11 January 2013
Lens:
1. A Sliver of the Waxing Moon, Nikon DSLR, December 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
2. Sunbeams on the Red Clay Creek, iPhone 4s, January, 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
Let me know which you prefer and why.
Pens:
Lighting is a key to a successful photograph. Whether it’s an artificial or natural source, it can bring magic that is startling, subtle, peaceful, agitating, mesmerizing, quieting, calming, mundane or…Mostly, contrast builds by the pitch of the light that can set the stage for blatant or secretive narration. I love playing with Mother Nature’s illumination, and was especially pumped to learn that it is the theme of this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge.
In the Lens section are two images that are my entries. The first was taken in mid-December when the moon was seen as a sliver of its full self. That new waxing moon was potent enough to stun the night. Illumination was so bright as to cause multiple reflections, which were spell bounding.
Yesterday I headed for the Brandywine Creek State Park. It was late morning and I drove along an area of the Red Clay Creek where the sun was beaming down upon the waters. The second image shows le soleil sprinkling a rainbow of illumination gloriously wide and long.
While we have had few sunny days this winter, yesterday brought perfect light that enveloped every very inch of the landscape, warming and tenderly nurturing. I felt it deeply and thoroughly.
Note: As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
Fabulous shots all! 😉
Thank you.
The second one, although I’m not sure I can articulate why. I love the reflection of the moon in the water and the way the light rays show the colors of the rainbow. The photo just seems to have much more to say than the first one.
Thank you, the rainbow was a gift from a brilliantly lit day.
Mesmerizing, playful, magical!
Thank you so much.
EXQUISITE!!!! ESPECIALLY THE SECOND ONE!! Mari
Thank you, and happy, happy New Year to you.
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I love the light in these photos! Lighting is key to photography and I love how you’ve executed this in relation to your writing. Wonderful post! 🙂
Polly, thank you so much–I continue to be enamored with the way light plays with us and our surroundings.
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Two great shots but the second one is my favourite. It has such atmosphere and a little mystery.
The sun acted as a spotlight on the creek. I was fortunate to be able to pull over and take a few shots. Thanks.
both shots are gorgeous! mystical..
Thank you.
Number two is my favorite. Very ethereal,and tranquil. Such an image would be good for meditation.
Thank you, the sun’s rays were truly inspiring.
Nicely illuminated. 🙂 I prefer the second image and love the sun ray effect you’ve got there; the dirt spot on your lens or sensor just to the left of the moon images bugs me. (I know, who needs an OCD critic!)
Yes, yes, I agree. I noticed it after it was already posted. Actually, your comment made me smile.
both great shots but that moon is incredible
That sliver of a moon certainly became more to my camera’s eye. Thank you.
how magical…
Thanks so much for your comment.
I love the shattered rainbow colours of the second image. Beautiful!
Julie, thanks for your visit and the comment. I was driving along a country road with the creek to my right. I had to stop, because the beams of light were so powerful.
I appreciate not only the second photograph itself, but Julie Dawn [how appropriate] Fox’s description of “shattered rainbow colours.” Did your eyes see those colors too, or were they created by refraction inside the lens?
I saw a faint “rainbow” effect and it became more pronounced on the upload. I am sure that the refraction from the lens made what was slightly visible even more visible. Thanks.
The photo of the moon looks like a stack of coins lighted from the lower right-hand side. I love the colorful rays of light in the creek photo and the reflection of the water that moves the eye back to the top of the image. Well done!
Thank you, it was a glorious day for a photo shoot.
First one, of the moon, is just spectacular! how on earth did you do that? ha! magic lunar trick! Love it!
It was the reflections from the moon’s light against the camera’s lens. Many thanks.