Sony SLT-A55V
Power from On High
A month ago I managed to snag a number of striking B&W images of the Algoma, WI lighthouse. I posted a few of them and moved on to other subjects. Yesterday’s interaction on this blog – comparing color and b&w images (Thank You, to all who commented) – reminded me of the bunch I had neglected. This image is from that forgotten bunch.
The powerful contrast between the upper right-hand corner and the lower left-hand corner, and the range of monochrome tones between, make this a favorite for me.
Fell free to share your own thoughts below and if you like what you see, by all means, share it with others.
To see a larger version of this image, simply click on it.
Cloudy Colored Water
On the road between Kewaunee and Algoma, you will pass through Alaska, WI. This small spot on the map has a nine-hole golf course and two small lakes – Alaska East and West.
This is an image from Alaska West. I stopped there last Saturday on my way from Kewaunee to Algoma. The clouds were somewhat expressive and I wondered if I could get a good reflection of them on the calm lake.
I posted a nearly identical black and white photo of the same scene a couple of days ago, titled Cloudy Water. My wife and I debated over which was the better image…b&w or color. I thought I’d settled on one but, as I compare them again while creating this post, I’m not so sure.
I’d be very interested to know what you think. So, take a look at both and tell me which one would get your vote. For a good view of the b&w version click on the small image to the right. It will open a new tab in your browser with the original post. Then you can easily go back and forth between the two tabs and compare.
Tell me which you like the best in the comment box below (on the color version).
To see a lager version of this image, click on it.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Too Wonderful for Me
There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I cannot resist photographing. The rise of a morning sun, the set of an evening sun, majestic sunbeams piercing the darkness and the form of a rainbow in the sky. (Pops Digital paraphrase of Proverbs 30:18.)
I captured this image of the Algoma, WI harbor, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, while on my way to prepare for a Sunday morning service at the church where I serve as pastor.
I always have an eye on the sky. As I was driving to Algoma I could see that there might be a worthwhile photo op developing. This is the scene I found when I reached the harbor – just a few blocks from the church.
The sunbeams poured through for about ten minutes. I captured several appealing images and will share more in upcoming posts. Check back often.
You can see a larger version of this image by clicking on it. And, as always, if you enjoy the images you find here, please share them and this site with others.
Early Amber Rising
A lone fisherman prepares his tackle for fishing off the end of the Kewaunee, WI pier. The rising sun, filtered through the clouds over a calm Lake Michigan, create an amber backdrop for him and the Kewaunee lighthouse.
This photo was taken from the beach using a 300mm lens. I captured several good shots on this morning and will post more in the near future.
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To see a larger version of this photo over a black background, simply click on it.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Cloudy Water
It was an overcast Saturday morning and, on my way from Kewaunee to Algoma, I stopped at one of the twin lakes of Alaska, WI. My goal was to find a picturesque scene and capture the reflection of the clouds off the calm water.
This is West Alaska Lake. I took several shots – both B&W and color. I’m not sure which I like best. (I’ll post a color version in a few days.)
Click the image to view a larger version.
Bowing at the Altar of Sweet
This pretty little gal is coming in for a little nectar refreshment. This is a female, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.
We have half a dozen hummingbirds that hang around our home through the summer. We provide four different feeders for them. You would think that would be enough to go around, but they always seem to be sparing for position at the feeders. Each feeder has plenty of room with multiple feeding positions, but they don’t seem to be interested in sharing.
When they perch on a feeder, they can never just relax and enjoy a meal. They’re always, nervously, looking around. It’s rare for them to get more than a few moments of slurping before another one comes along to chase them away.
You feel sorry for the poor little things, but I guess that’s life in the hummingbird community.
To see a larger version of the above photo, simply click on it.
Strange Fire
This is one of the most unusual fireworks effects I’ve photographed. It was an arch of white light that sparkled for several seconds and then finished with a bright flash (the orange-ish ball above it) and loud boom. Almost as impressive is the reflection that it created on the lake and the wet beach between the effect and my camera.
This is the last of the fireworks photos I’ll post from Algoma’s Shanty Days festival. You can look over all my fireworks photos from this year by selecting the “Fireworks” Category in the left margin of this site or clicking HERE. There are 11 different images in the collection.
As always, if you find an image you like on this site, please share it with others.
(If you have a large monitor, you may be able to see a larger version of this photo by clicking on it.)
Spider in the Sky
The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw this image was, “That looks like a green spider on its web!” This might be my favorite photo of Algoma’s Shanty Days fireworks show.
As long as I’m using a bit of imagination, the two white star bursts remind me of flies caught in the web.
Of course, I didn’t and couldn’t have planed it. I just accidentally captured it. Right place + fluke timing = pleasant surprise!
Well…am I right? Do you think it looks like a spider and web? Is this cool or what?
Bonus Photo: another multiple burst, Shanty Days fireworks image.
If you find these images interesting, please share this post with your friends. I’d like to increase the number of regular visitors to PopsDigital.com.
(If you have a large monitor, you may be able to see larger versions of these photos by clicking on them.)
The Big Bang
This was the “big one” at Algoma’s Shanty Days fireworks show. The massive spread of this effect took me by surprise. As you can see, it dominated the sky and pushed beyond the view of my camera. I widened my camera’s framing after this shot, but never saw another one quite this big.
If you look back through the posts of the last couple of days you can gain some idea of how much larger it was compared to the normal. As you look at the other Shanty Days fireworks photos, compare the position of the Algoma pier light (that little red dot in the lower half of the photo, near the right edge). You can see, the others don’t go beyond the pier light.
(If you have a large monitor, you may be able to see a larger version of this photo by clicking on it.)
Fireworks Over Algoma
Another view of the fireworks display to wrap up Algoma’s Shanty Days.
It was a perfect night for fireworks – pleasant temperatures, no wind and a beautiful full moon reflecting off Lake Michigan. (Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the full moon in my shots from the position I was in. My camera was pointed north and the moon was in the east.)
More fireworks images from the Shanty Days show to come. Check back soon.
(If you have a large monitor, you may be able to see a larger version of this photo by clicking on it.)