Raw Beauty

I had a revelation the other day, when I was pondering what breathtaking means to me. I realized that my relationship with photo programs began when I was shooting nature in Colorado. There’s just something that you feel—when you see nature with your own eyes—that can’t be reproduced when you look at a photograph. At least that’s how I see it.

Post-processing started as my way of trying to recapture that feeling somehow. Of course, now my images often morph into wild or wacky art—and end up looking quite different in the end. The first photo above literally became last night’s Circle of Life. Feeling playful and rebellious, I shaped it into something abstract.

Anyway, all of these images were taken from our apartment, when we lived in Colorado, and I’ve done as little as possible to them. We had the best view in the complex, and Mother Nature… with all of her raw beauty… never failed to put on an amazing show.

Nature Therapy

The mountains are calling and I must go. – John Muir

This one actually IS a photograph that I took, back when I lived in Colorado. I read a tutorial this weekend about various ways you can make a photo look more like a vivid painting, and I remembered this image that’s been sitting in my folder waiting for something fun. The original was pretty bland. Too gray. So… I thought I would give it a try.

The area where I shot this is beautiful though! This is a peek at the Arkansas River, running through a small town called Buena Vista. It was about 35 miles south of where we lived. I loved going there because it was at a lower elevation, so you could escape the cold and snow for a day, and have lunch on an outdoor patio.

I also forgot to mention something about my last post. I had to chuckle when I saw the colors I chose, because they reminded me of the old Pee Chee folders. I think I have back to school on the brain. I’ve actually been pretty anxious about it. Not stressed or scared, just more ready than ever… and the days seem to be moving as slow as molasses.

Anyway, I wanted to share the River photograph. I think it’s kind of soothing, so I am sending out peaceful vibes and tranquility.

I found that quote by John Muir and started thinking… YES, YES… I do believe it’s time for a short getaway to the mountains. I miss my travels! 😉

That’s about all for now. Have a beautiful evening! (or morning, or afternoon) ♥♥♥

Trudging Along

Yesterday I took a walk along the Los Angeles river again, and there wasn’t much out there. I got in some good exercise though, and it was really warm out!

Anyway, I took a photo of the path I walk, and today added some mountains and sky that I shot from my living room window, when I lived in Colorado. Otherwise, there was just a freeway to look at. I guess you could say that I imagined there was much more out there than an ugly old road. That’s where I found the divine yesterday- in my imagination.

Peace and love!!