Project 365 – Day 98
Dandelion
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/210 sec @ f/2.8, ISO800
… a photographic journal
Dogwoods and Redbuds
Project 365 – Day 97
The quintessential sign of spring for me is the arrival of blooming dogwood and redbud trees. These are indigenous to much of the south, and the Tennessee countryside where I grew was full of them. I cannot remember a spring when they were not both prevalent and hearty. Once they start to bloom, they go “full tilt” within a couple of days. The dogwoods show like light in a mostly dark, dead forest as it awakens from winter’s grip. Many varieties of trees and flowers have been blooming here for the past 3-4 weeks, but I’ve noticed an explosion of these two favorites the last couple of days. Spring has sprung!
Spring in the Park
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/125 @ f/5.6, ISO1250
Spring Continues to Deliver
Project 365 – Day 96
Vine on Mailbox
Fuji X-T1, 35mm f/1.4, 1/160 @ f/5.6, ISO400
Easter
Project 365 – Day 95
Easter means many things all at once, the resurrection being the most important, of course. But it also represents springtime with tulips in bloom, azaleas starting to peek their way through, and a blanket of pollen ushering in April.
Easter Tulips
Fuji X-T1, 35mm f/1.4, 1/1400 sec @ f/1.8, ISO200
Singled Out
Project 365 – Day 94
The High Museum of Art has quickly become a favorite. I can hardly believe it took me years to get around to visiting, but now Kathy and I try to make it every couple of months. The exhibits are totally fascinating and incredibly well done. And the architecture alone is inspiring. The Coca-Cola exhibit was a main draw for us this time around, Kathy being the connoisseur that she is. We also saw a riveting Gordon Parks photo gallery from the deep south during segregation. His photos were less about rallies and protests, and more about everyday life in rural Alabama. Poverty was very prevalent.
On this Saturday, we beat the crowds which gave me an opportunity to single out a few onlookers.
High Museum – Man in Distance
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO2500
High Museum – Down She Goes
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/320 sec @ f/4.0, ISO200
High Museum – Coca-Cola Admirer
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/125 sec @ f/4.0, ISO2500
High Museum in Spring
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/1000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO200
Firsts
Project 365 – Day 93
Don’t you love it when a child experiences something new and exciting for the first time? Like today – Syd’s first go down a real slide? Or her first cup of ice cream (also today, but she was perched in my lap 🙂 )? At this age, almost every day is a brand new adventure, full of learning and exploring. God has blessed us with being a part of it all, almost each and every day. It’s a renewal and a dose of perspective for me. It helps remind me of what’s truly important and joyful.
Syd takes her first slide
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/500 sec @ f/5.6, ISO400
Mugs on Milton
Project 365 – Day 92
My son-in-law, Dale, and I had a relaxing lunch today at a newly found coffee shop (new to us, that is). Dale gets the credit for finding Mugs and having “test driven” it once before. Great atmosphere, quaint, low-key, great coffee, and great food. And even better company!! Thanks Dale!
Cappuccino and Cookie
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/45 sec @ f/5.6, ISO3200
Spring – on the Fence
Project 365 – Day 91
Flower Covered Fence
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/20 sec @ f/5.6, ISO3200
The El Felix
Project 365 – Day 90
The El Felix
Cyclists
Project 365 – Day 89
Cycling and hiking are two of my favorite workouts of choice, so I was excited to come across this cycling group today. This image is very deceiving. Though not apparent, these gents were clipping along around 18-20 mph. Capturing critical focus and freezing motion was not easy in back-lit conditions. I only had 2 opportunities to catch a good shot because of traffic and limited places to pull my car off the road.
The last rider in the group (not seen here) is one of the designated group leaders. He brings up the rear and ensures nobody is left behind. It was with him that I experienced a situation I’ve never come across in my many years of photography. He stopped (unusual in itself for a cyclist), and asked what I was doing. When I told him I was photographing for my own pleasure, he continued to question “why” with a real attitude. Being a cyclist myself, I can understand the strange nature of someone stopping a couple of times to photograph the group. But it’s beyond me why he was intent on not taking my explanation at face value, and he even went so far as to photograph my license plate. What? Are you kidding? It ticked me off. The more I think about it, I’m not completely sure why. I’m not easily angered by such nonsense. Maybe it was because I was on edge already from a very tough day. Maybe I felt he was questioning my trust or honesty. Or maybe it was just the condescending manner in which he approached and continued to press me.
Whatever the case, it was a reminder to “ride on”. Some days bring tougher rides than others. Lots of hills. Headwinds. Fatigue from prior days. Bike problems. Heavy humidity. But each and every one of these will make you stronger if you keep them in proper perspective and push through.
Cyclists
Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/500 sec @ f/5.6, ISO400
Signs of Spring
Project 365 – Day 88
Today was a beautiful day. There was a chill in the air from a cold front, but the blue skies and blooming flowers reminded me that spring is almost here to stick around.
We have a beautiful park, amphitheater, and store front area by the city hall. This afternoon I spent a half hour or so walking around, relaxing, and looking for my daily project photo. This was my favorite perspective, and I just love how the late afternoon sun lit up the trees and city hall for me. The vibrancy and warmth against the blue sky help make this photo, in my opinion. At the same time, I really dig black and white architectural photographs. Naturally, I had to give this one a try. I’m torn between the two: On one hand, the color photo speaks “spring” to me through the blooms and the warm light, while the strong contrast of the black and white version has its own powerful appeal. Which do you prefer?
Spring Afternoon @ Suwanee Town Center
Spring Afternoon @ Suwanee Town Center (B&W)
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/340 sec @ f/11.0, ISO800
Looming Shadows
Project 365 – Day 87
“Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small.” ~ Ruth Gendler
The Other Side
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/125 sec @ f/4.0, ISO2000