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Photo or Painting?

Posted by ineta on Jan 27, 2012 in art, photography

Some photos resemble paintings.  The motion, the light bring a surprising outcome.  As if a painting comes out of camera.  I love to paint with the light and motion of a subject.  Here are some photos that I took for you to enjoy:

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.

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Sky Imagination

Posted by ineta on Dec 4, 2011 in art, being creative, photography

Sometimes when looking in the sky, we see painted pictures.  Our imagination see animals, waves, dancing ladies, hearts, and even words.  Here is a collection of pictures where you can see something in them.  What do you see?

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

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Posted by ineta on Nov 24, 2011 in being grateful, Holidays

This is a time to stop and think about what we are grateful for.  For me the list is HUGE not simply in words, but in feelings, too!!!

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!

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Sun Halo Wonder

Posted by ineta on Sep 21, 2011 in art, being creative, photography

I saw something incredible in the sky and it took my breath away.  There was a beautiful rainbow all around the sun.  Many people were going about their day, not noticing anything unusual right above their heads.  I stood in awe, as I captured the sky wonder.  I noticed this beauty only last year, and since then I see sun halos several times per year.

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.

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“Wouldn’t it be interesting if…” Photography

Posted by ineta on Sep 12, 2011 in being creative, being different, passion, photography

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!

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Big Cat Love

Posted by ineta on Aug 26, 2011 in nature, photography

I Love Big Cats:  their beauty, their agility, their determination.  Their eyes captivate me.  They are huge, curious, powerful and regal.  Here are some photos I took at Bush Gardens in Tampa, FL.  Also, I included some fun facts about Big Cats:

The King of the Jungle.

Lionesses are faster than male Lions.

Lionesses are mainly the ones who hunt while male lions guard the territory.

Lion’s roar can be heard at 5 mile distance.

Tigers like water and they are great swimmers.

Unfortunately, tigers are highly endangered because of poaching and habitat loss.

Tigers live twice as long in a captivity than in the wild.

Tigers are the largest of the cat family.

White tigers are a color variation of Bengal Tiger

They have blue eyes and a pink nose.

Tigers are usually lone hunters.

Tiger stripes are unique just like human fingertips.  No two tigers are alike.

Tiger’s roar can be heard one mile away.

Not only Tiger’s fur is striped, but also its skin underneath.

Scientists recognize each tiger by its stripes.

I took the following pictures at Disney World Animal Kingdom.  These were the tricky shots to do because the enclosure was fenced in and pretty far from us.  Therefore, on a windy day, I had to align my camera with the holes in the fence, which was not easy.

At night, tiger can see 6 times better than human.

Unleashing power from within.

Sweet dreams, Tiger.  Notice a little tongue sticking out.  This shot was taken through the window.

Some of the tiger facts were taken from news-50-fun-facts-about-tigers.

I love big cats.  Which one is your favorite?

See small cat photography here

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Color Red Photography

Posted by ineta on Aug 24, 2011 in art, being creative, passion, photography

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

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Wildlife Love

Posted by ineta on Aug 20, 2011 in nature, photography

All since I can remember, I have a huge love for animals and birds.  In harsh winters, I would hand-make bird feeders and feed wild birds.  Birds knew me and as soon I would show up, I swear they would follow me.

We had pigeon chicks on our balcony.  One time, when chick fell off the balcony, I went outside searching for him.  Sure, I found him and put back in the nest, even though my little hands were scratched from chick’s sharp nails.  That was my very first rescue.

Then, there was my first time when I saw a fawn. My heart melted, as people were bottle-fed him.  I fell in love with deer.  I even had my favorite postcard with fawn on it.

Then I volunteered at Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary, where I was fortunate to hold young foxes, feed baby raccoons, baby opossums, baby squirrels, baby armadillo, fawns, deer.  We even received a baby bobcat once.  Since it was a bird sanctuary, we would receive different kinds of birds from chick to an adult, from songbirds to raptors to water birds.  I would feed them, administer medication and even help out vet.  I learned a lot at the sanctuary, not only about the species, but also their songs and behavior.  I can identify birds by their song in the wild most of the time.  Of course, I did some rescues myself, too, and you will find me bringing a turtle to another side of the road.

Animals and birds are in my heart.  They seem to trust me, and therefore, I am able to come relatively closely to them and capture them on my camera.  To photograph wildlife, I find this helpful:

1.  Take a photo from a longer distance, just in case if animal gets scared and runs away.  At least you’ll have a memory captured.

2.  It is really important to gain trust with animal.  Respect their wildness and their space.

3.  Have lots of love and care in your heart.  Animals are very sensitive to energies.  That’s how they survive.  I believe, they sense their world.  They sense if you are dangerous, or not.

3.  Read their body language.  For example, deer will stump its feet, if it senses a danger.

3.  Stop, do not make any sudden movements.  Freeze in a place, play like you are tree.

4.  Eyes is a huge communicator.  Do not stare at them.  If they sense you, lower your eyes.

5.  Stalk like a cat if you have to.  Inch slowly.  Try not to make sounds.  Animals are very sensitive to sounds, like snapping a branch.

6.  If there is a tree or bush, hide behind it.

7.  Gentle voice sometimes helps, and keeps them curious. (It might help or might not).  Once, while I talked very gently, wild Mom deer with little fawn went by very close to me.  As if, she understood me that I am not dangerous.

Here are some of many photos I took of wildlife.  It is great to be one with a nature:

 Eastern Cottontail rabbit

I captured this Nine-Banded Armadillo in the dark.  I had no idea that armadillos can stand up on the back legs.  Did you know they are really good swimmers, too?

Beach bunny.  I took this shot at Siesta Key beach.

Four trouble-maker baby raccoons.

Did you know American Indians call raccoons hand-washers?  They have very sensitive paws and they feel their food with them.  Therefore, if you see a raccoon eat, it looks like they wash their hands constantly.

That’s unusual-looking animal, isn’t it?  It is a Fox Squirrel, and it is so much larger than normal grey squirrel.

I handed this bread to squirrel.  She made a great poser. :-)   As you can see from her nipples, she is having baby squirrels in her nest.

Baby mockingbird meets baby rabbit

My Little Poser

You can feel my excitement when I captured this beautiful deer family all out in the open!  Notice their ears.  One ear is turned to me, and other ear is turned behind them.  They are always on the lookout.

This deer gave a birth to a fawn right in this spot.  I saw a little one, but the grass was way too tall to capture him.  Plus, I kept a distance not to scare them.

A pregnant doe snacks on water plants.  I captured her through the fence.

Two deer in sunset light.

Well, hello there.  Two year old all grown up since I saw him as a little fawn.

A tender moment.  Once again, I shot them through the fence, giving them a distance and privacy.

Blowing blueberries at me. :-)

Now you know why fawn has so many white spots.  It is easier to camouflage among wild flowers.

This fawn is just hours old.  Still had wobbly legs while walking.

A beautiful couple.

Close together.

This fawn is adventurer.  His curiosity always took him away from his mom and sibling.  He is a survivor and very independent.

I got really close to him.  He is smelling the air where I stand.  Deer are still near and dear to my heart.

Watch out!  A new Sheriff in town!

This is a Cattle Egret.  When they are not around cattle and horses, they are seen on top of cars.  I even saw some riding on the top of cars, even on one at speed of 45 miles per hour.

Osprey by her nest.  Ospreys are called fish hawks because they mainly feed on fish.

Can you spot an owl?  Great Horned Owl is perfectly camouflaged.  The only give away is when song birds or crows make a ruckus by screaming and yelling and even attacking the owl.

Beautiful Bald Eagle perched on the fence.  It is not a familiar sight where we are.

Juvenile Wood Stork.  Notice the fuzz still left on his head.  Also, notice how he stands.  He seems comfortable.

Sandhill crane with two chicks.  This scene made my heart melt. :-)   Did you know that Sandhill cranes paint their feathers with stick and mud to better camouflage themselves?  Notice brown patches on adult?  That’s painted.

Please use caution.  Common sense and keeping distance, especially while photographing chicks or baby mammals are required.  Mom birds and Mom animals are very protective of their young.  So, if you sense they are uncomfortable from their body language, keep still or carefully leave.  It is not worth to scare them and putting your being in danger.  Animals are wild and it is their territory.  Got to be respective of them.

See Big Cat Love photography here.

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Right Timing

Posted by ineta on Aug 17, 2011 in nature, passion, photography, smile

Most photography is all about the right timing.  The captures tell a story.  The action frozen in time leaves us to our imagination to see what is happening and what will happen next.

I find fascinating to watch pelicans and their dive-bombing ability to catch fish.  Like I mentioned previously, to be able to capture a moment, I usually get to know my subjects pretty well.  I used to volunteer at Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary.  Not only I handled them, helped to tube-feed them, fed them with fish, and released them back to the wild, but I found out lots of fascinating things about pelicans.

Here are some photos I captured throughout the years on Siesta Key Beach, FL.

 

Here goes Peter!

Family outing.  Notice the middle one?  Adult Brown Pelicans are teaching a juvenile how to fish.

Big Splash!

Who’s first?

Pelican the Conductor

Extreme Sport-Fishing.  The guy is oblivious what is behind him.

Why pelicans never drown?  Their bones are hollow; therefore, they are very lightweight.

Bubble Bath

Ok, Guys.  Listen up.  Our fishing quota for today is…  Jack, are you listening?

Among Sea of Stars

One fish for you, one fish for me…  Hey, guys, leave some for me!

Cormorant Kidnapper

He strikes again.

Help!!!  Pelicans falling from the sky!!!

On the count of three. Promise?

Double Splash!

S-c-r-e-e-c-h!  Pelican on breaks.

Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?

Did you catch my fish?  Brown Pelicans can hold up to three gallons of water in their pouch.  They usually drain their beaks, and then put their heads up to swallow the fish.  That’s when sneaky seagulls grab the fish.

What do you mean you did not catch fish yet?  Lazy bastard!

Laughing Seagull is taking Brown Pelican hostage.

Synchronized flying

Brown Pelicans need a warm weather to survive.  Their feet and pouches can get a frost bite if the temperatures stays as low as 32 degrees for more than twelve hours.  Also, in cold temperatures, pelicans cannot find the fish, since fish go deeper.  Pelicans only dive a short distance because of their hollow bones.

Confusing the seagull.

Pelicans have been on Earth for around forty million years.

In the breeding season, Brown Pelicans dress themselves.  Their eyes become brighter.  The yellow head becomes of brighter yellow and their beaks become redder, as if they used a lipstick to make themselves prettier.

Pelican Dangers:

If you and your friends go fishing, please do not leave fish bones around and do not throw them back in the water.  Fish bones get stuck in pelicans’ mouths and throats.

Also, please do not leave fishing line around.  Pelicans get tangled up in it.

Sometimes when pelicans dive for a fish, fisherman’s hook gets caught in pelican’s mouth.  It’s painful and pelican get scared.  When that happens, please DO NOT CUT the line.  If that happens, pelicans get tangled up in fishing line, and can’t fly; therefore, can’t feed themselves and die.  If a pelican does get snagged by fishing hook by accident, very carefully reel him in and gently try to remove the hook.  Their beaks are harmless, just stay away from the pointy sharp hook at the end of the beak.  If you can’t remove the hook, please call nearest wildlife sanctuary or US Fish and Wildlife Services.  In Sarasota, Florida that would be Save Our Seabirds.  In Venice, Florida that would be Wildlife Center of Venice.

By saving and protecting them, we can enjoy these fascinating creatures in the wild.

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Low Light Photography

Posted by ineta on Aug 16, 2011 in being creative, nature, photography

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.

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