No Saguaros - Workshop Part I

[lindyannajones]

Did you know there are TWO golden hours for photographers? It's true and one of them requires getting on the road at 4:30 AM. These photography workshops require this kind of dedication. Turns out, it can be rewarding.

These photos are Part I of my recent Birthday trip to Flagstaff, Arizona to attend a workshop conducted by Arizona Highways Magazine. As you will see, Northern Arizona is high country and the signature plant is the Ponderosa Pine. Our first stop was Bonita Meadow. The first shot was taken in a field of golden yellow sunflowers flowers that continued to brighten to sunny yellow as the sun rose higher in the sky.








We left the flowers and the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks and headed back towards town, stopping along the roadside to snap some of photos of a bee frenzy. The Bee Plant, with it's delicate purple blooms, was the source of the attraction. Here's the secret: Focus your camera on a particular bloom and set your camera to fire rapidly. The teacher assured us that we would end up with a couple of finely focused bees. Here's a small collage featuring my one decent bee photo.

[angeleyes216]

Dear Friend..your photos amaze me and your dedication to your love of photography is beyond words...every photo tells a story...every photo shows your love of the country. I dont have enough words to say what i feel when i look at them...Once again a brilliant set of photos.

Lorraine

[corry]

splendid scenery.......and such dedication.... I'm so not a morning person but I should pack my camera to work tomorrow morning early....good opportunities.

[fstopMike]

Linda, I've been anxiously awaiting your workshop pictures and I'm not disappointed!!! I love the fact that you have a sunrise and a silhouette going on in the first one, but have kicked it up a level with a lightly exposed foreground, adding an extra dimension to your image. Like the contrast of the blue sky and yellow flowers in your second. In the third one, I like the pine to the left, but the log running through the center of the picture really makes it! Beautiful shots on the last one, and thanks for the tip!!!

[mymaison97]

Just lovely...I have always wondered what that plant/flower was as it grows everywhere around here. I have collected the seed pods to try to grow them, but always forget to plant them in the spring.

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

Hurrah!! You are back and you have brought us absolute perfection.

[leonaashlee]

Beautiful shots Linda. I have a harder time seeing the beauty out here as the heat bothers me so much, but you continue to show it to me and I appreciate the photos of what I cannot enjoy in person.

[Stilelibero]

Amazing set Lynda!!
I just can say waoo. Really amazing . I love the colors in the first one.

[Vinam]

Well I been waiting to see what your birthday present would yeild and It was worth the wait .. I always start in the middle of a photo.. in your first I my view in the yellow flowers in the forground then , move over the sillouetted mountains to the smoky cloud filled sky and then the morning sun holds me.. excellent balance of focal points ( whether you meant it or not .
..most would be happy to capture one of these elements in a photo.. when they are combined they make me go WOW ! .. not just another sunrise .. it's deep and rich, full of detail.. a wall hanger !

I like the colors of the second .. glowing yellow and cool blue .. very pretty summer landscape !
the living tree and the dead tree on the gound in the third shows the circle of life, I like the hdr look of it .

and I LOVE your bee shot and I'm stealing the method !!,,, been working on flying bummble bees and now I know how !!! ... as always thanks for sharing Lin,, terrfiic set !

Vin

[FDCPR]

A great set of shots lindy, I really enjoy the first one, great colors and texture. Yep, two golden hours and for us insomniacs the only way to see the morning golden hour is to stay up all night. Which I do at least once a week. Let's keep seeing all you learned at your workshop.