WARNING…for those of you who do not enjoy digital manipulation of photographs, please take the week off from my posts, but also be aware that I use my own photos in all my work, and they are not AI generated. Yes, I do use software to edit them and to alter pixels to suit my mood.
So with that said…Taking Flight was one of my first attempts at digital manipulation and although I’ve created many since, it’s still one of my favorites.
I photographed the image here in Sequim along 3-Crabs Road, printed it, and also exhibited it here in Sequim by invitation at City Hall.
I hope you enjoy it and that you’ll look forward to seeing more in the coming week!
So if you’re hoping that our spring winds will calm anytime soon, be aware that not everyone feels the same.
When the wind does kick up, which I’d say happens quite often, some Sequim residents, e.g., kite and sailboarders, are not only happy, but ecstatic! And as I witnessed on this particular day, it was not only very windy, but very cold, especially at Cline Spit, where I photographed this surfer.
And although I attempt to get names and contact information for anyone I photograph, I was remiss in doing so this time…since I ran back to my car to get WARM!
So if you happen to know his name, please say so in the comments and I’ll attempt to track him down, that is if he hasn’t blown away.
Although I went to Florida to photograph sandhill cranes, and many other birds as well, I could also stay home and photograph them in eastern Washington during the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival, or across the border in Langley, British Colombia at Reifel Bird Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is where I saw and photographed this particular one and it’s one of my go-to spots to photograph eagles, herons, harriers and many others.
Sandhill cranes are larger than our local Great Blue Herons but even so, they can easily be mistaken for herons, as one was when it was photographed in Sequim a few years ago.
Personally, haven’t seen them locally, but the one photographed appeared to be an orphan that was wise enough to connect with another species in order to survive…sort of a foster child, I suppose. So if you think birds are bird-brained, think again!
Rarely do I venture out to photograph after dark, but I make exceptions while vacationing and seeing things in a different light.
And this particular night was Christmas Eve, spent in St. Augustine, Florida several years ago, when just about everyone is outdoors shooting pictures of the moon while waiting for Santa to fly by with Rudolf leading the way (not!).
But to my disappointment, Santa didn’t show, which didn’t make me question whether he really exists, but only if Rudolf had made a wrong turn and delivered my new lens to someone else on the planet!
P.S. I know my Santa ordered it since I found the Amazon receipt!
I applied my collection of digital paintbrushes to this image in an effort to soften the effects of the harsh background I found it in, and so doing, my enjoyment of it increased exponentially. I hope you enjoy it as well.
And be sure to stop by the garden, a local gem, and a wonderful spot to find flora and fauna as well as Master Gardeners with a vast knowledge of everything you need to know to succeed in growing your own.
While out photographing with a friend, we happened to pass by a farmhouse on Woodcock Road with not only a beautiful mare nearby, but a very young colt nursing.
And, because I’m a member of a digital artistry group, with an assignment to focus on “shoes that tell a story,” I challenged myself to put the photo I captured together with three of my others to create a composite – and this is the result.
Feedback is encouraged, so please let me know if you enjoy seeing this type of work, and if not, what you do enjoy seeing. I’m attempting to touch on all the aspects of life here in Sequim, and to share some of my travel images as well, but if I can improve on content – feel free let me know, and please be honest.
Lucy Feeds One of her Chicks on Marine Drive, Sequim
I’m stretching out Mother’s Day a bit since one never knows when they’ll be fortunate enough to grab a photo of our local bald eagles and their latest offspring.
And you may not be aware that the couple is lovingly known as Ricky and Lucy, after Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, from the TV sitcom, I Love Lucy and that these two have been reproducing for at least 10 years, and some estimate 20. But each year they attract more attention than lavender, at least in May.
And until the chicks fledge in June, a group of local photographers, neighbors, passersby and even some out-of-towners stop by daily to compare photos, sightings, and stories about years gone by; when two chicks fell out of the nest, how they survived, etc., all while keeping an “eagle” eye out for any emerging fuzzy heads. And luckily, for us, one popped up today.
So if nest watching intrigues you as well, consider this an invitation to join us! Bring your coffee, binoculars, and/or camera, or phone, and either pull up a bench, or bring your lawnchair. The show runs non-stop, daily!
And…know that one of the concrete benches across from the nest is dedicated to Susie Killins. Susie was a dear friend and fellow eagle photographer who sold her photos and jewelry at Sequim Saturday Markets, but who sadly passed away in August 2023. Susie is truly missed by many and probably the eagles as well.
