Nature is an under-recognized healer…

Day Lily in a Walmart parking lot

I recently read a study that being out in nature has a profound affect on our mood, risk of depression and sense of calmness. Overall, nature is an under-recognized healer, the paper says, offering multiple health benefits from allergy reductions to increases in self esteem and mental well being.

But, I think, we intuitively know that. Don’t we usually breathe deeper and relax just a little when going for a walk on a tree lined path or when we step into a meadow of wildflowers?

Scientific American actually has done studies that show when we even look at nature, we relax and heal faster. Think about your time gazing into a lake or relaxing on the porch looking at the backyard. We recharge within a very short time.

As I have grown my floral art images, one of the benefits has been watching how individuals stare at the images and seem to relax in front of my eyes as they immerse themselves in the nature represented.

This day lily was growing in a surprising place…a Walmart parking lot! I had gone to get groceries and spotted it one day. Of course, I did not have my camera gear with me. I made a promise to myself to come back.

And I did. Three different times. The time of day had to be right. The light had to be right. The bloom had to be just right. Day Lillies are just what they say they are. They bloom for one day.

I finally got it right. The bud was perfect, the light was right and I had my gear with me. It is a testament to me that great art can be made almost anywhere. And the random growth of a beautiful flower can grace your life even in (or maybe especially in) a Walmart parking lot.

Today is a day to treat yourself to one of the images you have wanted to see on your walls and enjoy. Whether you are feeling stressed or not, gazing at images of nature lifts your spirits, especially for flower lovers.

Take a look through the gallery and choose a few for your home or gifts for your favorite flower lover.

December 8, 2018May 6, 2020

Path to the Sea…

Sometimes the act of getting to a destination is almost as good as the arrival.

As we were making our way to the beach in Melbourne, Fl we took this path to the sea. Many of the more isolated areas of the beach on either coast have public access areas that are more wild than the groomed areas that you find in more popular tourist areas.

I look for these because it means that the beach is usually less crowded.

As we ventured up this path, I was struck by the many textures, colors and different plantings that were here. Scouting this area was just what I needed to do to ascertain that the area would be suitable when the light was right.

Planning photographs is very important.

Looking for the right spot and then planning on the light and time of day can be crucial in whether an image is ok, good or great. I came back just before sunset the next night to catch the “golden light” that would make this site perfect.

Not ever envisioning a path to the sea as an image I would consciously seek out, I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and lush this area was. All the different textures came together to make a pleasing variation in the image. Sometimes you will see a strong contrast of light or colors and that difference will make a photograph. But here, it was the subtleness of the textures that added the interest the scene needed.

Sometimes the journey is as good as the destination. Remember to enjoy the inspiration along the way.

Don’t wait for inspiration to come. It comes while one is working. Henry Matisse

Kathleen

December 6, 2018December 8, 2018

Timing, Patience and a quick trigger finger…

As I watched the waves crash on the area surrounding the rocks of the pier, I was moved by their energy and differences.

It was a windy day and the waves were respectfully magnificent.

I watched them form further out and sought to notice their differences, hoping I could tell when “the one” would crash onto the rocks.

With a steady grip on camera and tripod, I proceeded to try and time the crash, calculate the shutter speed, aperture and over spray.

Cautiously I protected the lens with one hand from sea spray and shading it from the direct hit of the sun at the same time. I began to shoot.

I probably have 30+ images of this one scene to get all the elements combined. Long, but not too long, shutter speed, calm waves in the background, sea spray just right so that you can see the water underneath and the clouds and rocks at the right exposure…timing, patience and a quick trigger finger wins again!

When did you first learn about timing and patience?

I believe for most of us it was early in childhood. It was intuitive as we learned to ask our parents for something when they were in a good mood. The outcome was much more satisfactory!

We experience timing and patience on a daily basis, I believe.

No matter what it is, in our personal lives or careers, patience and timing can be a very useful skill.

We use it many times without thinking; our brains are hardwired to help us achieve the best outcomes for our lives.

It is just interesting to think on these things and appreciate the little nuances that have made our lives better.

(Now the quick trigger finger…over 1000 weddings and lots and lots of small children photographed over the years have honed that skill!)

I hope you enjoy this image. It explores many facets of the sea and the nuances of nature.

Fondly,

Kathleen

Finding Natures Beauty

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