Which one???



Window 1




Window 2



Window 3

 So which on do you like better?  In my Photoshop Elements 8 it shows you how to do some HDR, but I know there are far better software out there to get and I will, but until then I thought I'd try Elements 8 to see what it had to offer.  2 of these photos are an attempt at HDR and the 3rd isn't.  Which one do you like and does it have any resemblance to HDR?  I can take criticism very well so let me have it.  Just know that when I do get the right software I will be off and running!  In the mean time I am playing around with the concept.  Your input is appreciated.

Weeping Branch



Weeping Branch

 I am really enjoying this photo.  It almost has a painterly quality to it.  I was going through some old photos and came across this one and I worked it in photoshop alittle adding some contrast, then added Flypaper Textures and this is the end result.  The flypaper textures I used were..beowulf overlay, muscatel soft light, peach blush soft light and fly 18 multiply.
What are your thoughts on this photo?  Check my website for the companion piece.

Friend or Foe



Gray Squirrel

 This is my favorite Gray Squirrel photo.  Some people love them some people not so much.  A lot of people have stories about the evasion of Gray Squirrels on the bird feeders.  I have heard many stories about the infamous Gray Squirrel.  Some people want to destroy them, but most don't.  They very smart and for me fun to watch.  Unfortunately I have no Oak Trees on my property or near by so I rarely see them.  Instead I see and hear the nasty Brown Squirrel who has a mean temper and will chase you away.  Example I was out photographing the field near my house and notice these 2 Brown Squirrels chasing each other.  I position my self to photograph the one who climbed into the tree and within seconds I heard rustling in the grass in front of me and about 10 feet away was the other Brown Squirrel ready to chase me away and away I went, but not without a few photos.  Now on the flip side of that story is the Gray Squirrel who nicely posed for me on a picnic table at a campsite in Florida.  Now who is the more photographic squirrel?



Brown Squirrel



At Attention Soldier

This one of my favorite bug photos.  While I was out photographing my Azaleas in the Spring I came across this Soldier Beetle.  So I started photographing him and then I realized he might be dead, so I tapped lightly on the flower petals and "At Attention" he came.  In my opinion there is nothing good about photographing a dead beetle in a beautiful Azalea.  So I was very thankful he came around.  I guess it was too early in the morning and he hadn't warmed up yet.  I absolutely love this photo.  The colors are rich and bright and the Soldier Beetle looks great too!



At Attention
Soldier Beetle



It's March!!!!!

The sun is out, I hear the constant dripping of melting snow coming off the roof and the temperatures may get into the lower 40's.  Yeah Spring is on the way and my day is getting better and better all the time!  A couple of photos that remind me of Spring and what I can look forward to.



Fledgling Sparrow

I have a pair of Sparrows who have been nesting in my barberry shrubs for the past several years and this photo is one of their fledglings.  There has been a group of Sparrows hanging around the bird feeder all winter and I wonder if it's the whole family.

Siberian Iris

These are some Siberian Irises that I grow in my garden I also have them in purple.  Looking forward to seeing them in the spring.

I almost feel like singing , but I don't want to spoil the mood.

The past few days I have been going through my photos and inventory getting ready for shows which will be here before I know it!  I have an aweful bad habit of waiting until the last minute.  But I always get the job done and ready to go!

This weekend if I get my paper in time I am going to be having me a hand coloring party.  I like the textured black and white hand colored, but I think I am going to hand color them without the textures to see how I like it.

Well the Cookie business will be kicking off as soon as May 1st.  Yicks!  Still waiting to hear from the Brewer Farmers Market.  Hopefully soon.

I am getting so anxious and excited about getting this season under way!