Photo Shoot in Different Light

I had some unexpected free time this morning, so I put on my boots, grabbed my two dogs, and ventured out into the woods behind my house.  It was 9am, I was hoping it wasn't too late to capture some nice soft morning light.  The sun is filtered today through a light cloud cover.  I was hoping for some breaks of morning light shining down.  

I normally find it difficult to take photos unless there is a good source of light, so that subjects seem to sparkle and cast interesting shadows.  There was only diffused and soft light on my walk this morning.  What I find frustrating is being able to capture the light that I see, as beautiful and radiant as it appears to my eye.  For instance, there was a pond where I walked and the diffused light was glistening on the pond as well as on the many interesting grasses around the pond.  I found it difficult to capture that amazing light.  

I did manage to take some photos that I was happy with.  I find that light is key to me in what I am drawn towards to take a photograph of -  I found in my journey today that I was only really inspired to take a photo of objects/subjects if they had even the littlest bit of light.

The light seemed to be cast just on these dried flowers, setting them apart from the background a bit

I liked how the diffused light hit this twisted twig

My ever faithful companions leading the way

Being with Seamus is like always having the perfect model along - I was happy to capture a bit of sunlight shining on him through the clouds

Wet with dew and lit with a little sun

The green of the moss is a welcome boost of color in the winter woods, I liked the way a quick moment of sunlight hit this little woodland bank

Unfamiliar Beauty

My next assignment was to step out of my comfort zone and photograph something that was "unfamiliar", taking at least 100 photos and narrowing it down to the two or three best.  Since I normally photograph things that are "pretty" I decided I would get out of my comfort zone and try to find "unfamiliar" and "hidden" beauty in something that wasn't necessarily pretty or perfect.  I chose to take photos at a 300 year old barn that is a short walk from where I live.  The owner let me have the run of the place, and except for a few chirping sparrows, I was alone in this magnificent structure.  It was quiet and wonderful. I took 166 photos, and narrowed it down to seven (sorry, I just couldn't get down to 2 or 3!)

I liked the rough texture of this old paint and the door ajar

I thought this photo captured exactly what I was trying to convey

I like the "grunginess" of the hardware and dirty paint in this photo, as well as the way the light hits the top of the door and highlights where the horses have gnawed on this door for probably centuries :)

I was drawn to the bright blue color against the texture of the barnboard

These birds were chirping away inside the barn while I was photographing, but I couldn't get a shot of them inside.  All of a sudden I looked up when I went outside and there they were, sitting still long enough on the ledge for me to get this shot, I love the beauty of the birds agains the worn, old wood.

OK I guess this guy is "pretty" (couldn't resist :)

I liked the reflections in the glass, even though broken, still beautiful :)