Taking Time

Like Nathan, I found myself wondering where all the sunsets were.  I actually hoped (a little) for some dirty air so the atmospheric conditions would permit for a show stopper sunset.  The conditions here have been unusually mild with the air squeaky clean.  So, here is what I came up with:

I don't usually title my photographs, but the title of this one came to me as soon as the shutter opened and closed.  This is called "reaching".  This one is a sunrise and the rest of that day seemed to be a continuation of the photo.  Calm, clean, not so dramatic, but full of promise.

I know better than to challenge two talented artists to a duel, but I joined this contest because it opened my eyes. I looked forward to the sunset every day and I slept through fewer sunrises.  I'm already excited for next month!

Afterthought

I snapped this one as I looked to the south after playing in the thistles.  I upped the shadows for contrast which really emphasized the pink better.

Where did all the sunsets go?

This one I made an attempt to leave work early so I could actually catch a sunset.  I loaded the kids in the car and drove around trying to find a good spot... everything was blocked by some sort of residential ugliness.  I was starting to get frustrated that I would miss the sunset entirely.  So in desperation, I pulled off to the side of the road at a cool looking old tree.  Near the tree were some dried out old thistles (yes, my dad's favorite swear word) and captured a cool shot.  Kye got out of the car while I was trying to get the shots so he could pee off the side of the road, much to the panic or amusement of the cars passing by.  I actually had someone stop to see if everything was ok.

January Sunset

This is the first shot I did all month.  It was a desperate attempt to catch a sunset before it was gone.  I had just returned home from work and quickly ran outside down the street to try to get anything.  Unfortunately, in my rush, I had the aperture speed too slow and it is a bit unfocused.  I tried to recreate it later, but the colors weren't ever as good.  Lesson learned... take the time to check settings when you are in a rush.

Sunset from Lindsey's Window

I set up the camera for this one at Lindsey's bedroom window because I didn't expect much of a sunset. Boy was I surprised by this treat. I shot several pictures as this sunset developed and this is the best of the bunch. Again, unretouched.

                                This pampa grass against this amazing water-color sky blew me away.

January Sunrise-Sunsets

Great idea for a photo contest, Nathan. As you said in your preview to this blog, your invitation to me did get me out learning my new camera as I shot pictures for this contest. Thanks for the inspiration! For this first shot, I set up my camera before sunrise in a cowpasture behind and to the east of Hilliers back yard. This photo is totally unretouched.

January is Sunrise/Sunset

My dad received a new camera for Christmas and was a bit dubious that he could handle how fancy it was.  Having one myself, and knowing that my dad is far better at figuring things out than he probably gives himself credit for, I challenged him to a photo contest to push ourselves to get out and take more pictures.  Part of it was for me, because I really have to give myself assignments if I am every going to do any artwork.  The other part is for my dad, because he is one of those naturally talented artists that needs to realize it more for himself.  So we worked together to create a category for each month of the year to push ourselves to expand our horizons and creativity. Being as it is a contest, Suzie couldn't bear to not be a part of it, so she joined the fray. The assignment for January is Sunrise/Sunset.  The challenge... well, for me it is not being at work for either of those times, which has proved to be a worthy foe.  The other is doing a better job of having a camera around.  At the end of the month the deadline will be over and we will each submit our photos.  Be excited!  Be VERY excited!