Agave americana

I was out in my yard, playing with a lens I haven't used in quite awhile & pointed it at the Agave americana.  The sun was low in the sky & I loved the strong shadows I was seeing.  Tonight on the computer, they seemed perfect for B&W.   What do you think?

I love the way the strong shadow plays against the sharp thorns, also like the subtle foot print (imprint) on the main part of the agave.   That's made as the new shoots are formed and start opening up.

I had fun experimenting with the lens!

Egrets at Santee Lakes

Another morning at Santee Lakes, this morning I was able to get a bit closer to the egrets.  Enjoy!

Great Egret

Great Egret

This Great Egret was in & out of the shadows, I was happy with this head shot.

Snowy Egret 

The Snowy Egret is missing part of his right foot, but it doesn't slow him down a bit!  Apparently he has been at the Lake for quite awhile.  I was surprised that I could get as close as I did, he didn't seem to be at all afraid.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for:  my family, good friends, and living in San Diego ... and today a Thanksgiving morning on the water thanks to San Diego Whale Watch.  We saw a humpback whale, two fin whales, three molas (sunfish) and approximately 200 Common Dolphins.  Going through many photos I took today, this one was a favorite.  The dolphins love to ride the bow of the boat & seeing this took me back to Baja days & sailing in the Sea of Cortez with the dolphins at the bow of our boat.  

It was a sparkling day out on the water!

PS  The naturalist on board was asked how she could estimate the number of dolphins we saw.   She explained that dolphin counts by scientists use the rule  that for every 1 dolphin on the surface, there would be 2 underneath.   Obviously they are hard to count (!)  but going by that rule, I'd agree.  It was awesome seeing them frolic in the sea & come greet the boat and play  (surf?) in the wake of our boat.   Thanks to the crew of the m/v  Privateer for going out on Thanksgiving day.

Santee Lakes

I woke up this morning & decided to go over to Santee Lakes for a walk.  It's been beautiful  here (80+ degrees) and the Lakes seemed to be a perfect place to walk & do some bird photography -- and I wasn't disappointed.  I'm posting 3 photos of ducks that I was able to ID -- many more to post, however I'm having trouble with their  IDs.

American Wigeon 

Blue-winged Teal 

Northern Shovelers

San Diego Zoo photos

Surprise -- a trip to the Zoo & I'm posting flower photos!   I met up with friends Terry & Mary at the SD Zoo, we did see and photograph some animals, and along the way the flowers.   I was quite impressed with the hibiscus flowers, they had to be at least 7-8" across.  Simply beautiful!

And the spider web, thanks to Mary's sharp eyes, I have a a photograph -- I had walked right past this!   And, of course, to complete the morning there, we had a nice lunch at Albert's.   

Last B&W (maybe)

Another one I really liked from the Paris trip.  I was actually photographing the pigeon as it was walking and pecking on the sidewalk, and not at all bothered by me.  We were both surprised when the man walked our way.  It was a lucky shot for me.

This is "as shot", no B&W conversion.

  I'd like to challenge Fay Henexson to share her B&W's.  

Another B&W (Day 6 ?)

OK, I know the "official" B&W Challenge is over, but I couldn't resist posting another B&W photo.

A day at Balboa Park is always a favorite place to hang out, and especially so when my two granddaughters from NoCal are in town.   Caught this moment while Ellery was having a quiet time, enjoying the fountain.  This was taken in April, 2012.

B&W Challenge, Day 5

One of my favorite photos from Paris, a few of us were wandering down an alley on our way to the Shakespeare & Company bookstore.  This waiter was inviting us in for a lunch at his restaurant & posed for the photo!

Final day of the Challenge.  Again, a thank you to Carol Moffatt & Maureen Murphy for the nomination, it's been a fun project!
 
I'd like to nominate Phyllis Houghton  to participate.

B&W Challenge Day 4

Paris again ...

B&W Challenge, Day 3

Another photograph from the Paris trip (2012):  a mime performing on a street behind the Basilique Du Sacré Coeur.  I took several of her, and this remains my favorite.  

B&W Challenge, Day 2

Another photo from Paris visit.   On one of our walks, I spotted this man in the park feeding the birds.   The cat patiently sat and watched.  

B&W Challenge on Facebook, Day 1

I've been challenged by Carol Moffett and Maureen Murphy to participate in the Black & White Photography Challenge on Facebook.   It's pretty straight-forward, post a B&W photo for 5 consecutive days & nominate another photographer.  It was a Challenge for me,  because I found it difficult  finding photos that converted well to B&W.  

Here's Day 1 of the Challenge  The photograph was taken in Paris 2 years ago.