Pattern pictures

We didn't get enough snow for snow pictures, so I thought it would be fun to share some pattern photos.

I tend to like a slightly broken pattern, creating a subject or something to catch your eye.  

In this first shot, while the textures of the balls are interesting and shiny, there isn't one particular ball that catches your eye.   

In the second photo, my eye was attracted to the pink or yellow balls.  Reds and yellows are probably the most eye catching colors.  (A little better) There is a reason traffic lights are certain 

colors!  My eye tends to go to the pink ball first.

In this final shot, the white flower breaks the pattern of red flowers and becomes the subject in the photo.  I am also using the rule of thirds, placing the flower where the interersecting lines would be on a bingo card.  Sort of like on this number symbol where the lines cross each other. #⃣ 

Winter Photography

I thought it might be interesting to share ideas about what to photograph in Winter.  I would really like to get some audience suggestions on this one, so please feel free to comment and add your own suggestions, no matter when you see this blog (next year, next month, etc.)

I did some internet searching and brainstormed about all the ideas I could remember, so from the perspective of a Maryland resident, here is what I came up with for interesting photography:

1. Wildlife is easier to spot in the winter.  Try Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge MD for birds, including eagles
2. Great Falls National Park sunrise
3. Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis WV for winter evergreens
4. Ice patterns on window glass or on water, ice on plants
5. Icicles (I even tried catching the melting water with a star filter, but it takes lots of patience)
6. Red berries on plants
7. Snow photos of buildings and snow in landscapes like mountains, with water, blowing snow (use +1 or +2 exposure or a gray card)
8. Storm photos right before or after a storm
9. Fog photos
10. Snowy buildings with warm light coming from windows
11. Cityscapes at twilight 30 minutes after sunset or before sunrise-see http://www.date-and-time.net/  for  a twilight calculator
12. Caves are usually around 50-55 degrees year round
13. Astrophotography when the sky is clear and less hazy
14. Bryce National Park or Yosemite in snow
15. Florida-Corkscrew Swamp, Big Bend boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand, off Hwy 41 near Everglades city,  Anhinga Trail near the entrance to the Everglades
16. Indoor studio type shots with a photo tent or flash

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Ice photos

This time of year, you can get creative with ice photos or snow pictures.  Look for interesting shapes in the ice or icicles hanging from the roof or even your mailbox, especially near sunrise or sunset.

Look for ice crystals on your windows too.  You won't even have to go outside!  One year, I used a star filter on my lens and tried to catch the water drops from an icicle hanging off my roof with the sunlight behind it.  I finally caught one, but it took a lot of patience.  I didn't have to go outside for that one either.

I recently photographed some branches growing into the water.  It has an interesting reflection too.   I call it Ice Fingers.

A short while later, I photographed this simple reflection of the sun at sunset, like molten gold.

Feel free to post your own ice picture.

Holiday Ornaments

Just a few holiday decorations to share with you before the season ends.

And a simple snack.  Pretzels, kisses and m&ms.

The Christmas Village

The St. Mary's County Fairgrounds held a Christmas Village this past weekend.  This new amusement was complete with a train, a "sleigh ride", vendors, a giant snow hill, crafts for kids, a church service, and ice skating.  The admission was free and people seemed to be enjoying themselves, even though the snow hill was a big inflatable, the ice was plastic and the giant sleigh was pulled by a big tractor (Southern Maryland style).  The "ice" skating was amusing to watch.  The skates were real and everyone "skated" for 15 minute sessions.  They really enjoyed themselves as they fell down!!! 😳 There was quite a large turnout.  Next year, if they hold it again, they could use more food vendors, a few church choirs or christmas karaoke, and/or a Christmas tree or wreath decorating contest.

A Photo Session with Cali, the Cocker Spaniel

We recently photographed Cali, an adorable brown and white Cocker Spaniel.  Her family members won a Silent Auction I gave away earlier this year.  We went to a local beach on a pleasant sunny afternoon and took photographs using a cute plaid outfit already owned by the family, as well as a Santa costume.  Cali was well behaved for portraits and she also had a chance to play and be uniquely herself.  I enjoyed visiting with a Cocker Spaniel, since my family once owned one when I was a teenager.

Cali will be featured in her family's Christmas cards this year.

Photo Competition Winners for 2014

Congratulations to the 2014 competition winners of the St. Mary's County Camera Club for the end of the year.

* Novice Photographer of the Year - Deryk Lambert (90 points in 2014)

* Intermediate Photographer of the Year - Abhi Vootukuru (230 points in 2014)
* Advanced Photographer of the Year - Joanna Macaulay (145 points in 2014)

Previous 1st through 3rd entries competed for the year end awards:

Novice Digital
* Tonya Freed - "My Branch" - 1st Place
* Deryk Lambert - "Special Treat" - 2nd Place
* Kimberley Tomlinson - "Discovery" - 3rd Place
* Deryk Lambert - "Content" - HM

Intermediate Print
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Rise of the Machine" - 1st Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Headshot" - 2nd Place
* Paul Draheim - "Lily On the Pond" - 3rd Place

Intermediate Digital
* Paul Draheim - "Deep in Thought" - 1st Place
* Anh Nguyen - "Alabama Hill Nightscape" - 2nd Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "The Banshee" - 3rd Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Trance" - HM
* Anh Nguyen - "Malachite" - HM
* Anh Nguyen - "Snowbound" - HM

Advanced Print
* George Taylor - "Peacock" - 1st Place

Advanced Digital
* Joanna Macaulay - "Two Bald Eagles Squawking" - 1st Place

* Rodger Strickler - "Teacup" - 2nd Place
* Beth Graeme - "Lights in the Vase" - 3rd Place
* Al Scheungrab - "Tags & Shoes" - HM
* Jack Goodman = "Spidermen" - HM
* Joanna Macaulay - "GreenHeart" - HM
* Joanna Macaulay - "Long Eared Owl C" - HM

Theme Print
* Paul Draheim - "Fall Corn" - 1st Place
* Anh Nguyen - "L.A. Night" - 2nd Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Angelo" - 3rd Place

Theme Digital
* Abhi Vootukuru - "A Stranger in the City" - 1st Place
* Joanna Macaulay - "First Flight" - 2nd Place

* Steve Thoman - "Peering Into the Past" - 3rd Place

* Abhi Vootukuru - "Sneak Peek" - HM
* Joanna Macaulay - "Purple Water Lily" - HM
* Katherine Norris - "Up in the Fun House" - HM
* Sandy Robbins - "Sailwinds" - HM