PeacemakersArt Nature Photography

This is my first year living in Colorado and my first experience with spring.  The weather is very interesting as it can be 80 degrees one day and snow the next day.  So, I offer this unusual photograph which depicts nature and photography as both unique and extraordinary.  So, what do you think?  Could this nature photography art be a new fine art print offering in the New Images gallery of my website PeacemakersArt.com?

Today I received an email from one of my former students who is now in college. She was a member of my community service program in both middle school and high school. I was filled with emotion as I read her email. She not only conveyed her love and pride of family but also her love for humanity which continues into her adult life. I am so proud of her and for her personal contribution to my life. She reminds me to look for blessings each day and to express gratitude for the opportunity to live my life with freedom.

“The other day I was talking to my mom and she told me a story about how my dad showed an act of kindness and I thought I would share it with you because I know that you would appreciate it. My dad went out to lunch with his friend the other day, and while they were out at lunch a Soldier in his uniform (who my dad thinks just got back from war, because he was with his wife and baby and were all lovey dovey) went out to lunch. My dad ate his lunch with his friend and then told the waiter that he wanted to pay for the soldier and his wife’s lunch. So he paid for their lunch and then left. I thought that, even so simple, that it was a great act of kindness to show that he appreciates what the soldier does for our country.

Community service and helping out is still a huge part of my life. Down here in Maryland, I have been trying to find things to do in which I can help out. I plan on volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house and I’m not sure what else yet. But its something I plan to get involved with when things aren’t so crazy with school.”

Here in another photograph that highlights great composition. Notice the opposing triangles with the placement of the land and water. This is a great photograph and was taken at Katmai National Preserve in Alaska as the bears were searching and fishing for salmon. You will find this fine art print in the “New Images” section of my nature photography gallery located in my website www.PeacemakersArt.com for your pleasure. Enjoy!

Ok. So what does a clothesline have to do with nature photography? Well, recently, I was reminded of “good composition” by a photograph taken by a high school student on her cell phone. It was seemingly an ordinary photograph of a pair of sneakers, however, the composition was extraordinary. It reminded me of a recent photograph that I had taken of the above clothesline. I think that it has great elements of good composition and it is a good example of intentional depth of field. Here is why I like the “nature” of this clothesline art: it has the shape of triangle in the open space between the sheets at the bottom of the print; the sheets have nice textures, shapes and creases; the angles of the clothespins provide good composition. Also, this is a wonderful example of intentional depth of field. The background is intentionally blurred (F 5.6) which gives a “hint” of additional clothes blowing in the wind. I also used a fast shutter speed which allowed me to “stop the action” of the sheets blowing in the wind at a beautiful shape and angle. Of course, the wind was my friend in this photograph. So, I acknowledge the wind for creating this fine art print and for creating nature photography in unique and varied ways. However, I must also acknowledge the young high school student who reminded me that composition is the most important element of a good fine art print. Enjoy! I hope that this inspires you to look at ordinary images in a new and unique way.