Sunday, November 23, 2014

In the Right Light

All of these photos were taken in September and early October. The lake looks nothing like this right now. In fact it's frozen over, snow-covered and melting into icky slush with today's rain. It looked much prettier a couple of months back so I figured I'd pull some of those pics for you instead. I hope you enjoy them. 

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." - Aaron Rose

They say that photography is all about shadow and light. Of course it is. It's also about opportunity, equipment and a huge dose of luck. But just for the sake of being agreeable, this post is all about light and its ever-present shadows.

brief sunlight across the bay5
This was a very overcast day. I know, it doesn't look all that gloomy but it was dark just moments before and moments after this photo was snapped. The clouds parted ever so briefly, allowing the sun to shine its light - creating vibrant colours and a few dark shadows. The contrast just makes everything come alive.





rainbow
On a different day, it rained off and on throughout the daylight hours. We counted no fewer than 4 different rainbows between us. Only a bit of this one showed up but it was rather vibrant, and you can see the rain falling from the clouds above where that lovely sunshine fell.




edged cloud
One evening, the clouds seemed to be lit from the side creating a soft pink edge - like an illuminated shelf of cloud.




sunset boat
Sunset on our bay is rarely full of deep, saturated colours because we face east. Behind us is where the real colour is happening but that's blocked by the hills which lie west of us. Every now and then, there's a sunset that must explode with such intensity for those facing west, that its bounce and reflection paints the sky and water of our eastern view. And we're not complaining for one itty bitty moment.





sunset moonrise3
Please indulge me. I can not resist taking image after image when the sky is like this. I'm only going to show you a few. Note how the moon had already risen on this lovely evening in early September.





sunset moonrise6
One more showing the wavelets forming from a passing boat.





sunset moonrise5
Incoming ripples and the moon reflecting on the water.





sunset ripples
And a final close up of the colours on the lake's rolling surface. You can add your own sound effects.





sunset moonrise2
Oh just one more - I couldn't resist. A bird flying through a pink sky while wispy clouds kiss the moon's cheek in passing.





moon2 oct 9 2014
We're oh so incredibly lucky that full moons happen to rise over the lake, directly in front of our door. Here's that lovely glowing orb just before it cleared the treetops across the bay. This was actually the night after the full moon - but close enough.





hazy moon rising7
And here it was the night before, sliding in and out of subtle colours of the clouds. What shall it wear tonight to make its October début?

With a bit of luck, shadow and light can go a long way.

More photos coming up soon.

63 comments:

Andy said...

The light and the dramatic skies in the first photo are just perfect. I have read about photographers that wait in one place for hours to get the perfect light.

ADRIAN said...

A beautiful set as always but the first two are perfect.

Out on the prairie said...

Love the waves. that hill across from you almost has a rock smile.

messymimi said...

The first picture, i've seen those days. You can see the dark clouds everywhere, and they part for a few glorious minutes and show you a lovely glow.

While i'm not sure i'd want to winter in the area where you are, the rest of the seasons are so beautiful i know i want to visit then.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful photography. I enjoyed these very much this Sunday morning!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos. If I lived there I'd always be taking photos. Love the one with the bit of rainbow and also the one with the cloud shelf.

A Cuban In London said...

Breath-taking photos. I really liked the progress from day to night.

Greetings from London.

DJan said...

Ohhhh. I'm glad you indulged yourself because I got to gaze and gaze at the wonderful pictures. I simply love the waves and that stunner of a last picture. :-)

Anvilcloud said...

The two verticals are really eye-catching.

Sharon Wagner said...

I love the ripple close up. Beautiful colors. And a full moon is always a wonder to behold.

Magia da Inês said...

♪♬° ·.
Não é preciso dizer nada: só admirar!

Boa semana!
Beijinhos do Brasil.♪° ·.
♪♬♫° ·.

Naqvee said...

What makes each landscape glorious is the pinkish tint that creates an image of serenity in the sky and beyond.
I would like to hear a bamboo flute with wind chimes tinkling in the background complimenting the ripples and the light breeze that meet each other secretly.
It is a perfect view and place to enjoy the bounties of life
Love Naqvee

Shammickite said...

Some more of your lovely views in your new surroundings. Love that sunset.... where I lived in my previous house there wasn't a clear view of the sky to the west, too many trees and tall Victorian houses, but occasionally the sunset would reverberate onto the storm clouds to the east and in a way it was prettier than the actual sunset

yaya said...

The pink cloud shelf looks like you could jump right off that into your lake! Beautiful colors and the last shot is so amazing and perfect for an October evening..a bit eerie!

The Furry Gnome said...

Wow, some great pictures there!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Wonderful shots

I love clouds...trees...

TexWisGirl said...

just gorgeous views you have. well, except for that whole frozen lake thing you mentioned. ;)

the first shot - if you took out the familiar bird house, etc. it could be an exotic island location. :)

love your ripple shot and the lovely colors you shared!

June said...

I have taken millions of sunset photos. Each second changes the colors. It's magic, honestly. Later, I look through my pictures and realize there is just no way to see the sky the way I saw it in person. The pictures are only remembrances.

Tabor said...

Lovely photos all. But those last two really grabbed my attention. Stupendous.

Rosaria Williams said...

I'm always in awe!

Red said...

There are times when we photograph something and we know it won't last so we take many photos. As always , you show us the best.

Jackie said...

I love "being there" through your photographs. You have a beautiful view, and I can only imagine the thousands and thousands of photographs that I would be trying to get if I were at that very spot. The clouds hovering as if they are in 3D are spectacular. The reflections on the water are soothingly peaceful to me. You are so blessed to be able to see these and we are blessed to be able to see them through your lens.
Thank you so much for sharing....
Love,
Jackie

Jenn Jilks said...

I so adore your lake, and I enjoy it vicariously through you!
Your skies, amazing!
I'm seeing more skies with the leaves down. That is a bonus.
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

stephen Hayes said...

All of these photographs are bathed with a wondrous luminosity. Thanks for sharing.

William Kendall said...

Gorgeous, dramatic shots!

Barb said...

You've used the shadow and light to good effect, Hillary. That last photo sets such a mysterious mood. How wonderful to have that incredible view out your windows! Happy Thanksgiving!

Barb said...

Whoops! Forgot you've already celebrated your Canadian Thanksgivibg.

Rob-bear said...

Wonderful celebrations of light and shadow!

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Anonymous said...

I want to get into that little boat and go fishing at sunset.

Daryl said...

gorgeous .. all of those skies .. no way could i ever get bored or tired of looking at that sky

sage said...

Love the photos and I have to save the quote about "being in the right light."

Ruth Hiebert said...

This post is filled with so much beauty and light. I loved every image and could not pick a favourite if tried. But,wait,I don't have to pick a favourite,I can love them all.And I do.

Linda said...

These are wondrous photos!

Lisa Gordon said...

These are beautiful, Hilary!

joeh said...

What a good eye you have, and the subject, your lake view doesn't hurt.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

So easy to see why you settled in that town, but wow, the view from your dock!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

SO captivating and breathtaking. I love those moon shots! Wow...

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh yes! Very enjoyable, Hilary, a BIG improvement over slush and grey skies. :))

Leah J. Utas said...

So rich and varied. Magnificent captures.

Gayle said...

Just breathtaking! As ever, your prose is pristine, too.

ellen abbott said...

oh Hilary, these are gorgeous. the sunset pics and the moon and that last one. love.

Betty Manousos said...

aww, what a spectacular, hilary!

what gorgeous views you have.
that photo of the moon is absolutely gorgeous, too.

big hugs!

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful images of the skies, it must be heaven in your domain.

Gail Dixon said...

You have your very own piece of paradise! Oh my goodness, what gorgeous shots. Your descriptions are inspirational as well. For instance, "A bird flying through a pink sky while wispy clouds kiss the moon's cheek in passing." You're a true writer, Hilary. And a master photographer!

Mage said...

That first one is a knock me over, dramatic work. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Those sunset photos are so gorgeous, I can't even imagine what it looked like in the west! And that full moon seems to be resting a bit on the tree before continuing on its journey. Gorgeous!

Crabby McSlacker said...

OMG some real stunners in this one! That last moonlight dock shot in particular was just incredible.

Kat said...

Gorgeous! I love how I can see the rain falling in the rainbow picture. Amazing! And I'm always jealous of your fabulous moon photos.
I think my fav is #4 with the beautiful pink clouds and the boat at the dock. Just fantastic!

Linda said...

You are so right about how the important part light plays in photographs. You certainly nailed that in the first one. I love the light and dark contrast with the angry clouds and the sun peeking through just long enough to illuminate the trees. Gorgeous!

Linda said...

You are so right about how the important part light plays in photographs. You certainly nailed that in the first one. I love the light and dark contrast with the angry clouds and the sun peeking through just long enough to illuminate the trees. Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

What a nicer decision you made to move here, Hilary! I've noticed that at 4:25 p.m. we lose a lot of light here in the desert.

Unknown said...

I meant to write "nice"...long day. ;)

Ruby said...

Wonderful pictures. You have great views and all that you said about the photos and photographers are so true!! Cheers!

Dawning Inspiration said...

Adoring that rainbow!!!!!! Love Love love it!

Unknown said...

Cool skies. I is amazing how they change colors all the time.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow - what beautiful light!

Pat - Arkansas said...

"With a bit of luck, shadow and light can go a long way."

Luck? Perhaps. I would rather like to think it's the skilled eye of a photo-artist that has made this grouping of photographs a Joy, Joy, Joy! to behold.

Thank you for sharing.

sarah said...

Such beautiful pictures! I am entranced by the sense of peace.

Laura said...

absolutely gorgeous series Hilary!

Pauline said...

Oh Hilary, thank you for sharing such loveliness!

L. D. said...

You certainly live in a place where the natural lighting is so grand. What a wonderful collection of shots you have here.

Indrani said...

The title reminded me of David McMahon. He always mentioned that it is the right amount of light that makes a good image. You got great frames with good light, the last pic is mind blowing.

Rick Watson said...

I've said it before, but I'll say it again, you are an amazing photographer.
R