I find it most satisfying to pull out the digital information within an image to improve its impact or simply bring it to look as I envisioned when I took the shot. – John Steiner

John’s quote and his inspiring challenge, Before and After, had me thinking about my commitment to photography and/or editing. I would like to think that image he speaks of will miraculously appear on my computer screen too.

When it doesn’t it…well you know the rest.

The bottom line is your performance is often made in the editing room – Brent Sexton

Editing photos can refine images, and direct your viewers’ eye. There are a myriad of possibilities to accomplish the task. The results, more often than not, reflect style, and personality. I probably crop everything and I often use the rule-of-thirds to balance my images, but playing with light, and encouraging leading lines are also synonymous with my photography. Most of my edits feel subtle. I like it that way. In fact, the feature image was simply cropped to fit in the window.

Yesterday, I was on a day-date with myself. It is wildflower season in the desert and I hadn’t had a chance to go to the lakes or familiar meadows. Maybe that was the good thing. I am still smiling to think the mama Great Horned Owl saw me before I saw her. No owlets...yet, but I had fun, at a distance, with her and the exorcist-style movement of her head. I am thinking she enjoyed the entertainment as much as I did.

Wildflowers?

When Arizona’s bloom doesn’t correspond with my schedule, I venture to an undeveloped lot closer to my home. It has served me well. There is a large company to the south, a major highway to west, and a car wash north. Ironically, there is such a calm in the chaos around me, and the stop sign feels most symbolic.

Yes. Stop. Let the flowers be your guide.

Especially when it come to serendipity. There ARE times to leave well enough alone.

Wind Kisses, Donna

What a great week to let your creativity soar!