Thoughts – “This Party is Going Mobile”

May 1, 2018May 1, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

Today’s post takes a different turn from my usual photography topics, so bear with me as I share some personal thoughts on the next chapter in my “Life is a Journey.”

After 35 years, today May 1st, marks the official first day of early retirement (or “re-wirement” as my husband and I like to call it) from a life-long career with Coca-Cola. Having joined the company just one month shy of my 20th birthday, the time has come to close the chapter and embark on new adventures that await me.

There is an unwritten tradition for those leaving Coca-Cola to write a farewell note. The tradition is usually a note of “thanks,” “I’ll miss you” and “stay in touch.” And so, just before handing in my laptop and cell phone, I hit the “SEND” button for my own personal “Obligatory Farewell” below:

∞

Yep, here it comes……time for another obligatory farewell. Starting tomorrow (4/26), I’ll be swapping out my red badge for the official “Alumni Green Badge.”

What an incredible experience to have been part of the Coca-Cola family for my entire career. 35 years has gone by way too fast, but I can honestly say that each of you played an important role in my journey and I thank you for your sharing this great adventure with me. Many of you, I have known most of my time with Coca-Cola; we worked together, we played together (sometimes a little too hard J), we traveled together and raised families together. And, we have experienced a lot of change and evolution throughout the years: from Columbia Pictures, to the forming and later refranchising of Coca-Cola Enterprises; from ground breaking innovative packaging promotions (i.e. “Magic Can,” “Pop Music in-pack mini cds,” “Contour Commemorative bottles”) to the many numerous brands that have come (PowerAde, Dasani, Fair life) and gone (“Ok Soda,” “Tab Clear,” “Tab Energy,” “New Coke”).
I am grateful….I am humbled…..I am blessed to have worked alongside so many talented individuals who, together, we have helped mold Coca-Cola into the Brand it is today.
My next chapter is unwritten, although I’m sure there will be photography ( a lot of it!), travel and perhaps, one day, that bar in the Caribbean Michael and I have long been chasing after! If you want to see what I’m up to, please feel free to follow my photography blog (website and e-mail contact links below).
In closing, I share with you a quote Joe Walsh gave in an interview about his journey with the Eagles. To me, it pretty much sums up my personal Coca-Cola journey:

“You know, there’s a philosopher who says, as you live your life, it appears to be anarchy and chaos, and random events. Non-related events, smashing into each other and causing this situation or that situation. And then, this happens, and it’s overwhelming, and it just looks like what in the world is going on ? And later, when you look back at it, it looks like a finely crafted novel. But at the time, it don’t.”

Cheers, everyone! This Party is Going Mobile”
“Life is a journey, not a destination. You are the artist, paint what you will.”

∞

Credits: The featured photo for this post is of a building that was painted by our very talented brother-in-law, Dean Janik, for the movie set of “Live by Night” which was filmed in Brunswick, GA in 2015. The title for my post (and for the obligatory farewell) comes from my husband……how did he come up with it, you ask? Well, that is a story for another day…..stay tuned!

Finally Spring

April 22, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 5 Comments

Despite a few colder days in Atlanta this past week and a very rainy Sunday, I think it’s safe to say it’s finally Spring. If you couldn’t tell by all of the trees and flowers blooming, the birds and critters certainly made it known by their presence.

Rummaging through the Purslane

More morsels, please

Can’t we just get along like these 2?

Strategy

Waiting for his turn

Glutten

Hey, save some for me

Curiosity

Bath time

Enjoying the trees

Happy Spring……..Enjoy your week!

Donna

The Magic Lantern – Macro Photography

April 15, 2018April 14, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 10 Comments

I’ve been experimenting with a new camera lens, Canon 35mm, f2.8 Macro. What a great lens to use with flowers, food photography and up close still life! Surprisingly, it does take a little practice to get used to a fixed focal length, understanding exactly what will/won’t be blurred in the background and how light hits your subject…….definitely a good exercise for practicing a little of each of the photography rules.

So, how is it going? Here are a few of my practice shots:

On our front porch we have three planter boxes with Geraniums so I started with these. As you can tell, the Pink Geranium really pops against the black wrought iron railing and the blurred Geraniums in the background. I was able to get really close to these buds and as you can see captured the detail of the fur and pollen on the leaves.

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I moved to the backyard and focused in (no pun intended) on the Purslane I recently planted. In the photos below, I was able to capture the detail of the star shaped pollen stem of the Purslane flower. I love how the lens captures the greens, yellow and oranges of each of the flowers.

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I think my favorite Macro shots are of the rose bud below where the lens picks up the small specs of yellow pollen. Do you see what I mean about paying attention to what gets blurred in the background? I love the composition of the full bloom being blurred compared to the closed bud in the foreground (this is actually the same bud, taken from two (2) different angles).

The above photos were shot while hand holding my camera, I can’t wait to see how photos turn out when I’m in a little more controlled environment using a tri-pod and controlled lighting.

If you’re looking to try your hand at Macro photography, check out this link to Digital Photography School 5 Tips to Better Macro Photography. This post by James Dempsey is a quick read and gives you the basics. If you don’t have a macro lens, don’t get discouraged, those I-Phones and Androids are great for Macro photography, too! There are even small attachment lenses you can purchase to help achieve great results. Here are a few sites dedicated just for camera phones: iPhone Photography School and How to Get Stunning Macro Photos With Your Mobile Phone

Do you have any tips and examples of Macro photography ? I’d love to see them in the comments section.

Happy snapping!

Donna

Spanish Moss

April 7, 2018April 7, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 11 Comments

I’m working on a couple of photography projects and have stumbled across quite a few photos which have been tucked away in the depths of my computer for a very long time. Photos, I clearly had a purpose for taking (whether it was because they simply caught my eye, or I had a special place or need).

A few of my favorites are of the tall Live Oaks of St. Simons Island with the Spanish Moss draping from the tree limbs. You can almost feel the warmth from the slivers of light beaming through the tree tops beating down on the ground below.

IMG_0803 030715 Spanish Moss of St Simons Island copyright

This photo is of a park just off Mallory Street, a few short blocks from the pier and the lighthouse.

Spanish Moss thrives in humidity, and can be found in the Southern U.S. and in extreme southern parts of Virginia (source: Wikipedia – Spanish Moss ). But, did you know Spanish Moss isn’t really a moss, but a member of the Bromeliad family? Yep, it’s actually a flowering plant which reproduces in one of two (2) ways: through “pups” just like other Bromeliads or seeds carried by the wind.

While researching its history I found a great article written by Celeste Booth: The Story Behind Spanish Moss. Her article covers everything you would ever want to know about this unique plant, even mentioning an interesting folk lore about how it’s name came from a Spanish explorer Gorez Goz. It must be a fairly popular folk lore because I ran across it on a few other sites (Florida Memory).

Credit: State Archives of Florida

Because St. Simons is covered with Live Oaks, Spanish Moss is everywhere perfectly framing and enhancing each scene as it gently sways with the breeze.

Jeep Ride on Old Demere Rd

Bagpipes at Sunset – The Lodge at Sea Island

Young Love, First Kiss Under The Oaks at The Lodge at Sea Island

There is something so magical and romantic about Spanish Moss……don’t you agree?

The Return of the Hummingbirds!

April 2, 2018August 20, 2022 / Donna Robinson Photography / 5 Comments

Late yesterday afternoon, Michael and I had decided to enjoy the beautiful weather along with watching the birds and the squirrels feed. Because there was so much backyard activity I had my camera ready (every day there seems to be a new bird or critter). I had noticed the Hummingbird Feeders were getting low, and because it had been so long since I originally filled them, I assumed the nectar was evaporating or the bees/ants were drinking it. So, I went ahead and cleaned them out and refilled them.

As luck would have it, I had just laid my camera down on the table, when Michael pointed to the newly filled feeders! There he was our first Hummingbird of the year!

I think he was glad I had refilled the feeders because he took several sips!

IMG_4656 2018 Ruby Throated Hummingbird copyrightt 040118

IMG_4652 2018 Ruby Throated Hummingbird copyright 040118

IMG_4653 2018 Hummingbird Ruby Red Throat 040118

I’ve read Hummingbirds have been known to migrate back to the same area each year. I wonder if this little guy is a repeat visitor?

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

If you were following me last year, you know how much I love these little fairies. Pic of the Week 071517- “God Winked” Thoughts: “Hummingbird, Don’t Fly Away”

Hopefully, as the weather continues to warm and the flowers bloom, the other Hummingbirds will be returning soon.

Happy Spring, everyone!

Donna

Spring Cleaning

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

I couldn’t help but to get out and enjoy the Spring like weather last weekend. Clear skies and temps knocking on the high 60’s/low 70’s made it very tempting to wander out into the yard and start the prep-work for Spring planting.

My container gardens have all been emptied of the dead annuals from last fall, withered branches from other plants have been snipped, the bird bath cleaned and filled with fresh water and the garden has been cleared (for the most part) of the weeds. With the exception of fresh bark for the garden and bright, colorful plants for my containers, we’re ready for Spring! And, yes……..I’ve even filled the Hummingbird feeders in hopes they will migrate early this year!

It was also perfect for sitting outside and watching the birds and other critters enjoying the warmer weather.

IMG_4433 030518 Cardinals and Finch copyright

A Finch and Cardinals feed together

The Red Bellied Woodpecker can’t stay away from this feeder!

A House Finch waits its turn at the feeder

And, of course the other little critters, “Mr. Chipmunk” and our “Squirrel Friends” were out scavenging for some food!

Unfortunately, as I write this post, the temps in Atlanta have dipped to the 30’s with rain expected most of this weekend……it looks like “Spring Cleaning” will be moving indoors. Fingers crossed, the low temps are short lived and we’ll be moving back outside next week.

Enjoy your weekend!

One Can Wish, Right?!?

February 11, 2018February 11, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

I’m hopeful that with this warm weather and these 2 Doves Spring is just around the corner. Who’s ready for Spring?????

More Snow!

January 17, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 7 Comments

Well, it looks like we may be in for a rough winter in Atlanta this year! This morning we woke up to our second snow of the season and our first of 2018! They aren’t expecting it to get above 27, today, but they’re calling for a high of 62 this weekend. We have a saying, “if you don’t like Atlanta’s weather, just wait a few days and it will change.”

In the meantime, it’s a “work from home day” so I’m taking advantage of the photo ops as best I can………Enjoy!

2018 – Bring It On!

January 1, 2018December 31, 2017 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

2018 has arrived and like every other year, thoughts of new beginnings, fresh starts and simply put a clean slate are running around in my head. Thoughts of what I’d like to adjust and accomplish this year are also there with the usual goals at the top of the list: eat better, get more exercise, travel more, take more photos, write more posts, etc.. I’m filled with excitement for what the new year has to offer, despite the unknown that may be waiting around the corner.

But, if I had to sum things up into a few thoughts/goals for 2018 they would probably look like the following quotes I found on “Pinterest” (the first one I borrowed from my husband):

Hopefully, if I keep true to these throughout 2018, the other “goals” will all fall into place. What are your thoughts/goals for 2018?

Happy New Year, everyone!

Donna

Thoughts: “I’ll Take The “Other White Stuff”

December 12, 2017 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

I really don’t remember the last time we had this much snow in December. Yes, we had snow in December, and even on Christmas Day but by the standards of the mid-westerners it was nothing more than a dusting. If you have ever lived in Atlanta during the snow (or ice as we mostly get) you know all too well that 7 – 10 inches is a rare occurrence for us!

And, because it is so rare the weather forecasters’ predictions were a little off (we were only suppose to get “flurries.”) By 3 p.m. last Friday we already had about 2 inches and the snow was coming down fast. It didn’t take long for me to pull the camera out!

By Saturday morning, there was the most beautiful blanket of snow covering everything in site!

You would think we were in the mid-west with all of this snow!

IMG_3791 120817 Atlanta Snow Sansanqua Cameila copyright

A Sansanqua Camellia bud peaks through the snow!

Look at all the snow covering up the pansies!

Fortunately, the roads weren’t too bad and we were able to venture out later in the morning. The photo below was taken as we crossed the Chattahoochee River. I just love how the birds are lined up on the power lines as if to keep them safe from the freezing water.

The sun has been out the last couple of days, the temperature is beginning to rise and the snow is melting away. Our little Winter Wonderland was nice while it lasted, but I think I’m ready for the “other white stuff……….” a nice sandy beach and a warm ocean next to it!