One week down and 51 more to go.

So far I am happy with how this is going.  It is causing me to think a little more about what I want to photograph and actually plan ahead of time.  It hasn’t always worked out but I think I am starting to get the hang of it.  We haven’t moved into the busy holiday season yet, so I am anticipating a few bumpy days ahead.  I guess the point is not to fret a missed day here or there.  It is about improving my skills, not a contest for the number of consecutive days with a picture

The snow we received overnight provided some great opportunities for pictures.  I waited until just before sunset and it really paid off for me.  Not only was the light the best it could be but, the temperature had moved above freezing which changes the look of the snow and ice.  I chose this picture because of the amount of detail on and within the ice.  I also liked how it wasn’t a typical icicle…

I also liked the bokeh effect and the contrast it provided with the clear, light ice.  I remember the first time I was able to achieve this effect.  I was pretty excited but not entirely confident I remembered how it happened.  Now I just have to be aware of how often I use it and try not to abuse the technique.

The next picture is a composition inspired by Mike Shaw’s The Leaf Series.  I’m hoping my imitation of his pictures is seen as a compliment.  I don’t believe I achieved the look with the same success as his but it was cool that I recognized the setup when I found the leaf in the driveway while shoveling.

The last image is another macro of melting ice.  This one I was trying to capture not only the look of the ice but the affect of the sunlight.  There is also a droplet forming at the tip and is about half way to falling off.  I find myself looking at the reflections/refractions within the ice and droplet.

We have to take a short trip to drop off my sister-in-laws new puppy and I’ll be without an internet connection for a part of the weekend.  I’ll get caught up on Sunday evening.