"The Civil War"

A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a Civil War re-enactment at historic Greenfield Village. I love history,  history from all time periods. This time it happened to be from the Civil War era.

 

There were encampments from both the Union and Confederate sides, drills, exhibits, marches, food, medics, and just about anything you can think of from that time period.

I took many photos there, and instead of my typical images of nature, landscape, architecture or cars. I decided to focus on people, the re-en-actors themselves. 

There are three images in this set. I processed them in sepia to give them the feel of the time period.

 

One image is of a grieving widow. Which has a pretty interesting story to go with it on the etiquette practiced at that time for a woman in mourning. Quite different from today for sure!

Another portrait is of a gentleman from the Kentucky Regiment who was sitting outside of a log cabin, which had become their temporary home during the encampment!

Lastly there's a photo of men performing a drill on what it takes to use a canon. I think these guys were having a lot of fun!

I hope you enjoy this little trip back in time. At some time in the future I'll tell you a bit about the etiquette and standards that women in mourning had to endure. That's a huge story in itself!!

In Mourning

Kentucky Regiment

At the Ready

"Structured"

While going through Pittsburgh not too long ago, I was able to get out do some walking downtown and take in this beautiful city!
This image I have here however is not one of those take your time and set up the angles just right kind of photographs!
At the time I got this I was downtown driving up and down the streets trying to figure out how to get on the highway!  LOL!
While driving I spotted what looked like some interesting older architecture next to a more modern building. It looked like something I really wanted a shot of, but I had no time to stop, and no place to stop. So while driving, I leaned out the window and captured this image!
Even though it was hurried and not at all planned. I like the angle, the stark difference in architecture, and the general way this turned out.
Pittsburgh is really an awesome city! I love all the bridges that lead in and out of downtown, the amazing architecture, both old and new, plus all of its scenic views!!
It's on my list of got to go back there places!! :)

"Little Rocky Falls"

  While in the Blue Ridge Mountains not too long ago. There happened to be several days of pretty heavy rain, and loads of really thick fog.
   When that happens, little waterfalls start to come down from the many areas of rock above. This is one of those areas.
    The sun had just come out, and was shining on the rocks giving them a glistening appearance from the water as it came down. This little scene looked beautiful to me with the colors of rocks, greenery, and water.
   When I went to name this image, I gave it a name of exactly what it was. I'm sure there is an actual waterfall with that name somewhere in the states, or world LOL, but this beautiful little area with falling water is my "Little Rocky Falls!
                                   Enjoy!! :)

"Mercedes Convertible"

Just a quick post on here tonight. I was going back through some automobile images from last years NAIAS in Detroit.
I came across this hot little number. I love the sleek look, the convertible top, and of course the bright red color!!! Oh yea!!!!
Of course the huge Mercedes logo on the front adds a nice touch too!!
Come on, lets take this baby out for a ride!! :)

"Wherever it Goes"

   
           Take a ride on a cool autumn day,
           Trees line the sides,
           Clouds at play.
           Dust and dirt,
           Rocks and clay,
           Rural roads,
           The theme of the day
           Take a ride on a cool autumn day,
           A while will we tarry,
           For a time we will stay!
                 ~~ Rachel Cohen~~
         

"Visions of Rainbows"

As many of you know, I'm quite fond of abstract photography. Especially abstracts made by utilizing nature in an unusual way. I also love abstracts from nature that occur naturally as they do in patterns, but this image is not of that type.

This one above is made by using motion blur. I found some lovely subjects not too long ago. I did some  panning with the camera which brought out all the colors of the rainbow.Some of the patterns of the plants still remain too.

In Lightroom I made a few minor adjustments with clarity, vibrance and noise removal. The resulting image is what you see here. To me it not only has all the colors of the rainbow, but it also calls out SPRING!!!

For the last several days we've had very cold weather and lots of rain here, not very spring-like. I'm still waiting for the actual spring flowers to start giving their show.

 For now though you may enjoy the colors like those of yellow jonquils, pink tulips and purple crocus in an abstract form. All the beautiful colors, but from a different perspective!!

                                                         Enjoy!! :)

"Bright and Lively"

While searching for beautiful flowers and signs of spring. I came upon these tiny orange beauties. The petals were so small, soft, delicate, and a gorgeous hue of orange. Almost like a pumpkin! I thought they'd make a nice addition to my floral images.

In a few months we'll be seeing large sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias and such. For now I'm happy with this bunch of little wonders. Each with a perfect set of six lovely orange petals!

                                                                 Enjoy!!!

"Crystals and Swirls"

I thought I'd bring out an image today from one very cold day this winter. It was mid morning, the ground was covered in snow, and all the small plants and weeds close to the ground were covered in frosty crystals.

I liked this little group of swirling and twirling plants. I have no idea what they are, but they looked interesting and pretty with their combination of ice crystals, swirls and shadows cast on the snow.

So far our spring still looks and feels very similar to our winter. LOL, but that should change soon!! I don't have much hope for anything to pop out of the ground any time soon, but hopefully the conservatory will get in some of their spring beauties!!

For now, enjoy the squiggles!! :)

"Light of Spring"

Well, Happy first day of spring to all!! I hope that wherever you are, you have some signs of spring or at least an approaching spring!

This image was taken last year because as of yet, there are no real signs of spring in my area. Today we've had temps in the mid 20's F, with occasional snow showers. Not exactly the warm feeling when you hear the word spring!! ;)

Tulips aren't the first flowers I think about when I think the first day of spring. What usually comes to mind are crocus, daffodils, forsythia, then a bit later some gorgeous tulips!!

So here you have a little preview of what I hope will be a beautiful spring! Best wishes in this and all seasons to everyone, and may your days be filled with light and joy!!
   

"Bundles of Beauty"

  While at our local conservatory recently I decided to take a closer look at the arid, desert environment located in the back of the conservatory. I usually tend to spend more time with the orchids and other flowering plants, and don't make it to the arid area very often.
 
  While this place is not very large compared to many. It does hold a great variety of cactus, succulents and other types of plants that like the hotter and dryer climates.

  I took a particular liking to this bundle of succulents here, but for some reason or another I didn't get an ID on them. Yep, silly I know!!

  I've searched images all over the internet, and can't find them anywhere. If someone knows what they're called I would really appreciate it!

  They really make such a lovely image of green with striations and a few red tips here and there. So if you are a succulent lover, a plant lover, anyone that has some knowledge about these little guys, please let me know!! Thanks so much!! Enjoy the image!! :)