Black & White Amayrillis

Gingko Trees

One of my favorite places to wander and photograph is University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm. The State Arboretum of Virginia is located within the Blandy farm.  It is a wonderful four-season experience.  My favorite time, of course, is Autumn.  Blandy is home to a large grove of ginkgo trees. For a brief period in October, the whole grove is golden; the tiny fan-shaped leaves painted gold.  The golden leaves don't stay long on the trees, and when the leaves fall of the tree, it's all at once...and the base of the grove is blanketed in a glorious gold carpet.

 

Blurred Leaves

This is the result of using a slow shutter speed and a moving camera.

Sugar Maples' Glory

Say Hello to my Little Friend

This big boy was outside my front door this morning!

He was very patient and let me photograph him...

Coffee Hound

Yes...I admit it...I am addicted to coffee. Cup of Joe. Cafe au lait. Latte. Espresso. Decaf. Machiato. Bring it on...

Can't believe I found this cup! 

Yes, I am

The hound was inside the cup!

Okay, sometimes I'm a Half Cupper, but never ever a Weak Sister!

Autumn Hydrangea

I love hydrangeas. They, like the year, have 4 seasons: the vibrant electric green Spring leaves and tight flower buds; the lush blooms of Summer; Autumn's cool nights create a painterly glow to the fading flowers; and the dead flowerings of Winter...desiccated, with a tissue paper translucency.

We have had cool nights for the past few weeks and the hydrangeas are turning colors again...

Sunflowers

I have always loved sunflowers. They're tall, bright yellow, and you can eat (or feed birds) the seeds.

Two weeks ago I visited the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area  in Poolesville, MD (still a rural area west of DC that runs along the Potomac River).  There are 2 separate fields that are staggered sunflower plantings.  It is a glorious place; a total of 48 acres!! of happy sunflowers...and even happier photographers!

At the end of the trip I took the long way home via White's Ferry.  The ferry is just west of Poolesville and drops you off just south of Leesburg, VA. It's a short trip, but a fun alternative to highways and bridges.

Moooooooo

Saw a group of cows this morning and had to pull over to photograph.  This pretty little lady was quite curious about me and my camera.

 

Vintage Pumpkin Triptych

Good Morning!

I have been a busy Lizzie...

Here are the 3 pumpkins images.  I used the same technique as with yesterday's Rooster image.

Next project; painting a small accent table.

Vintage Rooster

Heat, humidity, post-surgery recovery and no drinky-poos makes Liz a grumpy girl...

So, in an effort to get out of my funk, I've been working on a few projects:

Combing through my photo files, I found some that had potential and played with Photoshop/Lightroom plug-ins.

I went to Home Depot and picked up a 1"x12"x48" pine board.  I asked the board to be cut into 4 12"x12" pieces.  I don't trust myself with a saw (yet), and the first 2 cuts are free; the last cut was$1.  Works for me!

Here's my rooster.  The original photo was just blah; but with some tweaking I roughed up the image.  I sanded the board to soften the edges/corners; stained the board with fruit wood stain then a coat of provence stain. I used Mod Podge to adhere the photo directly onto the board; then 2 coats of Mod Podge on top of the image.  Then to seal the board and buff up the sheen of the image, I used a small amount of Annie Sloan clear wax.

 

I have 3 pumpkin images that I am working on; should have them ready by the end of the day.

Strawberry Moon

This month the full moon is called "Strawberry Moon".  This is the closest the moon will be to Earth, 220,000 miles!  I shot this at around 10 p.m.

 

Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas are blooming now, and the creamy pastels pop against the dark green leaves. Love, Love, Love!

Sunset in the Northern Neck

 

Vintage Clay Pots

A collection of vintage clay pots; love the texture, nuance of color, and shadows.

Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie Louisiana

Peek-a-Boo

Hard to believe that this little girl is 15...

Furled Bud

I am so proud of this image; it was published in the February 2013 issue of Popular Photography.