Breathe In Breathe Out

In contrast to my last post (Signs), I thought a gallery of very calm and peaceful photographs would be a nice juxtaposition. Thinking positive and calm thoughts~~~ *sigh*. Peace be upon you.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure! (Part II)

I guess it seems like everyday is an adventure when you are a bird. Here is a crow diving down oblivious to the linear beauty behind him. Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure!

Some geese on their own adventure~ This week’s interpretation of The Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure! was taken last March, 2014, in Worthington, Ohio, looking up in the sky.

In Flight Meal

The seagulls are so fun to watch as the fly erratically through the air biting at the mayflies.

Tranquil Evening

First evening on Beaver Island, MI. My kids don’t think the water is chilly at all. All photos taken with my phone.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Contrast

I took this the other night, and it is my choice for the weekly photo challenge! I love the edge that glows along the cloud after the sun goes right behind it. If you look really hard, there is a bird flying in the sky.

Not So Usual Sightings

Here is a group of photos that have a couple of things in common, even though at first sight they probably look rather diverse. Obviously they are all taken by me, but they all contain things that are not seen as often as would be nice! They are also all from the last few days. I hope you enjoy the double rainbow, monarch butterfly (in my garden on my milkweed, yea!) a heart-shaped cloud that is in shadow, and a green heron. If you look you might be surprised at what you see!

The Cheese Stands Alone

accepted: Digital photo 16×24 ©2014 Christie Thomas

This was the only piece accepted at this year’s Ohio State Fair. I am super glad that I got this in, but I was very disappointed that my butterfly print collage didn’t make it. I was joking with a friend that perhaps it wasn’t “dark” enough, and perhaps if the butterflies were bloody the judge might have liked it better. So, after I went through the stages of rejection: disbelief, sadness, confusion, & self doubt, I made it to humor. Then I took it to the frame shop and treated myself to a super kick-ass frame with non reflective glass and everything! Take that fair judge! 😉

rejected at the fair… 20×30 hand cut linoleum block printed butterflies, chine-colle, watercolor, metallic pigment, watercolor board, rice paper, origami paper, watercolor paper May 2014 ©Christie Thomas

Weekly Photo Challenge: On the Move

I love birds! Trying to photograph them in the wild is not an easy task. So I made my photos “artsy”, as in, “I meant to do that”. 😉 The swallows in particular are so damn fast you can barely follow them with your face. Notice the beautiful and graceful vulture. He coasts a bit, and came really close to me. I am glad one shot is kind of in focus. The trick (I learned in a nature photography class) is using a flash. Not a fast shutter speed. You really need a flash to have a sharp bird photo. Now, if they would only pose for me…. Here birdy birdy.

The Duck Has Landed

Thanks to my new friend Les Houser (who is a bird genius, has a wonderful blog about birding with great photos, and has a duck genius friend) I know what my mystery duck is: A Lesser Scaup!!! I am so excited! They are in Ohio during migration and possibly part of the winter in spots. A beautiful duck is the lesser scaup and I hope to get to see more of them! Thanks to everyone for the help! And especially to Les and his friend! Thank you!

Sorry I can’t give credit to the photo, it was in Google images under the site of The NRDC, but when I click on their site I don’t see the photo. But that’s from whence it came. So whoever took it, ©by you and good job!