Stand by.

We all have photos we love, don’t we? That is easy, but have you ever thought about what is it that makes those same photos good?

Personally, I keep a mental note of what I want the end result of a photo to look like. Sometimes an image stands alone. Other times, post processing helps. Thankfully, there are many elements in photography that come together to constitute a good image and guide me. Some of these elements include, but are not limited to: framing, rule of thirds, lighting, leading lines, shapes, textures, patterns, and colors.

A photo from a seaside park in New Hampshire comes to mind. The sculpture felt like a new toy to play with and it took me a few minutes to find the angle I wanted. I remember thinking how I would love to return at sunrise, or capture a lobster boat in the photo as well. I chose this as a favorite because of its simplicity, ease in framing, and implementation of the rule of thirds.

The quaint and colorful streets of Quebec were a nice surprise. Here it was the lighting that attracted my attention, but do you also notice the leading lines in the alley?

I found by using part of the whole, the photo of the ferris wheel in Montreal was more engaging. Converting the photo to monochrome brought out patterns and detail that might easily be lost in a color photo. I think you will agree.

Jackson Lake in the Grand Tetons is famous for its awe-inspiring views. Always. On this particular day, I enjoyed chasing reflections in more ways than one. And realized perspective is relative to where you are standing…or in this case sitting.

Do you also notice the subliminal lines all leading to the kayaker?

And gosh, I can’t participate in this challenge without sharing a couple photos from Yellowstone. Our two years living/working in the park was a favorite chapter of our life together. Our wardrobe was simple and the camera was like an article of clothing. To pick even a hundred photos here is difficult.

I am catapulted back to the time my husband ran across Porcupine the Grizzly with the camera in tow. He returned, quite proud of his 1000 + photos.

Meanwhile, I want to remember the colors, textures, sounds, and the ambiance of a place we called home.

The moment we discovered a flock of mountain bluebirds is also etched in my mind. And I guess I could tell you to pay attention to the frame and texture of the branches. I guess you might notice the brilliant blue, the shapes, and the leading lines.

But everything else aside, isn’t it just a sweet photo?

These days, we spend a lot more time in our Jeep looking for out-of-the-way places to explore. Moab is on our favorites list. The evening sky, clouds and shadows, highlight the hillsides creating an out-of-this world experience. Every photo wants to make the cut here, but today enjoy, Fins and Things.

And wasn’t it nice of this biker to land inside this frame for me?

The camera, such an instrumental piece of our life’s story, but truth be told…home is where we hang our heart.

Wind Kisses, Donna

hmmm, sometimes it is fun to step inside our box and to be honest with ourselves. The benefit of this challenge, Tell Us More, is to gain the ability to critique our own work, and to have a better understanding of who we are as a photographer.