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2013-05-19 17:41:34 (95 comments, 91 reshares, 999 +1s)

Went out to play in the rain (because showers outside are always so much more fun than showers inside.)
This delightful beauty smiled at me and so we played together...enjoying the rain drops and letting all our cares wash away as the Robins, Woodpeckers and a voyeuristic Finch watched from their perches while shaking their heads and chirping as if to say "how immature" and "get a room." (I was hoping the woodpeckers would start a drum circle to encourage us further but not today.)
   Then she smiled at me all wet and perfect and I took her picture. Flowers unlike people love to have their portraits taken.

I need to do this more often. 
Stay inspired.

Prints available here: http://tinyurl.com/bjywtt6

#flowers   #flowerphotography   #flowerpower   #rose   #macro4all   #macrophotography  

2013-05-19 12:31:11 (44 comments, 53 reshares, 832 +1s)

The Chives arrive(s)
Yeah, I know I said I was gonna sit like a bump on a log today and I really did for awhile but then my butt got sore so started wandering around the garden and saw that my chives are coming in. Now the question is do I want Blue Cheese, Bacon and Chive Stuffed Pork Chops or Cream Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Stuffed Chicken? Hmmmm

#flowers   #flowerphotography   #flowerpower   #floralphotography   #macrophotography   #macro4all  

2013-05-19 10:11:21 (25 comments, 37 reshares, 571 +1s)

Today I am gonna sit like a bump on a log... all day
Not gonna think about the 1200 shots I need to edit down from my Lockheed Martin shoot on Thursday, or how badly I want to go to the zoo. Or how I need to change lightbulbs on the driveway lights and front porch or any of the myriad things I should be doing. Nope. Just gonna sit until...cr*p, there's the doorbell (sigh)

This, btw, is a Tawny Frogmouth from downunder.

2013-05-17 12:38:19 (43 comments, 14 reshares, 430 +1s)

Okay, Chloe...show me creepy!
(Click)

#monochromeworld   #monochromephotography   #monochrome   #portrait  

2013-05-17 01:18:13 (11 comments, 14 reshares, 363 +1s)

A nice simple portrait of Alaysia

Edited in LR4 and Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 cuz I love +Nik Photography 

#monochromeworld   #monochromephotography   #monochrome   #portraitphotography

2013-05-17 00:06:11 (27 comments, 39 reshares, 584 +1s)

Edgar the Puffin.
If he could, he would write poetry and sing obscure operas  while preparing fabulous multi-course dinners for the special puffin in his life. Right now he is searching for morels while humming Vide Cor Meum. Trust me I know.

#puffin   #birds4all   #birdloversworldwide   #birdpoker  

2013-05-16 00:59:25 (29 comments, 19 reshares, 442 +1s)

Another day, another fellow with so much to be thankful for, to smile at and to appreciate
This is Cleveland and he is one of the most thankful guys you'll ever meet. For the roof over his head, for books he loves to read , for the warm meals he looks forward to. Most of all, he looks forward to time with his friends. He plays checkers and dominos whenever he can and collects jokes he's heard on scraps of paper so he can remember  and share them. The fact that he's homeless doesn't matter all that much because he focuses on the positives in his world. He has a job. He is reasonably healthy and he lives in the greatest country in the world. He kept telling me how much worse things could be and that he wishes he could do more for others.

 Why am I sharing this now? Because his gift to me is perspective and that is one of the more incredible gifts a person canr... more »

2013-05-15 17:38:16 (17 comments, 8 reshares, 239 +1s)

Nik Photography Cover Photo Selection – May 15, 2013
Belgian Chocolate Sunflowers by +Alan Shapiro 

We wanted to celebrate Alan’s Birthday today by sharing his amazing and creative post-processing using Silver Efex Pro 2. Be sure to check out Alan's Moments in the Monochrome Garden: Chapter 12_, http://goo.gl/48Esz and add him to your Circles. 

---------

There are so many creative and wonderful images enhanced with the Nik Collection that we wanted to make sure everyone gets a chance to see them! We will be posting a new Cover Photo each week. 

If you would like to be considered, please follow these guidelines:
- Post an image on your G+ page
- Dimensions 2120 x 1192 pixel image (horizontal)
- Mention the Nik product/s that you used 
- Add #nikcoverphoto in your description
- Image should not bewatermar... more »

2013-05-15 13:12:21 (63 comments, 16 reshares, 320 +1s)

This is my magic tree. Discovered way behind our house and visited many, many times as the kids grew up. It has become my special wishing place and I have taken to visiting it on my birthday. Now, today is that day, but first I wanted to say thank you to everyone here... for you are all the best present I could imagine. You have provided support and encouragement, learning and laughter. You've let me be inspring. And inspired. You've all allowed me to share what I love and cherish and that is the greatest gift of all. 

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart; for the wishes and comments and outpouring of love.

Now I invite you all to come along with me to my magic tree and make a wish. (Nods knowingly)

2013-05-15 14:50:24 (22 comments, 5 reshares, 185 +1s)

Thoughts from a hopeless hopeful romantic
Rather than see bleeding hearts (or worse, broken hearts), I prefer to see hearts so filled with joy that they can't help but leak.

2013-05-14 12:34:54 (29 comments, 37 reshares, 289 +1s)

Helping my daughter with a fundraising project she has taken on.
My daughter Lindsey is an avid wildlife conservationist (at 14) and adopted an exotic animal rescue sanctuary and teaching institute for her middle school graduation research project. She is also hosting a fundraiser and asked me to help. Given the cause, of course I will:
On sale for one week: All my Nature and Wildlife images (flowers in color or monochrome, landscapes, birds, primates, "finer feathered friends" etc)
with every penny of the proceeds going to Animal Embassy
Any 8 x10 is $25
Any 11 x 14 is $40
Any 16 x 24 is $75
Printing and shipping will be done from my favorite lab in all the world: the incredible folks at +Bay Photo Lab so I can assure you you'll be thrilled with the prints. Shipping is $3.75 for small and midsize prints and $6.00 for the large size.
more »

2013-05-13 15:39:17 (58 comments, 54 reshares, 578 +1s)

Happy Monday
Sitting out on the deck with my coffee (and my camera) while the dog roams around in search of invisible critters and the woodpeckers recreate Stomp up in the trees.

Not sure if this is more visual Haiku or Ikebana but I'm definitely feeling very Zen right now. Let's see how long it lasts

2013-05-12 16:32:02 (20 comments, 25 reshares, 332 +1s)

Another thought on/for Mother's Day:
the older moms get, the more beautiful they get.
No exceptions.

#mothersday2013   #mothersday   #flowers   #flowerphotography  

2013-05-12 17:50:58 (66 comments, 84 reshares, 704 +1s)

Happy Mother's Day
Through all the tears of sadness
and tears of joy
there was you.
And while I may not always have shown it, do not doubt for a nanosecond how much it is appreciated. And know that so much of what I am, what I have become is because of you; your strength, determination and fearlessness when it came to doing what you thought was right (even if I disagreed at the time)
Thank you on this day (and what really should be everyday)

#mothersday   #mothersday2013  

2013-05-12 03:24:27 (16 comments, 24 reshares, 285 +1s)

A nutella dipped rose
Started in Lightroom 5 and made extraordinary in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2
Done as an extra-special shoutout to +Laurie Rubin 

#monochromephotography   #monochrome   #flowerphotography   #flowers   

2013-05-11 19:58:47 (9 comments, 6 reshares, 195 +1s)

Sunflowers on a gray day

Rainy day here on the East Coast and there's no better activity (for me) than playing around and practicing my post processing (say that 3 times fast)
This image began in Lightroom v5 and then made a trip to Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 (my favorite program when it comes to monochrome processing) where it truly blossomed. 

Now off to play with Viveza 2 and Color Efex Pro 4 to play/experiment with some color versions.

#nikcoverphoto   #monochromeworld   #monochromephotography   #flowers   #flowerphotography   #floralphotography  

2013-05-11 13:59:23 (26 comments, 14 reshares, 346 +1s)

The sun is getting it's ass kicked today
(sigh)
But that's okay because
_Gray skies are gonna clear up
put on a happy face
brush off that frown and cheer up
put on a happy face..._

(insert brief tap dance routine and cue the orchestra because...)

_The sun'll come out tomorrow
bet your bottom dollar that..._

oh jeez, showtunes? Showtunes SERIOUSLY?!?
That's it...need to find my chainsaw. Or go play by an oil rig.

Btw: Prints of this are available here: http://tinyurl.com/c7d2qu5

#flowers   #flowerphotography   #flowerpower   #floralfriday   #floralphotography   #manlymonday  

2013-05-10 13:06:41 (42 comments, 28 reshares, 357 +1s)

Once upon a time
there was a frog
who was kissed by more than a few princesses.
He ended up with a case of horribly chapped lips.
The end.

#naturephotography   #frog   #happilyeverafter   #princecharming

2013-05-09 13:35:19 (26 comments, 27 reshares, 453 +1s)

Jellies battling over the peanut butter

#jellyfish   #oceanphotography   #oceanlife   #ocean  

2013-05-08 16:14:39 (34 comments, 20 reshares, 455 +1s)

Now if only I'd thought to push the hay roll a few more yards/meters to the left

2013-05-07 18:05:35 (25 comments, 24 reshares, 401 +1s)

A little Semisweet chocolate processing after lunch

2013-05-07 15:59:38 (19 comments, 13 reshares, 304 +1s)

Well I'm not braggin' babe so don't put me down,
but..well, you know

#cars   #hotrod   #manlymonday  

2013-05-07 16:01:13 (30 comments, 21 reshares, 369 +1s)

Huuuuuge hugs
(actually an English Daisy)

#macrophotography   #macromonday   #flowers   #flowerphotography   #floralphotography  

2013-05-05 16:53:51 (16 comments, 11 reshares, 337 +1s)

Another day, another hard working fella who's had his nose to the grindstone a bit too long

2013-05-05 16:01:16 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Week eighteen assignment: QUICK!!!

The assignment for this week is to shoot "quick"
Note: that's not to say I want you to shoot quickly. Oh no...take your time. This is about mastering your shutter speed (and aperture) for maximum effect.

So go...quick like a bunny.Hurry. grab your camera and go. And when you see something "quick", slow down, take a deep breath and play...explore...have fun. But be quick about it.


Stay inspired. And be inspiring.
Now get going. Start by making some big glorious mistakes. and then keep going...quick!!!

2013-05-04 19:41:42 (33 comments, 46 reshares, 499 +1s)

Filling our world with sunshine

It's a wonderful gift to be able to give so much of of oneself to this incredible world of ours (specifically our G+ world.) Our world is a better place with you in it. You fill so many lives with joy, delight and fun. Happy Birthday +Chrysta Rae  Hope your day is spectacular.

#happybirthdaychrystarae  

2013-05-04 12:30:21 (44 comments, 29 reshares, 511 +1s)

Shooting with my other eye
Someone told me to try shooting with my other eye as a creative exercise so been trying it out to see if I notice a difference (other than leaning to the left rather than the right)

#flowers   #flowerphotography   #floralfriday   #floralphotography   #florals   #macrophotography  

2013-05-03 15:34:03 (40 comments, 34 reshares, 519 +1s)

If you dream only at night, you miss so many things

#floralfriday   #floralphotography   #flowers   #flowerphotography  

2013-05-16 04:34:26 (186 comments, 10 reshares, 96 +1s)

If you think the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade is epic, wait'll ya see what we do...hell yeah! Thinking we start in Chinatown, head over to Little Italy, peruse Soho and then wander over to the Brooklyn Bridge (or wherever else we damn please cuz this is friggin' New York)
Sending a personal invite to Mayor Bloomberg, Jay-Z and J-Lo. Might be a Ben Stiller or Matthew Broderick sighting and you never know if Sarah Jessica will make an appearance.

Anyone want to help me? Come on in, the cannoli cream is fine!

2013-05-02 14:19:03 (31 comments, 28 reshares, 335 +1s)

Finer Feathered Friends: Emu

Work in progress to share. Way more to do.

2013-05-01 16:05:17 (36 comments, 36 reshares, 503 +1s)

Peregrine Falcon before receiving a few layers of texture and joining my "Finer Feathered Friends" Series

2013-04-30 14:21:33 (19 comments, 21 reshares, 397 +1s)

A pretty pachyderm posing in profile

#elephants   #elephantwednesday   #wildlifephotography   #wildlife  

2013-04-29 14:08:34 (39 comments, 15 reshares, 352 +1s)

This is what happens when you hug someone before taking their picture

I didin't want to let go. How adorable is she?

2013-04-29 04:38:09 (20 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

This week's homework: PORTRAITS

Let's all shoot some people ('cuz by now you all know how much I love portraiture)

Shoot someone you know or take a chance and ask to shoot someone you don't. (Worst case they say no.)
Bonus points for pouts.

Go have fun and stay inspired.

2013-04-28 17:11:35 (20 comments, 8 reshares, 235 +1s)

Another day, another tub thumping, kazoo rockin' folk virtuoso lets his hair down and his soul out while enthralling the assembled masses with songs from a bluer part of the world  

2013-04-30 05:07:46 (51 comments, 107 reshares, 852 +1s)

Inca, the Spectacled Owl
from Animal Embassy at the Stamford Nature Center; an absolutely amazing exotic animal rescue group that my daughter Lindsey (the next Jane Goodall) has adopted for her middle school graduation research project.

2013-04-25 09:28:52 (39 comments, 17 reshares, 396 +1s)

Consider this a "selfy" on this fine (early) morning.
My nose is far smaller

Emu-st have been a beautiful baby
Emu-st have been a wonderful child
When you were only starting to go to kindergarten
I bet you drove the little girls wild.
And when it came to winning blue ribboms
You must have shown the other kids how.
I can see the judges' eyes as they handed you the prize
You must have made the cutest bow.
Emu-st've been a beautiful baby
'Cause baby look at you now.

C'mon everybody sing along...

2013-04-25 02:35:41 (41 comments, 26 reshares, 530 +1s)

Opening up to all the possibilities

2013-05-04 12:30:22 (48 comments, 37 reshares, 604 +1s)

We all lose focus
It's what we do when that happens that makes all the difference

#flowers   #flowers   #flowerphotography   #naturephotography   #macrophotography  

2013-04-24 14:04:12 (23 comments, 18 reshares, 353 +1s)

Viola dipped in Dark Chocolate for +Kerry Murphy

It may look bittersweet but it's anything but.

2013-04-24 00:01:12 (26 comments, 14 reshares, 294 +1s)

How 'bout a little Butter Pecan Processing

Just playing/experimenting in between meetings

#monochromephotography   #monochrome   #flowers   #flowerphotography  

2013-04-23 19:30:48 (42 comments, 11 reshares, 330 +1s)

Finer Feathered Friends: Double Crested Cormorant

Ask a Fisherman about the Cormorant
and he will rant
like a raving loon-atic.
It's jealousy plain and simple, as the Cormorant will beat every fisherman every time in angling competitions (and just about every eyebrow wiggling contest).

Final image will be 72" tall. Currently at 63 layers and 42 textures.
For those interested, my original photo is here: https://plus.google.com/photos/114056084994793924628/albums/5628901529411761633/5870015461937031074

#birdloversworldwide   #birds4all   #birdsinfocus   #finerfeatheredfriends  

2013-04-23 00:19:06 (12 comments, 10 reshares, 352 +1s)

Took the Pink Princess floral from earlier today and added some Cafe con Leche processing

#monochromemonday   #monochromephotography   #monochromeworld   #monochrome   #monochromeflowers  

2013-04-22 18:30:22 (16 comments, 8 reshares, 166 +1s)

This is a Bloody Mary
Anthony Goncalves is one of my oh-so-talented Chef friends and he created this "cocktail" for one of his tasting menus: gelatinized vodka, homemade tomato juice, horseradish "pearls" (flash frozen in liquid nitrogen) Beautiful to look at and damn tasty bloody good.

2013-05-04 19:40:58 (15 comments, 8 reshares, 273 +1s)

Something Pink with a patina of Purple and pocket of Palatinate blue, (more Prussian than Phthalo); perfect for a Princess or perhaps a painterly person playing with pastels

2013-05-04 21:41:13 (16 comments, 6 reshares, 216 +1s)

Didya ever wake up and feel like some truck must have rolled over you in the middle of the night while you were sleeping? Yup. Welcome to my morning. 

2013-04-24 02:53:26 (35 comments, 18 reshares, 458 +1s)

Met a modern day da Vinci

His name is Steve.
Yes, I asked him if his wife's name happened to be Lisa? Or Mona?
(No?...Pity.)
Was hoping he'd invite me over for supper but thought it might be my last.

I have been obsessing over my upcoming portrait shoot and playing around with new techniques (cuz while the tried and true is tried, true and comfortable) I'd rather try to get to something untried in hopes of having us all feel something truer, even though it's making me feel really uncomfortable.
Now, having said that...
Obsessive Compulsive Perfectionists unite. Just make sure you line up in size order. And in the event of a tie, by birthdate.

2013-04-21 17:39:06 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

Week sixteen assignment: Play

The assignment for this week is to go play.

Go ahead...play.
Find time to play...play somewhere, play somehow, play around (or play square if you must) 
Start Playing at sunrise and don't stop till after sunset.
Take as many shots as you like. 
if you're not smiling while you're doing this week's assignment, you're doing it wrong. And yes, there's a huge method to my madness with these assignments so do try to follow directions, okay?

Directions: Play.
Repeat.
Repeat again.

Stay inspired. And be inspiring.
Now go play. Start by making some big glorious mistakes.

2013-04-21 13:10:20 (14 comments, 13 reshares, 373 +1s)

Was woken up far too early so went wandering where I found this Gerbera Daisy echoing my mood (and my bed head). We chatted for a bit (actually I did all the talking and he simply listened and nodded occasionally...although that might have been the chinooks.) And yes, I named him Seymour.

#monochromephotography   #monochrome   #flowers   #flowerphotography   #floralphotography  

2013-04-21 11:07:10 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

I will be in NYC for this event (Happy to lead, follow or be carried by nubile G+rls and manly G+ys)