Random Thoughts

Just Below The Surface /  by Todd Henson

Just Below the Surface

Just below the surface of a small lake a young turtle follows her mother towards a pair of koi. The koi appear to pay as little attention to the turtles as do the turtles to the koi. Each group swims in their own world, though one they share.

The young turtle’s only thoughts are of its mother. When the mother stops moving forward the small turtle moves around to face its mother, nose to nose, moving both front legs forward as if to hug its mother.

The koi continue slowly gliding through the water, their bodies creating beautiful curves. They very likely are waiting for food from those of us above.

Two different worlds, above and below, and yet all still part of the same. These are my thoughts as I watch these wonderful creatures just below the surface.

 

Do you enjoy these posts?

Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. Don’t worry, I won’t spam you. And please consider purchasing artwork or products from my online store, and using my affiliate links in the sidebar to the right when shopping online.

I appreciate your support!

Reflecting on an Egret /  by Todd Henson

Black and white image of a Great Egret reflected in a wetlands pool.

Shhhh… quiet.

Look, just over there. You see it?

A Great Egret quietly walking through the shallow water, eyes focused downward, looking below the surface of the water.

Stay still.

Watch the egret move.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Gracefully.

Each step causing a slight shimmer in the water, a ripple in the egret’s reflection.

Nature is full of quiet contemplations.

Do you enjoy these posts?

Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. Don’t worry, I won’t spam you. And please consider purchasing artwork or products from my online store, and using my affiliate links in the sidebar to the right when shopping online.

I appreciate your support!

Autumn Cherry Trees, Washington, D.C. /  by Todd Henson

Cherry trees along the Tidal Basin during autumn, with the Washington Monument in the background. Washington, D.C.

This is an image I created a number of years ago during early November, when the leaves on the cherry trees in Washington, D.C. change color. These trees are most visited during spring when they are full of beautiful cherry blossoms, but as you can see they are also beautiful in autumn.

The Washington Monument is visible in the center of the image, and the water is known as the Tidal Basin, around which are several other monuments. I was fortunate to photograph a jogger under the trees to the left.

Looking at the image now, years after creating it, I can see things I would do differently. If I could go back I would try to frame the image a little more to the left, showing more of the closest tree handing over the water, which would also move the Washington Monument out of the center and more to the right. I think that might make for a stronger composition.

It’s good to learn from your older photos. Study them. Decide whether or not they work. If they do work do you know why? Can you use this to create more images that work? If they don’t work, why not? How could you improve them? What would you do differently?

Keep these lessons in mind next time you go out shooting and look for ways to apply them. Learn from your past work and keep growing as a photographer. And never forget to keep having fun!

Autumn Cherry Trees is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products.

Do you enjoy these posts?

Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. Don’t worry, I won’t spam you. And please consider purchasing artwork or products from my online store, and using my affiliate links in the sidebar to the right when shopping online.

I appreciate your support!