I’m working on my Semester project “Sea Glass: Memories and Meaning.” This photo was taken in the morning light with sun rising in the east. My professor gave me lots of ideas of how to take photos and recommended backlighting. So this is an example.
He also suggested sorting by color, size or shape and creating patterns. I did try that, but it was in noon light and not as dramatic. I’ll try the color arrangement in the morning light another day. Other ideas were to place the sea glass on white paper or even aluminum foil. He must have given me 10 separate ideas to try. I spent a few hours sorting colors from greens, browns, whites and aquas. Then there are some special colors of only a piece or two: royal blue, yellow and lavender.
Although I like the first photo of sea glass better, I do like the pattern our pool made in the background.
In my proposal for the project, I mentioned that I had photos of my kids collecting the sea glass, but no longer had the negatives. He suggested scanning the photos and using them in the project, which could be a slide show, photo book or who knows?
In our last class we learned all about scanning images and the best equipment to do that — a flat bed scanner. I used to have one, but it died. No worries really because it was so old it couldn’t talk to our computers. A tip I learned, if you are scanning a two-sided document or a photo with words written on the back, place black construction paper behind the document. That way the back side doesn’t bleed through.
My other project is a new month of reading (see Wednesday’s post HERE.) I realized I don’t own any of the books. I ordered a few from Amazon, paperbacks that weren’t expensive because the books are relatively old. I’ll check out my library before I order more.
Now for a couple bird shots:
I believe this is a Song Sparrow. I have trouble differentiating between sparrows and finches so I googled it and the article said that sparrows tend to hold their tails horizontally while finches tails are more up and down. Also, it said to check out the color of the legs. These have color!
Red looking sharp as always.
Mrs. on the rock.
Have a great weekend!
What projects do you have going on?
What plans do you have for the weekend?
Are you taking a photography class?
Yes, I took an intro class January through May. The professor invited me into his Art Studio group that began in September. There are five other students who have taken it from three to eight years. I’m the newbie.
Interesting how the pool reflects the same colors as the sea glass! Sounds like your professor has great ideas and really likes to help his students succeed in their creativity. My projects include getting some live plants for my space and potting them. I have 2 so far but have a fairly big plant stand so I’m looking for more. It’s not easy to find indoor plants around here that don’t cost tons of money. I prefer to start with smaller plants to keep the cost down. My other ongoing project is to gather the things I need to register my car as an official Colorado car. I have to live here for 90 though to prove residency before I can do that but there are emissions regulations to test for and about 5 forms to fill out.
It is interesting how the pool reflects the same colors. The professor is a very talented photographer and the class is called Art Studio, so it’s about creativity and art. Plus improving skills. That sounds incredible that there is so much work to register your car. We were able to do ours the week after we moved to Arizona in one day! They have drive through emissions where you stay in your car, then off to the DOT for our appointment for driver’s licenses and registration. It was so easy compared to California.
I don’t really understand the 90 day thing. If I was working I wouldn’t have to wait but being retired…perhaps CO has a lot of people just passing through or undecided about staying??? It’s odd though for sure.
That is a thought. Maybe when people hit the winter months, they want to leave? Or they have a lot of short timers.
I’m with you! The pool water in the background of that second pic looks like a beautiful mosaic. Super cool!💝💝💝
I may have to focus on more pool pictures! I just took more photos in the morning light. I’m so proud of myself because I got down on the ground to get photos and was able to get back up with my camera. With my recovering ankle, it was no small feat!
Go, Elizabeth! Anything (almost!) to get the best shot! 🥰😜🥰
I do have my limits! At least photography is making me move and push myself.
Love it! So glad you’re doing well. Sending hugs! 🥰❤️🥰
Thanks! 💕☺️💕
Love these pictures Elizabeth
Thank you!
You’re welcome ♥️♥️♥️
😊
Where do you think you’ve improved the most from the photo class? YOur shots always look so clear to me. I was on a trail this morning and I thought of your shots of Red and company. I know that I’m just not patient enough. I think I tend to take photos too far away too. Love these shots.
Thanks for asking and your kind comments.
It was my professor’s advice to invest in a higher quality telephoto lens. He said the one that came with my camera ten years ago wouldn’t take sharp photos. Then I learned to support my elbows on a table or lean against wall and slowly press the button. I’m sure using a tripod would help more!
Love the sea glass project. Now you have me wanting to dig around for the colors of the sea glass my kids have collected. Brown, green and clear are definitely the most plentiful but I think we have some others too.
Did you ever see any baby Reds?
I’m so glad you like this project. The professor is so helpful and full of ideas that I have never of heard of before.
We haven’t seen any baby Reds. I don’t know if they didn’t have babies, or if they left the nest without stopping by our yard.
I love the sea glass photos, as well as the birds. You’re such a great photographer, with some great subjects.
My current project is filling out 200 medical billing record requests.🫠 But also, after years of looking out for a smoking great deal, we just bought a Panasonic LUMIX S5 camera, so will be learning how to use it!
This weekend, the farmer’s markets open, so we’ll be scoping out the early-fall produce, too. 😊
I’m glad you like the sea glass photos. It’s a different subject for me after focusing on birds this past year.
I don’t know anything about your camera, but if I can help with anything, please ask.
I went to our farmers market today in Carefree. I stock up on veggies on Fridays now the summer is over. I can’t believe the difference in flavor.
Yes!! The fresh produce is hands-down so much better! I always look forward to this time of year. 😊
It’s so good!
Your photos are gorgeous, and especially so for me now that I am seeing on my new laptop rather than on my little phone. So well done!
Thanks much! Congrats on the new laptop!
😊
I really liked both of the glass photos! Reds are looking sharp, as usual. House sparrow.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed my photos. I thought it was a Song sparrow because the song was so beautiful. I will take your identification over mine 😊
Have you ever tried the free Merlin app? It can identify birds for you from their vocalizations. It’s really cool!
I’ve heard about it, including from a neighbor yesterday! I may have to try it. I thought my Bird Buddy feeder was helping me, because it has recordings of birds calls and songs. I don’t have it outside right now, because it doesn’t do well in the heat. I’m waiting for under 90 tempts.
I’m taking two writing workshops this semester, plus I bought a book with writing prompts, so it will be a lot of varied writing. Last night we went out with friends…Chinese food and a movie. Today another movie. Tomorrow pickleball and then a lunch at a friends house.
That sounds busy and fun! We had a birthday get together for one of our neighbors yesterday. She was president of the charitable group I belong too. It was fun to be with ladies from that group just to have fun.
All of your photos are wonderful, Elizabeth!
Thank you! This class has me trying lots of new things.
I love sea-glass. What pretty photos you’ve taken of yours! I have quite a bit of scrounged sea-glass and I have been making my own in a tumbler too, just for fun. I have no idea what I’ll do with it, but once inspiration strikes, I’ll have the supply. If you have any good ideas, I’m all ears. 😄. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the photos you’ve taken taken of yours… keep sharing!
Yay! Someone who relates to sea glass. My daughter would buy plain wooden picture frames and glass boxes at Michaels and glue the pieces to them and gave them to friends as gifts. We had a grand plan to cover a glass table with them, too. But we never found the right table and couldn’t figure out if we’d put the glass underneath the glass top, or cover sea glass on top with epoxy?
All great ideas! Your backlit glass makes me think of making a garland of it and hanging it across a window. It would look beautiful with the light behind it and I’ll bet the light that came through it into the room through it would be interesting too. I’m not sure exactly how I’d execute on making such a garland, but you have given me an idea to chew on. 🙂
I’m glad you like my ideas. I have a friend in Santa Barbara who makes jewelry. I’m not sure what she uses to put tiny holes in the pieces. Or if she uses something around the sea glass to hold it in place. I’ll ask her.
Thanks!
Both sea glass photos are amazing, but I do love how the pool reflects on the second one.
Interesting about using the black paper—do you think I’ll remember that if I ever need to do it?
NOPE!!
Current project is all the unpacking and laundry from our last trip. 😉
I’m glad you like the photos. Now I’m busy scanning old beach photos to mix into my photography sea glass project. Unpacking and laundry! I’ll be there with you after visiting our kids in the Bay Area.