shore / Coolidge Park area. Posting this one to
Photo Friday.

Serenity

Early morning on Lake Chickamauga in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I shot this from under the dam on the way to work on morning; all the while thinking to myself that the person in that little boat definitely had the right idea.

I'll post this one on PHOTO FRIDAY also. This weeks' subject is #distant

Springtime

Spring has arrived and I thought that I'd re-hash a photo from 2015 to celebrate. This one was originally posted on PhotoFriday.

Fun with PhotoShop

Fun with Photoshop Creative Cloud edition. . With my granddaughters Micah and Makaley.

And the band played on,,,,,,,

Has it really been two years?

Wow! Has it really been two years since I posted anything on the blog? Well, 2015 and part of 2016 were awful (job related). This year we moved back to my hometown, bought an old house that was built in 1900, and are in the process of renovating it. When things slow back down I may try to breath some new life into this old BlogSpot.

Photo Friday: BUILDINGS

The Flat Iron Building in Chattanooga, TN.  A project for Photo Friday April 10, 2015.

Snow Day

Life in Tennessee came to a standstill for a few days when mother nature decided to dump 6 to 8 inches of snow on us.

MACRO: Gulf Fritillary

A project for the PHOTO FRIDAY 1/8/2015 subject "MACRO"