Cee’s Compose Yourself Challenge: Week #6

Horizontal lines and horizons with a dash of diagonal.

Getting horizontal lines isn’t always easy. The first photo contest I entered one of the panel told me to use a level to get the horizon straight, since then I developed an abhorrence for crooked horizons, unless it intentional. It’s a simple fix that will make your photos better.

I did learn to use the level on my tripod and if I’m “freestyling” it I am at least aware so I work to make the horizon straight. If it’s not possible I leave extra room for cropping which is what happens when you straighten. If I do need to do post editing I usually use the straighten tool in Picasa (a free edit program) or the rotate canvas tool in Photoshop. With rotate canvas you can get a more precise adjustment.

click on each to see full photo.

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Blind Pass Beach, Florida

National Parks

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming

 

 

One Word Photo Challenge: Smog

Intermontane areas create their own special type of smog.

Death Valley National Park, California

 

One Word Photo Challenge: Wildfire

This photo was taken on my second trip to Grand Teton National Park. After four months of travel I couldn’t wait to see those shooting peaks that changed my geographic focus. But when I got there I could barely see them from the smoke of a wildfire. I was so disappointed but the colors of sunset brightened my outlook. Without the smoke this sunset would have been much different.

 9:00 PM, Mountain Time

9:40 PM, Mountain Time

 

One Word Photo Challenge: Drought

Drought: lack of rain. Some areas go so long with out rain even rivers dry up. But once it does rain look out, thus the pole with feet marked so you know if you can drive through. It gives a whole new meaning to flash flood.

 

Death Valley National Park, California

 

Cee’s Fun Foto: Sence of Sight

These are a few of my favorite things…to look at: Mountains, Sunsets & waterfalls.

 Cascade Falls, Minnesota’s Senic Rt 61

Grand Teton’s National Park, Wyoming

 

 

 

Monochrome Monday: The Hurd

Independence

Nothing gives the soul a sense of independence, of freedom, than the open road. Whether the road trip is a few days or the adventurous few years, it provides much relief from daily responsibilities, schedules and the all mighty clock. If you haven’t done so in a while, get out and just drive.

Somewhere in Colorado

 

Check out other posts for the Travel Theme: Independence challenge

Off-Center

Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming

Check out other posts for the Travel Theme: Off Center challenge

One Word Photo Challenge: Dry

Death Valley National Park, California 

Monochrome Monday: Snowy Peaks