Yikes!

If I wasn't freaked out enough by Jeff holding a snake, this one of him making friends with a tarantula really did me in!

Interesting People At Work - Photo No. 5

Snake Handler from Costa Rica

This is a snake handler from Costa Rica. In addition to being a bit intimidating, taking environmental portraits of strangers, (who are really not strange), is very satisfying. Everyone has an interesting story to tell! I love to ask questions, listen, then try to capture a bit of their personality in my photos. (Five minutes after this shot, that snake was in my husband's arms....yikes!)

Interesting People At Work - Photo No. 4

You know what they used to say for a business venture to succeed.... 

Location-Location-Location! 

Oh, and have a friendly smile for potential investors! 

(Roaming the streets of Auckland, NZ.)

Daffodils in St. George

Spring Daffodils in St. George

"It might seem crazy what I'm 'bout to say
Sunshine she's here, you can take a break
I'm a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don't care baby by the way
Huh, because I'm happy......." Pharrell Williams

I had a chance meeting with a lovely friend yesterday and she said my photos made her ''happy". Well, that just made me happy! This photo's for you my friend. I hope it makes everyone a little bit happier on this beautiful Sunday!

Interesting People At Work - Photo No. 3

Artificial Limb Technician

'Interesting People at Work', Photo No. 3. Initially we were shocked when we walked into an old WWII army barracks in Fiji that was temporarily converted into a makeshift medical center. We saw a long hallway filled with people who were missing legs, sitting in wheelchairs, and lined up against the wall. We soon learned, however, that an organization from India had developed a way to create artificial limbs quickly and inexpensively and a group from this organization was traveling to less developed countries to teach local doctors and medical workers this process. (Many people in the countries they teach, lose limbs because of untreated diabetes.) This group has received world recognition for their accomplishments. During our visit we watched a patient be measured for a prosthetic leg, wait while it was made, receive instruction after it was attached, then walk without assistance, all in the same day! The conditions in which they worked were less than adequate if compared to many other medical facilities, but the results were amazing! Here is one of the technicians creating artificial legs.

Part of the medical team who was also a recipient of a leg demonstrating its flexibility and versitility.

 Technician describing the process.

 Patient walking on his new leg for the first time.

 Specialized oven donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Blossoms and Bees

Blossoms & Bees

Blossoms and bees in St. George today.  Spring is just around the corner in southern Utah!  Yippee!!!

Interesting People At Work - Photo No. 2

Fanning Island Dancer

'Interesting People At Work', Photo No. 2. (See previous post for explanation and Photo No. 1 of this series of photos). Fanning Island, (also known as Tabuaeran), is part of the Republic of Kiribati, (pronounced Keer-a-bus), and is one of the most remote places on earth. It is a very tiny atoll with an absolutely stunning lagoon. To my knowledge there is still no power grid, no indoor plumbing, no restaurants, or services of any kind. It is home to somewhere around 2500 islanders who are shy and friendly, who still live off the land and ocean, and take shelter in shacks made of coconut fronds and pandanus leaves. This dancer was part of a group that welcomed visitors to their island. (A very different kind of welcome than we received in Hawaii.) Visitors would give the islanders money to tip for the welcome, but until relatively recently, they didn't know what to do with the money they were given.

Interesting People At Work - Photo No. 1

Modern Day Cowboy and Custom Saddle Maker

Calico, Nevada

"Interesting People At Work', Photo No 1. Those of us who enjoy photographing different subjects often tend to post mostly landscape and nature images on social media, because those seem to be the most popular. A long time landscape photographer who switched to street photography once said he became bored with yet another beautiful sunset or mountain, and when he made the change he found for him, that photographing people was much more interesting, interactive and rewarding, plus it was challenging to try to capture personality, mood, and circumstances of the people he met around the world. And the bonus was he made new friends everywhere he went. Through the years I have had a little photography project that I call, 'Interesting People at Work'. The first rule I follow is that I try to capture part of their work environment in the photo, and the second rule I occasionally bend, is that I try to interact, visit with, and get to know the people I'm photographing. This is a bit intimidating and challenging for me to speak to strangers, and gain their trust until they relax enough to be photographed. So for the next little while, I will post some of the interesting people with interesting jobs that I have met over the years, and a few that I didn't meet but who knew and gave me a nod that I could photograph them. Here is a true modern cowboy and custom saddle maker from Calico, Nevada.

Cedar City, Utah Temple

Cedar City, Utah Temple

This is the Cedar City, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the most recent of 159 temples world wide and opened in December 2017. Eleven more temples are currently under construction and 12 more have been announced. Temples are sacred places to worship and make sacred spiritual covenants for members of the Church and are different from chapels where weekly services are held, of which there are over 30,000. (Note: I removed some very distracting power lines that were glowing in the light of the setting sun.)

Winter at Gunlock Resevoir, Utah

Winter at Gunlock Resevoir, Utah

I took this last year at this same time when there was more snow on the mountains.

Roses From My Sweetheart

Roses From My Sweetheart

Taken with a Lensbaby Velvet 56 soft focus lens.

A Simple Photo, A Memory Forever

A Simple Photo, A Memory Forever!

A sweet memory and a different kind of post for today, inspired by an article I read by Skip Cohen. It was a reminder to me, (and I'm passing it on to you), that photography isn't just about capturing gorgeous landscapes or being an expert photographer/artist. It is for all of us to take the time to capture a feeling, an event, a moment, that at the time may not seem very important. A quote attributed to Dr. Seuss says, "“Sometimes you’ll never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” And photos keep those memories alive and close to the heart as the years pass. This had me thinking about photos I've taken that would never get a bunch of 'likes' or 'hearts' on social media, but I cherish just the same. I want to tell you about one such photo. Several years ago my husband and I were on an assignment for our church in New Caledonia. After our meetings we were enjoying visiting with these wonderful people. Out of the corner of my eye I saw this couple at the far end of the walkway coming toward where I was standing. I noticed how happy they looked, arms around each other, laughing and talking and enjoying being together in their own little world. They looked striking to me with their beautiful brown skin in contrast with their white clothes. As they walked towards me I snapped a bunch of photos, just so I could remember that happy moment. A few weeks later I received a call from our friend and colleague who was with us at the time. She reminded me of the photos I had taken of this couple and wanted my permission to enlarge this one to present to the wife, because just a few days earlier her husband had died suddenly with no warning. I had the impression they didn't have many photographs together and no recent ones. What a joy for me to think that this lovely lady has this happy photograph of the two of them. Just a simple moment became one of their last moments together, and a simple photo to help her remember forever!!

Far Away Places

 I Would Love to Return to Savaii, Samoa!

"Far away places with strange sounding names
 Far away over the sea

Those far away places with the strange sounding names are
 Calling, calling me"

(Sung by Bing Crosby in 1948)

                                 

Winter Twilight

Utah Lake in Winter Twilight and Soft Pastels

Sunshine & Frost

 Sunshine & Frost

I really can't complain about our weather in northern Utah. It has been a mild winter and we've even had some record breaking highs.

Wailua Falls, Kauai

Wailua Falls, Kauai

Winter is a time for me to organize photos and dream of visits to beautiful places.

Memories

On this gray winter afternoon I have soft misty memories that once upon a time I lived in the 'land of the long white cloud' and walked along beautiful pristine beaches collecting seashells.  

 

Sigh!

Cathdral Gorge at Sunset

One more image of Cathedral Gorge, Nevada bathed in warm sunset light.

Cathedral Gorge National Park, Nevada

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a hidden jewel of unusual land formations that would be entirely missed if driving by on the main road near Panaca, Nevada. For those just passing through, the scenery in the area is pretty boring and predictable, but turn on a cross road and drive a very short distance into the gorge and you might feel as if you were on another planet. In daylight the columns and spires are more yellow that red, but this is how they looked in the afterglow of sunset a couple of days ago.

 Snow Canyon Overlook

Here's what the sunrise looked like two days ago overlooking Snow Canyon in southern Utah. Our 'casita', (little winter home), is a few minutes away on the other side of the cliffs. P.S. No color saturation here in case you're wondering!

Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

Dreaming of Spring while going through 2017 photos.

Mt. Timpanogos Wearing Snow

Mt. Timpanogos Wearing Snow

Here is something out of my comfort zone. Usually I like my landscapes to mimic the colors of the rainbow like our eyes naturally see. But I also try to express a mood or a feeling in my photos. B&W seemed perfect for how I'm currently viewing my world at home in northern Utah! 

Here's the color version.  Tell me if you have a preference.

Frozen Utah Lake

Standing on thin ice to get this composition of frozen Utah Lake. If the ice had given away I would have dropped a whooping 3 inches, so I was not worried!

The Gannets of Muriwai, New Zealand

The Gannets of Muriwai, New Zealand

Shortly after we arrived in New Zealand we were told that one of the sights we needed to see was the gannet colony at Muriwai.  As soon as we were able, I grabbed my camera equipment and we drove the short distance to Muriwai beach, only to find it void of any gannets.  I was disappointed and realized we were there at the wrong time of year.  Fast forward 9 or 10 months and we returned to see this amazing sight.  (Scroll down to see close up photos of these beautiful birds.)

The gannets of Muriwai live on the edge between land and sea where these cliffs provide a strong updraft for easy take off.  Here is where they mate and give birth.  About 15 weeks after birth, the chicks make a journey to Australia more than 1200 miles away.  There is no trial and error and no parents to show them the way.  They migrate on their own.  Those who survive the journey across the Tasman Sea will remain for several years.  Finally, instinct draws them back across the 'ditch', (as people in that part of the world call the waters between Australia and New Zealand), never to return to Australia again.  Amazingly, those who make the return trip successfully, will come to the same nest they left behind years ago, to have chicks of their own.

Twilight Glow

Warm Twilight Glow On a Cold Winter Day

Shot at American Fork Boat Harbor, Utah Lake

Last Sunset Photo for 2017

Last sunset photo of the year. 

I love how the light shines through the broken ice along the shore of Utah Lake.

Winter Sunset

Winter Sunset at Utah Lake

Winter or summer, a beautiful sunset can lift my spirits and warm my heart. 

I hope it does the same for you!

Winter View!

Frozen Utah Lake

My previous post is what I wish I had been looking at, but this is what I actually saw yesterday.

Is it Spring Yet???

Is it Spring yet???  Just kidding!  I'm sorting through my 2017 photos and trying to remember that in a few months our gray winter landscape will once again burst into color!

Christmas 2017

St. George LDS Temple Visitor Center

St. George LDS Temple Visitor's Center

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!

It Is I: Be Not Afraid

It Is I:  Be Not Afraid

"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary....Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea...it is I; be not afraid." 

Several months ago I photographed this amazing sculpture at the 'I Am the Light of the World Sculpture Garden' at Ashton Gardens, Thanksgiving Point. It is one of 35 larger than life bronze masterpieces by Angela Johnson, depicting the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ. I chose to compose this image from a very low angle in order to eliminate distractions and to emphasize the ominous sky which was perfect for the theme of this sculpture. (In post processing I lightened the area around the face.)

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him.....

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him....

Salt Lake Temple

The soft, muted tones caused by inversion, create beautiful light on Temple Square. 

 (For those not familiar with inversion, "Inversions occur during the winter months when normal atmospheric conditions (cool air above, warm air below) become inverted. Inversions trap a dense layer of cold air under a layer of warm air. The warm layer acts much like a lid, trapping pollutants in the cold air near the valley floor." Salt Lake valley is like a bowl nestled between two mountain ranges making a perfect condition for inversions.) It's bad for the lungs but often makes for great photography!

Salt Lake Temple - Fisheye

Salt Lake Temple

When I photograph Temple Square at Christmas every year it becomes a challenge to find different and interesting perspectives and compositions. I took this photo a couple of years ago using a fisheye lens.

Penelope

Penny

I've been cleaning out photo files this morning and decided to share a photo of Penelope, (we call her Penny). She is a labradoodle, who joined our family a few weeks ago at age 5 months old. We hope she ends up as a medium sized dog weighing around 30 pounds. I don't know what I was thinking.....it's like having a mischievous toddler in the house again......but we couldn't resist that face. I promised her there would be no pink hair bows, no embarrassing Christmas sweaters and no rides in a doggie stroller!! However, we may have to get her googles when she rides with us in the RZR, (ATV)!!! Haha

Salt Lake Temple in the Mist

Salt Lake Temple in the Mist

(that sounds better than 'inversion' or 'smog')

I am such a wimp! It is so hard for me to take photos outside when it is cold, because it doesn't matter how many layers I have on, my fingers still go numb and stiff when trying to work with my camera. Nevertheless, I always force myself to spend an evening on Temple Square at Christmas time. Last night I went early at dusk before the crowd, and when I could photograph the temple and lights with a beautiful deep blue sky as a backdrop. It didn't dawn on me until I was half way there that the horrible inversion/smog/fog we are having right now would not make that possible. I went anyway, and even though breathing the air was probably not good for the lungs, it sure made for some mystical, misty photos.

Christmas Color in St. George, Utah

How About Some Christmas Color!

St George LDS Temple & Christmas Lights

St. George LDS Temple

(25 second exposure at f/4.5 aperture turned lights into starbursts.)

Supermoon, Ivins, Utah

Supermoon, Fire Lake, Ivins, Utah

Last Saturday's supermoon reflecting on Fire Lake in Ivins, Utah. I totally forgot about the supermoon and was in my car driving at dusk when I glanced out the side window and saw this spectacular moon barely above the horizon. Luckily I had my camera and immediately knew the closest place to find a decent composition was Fire Lake. I raced back there, jumped out of the car and stumbled down toward the lake. By then the moon was just barely peeking over the cliff. This image accurately portrays the scene as my eyes saw it. But this is not what my camera saw. Even with my lack of preparation, (and no tripod, or light to see my camera dials), I was still able to snap multiple exposures at various settings. Back home on the computer I combined the best ones, then did more editing to compensate for blur, noise, tilt, etc. Despite my lack of competence, and manipulations, I hope you enjoy this final image.