This one is one of my favorites.  The day was really cloudy, but this capture of the moment was priceless.

Sometimes the blurriness gives that special effect that looks like brush strokes of a painter.

Abstract photography also looks like abstract paintings.  These are moving reflections in the water.

It is a wonder what photography can do.  It let us see what we normally would just dismiss or simply look and forget.  Photography is capturing the moments that can stay with us forever.  It is an amazing art that let us live in the now.

I see a dancing lady, and below a lady with a big hat.

I see a sun heart

I see “I’m”

I see a number “20″ or a dragon with a big tail.

I see on the right corner – head of baby elephant

I see a huge heart

I see an elephant

I see a head of the dog

I see a word “Hi”

I see a man on his knees praying.

I see a giant dog bone.

I see a mountain climber

I see a giant bird

I see Lo and with a bird forming Lov as in Love

I see an Opera Singer or Giant Dinosaur

I see a Sea Horse by the sun

I see “I” and “heart”

For more sky wonder, you can see Imagination at Play

This is how I got these pictures beside two catamarans.

Even a reflection of the pole in the water stood out.

Amazing, isn’t it?

I am thankful for my life and health.

I am thankful for my family and friends who are INCREDIBLE in every way. Thank you for being You!

I am thankful for my family who are true inspirations full of courage, determination and so much love.

I am thankful for our pets who always warm our hearts and make us smile.

I am thankful for wildlife that cause me by surprise and leads me on curiosity trips.

I am thankful for every magical moment I see everyday: from diamond sparkles on the leaves and flowers after the rain to a sunset that takes my breath away.

I am thankful for challenges that life throws in order to let me think creatively.

I am thankful for my creativity to see and feel things.

I am thankful for moments of inspiration from people, books, and life.

I am thankful for freedom of my heart and thoughts.

I am thankful for great wisdom teachers who challenge to see life in a heart-felt way.

I am thankful for my fans who cheer me on and see the beauty of life the way I do.

I am thankful for all the love I feel within my heart.

I am thankful for all the artists who make a world more beautiful with their creations.

I am thankful for music that lets my heart sing.

I am thankful for having a courage to let go of things that do not serve me anymore.

I am thankful for a new space I am creating for new possibilities.

I am thankful for an incredible future that will come because I know what I want.

I am thankful for nature how it always refreshes me and makes me wonder and gives me an inspiration.

I am thankful for every day, hour and minute I live.

What are you grateful?

Have an awesome Thanksgiving, my family and friends!!!!  Sending you lots of love!

To shoot a sun halo is pretty complicated because of its gigantic size.  Plus, it is a bit boring if we capture it only on photograph, especially if the rainbow is faint.  So, how to capture this beauty that would fill our minds with wonder?  Here are some ideas:

As in every photo, composition makes up a picture.

This is my very first time when I saw a Sun Halo.

I stopped by palm trees to get some composition.

“Squeezing” a sun to make a rainbow.

Greeting the sun.  It was not easy to make this shot because I was out in the open without a tripod.  So, I put my camera down, and gently leaned it against a taller grass.  I lined it up towards the sun, but not sure 100% what I was shooting.  I came toward the camera, extended my arms and voila! I got this shot.  Experimenting sometimes works.

Bald Eagle and Sun Halo in one day! Magic of nature!

Palm tree and Sun Halo

Catching a sun in my palm.

Making a Sun Dog.

Catching a sun and a bird.

Here I aligned a glossy paper heart’s hole with a sun to get this magical effect.  This is by far my most favorite capture.

So next time if you see a sun halo, what can you create?

If you wish to learn more about sun halos and how they are formed, you can click this link.

]]> http://wonderocity.com/sun-halo-wonder/feed 0 http://wonderocity.com/wouldnt-it-be-interesting-if-photography http://wonderocity.com/wouldnt-it-be-interesting-if-photography#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:16:21 +0000 ineta http://wonderocity.com/?p=1137 Trust that little voice in your head that says “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…”  And then do it.” ~ Duane Michals, “More Joy of Photography.”

This powerful quote says it all.  In photography, if we trust our inner knowing, we can create magic.  We can capture what we see in most unusual ways.  It gets us creative, it fills us with imagination, and we capture that wonder in our beloved photography.

Here are some photos I captured following my inner wonder:

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot an incredible sunset reflected in theater’s windows?

Here is the magical result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot sunset reflections in a far away building with my zoom lense?

A building becomes alive with a golden beautiful light.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align the sun with crystals?

The beautiful necklace by Dalia Koss becomes full of crystal magic.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align fishing Great Blue Heron with Super Moon’s pathway?

Even though I was tripping in the dark going down the slope, I had a vision in my heart and went for it.  This picture in my Flickr was overnight sensation, totaling 1000 views per night.  Right now, it has over 2,000 views.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would catch a sunlight in my fingers?

Magic catch.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align the sunset colors with a spider web?Here is a colorful spider web palate

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will integrate my friend Sandy in art?

Sandy becomes a part of statue. Art Deco.

Sandy becomes a part of painting.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would capture sunset through the window from inside the house?

The door window becomes enchanted.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I align a sunlight with our Princess Adora?

Princess becomes an angel.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will capture Princess through my car’s reflection?

The capture makes an interesting composition.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will try to capture moon through the blinds?

Here is a result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align a crow statue against decorative lamp?

It becomes like fairy tale: a crow against the moon.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if we would take our cameras while parasailing?

The view was spectacular!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot rain drops on my back car’s window lighted by the car behind while waiting by the red light?

Rain drops become hundreds of hearts.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would “train” a dragonfly to stand on my finger while taking a picture with another hand?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dragonfly the Acrobat!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align a sunlight on the dragonfly’s wings?

Golden Magical Dragonfly.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would come really close to the Brown Pelican, and snap the photo?

The light was incredible.  Brown Pelican trusted me to come closely.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would capture the wave from the low point?

Getting a close up.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would use a light post for support because I did not have a tripod with me for this night shot?

It is great to improvise!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would take this photo of sand castle against sunset and include a person to show the size?

Here is a dreamy dragon beauty.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would include a sunset and shoot this castle from the ground?

Picture becomes magic.  One woman yelled at me because according to her, I took the best spot.  It was my idea all along and after me, a few people started to follow my low point of taking picture.  Love to inspire people.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would see what is inside this rock?

Here is a result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot a sunset through my car’s mirror?

I was standing by red light.  Love to use these waiting moments for my advantage.

So, what would you see if you would follow your inner knowing, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…?” Go shoot the magic!

Wish you lots of creativity!

]]> http://wonderocity.com/wouldnt-it-be-interesting-if-photography/feed 0 http://wonderocity.com/color-red-photography http://wonderocity.com/color-red-photography#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:25:08 +0000 ineta http://wonderocity.com/?p=1053 Sometimes photography is all about a color, and the most that stands out is a color Red.  It makes a gloomy day more interesting.  It gives an energy and power.  It is a color of passion, love and life.

Red color flowers stand out in the garden.

In fashion, the touch of red brings out sexiness, like these Christian Louboutin heels.  (See shoerazzi.com for more great shoe goodness)

Red brings out fun, summer feel and vacation.  This is my friend Sandy dressed in Dalia Koss necklace

Deep red color top and turquoise makes a great match. Jewelry by Dalia Koss.

Red dress in this photo makes a woman beautiful, and mysterious.

Even red light reflection on the street makes otherwise gloomy rainy night like a painting.

Red accent like this red toy makes already cute picture more powerful.

This one is an interesting moment.  I captured a giant moon right next to the red light through car’s window.  It made the sky surreal.

Red paddle boat makes this scene even more magical by giving a great contrast.

Love is in the air. Red Macaws are grooming each other.

Red sea of flowers

Red dragonfly is a sure stand out in a green background.

Sometimes a red color is a great protection for insects.  It is warning for birds not to eat them.

Red sunset adds a drama to the sky.

This Red horse statue brings out excitement to the city.

Red strawberries add a delicious touch to this yogurt.

Red bromiliad looks like a natural firework.

Red color makes the overcast day so much prettier.  It brings a sense of adventure.

Red brings out a huge contrast into a magical day.

Of course, nothing can beat a red sports car.  This Ferrari makes my heart skip the beat just looking at it.  It has a sense of dangerousness, hotness, and adventure.

The red color adds a fire and passion in our lives.  Where can you find yours?

Color Green photography

Our pets bring out the best in us.  They give us comfort.  They give us joy in our hearts.  They are like our children and we love them dearly.  Sure, sometimes they get us mad by chewing something or destroying something, but this is just the way they keep us on our toes.

Our pets do not care how we look.  They give us unconditional love, and know when exactly to cheer us up or comfort us.  When they give us that look, our hearts melt and we can’t help but smile.

As you can tell, I am HUGE animal lover.  I love to take pictures of them.  I love to capture their personality.  As if I become part of them reading their body language.

Nobody knows our pets as well as we do.  So how to capture their essence?  How to capture their personality?  How to freeze that moment of playfulness, that moment of smile?

First of all, we got to get down or up to their level.  We already know what they will do next by reading their body language.  Although, they still can surprise us.  The best way to shoot is when our pet does something surprising.  I must admit, though, some pets are camera-shy.  They freeze when we show up with that thing in our hands, especially if it is a large camera.  It is unknown to them.  So, my solution is to have pets get used to the camera.  Practice makes it better, and pets might usually get used to their pictures taken.

Here are some photos I took of our pets.  Each one of them has a different personality.

Here is Romeo when he was a cuddly puppy.  Sure, he will make you smile:

The boy and his toy

Sleepy dreams

Romeo’s first time at Siesta Key Beach.  Notice sand on his nose?

Even though he was tiny, it took two of us to catch him.

Sleepy puppy

Am I going to grow as big as she is?

You got to be kidding me?!!!  First time on a leash.  He still plans an ultimate revenge on his leash every time we walk him out.

Romeo in the back of Mom’s Jaguar.  The most saddest day was when he could not fit there anymore.

Sleepy time.  The work must be so exhausting.

Smile!

Romeo LOVES to take shower.

Let the fun times begin!

I just stole my Mom’s bra!

Waiting for dinner

What to do with Junk Mail?

Water+Romeo=Inseparable

At the speed of light

Gosh, that feels good! Let’s do it again!

And there he goes in the water again!

Introducing Smokey, the smartest African Grey Parrot on Earth!

Preening time!

Smokey talks, whistles, dances and shoots.  If somebody comes close to the house, she makes a real gun shooting sound, and they run away.  She and Romeo are the best protectors.  Here Smokey’s tail is lit up by sunlight.

“Good Morning,” Smokey says to Romeo.  They are the best buddies, and they give each other kisses.

What are you looking at?

Smokey LOVES broccoli

Here she dances and whistles to the tune.

I believe I can fly!

Even horses have a different personality.  Introducing Tango and Princess Adora.

Rock Star Tango.  He is Thoroughbred, retired racing horse and a rescue

Princess loves to run.  She is a Dutch Warm-blood and has a wild spirit.

Princess Adora and Tango after the shower.

Princess loves showers!

She loves showers so much, she goes into the dirt, rolls over, gets dirty and comes to ask for more shower.  Smart Princess!

Princess lets loose!

Best Friends forever!

It is great to capture pets from different perspective, by being creative.  Here stands Underwater Princess.

The hair in the wind!

Princess looks on in a distance

Princess loves the breeze in the air and a cooler weather.

Let’s kick start our day!

Jungle Beauty

Feeding time!  Tango LOVES to eat.

Princess gets wild!

In the splash of shower.

Princess is very curious in nature.  Everything fascinates her.  Did I mentioned she loves to run?  She can’t wait for cooler weather.  Right now she loves to splash in the pond.

So, whenever you would like to shoot your pet, look into their personality.  Capture not only what you see, but also what you feel.

See cat photography here.

]]> http://wonderocity.com/how-to-shoot-your-beloved-pet/feed 0 http://wonderocity.com/low-light-photography http://wonderocity.com/low-light-photography#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:08:35 +0000 ineta http://wonderocity.com/?p=834 We, photographers, love light.  The right lighting makes a photograph magical. Some of us even use an artificial light just to make that photo great!

What if the day is overcast, and there is no sunshine?  Does it prevent us to go out and create with our cameras?  Do we wait for sunshine days?

With overcast days, we can create different kind of magic.  Lack of light should not prevent us from doing what we love.  Life is all about ups and downs, right?  Different light creates different moods.  Bright colors stand out more.  Reflections are more profound.  Low light makes a scene more mysterious.  Some of our photos become like a painting.

Here are some captures that I did in a low light:

Look at that reflection in the water.

Peeking out dolphin has so much contrast.  The scene becomes magical.

Pelicans and reflections makes this photo like a painting.

This photo seems like telling a story.

Selective focus makes this photo vacation-like.

Pelican and low sunset light makes this scene dreamy.

Swan and cute cygnets.

Low angle makes people look like walking on the water.

Young couple and a dream.

Foggy conditions makes colors look more brighter, like feet and beak of this Snowy Egret.

Young fisherman-to-be.

Fog makes this scene mysterious with selective focus.

Sun peeking through the clouds.

Fishing frenzy

Look at those legs and reflections.

Gigantic clouds makes this boat so small.

Ready for fishing frenzy

Skimmers all lined up.

Diving Pelicans

Skimmers and sandpipers unite.

So, next time, there is a cloudy day, do not be afraid to venture out and create a low light magic.

There are so many photographers with simple and gigantic with telescopic lenses cameras.  There are beginners and there are professionals.  Yet, some photographers stand out more than others, and not necessarily the ones with the best cameras around.  Why is that?  There are point and shoot and go people, and there are real artists.  What distinguishes artists from regulars?  They are masters of what they do.  They are masters of their craft.  They have an artistic eye and open heart and use them to create magical masterpieces.

How do they do that?  We can learn from them using these techniques:

1.  Capture what is in your heart.

2. Shoot with the feeling (this should come naturally).

3. Be aware of surroundings.  Notice things other people miss.

4. Use imagination, be creative.  Try different angles, textures, focus.  Do not be afraid to experiment.

5. Do not let anything stop you (rain, dark, etc.).

6. Follow your gut feeling.

7. Be patient.

8. Be your own boss (do not follow rules, be different).

9. Practice makes it better.  Know camera as your best friend.

10. Have a camera always ready. You never know what you’ll see.

First and foremost, capturing what is in your heart is a main and most important ingredient.  If you shoot what you do not love or like, pictures always will look crappy.  Now, if you capture something you love, it will show in your pictures.  You’ll give a special attention to your subject and even might find better angles to shoot.  The connection to a subject will make a whole world of difference.  If you love people and fashion, for example, specialize as a fashion photographer.  If nature and animals are in your heart, be a nature photographer.  Some photographers are skilled in various areas.  They bring love and undivided attention in anything they choose to capture.

Second technique is an extension of first.  If the first step is utilized, second technique should come naturally.  When capturing a subject, bring out a feeling.  Get to know the subject.  For example, in shooting a rose, smell it, admire its beauty.  Bring that awe and fragrance into a picture.  While capturing animals or birds, get to know them, study their behavior.  In shooting pets, play with them, bring out the cuddliness.  Look for traits of personality and capture the right moments.  In capturing people, get to know them to capture a real essence of them.  While shooting places, get to know the history and feel the energy, capture the light.

To have a great photographic eye, you got to be aware of surroundings and be present.  This way you can notice things that others miss.  Being in the now will surprise you what kind of things you start to notice.  You might be seeing the same things everyday.  However, if you look more closely, you can always notice something new.  For example, you go to the park and follow the same route.  If you are aware of your surroundings, you might notice a new flower or tree blooming.  In capturing people, you might use a different angle, different background.  Also, there might be an animal camouflaged.  Many people might drive or go the same routes, and they might not notice what is in front of them.  To be aware of surroundings all the time, it might bring some surprises.

In creating pictures, do not be afraid to use your imagination.  Be creative.  Try different angles, textures, focus.  Do not be afraid to experiment.  Bring your camera to the ground, shoot from up, sideways, upside down.  Let your creativity flow.  Make up backgrounds, shoot a splash of color in a dull places.  Capture different emotions, movements, surprising angles.  Sky is the limit to your abundant creativity.  Do not be afraid to be different, odd, unusual.

Once the sun goes down or starts raining or snowing, we find ourselves cooped up inside.  However, we miss some best shots.  Surprisingly, we can make the most creative shots in these conditions.  Rain brings the best reflections and raindrops that look like diamonds.  The night brings the splashes of colors.  Do not let any weather condition stop you.

Another technique is always follow your gut feeling.  If you do, you’ll find some great opportunities to take pictures in certain places at certain times.  That’s how I found much of wildlife and got pretty close to them.  Your inner knowing knows the best.  Never deny it.

Patience plays an important role as well.  It is easy to shoot a bird and animal standing.  Now, if they are in action, it is so much more interesting.  It brings out aliveness and personality, a moment.  Sometimes, we got to wait for a right timing, right light, right motion.  Also, the same goes with people.  We can take numerous shots and may not like any of them.  Now, if we have a subject to relax, or surprise them unexpectedly, or taking candid shots, we can capture their essence and personality.  I remember one winter my toes were getting cold in the water to the point of numbness, but I captured the most incredible pelican family fishing photos.  Patience is the key to find that right timing and right moment that pays off tremendously in creative shots.

If we would follow all the rules, there would be no creativity left and all the photos would be the same.  Be innovative, create something that nobody created.  Rebel because in being a rebel, all creativity comes out.

Of course, then comes practice.  In shooting constantly, we get to know our camera as a best friend.  We start from basics.  Then we get closer, then we try out creative shots, then experiment different angles, different lighting, different moods.  With practice, our hands become more steady in cases where we do not use tripod.  With practice, our pictures become better and better.  We see our subjects differently; we incorporate different techniques.

At last, always have your camera ready.  You don’t want to miss what you suddenly see.  You don’t want to miss opportunities that present themselves.  If you do miss the shot, just take time to enjoy what you see.  Do not beat yourself up that you have no camera ready.

My camera is my constant companion.  It taught me to be in the present, to enjoy every moment, to see things that many people miss.  Through camera, I capture moments that take my breath away, surprise me.  Through photos, I tell stories what I see, feel, touch, experience, hear and love to share with others.

See how to shoot your beloved pet here.