Maybe a Little Too Close?

Are you grossed out? I hope not, because the lake at which this picture was taken was absolutely beautiful. As I drove by one day on my way to a shoot, I was absolutely mesmerized. Unfortunately, I did not have time to stop since I had to be at my shoot, but as I passed by on the way home the sun was still in a great position, with the lake as peaceful as earlier in the day! After telling you how beautiful the lake looked why choose a close-up picture of the lily pads and algae? Well, from far away you would miss the details you are able to enjoy in this photo...and yes, I mean the algae intertwined with the lilies! I'll let you use your imagination for the rest of the lake.

I stood on the lake shore amazed at everything that was living and growing under the water. Lilly pads always seem to intrigue me because they just sit so peacefully on the surface. What are they attached to? How does something grow without anything solid underneath? As you can see, the water was full of pads, but unfortunately, they were not all blooming yet. I have a feeling in a few weeks the lake will be full of gentle, white flowers.

My attention eventually turned to the algae. Normally, I would associate "funky green stuff" with nasty, brown water but not that sunny, Spring day. Never have I actually stopped and taken a picture of how the unusual organism seems to twist around everything within its reach. Something must have been in the air that day to make me take picture after picture. Maybe it was the sun beating down on the water...maybe the fact that the workday was nearing completion...or maybe, I just suddenly had a new appreciation for algae. Imagine the strength of this green growth to be so tightly secured around a tree branch; or the thickness to prevent any of the lilies from growing up through the middle (well, except that one!?!?). Isn't nature amazing sometimes!

After nearly 20 minutes I forced myself to put the camera away and head back to my car for the trip home. I was not reluctant to go home, I was disappointed to leave the water's edge and the peacefulness of everything that seemed to be growing beyond the surface.

Are you still grossed out? Hopefully not, but if you are let me know and I will try to stay away from "funky green stuff" next time.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

The day I took this picture was absolutely beautiful...just look at the clear blue sky! You would never know it, but this corn field is just ten feet from a major two-lane road, where hundreds of cars travel everyday. I don't drive past everyday but at least two or three times a week; and every time I do I am looking for one thing: deer!

For years, deer have been known to graze through this field and then wander up to the hill in the background to settle in for the night. The amazing thing is, right across the street is a big strip mall with an even bigger one a quarter of a mile up the road!

The first time I saw deer in the field was about 15 years ago and I could not believe it. I figured it was a one-time occurrence, that the animals had somehow wondered the wrong way and wound up so close to the road. Then a few weeks later I saw them (or their friends perhaps!!!) again, but this time there was more. At this point I said to myself, "How could there be that many deer living in this area with so many stores, houses, and traffic close by?" I was informed that deer, apparently, do not need much room to survive and the little hill beyond the clearing would be plenty for a herd.

So after that day, a "tradition" began...I could not drive by this field without taking a quick look to see if there were any deer roaming around. Over the years, the number has increased and you can sometimes see upwards of 20 or 30 at a time. Now I know, this particular day I was not able to capture any of the animals snacking on the young corn (I don't even know - do deer eat corn?) but just imagine for a second a tiny doe prancing across the open space.

Is there something in your neighborhood or along your commute that just seems out of place?

Do you ever wonder how it got there in the first place?

I would guess that these herds of deer are remnants from a time when there were no strip malls or houses in this particular neighborhood - when animals of all kinds had free reign. Somehow, these "natives" have been able to adapt and hold on...in the meantime I enjoy the one out of ten times that I glance over at the field and see a lone deer making its way back towards the trees.

That's the Golden Perspective...what yours?

I don't know about you, but it is not everyday that I see a giant cow on the side of the road. (Although, when I told an acquaintance about the "cow spotting" she replied, 'Oh, that thing, I see it all of the time'.") For me, this sight was a rarity and I felt worthy of sharing. Plus, this cow was seriously almost two stories high!

With the summer season un-officially begun, the time of year for fun and carefree are upon us. How much more fun can you get than a behemoth cow beckoning passersby into a local drive-in? Is anyone else thoroughly entertained, or is it just me? The day I spotted the giant cow I was a bit frazzled and desperate for something to lighten the mood. It was one of those days when I did not feel like working and was trying to garner some enthusiasm for what lay ahead...then I drove by this cow! I started laughing hysterically and immediately pulled over to send a picture to some family members (so yes, this photo isn't entirely new to everyone!!?!)

I cannot profess any aesthetic purpose for this photo or speak much of it's composition...but that's O.K. My intention for sharing the picture was to put a smile on your face and have you say, "I wish I could pass a giant, plastic cow on the side of the road!" Sometimes you need to put aside all of the formality of work and revel in the absurdities of everyday life. One stressful morning that is exactly what I did: I was in need of a distraction and most certainly found it a giant bovine.

What kind of crazy stuff have you ever passed on the side of the road?

If you didn't stop, how tempted were you to pull over a snag a picture?

Don't ever pass up a great photo opp because it might seem too silly!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

A Green Maze

How cool is this garden? From the sampling of color to the symmetry, everything about this room was amazing. It stinks that I couldn't actually walk around...this particular location kept "visitors" at bay and did not allow anyone to move throughout this maze of bushes. When I came across this green landscape I wished I had a book, could find an empty corner, and relax for a few hours. Unfortunately, I was not able to do any of those things...but I could dream!

As I stood at the "fence" I was thinking how awesome this display would look in my backyard. I would love to be able to get up on a warm summer morning, walk outside, and enjoy this beautiful view over some breakfast. I could maybe do without the statues that are hiding in the back amongst the trees, but otherwise I would definitely enjoy having everything else five feet from my kitchen window.

I think there is a calmness that this garden creates. The light colored flowers - don't ask me what they are...does anyone know? - mixed in with the low-lying bushes don't intimidate onlookers but rather welcome them. The tiny paths seemed very inviting, enticing me to walk around and explore the landscaping up close. Finally, there didn't seem to be any sharp angles or turns, everything was very smooth and gradual...very peaceful.

I would be lying if I didn't say I felt like I was in a movie - no specific titles came to mind, but this scene just felt like something you would see in a fictional world.

Any suggestions?

Does a specific movie come to mind when looking at this garden?

I was picturing a film that takes place in Europe or on some sweeping estate (which I don't own and could be a good reason why this is not in my backyard!!?). Can't you just picture dignitaries walking up these paths with a cocktail, or the ladies in long flowing dresses with parasols overhead to protect against the sun's rays? Perhaps a small band or a piano in the back - taking the place of the statues - playing some quiet melodies, while the birds chirp overhead...

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Prep Time...

Right before a shoot I always take a few minutes to get focused. I try to put aside whatever business I was dealing with earlier in the day and think about the world in which I am about to become immersed. Recently, I had the opportunity to do my "preparation" over dinner at this restaurant - and what a great choice!

The restaurant had an indoor bar atmosphere and then an outside "garden patio" area. I positioned myself right between the two so I could enjoy both settings. As you could probably guess from the picture, I liked the outside scenery better. The inside bar was full of people who most likely had just left work and had stopped in for a quick cocktail to help unwind from a long day at the office. Others were probably locals who decided to join their significant other for an early dinner on a beautiful spring afternoon - yes, this happened to be a day when it actually felt like spring! The room was filled with a low hum of activity, while in contrast the outdoor patio was empty and quiet.

The patio was long and narrow, lined by picnic tables, which fit the style of the restaurant. At the far end was the "grill" where I purchased a fantastic sandwich. As I sat and ate my dinner just feet from the doorway I felt like I had the best of both rooms. I was able to watch the setting sun move from one window to the next, then turn to my left and see another couple position themselves at the bar for the beginning of "happy hour". After another bite of my sandwich I sat and looked at the aged brick walls, wondering what used to be housed inside of them - or was it always this neighborhood restaurant?

With all of this back and forth between rooms you're probably wondering when or how I ever prepared for my shoot. Well, in a way the hustle of inside and the calmness of the patio provided just the right mix: I was entertained enough to forget about all of past craziness and focus on my next job!

How do you prepare for something big?

Do you have to find that right balance between crowded and quiet?

How often, throughout the day, do you wish you could escape to someplace like this restaurant?

Sometimes the best prep time comes in the most unlikely place...

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Traveling Far Away...

I wanted to share this picture for the simple fact that I really like it and feel it is one of those pictures that can take you far away from where you are right now! When I was standing in this garden taking the photo I commented, "I feel like I'm in Holland". Everywhere I turned I saw tulips - yes, those are tulips behind the daffodils. The sight was absolutely beautiful! Now, I have never been to the Netherlands but I have seen pictures and with a little imagination this field of flowers transported me across the Atlantic Ocean! The tulips were not the only thing that stirred my imagination...and the excitement did not end once I headed home.

The smell of the garden was just as important as the flowers themselves: each flower and bush had its own unique scent which filled the air everywhere I walked. Looking at the photo I am reminded of those smells. I am reminded of the feeling I had walking up the path; a feeling of attending church on a bright, spring morning when the building is full of lilies, daffodils, and other seasonal flowers.

I can take another look at the photo and still feel the light breeze that was gently blowing the flowers and trees that afternoon. Suddenly, I am once again standing on the same path. Even though the breeze is warm, I am provided a little relief from the sun beating down on my face. At this point, I am taken away from this particular garden to a field where the same flowers grow wild; a field where little critters can be seen scurrying around, and there is a tree off in the distance that provides even more relief than the breeze.

I love this picture because I can look back and for a few moments I can imagine myself traveling to someplace real or someplace that exists only in my imagination! I can even travel back to the time when I actually took the photo and relive that wonderful, spring afternoon.

Is there someplace this scenery reminds you of?

If you close your eyes, where do you imagine yourself?

Whatever it is or wherever you travel does not have to be the same all of the time. Each time you look at a picture or video different memories and images can be conjured up - which allows for more adventure.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Recycled Art

Admittedly, I am not usually one for abstract art...but this display was fantastic! Unfortunately, I did not have as much time to look as I would have wanted because I was walking to a shoot and had to move-on quickly. I have to say right up front that my favorite part is the "person" standing to left of, what I would assume, is its creation.

After looking at this display for a few minutes I only came up with one idea of what it all means...but that's O.K. I think if I had more time, as I mentioned, I could have interpreted a little more. To me, this guy (yes, I'm just going to call it a "guy") seemed like a street vendor displaying his wares. Hidden amongst everything is a clock, valves, pipes, and other useful metal objects.

I got a feeling the artist intended for this piece to be fun and creative, which is why I think it appeals to my senses. I love how pieces of old steel and metal, that originally had other uses, were joined together to form something unique - it's almost recycling to the extreme. How often do you see a person made out of rebar? The clock toward the center of the picture has an actual clock face, but is housed possibly in material from other time devices. And is that a helmet down toward the bottom? I love how the person who created this conglomerate looked at a simple piece of metal but saw a whole different world...

Since this display of craftiness is on the side of a building, along a somewhat busy street, the rustic style is appropriate. If this piece was on display in a museum I honestly don't think I would have enjoyed it as much - it would have seemed unnatural. The fact that I turned the corner and there this "person" stood, proudly displaying his wares, is what makes the artwork fun. Whenever you find something in an unusual place you stop and take a second look. At the same time an object outside of its natural environment makes me step outside of my world; thereby also finding enjoyment in an unlikely situation.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?