nature

Lens-Artist Challenge #295 – Rock Your World

/ Donna Robinson Photography / 8 Comments

Donna, from Windkiss has brought us back down to earth (so to speak) with a challenge that gives a nod to Earth Day and all things “rocks.” You can read her full challenge here.

So, let’s get started. No matter where you turn rocks play an important role on this planet.

They lead us through tunnels to find the light at the end.

Located in Galax, VA is the New River Trail which is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad tracks (part of the “rails to trails” system). The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The photo below is one of two tunnels located on the trail.

New River Tunnel – Galax, VA

They can be a fortress offering protection from society.

This is as close as I have ever come to Alcatraz. Having seen movies and documentaries about “The Rock” it looks like a great place for photo ops. Perhaps one day I’ll make it back out there.

Alcatraz Prison – San Fransico, CA

They can be great tourist attractions.

If you look just beyond the tallest skyscraper, you’ll see a HUGE mountain (also called “The Rock”). It’s actually granite and is documented to have been formed 300 million (yes million) years ago. Stone Mountain, as it (and the surrounding town) is named, is located just east of Atlanta. You can climb to the top of the, take a train ride around the base of it and so much more. Interestingly, I took this photo when we lived in a condo where we had panoramic views of Atlanta.

Stone Mountain, Georgia at Sunset

They provide firm foundations for those wonderful lighthouses providing a watch-light for boaters on dark and stormy nights.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is located in Pescadero, CA. I’ve shared before that many years ago Michael and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco (Christmas Day – New Year’s Day). We had no map, no plans and no place to be. Literally, we made no hotel reservations. I share a little bit about that trip in an earlier post Lens-Artist Challenge #215 . A fun adventure indeed, with some good and not so good hotel choices.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse – Pescadero, CA

They offer a resting place for mother nature.

Downtown Greenville, SC has gone through a revitalization over the years and one of the many great qualities is how they have incorporated Reedy Creek into the landscape, meandering along the sidewalks and spectacular walking trails.

Reedy Creek – Greenville, SC

They can cause the rise and fall of tides here on earth.

Ok, so while not of planet earth, per se, we can’t forget about that big rock up in the sky that affects our lives in so many ways down here! I guess you could say it’s the “ying” to earth’s “yang.”😉

Thank you, Donna, for making us stop and appreciate our planet earth! It was a fun to stop and think about all this big round ball has to offer to us.

For those of you who are interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge click here. Next week it’s Ritva’s turn to lead us through another fun filled challenge. Be sure to see what she has in store for us at noon EST this Saturday.

Until next time,

~donna

Backyard Fun with the Macro Lens

/ Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

In an effort to get in some “photo-therapy” I decided to pull out my macro lens and wander around our backyard for inspiration. It’s Fall here in Atlanta so there’s not too much blooming. But, nonetheless, there is ALWAYS something to photograph in a backyard.

Take for instance, the faded blooms off a hydrangea bush. They are truly beautiful in their own way.

And you certainly can’t deny the beauty of this pink rose. This is the only rose bush that has performed well for us this year.

And Mother Nature gave me a bonus while shooting the pink rose. This little fella decided to get into the picture, too!

I enjoyed getting back out with the Macro lens and also working with the images in Photoshop Elements to enhance their colors and bring out their features.

The fall colors are beautiful and are falling rapidly. So, who knows, I may just have to get back out there for a little more “photo-therapy.” Stay tuned!

Until next time,

~donna

Cell Pick Sunday – Blue Heron

/ Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

The area of Atlanta, GA we live in is surrounded by several county, state and federal parks and it’s not unusual to see a Blue Heron or two (2) circling above the river or fishing in a feeder stream. Last week on our Sunday walk, this fella flew over us and landed on the stream below the bridge we were standing on. He was so still but looked as though he was getting ready to take flight. Fortunately, I was able to snap a quick photo with my cell phone.

What I like about this image is how the water, rocks, leaves and branches all seem to perfectly frame him. Since I used my Android phone, I did have to make a few adjustments in Photoshop Elements to bring out the colors and details of the Fall leaves. Still, it turned out to be a decent image (just don’t zoom in too closely 😉).

Until next time,

~donna

Fall is in the Air

/ Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

The Fall colors really peaked in Atlanta last weekend. They were spectacular! All the reds, yellows and oranges were all aglow. With it also being the perfect Fall weather (albeit a little overcast), I decided to go on a little photography excursion and get a good walk in at the same time. So, I laced up my walking shoes, grabbed my camera bag and headed over to the Chattahoochee National Park.

I’ve shared photos of previous Fall walks at this park before, so I tried to capture a few different perspectives along with doing a little magic in Photoshop to add some pop to a couple of images.

The Canadian Geese have arrived and settled in on the river. Well, to be honest they never really left, it just seems like a few more have joined the pack this year.

The path in the park is very wide and is approximately 3.2 miles all the way around. On the weekends runners, walkers and bikers come from near and far to enjoy the scenery. But when I was there it wasn’t very crowded and at times it was like having the entire park to myself.

As I rounded the back side of the path, I was surprised to see this little guy still gathering nectar off these tiny daisies.

There are several trails that branch off the main path. Some connect to other parks; others just make a big circle back to the main path. I’m not sure how long this particular trail (below) is and what it connects to, but I just loved how it draws your eye through the canopy of trees. I also had a little fun in photoshop with this one applying an “Orton Effect.” If you’re unfamiliar with this effect, it’s designed to give your photos a little “dreamy” feel. What do you think?

Here is another image that I added the “Orton Effect.” This tree really caught my eye!

Back home this Maple made its debut, but it was short lived after an evening rain/wind managed to blow most of the leaves off.

But, hey I can’t complain about the colorful “carpet” of leaves it left behind.

“Autumn embraces change, even as she is falling to pieces.”

~Angie Weiland-Crosby

“It’s the Sweet, Simple Things…..”

/ Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

I couldn’t agree more. Don’t stress over the complicated things in life. Keep it sweet and simple.

Are you treasuring the sweet and simple things in life?

~donna

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Bird Watcher or Watcher of Birds?

/ Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

I’m not a “bird watcher” per se. I don’t run around in the park chasing birds with binoculars in tow, stretching my neck around trying to catch a glimpse of that unique, rare species which can only be found in the wetlands of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Actually, I find myself a little perplexed when I see the bird watchers because all they seem to be doing is looking, pointing and scribbling notes but not taking any photos of what they see. But, hey. I’m sure I look a little goofy at times running around with my camera gear hanging off my shoulders, squatting or standing on a ledge to get just that right perspective for the shot.

Having said all of this I do like to sit in our backyard and watch the birds………with my glass of wine and camera armed and ready. It’s something Michael and I enjoy during the warmer evenings of the year. And, if I’m honest with myself these “bird watching” sessions have provided some wonderful photo ops like these from the other evening:

It’s both relaxing and challenging at the same time. I’m always perched on the edge of my chair, constantly checking my camera settings with the ever-changing bird activity and lighting.

So, I guess you could say I fall into the “bird watching” category. Maybe it’s time I brushed up on the different bird species in the area and join up with a bird watching group. Nah, I’ll just hang out with our backyard wildlife.

So, what about you? Are you a “bird watcher” or “watcher of birds?”

Until next time,

~donna

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Bee & Pink Rhododendron, Blank, Notecard Set

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I don’t know about you, but I have a bad case of Spring Fever (literally and figuratively) when I look at this photo. It was a lucky shot in more ways than one. Lucky, I caught the bumble bee approaching the bloom and lucky I didn’t get stung in the process!

The story behind this flower? It’s part of two HUGE rhododendron bushes my father transplanted from a friend’s home in Mt. Mitchell, NC. Some 40+ years later these bushes/shrubs/trees are still thriving in his backyard.

I took this particular photo last season after spending about 10 – 15 minutes chasing the bumble bee around, snapping photo after photo until I thought I might have the right shot! Once I looked over the photos, I knew this needed to be on a notecard!

Each notecard set includes 8 notecards/envelopes and are packaged in a cream colored, organza, drawstring gift bag.

Keep for yourself or give as a gift, this notecard set will brighten anyone’s day!

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