Sun Drops

I love the way the sun is streaming through the branches - it looks almost like drops of water here.

Grand Canyon View

Bell Tower

Texas Tech University

Blue Sky

Grand Canyon

Apricot Rose

Orange Bells

White Flower

Multnomah Falls

Monsoon Sky

If there is one good thing about the hot humid part of summer, it's the beautiful sunsets!

Mule Deer

This guy went searching for food at the next campsite when we were at the Grand Canyon. He wasn't too scared of us so we were able to snap a few photos. I never knew about the velvet on the antlers - I guess they scrape it off in the fall when they are fighting for the females. That is what is glowing from the sun in the first photo.

More Ethan Fire

Column

Texas Tech University Administration Building

Ethan's Fire

There is a small brush fire burning in the southwest valley. Although the fire is unfortunate, it has made for some amazing sunsets.

Grand Canyon Sunset

Angled Sun

Arboretum

Photos taken at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ.

Little Green

Found this photo from a few years ago on my computer. I have always liked it!

More colors

Green Mexican Fence Post with a blue screen background and the splash of the red on the side.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ.

Desert Colors

I love the multiple colors in this photo - green, blue, orange, purple and yellow.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ.

Bottle Brush

If you look closely, there is a little bee digging in the middle.

Taken at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ.

Also I was trying out PhotoShop Elements - I have a free trial. I like my PhotoImpact though - I don't know if the Elements is worth the extra cost. (Plus I don't know how to use it!)

Saturation in Blue

Zebra Longwings

Zebras

I can't take credit for this one, but it sure is cool!

Sweet Julia

Desert Botanical Garden, April 2008, taken by Margo.

Over Effect?

The last few days I have been perusing some photo blogs (one of my faves: Kellie Kano). I have noticed that a lot of photographers always edit/crop/add effect to their photos. I personally think that a good photographer will take the time to set up a shot correctly, adjusting their exposure, brightness, and focus before snapping the photo. This can result in the perfect photo that doesn't need to be retouched. It seems, with the introduction of Adobe Photoshop and similar programs, that there is an 'effect revolution' of sorts going on. I do prefer the 'unadulterated' shots, if you will. The evidence can be found on Flickr, anytime you browse through the photos.

But, there are a few effects that I do like. One cool effect is saturation: as seen here. And of course my own first attempt at an effect: focal b&w.

Do you like to add effects or retouch your photos? What are your thoughts on this new style of photography?

Bright Yellow

Taken today at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ. Special thanks to my husband Dan for picking out the shot!

[No retouch or cropping.]

Ladies in red

This year I decided to try something new to get rid of those pesky aphids. Ladybugs! I bought them from Home Depot - they were anxious to get out and eat! They did their job, but in a few days were no where to be found. I only had aphids come back on one rose plant though. So, I had to resort to the pesticide spray...next year I will buy more than one pack of ladybugs so the aphids don't come back.


Dan's Purple Orchid tree is also blooming this year! In 2006 the tree froze down to the roots and we thought it was a goner. But Dan nursed it back to health, and it is just gorgeous. It smells wonderful too! The flowers are in big bunches.

Survey of a rose

Fun with Photo Editing

Focal B&W added in Picasa. Tried out several camera settings. I like the result!

Portland Photos

The Weaver

My Life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

Anonymous

Strong Tower

I usually have a favorite song - that song right now is Strong Tower by Kutless. I tend to find a song that helps me center and get back to God. Christian music is a wonderful blessing!

When I wonder through the desert

And I'm longing for my home

All my dreams have gone astray

When I'm stranded in the valley

And I'm tired and all alone

It seems like I've lost my way

I go running to Your mountain

Where Your mercy sets me free

You are my strong tower, shelter over me

Beautiful and mighty, everlasting King

You are my strong tower, fortress when I'm weak

Your name is true and holy

And Your face is all I see

In the middle of all my darkness

In the midst of all my fear

You're my refuge and my hope

When the storm of life is raging

And the thunder's all I hear

You speak softly to my soul

Previous favorites have been Praise and Adore (some live without it) by Wavorly and Breathe You In by Thousand Foot Krutch.