I made up this rule (more of an idea actually) that I try to have at least three of the four elements in a landscape photo at the same time. If these clouds look a little funny it’s because I added a background of water. So by cheating a little (hey, they’re my rules so I can break them) I got my three elements; thus, the title of this photo.
Walk at Sunset
Someone walks along the shore as the sun recedes. Now get out and enjoy the weekend (say’s me to myself). ;-0
Bennett Park
So last I heard they’re going to build a water park here. This is right next to the freeway so I suppose it’s a good location as far as exposure goes. But I can’t help but feel a twinge of loss at another open space in this beautiful state. However, as hot as it gets here in Florida it doesn’t sound too bad. In any case, this is the “before” shot. Not sure how the “after” shot will end up looking.
View From Anna Maria
Another picture from my favorite place. At this spot on Anna Maria Island you can see a sunrise, sit in the beach or watch cruise ships pass under the Skyway Bridge. Its pretty close to perfect and a provokes the frame of mind that allows you to forget about the troubles of the world for a spell. Lord knows they’ll be there when you get back.
Fireworks Over Bradenton
Found a great spot atop a parking garage to watch the fireworks over the town of Bradenton Florida. In fact, not only could I watch the main attraction, but those of all the neighboring towns and neighborhoods. A good time was had by all.
Just Before Dusk
I took this from a kayak launch just before the bridge to Anna Maria Island. This little guy was out feeding alone but I’m sure he knew where the others in his flock were. These waters are shallow enough that you could walk several hundred yards out with your fishing pole, as long as you keep track of the tide. Kind of a nice way to end the day.
Path to the Beach
Being one of the more popular destinations in the area, Holmes Beach has a big parking lot. But if you walk a little ways north or south you can find all of these hidden paths from quiet residential areas which provide less used access. Unlike the beaches of Miami and Ft Lauderdale, the beaches of Anna Maria Island are laid back. And even more so when you can find your own little path leading to a stretch of beach to call your own.
Bridge of Uncertainty
Manatee Avenue Bridge on a foggy morning. It struck me that the bridge could be a metaphor for uncertainty. From time to time I feel like I’m crossing a chasm and there is no guarantee of success or what’s on the other side. It can be unsettling. But in the end I generally make it and end up a little stronger and a little wiser.
Sunrise Over the Pond
The night before I took this I was at the same spot taking a picture of the sunset in the other direction. When I got home I realized I lost my lens cap. It’s only a few minutes from my house so I got up this morning to come back figuring I dropped it on the ground. It was nowhere to be found but nevertheless the clouds were crazy good and so I resigned to the loss and captured this sunrise. After watching it for a few minutes I walked back to my car and put the camera and in the back seat and there was the lens cap on the floor. Such a silly thing, but thanks to “losing it” I was here first thing in the morning.
Egret on a Pier
These little guys are not shy. For the most part they’ve become accustomed to humans and you can usually get within a few feet before they skitter away. I was about ten feet from this fellow as he fished from a pier at the beach. One day I came out of a store only to find one standing on my car. I walked up and got in and he never even moved. We have a tall one that lives near our house and I usually spot him on our driveway in the morning. As soon as I walk up with my dog he nonchalantly skips to the next driveway. One of the fun things about living in Florida.