01 April 2013
Lens:
1. Reflections in Pond, iPhone 4s, March 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
2. Afternoon at White Clay Creek, iPhone 4s, March 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
Let me know which you prefer and why.
Pens:
Last month Gracie (http://graciebinoya.com), Polly (http://watchingthephotoreels.com) and I began an iPhoneography Monday Challenge. If you’d like to join the fun, please click here for details. This week’s theme is nature, which is essential to my photographic oeuvre.
Since much of my philosophy centers on the intersection of nature and human nature, I was deep in thought yesterday as I “ran” to one of my newest places to meditate with camera in hand. This destination gives me an expansive view of the sky. I can almost see the horizon, and then I’m lifted into the stratosphere. To follow the treetops upward is breathtakingly exhilarating. I needed that pump of adrenaline.
Nature is not only a muse for my photographic eye, but she gives me a jolt of what is real (I relish the illusion.) and true. As a quiet environmentalist, I document her beauty and raw imperfections that nurtures my spirit. I ponder her simplicity and complexity and profusion.
My need to grasp her presence is a normal part of my day, but on Saturday it was more pronounced. I had just read a New York Times’ article that sheared my spirit. It’s a stellar and succinct summary of vital issues facing earth’s inhabitants.
The article, which is titled “Pity Earth’s Creatures,” was written by Edward Hoagland who is a nature and travel writer. He tells with clarity and insight the state of our quest to control and reign over (not with) nature on her journey–a journey that has profoundly affected our own.
Here is a pithy quote: “Nature is undefended by the powers that be, having no vote…,” excerpted from “Pity Earth’s Creatures,” March 24 2013.
To read Hoagland’s entire opinion piece, click here. Be warned, you’ll need to relieve the sad feelings that you’ll experience. You’ll want to seek nature’s wonders and be soothed.
That’s, of course what I did; sprint to the place where I could sense her vast majesty. But I could easily have been reassured as I filled my bird feeders, watching chickadees, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, doves, bluebirds, goldfinches, juncos, woodpeckers and others in queue.
For me, nature is the quintessential master of the universe. There really is no difference between her and us. It’s not that game at all, because we are bound collectively.
In the Lens section are my entries for today’s challenge. They are not images from Saturday’s skyward escape. In future posts you’ll see those photographs, which show my latest obsession with cloudscapes.
Maybe it’s the way that cloud formations and skyward hues speak for all of us. Maybe it’s simply their outright raw visual originality, owing their entirety to the present.
Tip of the Week: If you’re out on a nature walk, you might want to get these free apps. They can answer those questions that suddenly appear. Try:
TreeBook at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treebook/id340811192?mt=8/
iNaturalist at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id421397028?mt=8/
WildObs Observer at https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/wildobs-observer/id309451803?mt=8/
NatureFind at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/naturefind/id335373871?mt=8/
SkyView at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skyview-free-explore-universe/id413936865?mt=8/
Click on these links to view other entries:
http://ayearinmyshoes.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/iphonography-monday-nature-2/
http://watchingthephotoreels.com/2013/04/01/nature-iphonography-time/
http://carolloethen.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/look-what-i-found-on-the-beach-today/
http://angelinem.wordpress.com
http://acrossthebored.com/2013/04/03/iphoneography-monday-nature-2
Note: As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog. The following is a reminder of the weekly schedule and themes for upcoming challenges.
1st Monday: Nature
2nd Monday: Macro
3rd Monday: Black-and-White
4th and 5th Mondays: Challenger’s Choice (Pick One: Abstraction, Architecture, Food Photography, Night Photography, Portraiture, Still Life, Street Photography, and Travel).
You have a great blog filled with lovely writing and beautiful photos! Thanks for visiting my journey, it means a lot! I will be on the look out for your next post!
I’m humbled by your comment. Thank you, and enjoy your week.
Pingback: iPhoneography Challenge: Macro Photography | rfljenksy – Practicing Simplicity
Thanks for the Pingback.
Number two draws you down the path alight in the reflection of sky as if somewhere down the path the reflection would be of the walker in the sky. Number one is lovely but static and solemn. Two offers dreams, adventure and hope.
Thank you for all you share.
Thank you for your comment and visit.
Still too cold to get anything green! Please have a look at
http://acrossthebored.com/2013/04/03/iphoneography-monday-nature-2/
Your entry signals the change in the seasons–quite appropriate. Happy iPhoneography Challenge.
Pingback: iPhoneography Monday: Nature | Across the Bored
Thanks for the Pingback.
Hey Sally! Congrats on your mention in the Daily Post email. You’re famous now!!!!
Tina, thanks, it took me a few minutes to find it, which is about how long one’s fame exists. Again thanks and see you soon.
LOL. A few minutes beats nothing!
Absolutely, you have to wonder how they find us with the zillions of blogs.
True! I’m still waiting 🙂
You know that I never answered this reply to the reply. I did get Freshly Pressed less than a year after I started my blog. I am unsure how they make their selections. Really, with all the sites, it’s as subjective as objective. I must say that it was an out-of-this world experience. For three days it was a bonanza of attention and what fun. I hope that it happens to you SOON.
The first one is a cracker in all it’s stark contrasts … I like it.
Thank you, I’m drawn to reflections and all that they can replay.
In the 13 years I’ve been doing nature photography in Austin (Texas), not a year has gone by that another piece of land hasn’t disappeared on me, lost to a subdivision, road, parking lot, shopping center, even (and the first of all) a truck depot. It’s sad.
Makes my heart ache.
Oh, the top black and white image…with the reflection…GREAT job!
Thanks, as I walked along the pond’s edge, I was inspired by the reflections.
Thanks for the excellent link. I am glad you are planning to continue the tradition of cloud watching/gazing that Hoagland fears will vanish. It’s fascinating to realise how much of our vocabulary relies on references to animals.
Thanks, nature is my muse, and more and more she inspires.
Pingback: iPhoneography Monday: Nature | Frames & Focus
I really like that second shot, and the muted color. The first one is a great photo, but so somber.
Here is my entry…you tell me if you prefer the first or second shot, almost the same, but not.
http://angelinem.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/monday-iphoneography-nature/
Thanks, happy iPhoneography Challenge.
Pingback: Monday iPhoneography: Nature | AngelineM's Blog
Both pictures are great but I like the second one best!!! Thank you very much!!!
You are very welcome. Thanks.
Breathtaking! Like being in a wonderful dream. The second one creates the most awesome colors and effect.
Thank you and happy Spring to your family and you. But I guess it’s warm most of the year where you live.
Love both photos. They are beautiful!
Here is my contribution for today:
http://carolloethen.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/look-what-i-found-on-the-beach-today/
Thanks, happy to have you along for the challenge.
Thanks for the tips! Beautiful pictures!
You’re very welcome. Thanks.
Love the last shot. I’m in! http://ayearinmyshoes.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/iphonography-monday-nature-2/
Happy iPhoneography Monday.
Pingback: iPhonography Monday: Nature | A year in the Life
Thanks for the Pingback.