Photographic Thoughts and Wisdom by Teri Lou

The Palouse - Lessons from a Farmer

2010-08-15T08:03:00.001-10:00

Combines harvesting lentils at sunset near the base of Steptoe Butte.

There are moments when you know you are in the right place at the right time.

I was on top of Steptoe Butte a few minutes before this image was captured with a photography friend of mine. We were busy capturing the long shadows that were being cast across the fields. I was capturing abstracts and still shots. The fields were golden and brown with very little green, different but not that interesting. While taking a moment to look at what was really happening in these far away fields I noticed two dots moving along the hills. That is when I knew I was in the wrong place. The image of the day was down on the fields and not up on the butte.

When we got to the field I was grateful that the sun hadn't set, however it was still behind the the clouds. So with hope in my heart I crawled in and out of a large drainage ditch and practically ran to find the combines. (On another note: Farmer's go around the fields clockwise 99% of the time.) I was grateful as the sun started peeking in and out of the clouds while I approached the big red machines.

I set my tripod up low to the ground and placed it really close to the row they would be harvesting. That was a mistake. First of all the machine was so big that even my wide angle lens only got part of the machine at a time. Secondly, the wind conveniently decided to turn and blow the dust right at me. So off I ran loosing the shot completely. Not being discouraged I then ran to the other side of the hill waiting the return of the dust creating monsters.

As they rounded the corner and began climbing the hill I kept repositioning myself to try to place the combine in the sun. Finding that I couldn't get low enough to the ground to get the right angle I moved to a spot the would capture both combines at the same time.

At this point all my years for 'practice" came into play. I quickly went through all my mental notes. I checked my edges. Saw the leading line. Made sure the combine was fully in the horizon below the hills. Set my camera on bracketing. Made sure the camera was on auto focus. Checked to make sure the horizon was level. Decided to stay with Aperture Priority and not shoot in manual. Crossed my fingers and hoped for the best as I began shooting, readjusting the camera position and the zoom and shot some more.

Two days later, yes two days, I was able to finally download the images into Lightroom and start the editing process. After clicking past two days worth of images I finally came upon the grand finale. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed. I nailed the shot that was in my head. In fact I think I even improved upon it. This image is better than I had imagined because both combines are in it and the dust is more abundant than I thought. Plus I think having the combine directly in the sun wouldn't be as powerful.

On another note. Some people are complaining about how much dust the farmers are creating and want them to control it. I think these people are idiots. How can you farm without dust? Someone needs to tell those people complaining that food comes from farms and not the grocery store!!!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Comparing HDR and Topaz Labs - Grunge Processing

2010-06-01T18:48:00.000-10:00

The above is 3 images processed with Photomatix as described.

The above is a single image processed with Topaz Labs as described.

I was inspired to do this blog entry by my friend Daniel. After I posted my wonderful new images from the Palouse he so kindly pointed out that I needed to capture my bracketed shots faster to avoid cloud movement. As many of you know who have attempted this it can be frustrating to the point of impossible, especially when you need long exposures to capture all the detail for a great HDR processed image. (The two examples didn't require long exposures.)

I wanted to compare processing 3 bracketed images with Photomatix and processing a correctly exposed single image.

My processing workflow is as follows for processing the 3 bracketed images -
1. Select the 3 images and export them from Lightroom to Photomatix. I have a preset I use for my grunge look.
2. Next re-import the tone-mapped image into Lightroom for processing to enhance clarity, vibrance and saturation.
3. Next edit in CS4 with the Topaz Labs plug ins - Adjust 4 and Details - I have an action for my presets for the grunge look.
4. I adjust the plug ins to accomplish the look I want adding more or less detail.
5. I masked out the sky because I didn't like the look of details in the clouds.
6. I save the image back into Lightroom for additional processing of clarity, vibrance and saturation and add a strong vignette.

My processing workflow for processing a correctly exposed single image is all of the above except skip step one.

The above is 3 bracketed images processed with Photomatix as described. Here you can see a very obvious cloud movement problem.

The above is a single image processed as described.

It is my observation that they both have a great appeal. The details are lacking in the shadows in the single image however the halos and the moving cloud problems don't exist. So if I was to pick my favorite I would choose the one processed singularly.

I look forward to your comments.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Abstract Expressionism 2010

2010-05-03T12:22:00.000-10:00

I always wanted to be a painter but I never knew my brush would be my camera.

Digital photography has allowed the freedom to play with cameras in ways that would have been wasteful and expensive with film. When playing, I am not concerned how many images that are being captured, instead I am learning how the different strokes effect the capture. When playing I often think of using the colors, patterns and light my camera sees as my brush.

The stroke of my brush depends on the subject matter, the length of exposure and what I am trying to achieve. Below are two techniques I use when painting with my brush; a quick stroke on close objects and a quick stroke on vast landscapes.

With a quick stroke Mark Rothko's style of painting strong lines is what most often occurs. If you twist the camera quickly back and forth in the middle of a quick stroke the image becomes softer with a feathery appearance.

This image and the one below it was a tree trunk captured on an overcast day on Whidbey Island in WA: 1/2 second at f 6.3 exposure, 70 mm lens and an ISO of 200. The above image is a standard quick downward stroke. The below image is a downward stroke with a slight back and forth camera movement.

The next two images were captured on a blue sky day in Death Valley: 1/10 second at f 9.0 exposure, 56 mm zoom lens and an ISO of 100. The first image is a still to show you what the subject was. I was looking up through a grate to the sky. The second image clearly shows the quick movement horizontally and slightly upward.

What was learned from the last two images is how the camera sees the light contrast and how the light is blended together even at a relatively quick exposure time.

Another way to use your camera as a brush is to paint a vast landscape in one stroke. The two images below where captured on a blue sky day in Yellowstone National Park: 1/15 second at f 22 exposure 18mm and an ISO of 100. The first one was taken on a tripod and the second with a horizontal movement.

Please keep in mind that I am showing you the images that "worked". Sometimes upward of 100 images are painted of the same subject before there is a "keeper'. Most times there isn't a "keeper" worth processing.

So how do you get good at using your camera as a paint brush. Practice a lot and enjoy playing!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Learning Curve 2

2010-04-29T14:42:00.000-10:00

Importing folders and folders of photos into Lightroom can be a daunting task. Today I imported all of my 2005 photos. At first I was diligent to delete the ones I didn't want from each folder as I went. I also chose some favorites and put keyword tags on each photo before importing the next folder. That went on for about an hour. Then I realized I had folders of photos inside folders of photos and knew it would take more than the day I had allotted to finish the task. (Actually that wasn't the original task I had assigned myself today, but I get distracted.) I someday I hope to go back and keyword and process some of the jewels I found today.

It has been a day of "Wow, I forgot about those." to "What is 'an unexpected end-of-file occurred' mean and how do I fix it?" What you may think that I discovered though is that I need a lot more time to pick favorites and keyword each photo. However the most educational thing I learned is that I am seeing different today. I discovered that I have applied all the classes, workshops and friendly advice I have received over the years to taking better photos.

I also discovered that I don't consider "My Favorite" folders to be my favorites anymore. Sometimes I delete many of the favorites and other times I pick new favorites. (A lesson in never throw anything away!) The most rewarding discovery is that I have documented my life well. My mom and Uncle Dale would be proud of me. It was a great walk down memory lane and 2005 was full of fun adventures.

My advice is to import, delete, flag, color code, keyword tag, etc. as you go and cross your fingers that Lightroom is going to be your catalog and processing software of choice for the rest of your life.

The above photo was taken in Mexico when my mom and I went there to get some inexpensive dental work done. I am in need of some more dental work but am not comfortable going there with the border issues of today. I was asked to pay $1 to the flower lady for taking her photo but I refused, I was then told it would be okay. I then chose to buy $5 worth of paper flowers from her.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler - on Flickr at terilou.com

Learning Curve

2010-04-24T09:46:00.000-10:00

I captured this image 5 years ago as a .jpeg. At the time I knew it just didn't do justice to this old kitchen. So there it sat in my folder waiting.
The options available today are numerous compared to just 5 years ago. The software and plug ins for photography allow for so much creativity.

When going through all my "Roslyn" folders I happened upon this jewel again. This time I used many tool in my tool box to create a masterpiece - well close to it anyway. I am amazed what Lightroom, CS4 and Topaz Labs allowed me to create from "just" a .jpeg file.

I love the possibilities and await for the unimaginable that tomorrow will bring.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com - Flickr at terilou.com

Twists and Turns

2010-04-16T06:05:00.000-10:00

It has been awhile since I have posted to this blog of mine. The reasons for my absence are many. While processing this image of a mighty oak tree I knew it was time for me to start blogging again. For me, this tree symbolizes how life can take you in directions you never imagined. It twists and turns; intertwining success, disaster, adventure, failure, opportunities, disappointment, love and lose.

Success is not built on success. It's built on failure. It built on frustration. Sometimes it is built on catastrophe. ~ Sumner Redstone

However for each branch that weighs you down, sometimes knocking you to your knees, there are many more larger, stronger ones reaching to the sky. Most times I am focused on my branches that reach upward and only mindful of those weaker ones that fall to the ground. I recognize that without those lower branches I wouldn't appreciate all the wonderful times I have had nor would I have the support needed for longevity.

Recently, an incredible opportunity presented itself that was beyond my wildest dreams. I was showered with friendship and generosity. I was welcomed by many strangers that I am proud to call my friends. Photography has opened up the world of travel, provided an outlet for creativity, and allowed the building of lifelong friendships. I am so ever grateful.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Flickr @ terilou.com

Saturday Market In Xanthi Greece - A Sense of Place

2010-01-09T17:38:00.000-10:00

A Boy and His Toy

One of the many things I enjoy is finding a Saturday Market when traveling to other countries. It is here that I find a great collection of locals that I can capture in real life moments. During the day's shoot I concentrate on bringing home a collection of photographs that will show my viewers a sense of place. One of the moments I try to capture is the interaction between the buyers and the sellers, the exchange of money and product.

I find markets challenging when trying to use natural light since most booths have canopies that darken the interaction opportunities. Also if it is a sunny day the harsh light can cast strong shadows across the faces. It seems the light is always changing. The next challenge is that everyone and everything is in constant movement. People are always walking into your photo. The money exchange happens while the person is looking down and not at the seller. A hand goes up in front of the perfect expression you were hoping to capture. So many things to go wrong.

However because you are shooting digital, you can take as many photos as you need to practice in this colorful, exciting and interesting location. Instead of worrying that you won't get the perfect shot, practice seeing. Look for patterns, look for difference in cultures, look for light.

I have practiced my skills in Mexico where I was asked to pay the people I was taking photos of, in Chile where I was given fruit by a vendor thanking me for taking his photo, and this photo was taken in Greece where I roamed with my jaw dropped open most of the day at the amazing chaos.

While capturing such unique opprtunities think about creating a sense of place for the viewers of your photographs when you get home. Get close up details, wide angle views of the overall scene, take photos of signs and don't forget the people.

If you have a desire to learn more about "capturing a sense of place" please contact me for a weekend workshop.

Greek boys hangin out

Mother and daughter shopping spree

Yes he is smoking a cigarette around all that wonderful produce.

I can't imagine having to buy my bras this way.

This lady was yelling something Greek at the top of her lungs for hours trying to get everyone attention. I think every item was 1 Euro.

Details. Little cute barrettes.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler

Happy New Year

2009-12-30T21:10:00.003-10:00

Marching into the New Year!!! Happy 2010 to All!!! Keep your chin strapped up high!!!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler

Holiday Fun

2009-12-24T15:09:00.000-10:00

Last night I went to zoolights at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA for a holiday outing. The place was packed since it was the first non rainy night in 3 days and almost Christmas. I had never been before. The lights were bright, the families abundant and the weather a bit chilly. A perfect combination. My preferred capture (at the moment) is to pan, blur or somehow change the standard still scene into something more. Therefore, many photos were taken while walking past bushes and bushes full of lights along the sidewalk as my camera was capturing a long exposure. The patterns and designs were fun and fascinating.
I created this Merry Christmas sign with one of the many "on the move" photos I captured that evening. I think it would make a great Christmas card .

This photograph is also a long exposure. This time the camera was still on a tripod while the crowd walked by. You can see a small section of all the beautiful lights that took hours to prepare for us all to enjoy.

This tree was one of my favorites. It was an explosion of lights. So I tried to capture that.
Merry Christmas to All.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Dantzler

"I have never seen it like this."

2009-12-14T20:46:00.001-10:00

What a contrast! All it takes is a few hours in an airplane to change the weather conditions completely. My last blog had surfers enjoying a great evening on the Big Island during usual high surf conditions and now I am blogging a different kind of weather phenomenon; Snoqualmie Falls surrounded with icicles. As I was photographing this 268 foot waterfall just east of Seattle, I heard a lady in her upper 60's state, "I have lived here all my life and I have never seen it like this."

This photograph was processed in Lightroom 2 and CS4 using Topaz Labs Filters.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Surfs UP!!! The Endless Summer

2009-12-08T20:35:00.002-10:00

My time in Hawaii and my endless summer is coming to an end on Thursday. I didn't want the opportunity to capture some great surfing to pass me by so I captured these great moments due to some record breaking wave action.

In Hawaii when the surf is up most people don't come to work, so on a day like today I think the whole island was at a stand still. Most people were either in the water surfing or on the shore watching surfers.
It amazed me how long some of the surfers stayed out past sunset to get that one last wave. I love to watch the dance of a surfer on the water and how in tune they are with the movement.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

The Sky is the Limit!

2009-12-02T21:26:00.001-10:00

"Luck is when opportunity meets preparation."
How many of you believe this?

In the world of uncertainty isn't it nice to be in control of a few things? Actually you are in control of many more things than you realize. Your everyday choices have brought you to where you are today.
What did you do today to prepare yourself for the opportunity to make your goals, dreams and desires come true? It is never too late. Don't let the rust on your foundation stop you from climbing to your potential. Which path will you take?

"Reach for the stars." "The sky is the limit."

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Rust and Bolts

2009-11-30T20:57:00.000-10:00

It strikes me very funny that when I walk into a dusty, dirty abandoned barn with rusty machinery these days I get so excited. I look at the opportunity as a piece of artwork waiting to evolve. So much of the world looks different to me as a photographer. I appreciate things more. I see potential to be creative and learn something new from even dirt, rusty, old machinery. Who would have guessed?!?

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

A Changed View

2009-11-29T22:10:00.001-10:00

I love cloudy days by the pool in the afternoon because I know it means there will be a terrific sunset. All sunsets in Hawaii are perfect however, some are just better than others!

Today I decided to leave the pool area and head south toward the Hilton. I set up near the Buddha statue while I waited for the sun to reach the horizon. As I was waiting I watched the waves crashing into shore. It was beautiful to watch the colors dance in them as they crested and fell. It took just another minute to realize that the best place to capture tonights sunset was where I could also capture the wave action too. So I moved quickly into my new position.

I am very glad I moved because this image is much more dramatic then where I had originally positioned myself.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Machine Room

2009-11-28T22:58:00.000-10:00

Went for another mountain bike ride today. It was a tough uphill climb to in the countryside of Waimea where the Parker ranch is located. Our final destination ended up being at this abandoned farm. I was grateful to find some of the equipment was left behind. As I was capturing this image I kept thinking, "I hope it turns out the way I envision."

This image is a 4 frame panoramic. Each frame has 8 different exposures. I processed this image by first exporting each frame of 8 exposures into Photomatix. I used the same settings on each frame after they were toned mapped. After all 4 frames were re imported into Lightroom, I exported them as a tiff file and used the automate photomerge feature in Photoshop. I then re imported the panoramic frame into Lightroom. In Lightroom I used the develop module to begin processing. After getting the correct exposures, fill light and contrast I once again edited the panoramic in Photoshop using Topaz filters. Finally I saved the images back into Lightroom and finalized it with some vignetting.

I could spend a lot more time in the develop module of Lightroom painting in appropriate fill light, contrast and exposure; however since I am currently working on my laptop I don't think the results would be seen correctly.

When working through this process I was very surprised about the blue and green light being reflected in the windows from the paint colors on each side of the building. This image was a great learning tool for me. I am glad I spent the time to work through the process.

If you have any additional questions please let me know.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Green Sand Beach

2009-11-23T22:22:00.000-10:00

The Green Sand Beach is located on the Big Island of Hawaii near South Point. South Point it the most southern place in the USA. The green in the green sand is the very rare olivine crystal.

South Point is about a 2 hour drive from Waikoloa Beach Resort, through Kona, past the community of Ocean View and finally 12 miles down a patch work of asphalt one lane road. Once you arrive to the end of the road you have 4 choices. You walk the over 3 miles to the beach, you drive a very high clearance 4x4 vehicle, you pay for someone with a 4x4 vehicle to transport you or you ride your mountain bikes. Duke and I chose option #4.

The scenery along the way is gorgeous. I love to hear the surf pounding along the shore and see the aqua colored water.

Along the way, about 1/4 of the distance to the beach, Duke decided to put his front tire into a very big dip in the road which caused the bike to get stuck and him to take a quick face plant in the dirt with lava rock underneath. Thank goodness the cuts were all superficial. Duke is an amazing trooper and wanted to continue our adventurer after he cleaned his wounds in the ocean. I will spare you the photo of his face and hands.

Since this is a very windy, stormy and most southern point a lot of trash comes ashore. Duke referred to all the small pieces of garage along this one part of the coast as "sea plastic". It was amazing to me how the ocean had broken up all these various plastic containers into perfectly uniform pieces.

All in all it was a great day. The journey to the beach was just as rewarding as seeing the beach itself. It is a place I enjoy visiting each time I am here.

I did enjoy the mountain bike adventure of our day. It felt good to make it all the way up this hill, having to maneuver past all the lava rock and smile for the camera at the same time :))

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Sunset at Mauna Kea

2009-11-20T20:22:00.000-10:00

Not often do you have an opportunity to capture a sunset from 9000' above sea level. Mauna Kea - the tallest mountain in the world - is about an 1 1/2 hour drive from Waikoloa Beach Resort. The views from here are amazing, making you feel as if you could just walk out onto the clouds that often fill the valley below. The sunsets at this time of year are spectacular because the sun is far enough south to see it set on the ocean instead of behind the mountain.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

"Girls Just Got to Have Fun"

2009-11-16T22:52:00.000-10:00

Today I went out before sunrise to see what morning light I could capture. I headed to the world famous and newly remodeled Mauna Kea Hotel. I was there last week and saw a sign to a nature trail that I wanted to explore. As I walked up the path I was lead to the golf course and another road marked "private". Since I usually obey signs, I followed the path up to the top of the hill where I was presented with this amazing view.
I wanted to be able to capture just how long the hole was to the ocean. I shot the photo with the tripod down low, I shot from where you tee off and I shot this image. It is fun to have a self portrait every now and again.

visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

The Last Word

2009-11-15T21:20:00.000-10:00

I believe you can tell a professional photographer from the amateur strictly on how long it is before they pack up their camera and leave after the sun has set below the horizon. The amateur thinks the show is over as soon as the sun is gone. The professionals know that the best is possibly yet to come and never leaves until at least 20 minutes after sunset.
This photo is case in point. The sun may have set, but the magnificent sky is now truly inspiring. The sun's rays were singing to me. What an incredible song it was!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

What type of photos do you take?

2009-11-12T21:38:00.000-10:00

I started taking photographs with a career of photography in mind in 2004. My goal was to capture images of the beautiful landscape so that people would want to purchase and hang them on their walls. In the summer of 2005 I had my first art show. I spent that whole summer traveling on weekends to various cities selling my wares from a 10' by 10' white tent booth. I learned a lot and made a few bucks to help pay for expenses. However what I remember most were two particular people who came in my booth. The first was a man from Ballard He quietly and methodically walked around the booth, carefully critiqing each photograph. When he was done, he looked me in the eye, said, "You're very good, don't ever quit." and walked away. The second person was from Mill Creek, he too slowly walked around the booth looking at each photo, smiling at various ones said, "Thank you, I don't get to travel and you just gave me an opportunity to see things I never would have otherwise."

These two comments I really took to heart. The first one gave me confidence in my work that I didn't have before. The second made me realize that I have other purposes as a photographer.

Many people ask me what type of photographs I take landscape, weddings, portraits? My answer is that I have taken them all and the only type I don't prefer at this time is product photography. The opportunities in photography are so broad when capturing the image but when you really want to talk about a vast array of options start mentioning the processing side of things.

Today's image is simply a photograph of cows standing at a fence. They were very curious and conveniently all lined up wanting to see what I had in my hand offering to them. My offering was a 12mm lens as close up to them as I could reach. This is a fun photograph that I processed first in Lightroom and then finished by adding Topaz Adjust and Detail filters in CS4. I installed the Topaz Labs product on my laptop today. Is this an image that people want to hang on their walls? Most likely not. Is it a photograph with another purpose? Yes I believe it is.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Seen Better Days

2009-11-11T08:48:00.000-10:00

Fortunately for me, salty humid air is extremely damaging to homes and their contents. Siding rots away, metal rusts and paint not longer sticks. These homes make for wonderful HDR images.
So one early morning this week I headed to Hawi on the northwest coast of the Big Island. This house was found right along the road. There was a heavy mist in the air which made the colors saturate. I took 5 different exposures to create this image using both Photomatix and Lightroom for processing.

I found the hot water heaters while looking around at another house. I am not sure how long it took to cause this much rust, but the paperwork is still carefully attached to the side just in case you need to call for warranty work! This HDR image was created with 7 images using both Photomatix and Lightroom for processing.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Red Pom Pom

2009-11-09T21:20:00.001-10:00

I set off early this morning to the town of Hawi, about 30 miles north of Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Northwest tip of the Big Island. We had driven up there last week in the middle of the day and I saw some great places to photograph and process with HDR.

When I arrived it was sprinkling so I drove down some roads exploring. That is when I discovered this large tree full of these red pom pom flowers. That isn't the official Hawaiian name, it is just my best description. I love using my macro lens to capture flowers in an interesting way but I am rarely happy with my results. I feel that I am not able to capture the flower in creative enough to make it original. However this flower is so original all by itself I felt I could at least try to be creative. The wind was blowing on and off so I did my best to pick the flower that was somewhat sheltered and also in full bloom.

This image give you an overall idea of what the whole flower looks like. But I felt like it was one of my standard "put the center of the flower in the lower left hand corner" photograph.

This image also shows the overall appearance of the flower. I wasn't happy with the bud poking the backside of the flower however. I should have chosen a different flower for this image.

It takes me about an hours of photographing before I begin to see creatively. So I have several images of the flower looking similar to the two above. The images above however aren't what I would consider 'macro' work. So I started to get into the flower and photograph.

This image doesn't give you the complete picture but instead feeds your curiosity and allows you to create the rest of the picture. However I believe you can still recognize it as a flower.

This image however turned out to be my favorite. I beleive it allows you to form the complete flower easier in your mind even though it is showing little detail. It is my most creative work of the day.

Which image do you prefer?

I will post an HDR image later this week. I did take an old shack that I believe will be interesting.

Hues of Ocean Blue

2009-11-06T21:14:00.000-10:00

Last night after a beautiful sunset, I hoped the clouds would turn to brilliant orange, red and yellow. As I waited I started to see the different hues of blues instead. The night sky blue to the deep ocean blue. Since I love to play with abstract pans I began painting with the light that was left in the sky. This was my favorite capture.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Hawaiian Sunset

2009-11-05T20:06:00.000-10:00

It is traditional for Hawaiians to stop and watch the sunset. For years I observed people pulling over along the shore side of Alii Drive in Kona to watch the final moments of daylight sink below the horizon. I have been told by many people that they have tons of sunset photos and love them all, while others believe that every sunset is the same. My belief is that nothing is ever the same again. Each day brings a fresh perspective to your life, an abundance of possibilities. I love to watch the sunset here at the Halii Kai regardless of how spectacular it is. There is something about being able to see the last tip of the sun disappear below the horizon that keeps me watching time and time again. Have a wonderful tomorrow!

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com

Morning Routine

2009-11-04T07:12:00.000-10:00

The first thing in my morning routine at the Halii Kai is to exercise. I usually spend about two hours in the cabana stretching, walking, ellipticaling and lifting weights. My favorite station to watch on TV is the Food channel while exercising. It is a strange combination I know.

I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the whales for this season. They are a wonderful distraction from the mundane routine. The view isn't too bad without the whales however.

I sometimes go back for a visit in the afternoon to get a dose of Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, The Doctors or whatever maybe on TV at the time. I don't seem to watch too much TV otherwise.

Please visit me at http://www.terilou.com - become my friend on Facebook @ Teri Lou Plocher Dantzler - on Twitter at terilou_com