From the Fields of Vision...Photography Spring 2014/1

From the Fields of Vision...Photography

Spring 2014/1

April 28, 2014

The coldest winds of the year are behind us now.  As April winds down, spring strives to show itself.  Armed with my camera I have taken aim at those things that caught my eye.  So here you will find but a few of my conquests.  I hope you find these images pleasing.

 

 


 

These tiny Grecian Windflowers are among the first to bloom each spring. 

 I had watched -- not at all patiently for their arrival -- fearful they had not endured the winter.

Pleased when at last they pushed through and blessed me once again with their beauty.  

 

 

 

 

Morning's light allowed me to photograph this pair of geese. 

The ducks that shared this pond were not as bold.

The Buffleheads moved further making them too small an image in my viewfinder.

But these Canada Geese stood their ground.

 

 

 

 

How many times have I attempted to "shoot the moon" with variable success.

I felt satisfied at this shot -- oh, it's far from perfect...but...

 

A cold and clear night gave me a moon I just couldn't ignore.

 

 

New leaves are so -- so green. 

The buds of many trees have yet to open, but with each day's passing more leaves emerge.

Few things speak more of spring than the newest of new leaves.

 

 

 

 

 

I am uncertain why my neighbor has these old hay hooks hang at the front of his barn.

Few remember using these monsters to load the mow of years past.

In my youth I aided my father when we used similar mechanisms to haul small round bales from the wagon into the dark space where they remained until fed.

 

Look closely and you will notice that the rope used for these hooks is gone.

Instead the pulley and trip mechanism are chained to the trolley...hmm...interesting...

 

 

 

 

 

Our neighbor has a pasture behind our home.

Five horses roam the grassy space quite pleased to drive our dog Cloey crazy.

 

 

 

 

 Photographing Daffodils has always challenged me.

Managing the exposure, a difficult balance needed to make the color "pop" while holding detail.

I will not say that I suddenly gained a greater talent -- but rather this camera meters better.

That and software that helps tone down the brightest petals and bring out the flower's heart.

  

 

 

 

 I suspect my neighbor had great expectations for this Farmall F-20.

I recall the brightly painted monster passing by the farm on its arrival years ago.

Now it remains surrounded by briars, slowly fading from existence.

 

 

 

 
 

Sunday afternoon we went for a walk in the woods...I had plans.

You see there is only a short time when these "lovelies" grace the wood's floor.

And even so, the color fades to white in a matter of days.

Fortunately the sun came through and offered the light I covet.

The maple leaf, bottom center, will give you an idea just how small these flowers are.

 
 
 

 

I close this set with of all things the end of a neighbor's barn.

I chose this image because of one particular feature.

Look closely and you will see an English Sparrow sunning himself on the beam near the door's top.

 

It is my hope that you too will find a special place to enjoy this very special time.

Breathe the air -- feel the sun -- spring has come!