and now for something completely different

I enjoy art for art's sake. And sometimes, I just love to 'play' with a photo so that it no longer resembles the original. I think of it like 'finger painting': I take the photo and just let myself go with it. It's fun to do.

And more butterflies

still working through the photos so thought I would share:

Butterflies

I have spent many a wasted afternoon trying to chase butterflies and moths in fields to get good pictures. The problem is that they are too darn fast and I don't really have the right (read expensive) lenses to capture them. When I was in Houston I went to the Natural Science Museum (I love those) and they had a butterfly pavilion. Picture thousands of butterflies of all colours and sizes fluttering around in a rain forest type setting. I figured that this would be give me lots of chances to get those photographs that had eluded me so often. I put on my 55-200 lens and took my time. I was happy with some shots, thrilled with others and I had lots of rejects.
Here are some I am happy with:

and more zoo shots

it was fun to wander around with my camera and not have an agenda

Houston Texas

I've spent the last few days in Houston Texas. I was here teaching a course to other Speech Language Pathologists. It's an second job I do for fun :). Of course the money comes in handy, and there's something about doing a job because you want to rather then you have to. I added an extra day so I could do some sight seeing. Life has been rather full so it was nice to take a day and just have fun. So I headed to Hermann Park and went to the Houston Zoo, the Japanese Gardens and the Houston Natural Science Museum. I then headed home (after taking about 500 pictures, mostly in the butterfly house) to sit and read by the pool (can you say 'decadent'). I fly home tomorrow but here are some shots:

Flowers!

My photo club had a flower workshop on Tuesday. It was fun and educational. It was great to get professional help rather then flailing around and hoping I get it right (which is more typical). It was fun to play with lights and reflectors too.

Love From Me

This is a project that a friend has been working on as she also deals with her own diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.


Here is the info on it:

The Love From Me Project is an extension of the Paws For Charity Art Book Project (pawsforcharity.blogspot.com), and is the 3rd annual Art Book Project compiled and edited by Sara Harley.

The Paws For Charity Art Book Project was started in 2009 and raised funds for breast cancer charity while celebrating the bond we feel for our pets.

This year continues with the Love From Me Project...Inspirational images donated by 61 artists and photographers from many countries. All funds raised from this project are donated to The Rose Fund, c/o the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada. This is a registered charity to help cancer patients who are facing financial difficulty as a result of dealing with their cancer treatments.

I was honoured that Sara asked me to participate. Beyond honoured really. My mother had a total masectomy quite a few years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. Fortunately she is still with me. The link on the right takes you to the Blog about the book. so, if you are interested here is the link to order the book:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2085036

PS- My contribution is on page 11:

Windows

I love windows. I have no idea why but I find them fascinating. Espcially if they are in derelict buildings. If you also enjoy windows, I hope you like these. Any constructive criticism is accepted :)

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