Lens-Artists Challenge #399 | Stuck in Place

Egidio introduced a fabulous theme for this weeks Lens-Artists Challenge – Stuck in Place. He explains and shows examples beautifully in his blog post – Stuck in Place. Check out his explanation of this theme below,

“At one time or another, some of us feel a lack of inspiration or motivation to photograph new things. Some people address those times by going out with only one lens. Others force a change in perspective by switching to monochrome. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Ritva’s color challenge from last week, for example, is another way to spark fresh ideas. Today, I’ll offer another challenge that will hopefully unlock new inspiration in your photography.

We will practice being “stuck in place.” So, gather all your gear – lenses, tripod, lights, filters, cell phone, and whatever you use on your photo journey – and let’s get stuck in one place. Ideally, you should carve out thirty minutes to an hour to do this. Here is the one rule: you can do anything with your camera and lenses, but you should limit how far you move from where you are “stuck.” You can move 10–15 steps in any direction to capture new images.”

This past week was another emotional one for me, actually all of us. Ive noticed when this happens, its like I become stuck in myself, I will reach for things I enjoy, but the focus just isn’t there. This past weekend, we had a weekend booked at Turkey Point Provincial Park camping with friends. Something we were all looking forward to, and really needed. To spend 3 days in nature, was exactly what we needed to reset. Being early spring and the weather not being the best on Saturday, it truly was like we were just out in the middle of a forest!

As we were sitting there Sunday morning I noticed movement along the forest floor. Chipmunks! There were SO many of them. I embraced the silence and sat watching them. Some were scurrying across the forest floor and others were on top of logs and up and down trees. All shots were taken from my chair beside the picnic table or 5 feet from the table for my fav shot!

This might be my most favourite photo – taken with my Canon R6MII + EF/RF Adapter + EF 180mm f3.5L Macro – I am just in love with this shot. 5 feet from our picnic table at our camp site!

The view behind our camp site, truly remarkable and exactly what we needed this weekend, in a forest, in nature. I am standing at the picnic table taking the photo with my cell phone.

and the sunshine above us, shining through the trees was just magical!

Thank you for checking out my version of “Stuck in Place” – to capture these little creatures, that’s exactly what I said to my husband that I needed to do, sit in my chair and just stay there – it worked ;) !

RDP Sunday May 24 | Protect

I find it interesting the word of today and that I saw it. Someone close to me has just received a life changing diagnosis and I have gone into heavy duty protect mode.

Protect from the lies already led, from the path that is going to be laid out and from the “professionals” that helped delay and didn’t offer any compassion or understanding.

Protect can be explained in many forms, however as a woman, as a mother, when authenticity lies next to compassion, there is absolutely zero room for wish washy, regardless of what “professional” they may be. One may say, without compassion, you are nothing.

Lens-Artists Challenge #398 | Colour

This week Ritva announced the theme of Colour for the Lens Artists Challenge – “For this week’s Lens- Artists challenge , you are to select one color (excluding black and white). Share a maximum of 6 photos where your chosen color is the prominent hue, or alternatively, you may share one photo featuring each of the following captivating colors in their various shades: red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.” Ritva

My colour choice for this challenge is Blue. We had a couple days at our family cottage this weekend and the sky and water was a brilliant blue colour. Blue always reminds me of water, its so very calming.

Our weekend began with a cloud filled deep blue sky, it was incredible. I captured this with my cell phone.

Saturday morning, First we saw this small geese family with 4 babies, they are so cute.

The sun was out and then it would hide behind the clouds and get overcast and then the sun was back out and we saw…

The sun was shining specifically on this one patch of leaves intensely in the deep blue sky!

I hope you enjoyed my colour Blue post for this weeks Lens- Artists Theme, if you’d like to join in be sure to tag Lens-Artists and check back next Saturday at 12 noon eastern for the next challenge to be announced! Thank you Ritva for an inspiring theme!

Leaving the Nest

I always feel lucky when a bird chooses to nest close to or at the house. I know to some its annoying, however after the first day they become used to what we are doing and become more chill.

Until the babies begin leaving the nest! Which happened today. I was home earlier and two wee beaks were hanging over the edge of the nest. I went to the front to take some macro rain drops and when I came to the back again, I saw 3 beaks. As I held my camera up to capture 3 of the quadruplets there was a bit of a commotion over my head and then suddenly mommy and daddy birds were freaking out!

Not expecting this, I had our dog outside with us, who is a very large and stocky lab and would definitely want to play, not understanding how gentle he would need to be. Quick bribe for the dog and we got him in the house and gently directed the baby robin to the grass out of the driveway.

This evening, while doing laundry I heard my husband outside with the dog and suddenly sound very stern, opening the door, running out on the deck, in my housecoat, I knew another baby bird must of left the nest. Sure enough, one was sitting tucked in the grass on the edge of our patio. If you weren’t looking you wouldn’t see it. With a little encouragement, he got up and moving and mom and dad were waiting in the grass for him as he or she got moving again. Understandably the baby bird was scared, some kind words and I was able to capture some macro shots!

The little feather tuffs – so cute!

I am a true believer that when in nature (and not potentially dangerous wild animals) when you talk to them in a kind voice, they understand you are not hurting, you are helping. The beginning of this week one of these babies fell out of the nest. It was freezing cold out and it was huddled on leaves on the cement patio. Mom and Dad were loosing their minds. I carefully got a piece of cardboard and broke a piece off, to use to gently slide the baby onto it. In comparison to this baby tonight and the baby at the beginning of the week, it definitely wasn’t ready to leave as these ones today, both walked and tried flying just fine! I was able to get the baby on the cardboard and then my daughter watched the baby while I got a ladder and put it up against the house. The wee thing fell a story and a half, so it was quite the adventure! I was able to climb up near the nest, and gently slide the baby back into the nest without touching it. By later that day they were all snuggled in together again!

Looks like by night fall they should all have left the nest!

Murphy Park | Sand Piper’s

For my Artists Way Artists walk I took myself down to murphy park with one of my older lenses, my EF 100-400L with the birds in mind!

Although I didn’t see any of the big birds I was hoping to, these little guys, that I am pretty sure are sand pipers, were very cool to watch!

‘The sandpiper acts as a spiritual symbol of speed, adaptability, and resourcefulness, encouraging grounded focus amidst a busy life. Often associated with safety and finding one’s way home, this bird teaches balancing quick, active work with finding moments of peace. It symbolizes navigating life’s transitions with grace.‘ Online

Monochrome Monday | Dandelion

I am always so excited to see the dandelions back in our grass, that means the bees are soon to follow! This gives such a magical feeling. Macro is delicious!

“Dandelion
Born to live free, riding on a breeze
On a summer night
Tucked back in the weeds, guess that’s just me
In a bed of red roses, I’m the one growing up on the wilder side
So if you’re tired of thorns, I’m a little more
Dandelion” Ella Langley

Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

Artist & Intuitive | Pamela Zmija

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