Sunday, November 29, 2009

Potlatch State Park

We spent a little time at Potlatch State Park, just north of Shelton, today - until my aging batteries failed me. I love this little park. The view northward is spectacular, and regardless of the time of year, made up of layers of green and blue and gray. Textures and shapes, light and shadow.

Potlatch Park Looking North
The view, looking north

We saw Common Goldeneyes, seagulls, cormorants and a lone Canadian Goose, Not sure if it was separated from it's flock, or if everyone else was just out of site. It was fairly unimpressed with us and stayed within about 20 feet. I wonder if it was hoping for a handout...

Canadian Goose at Potlatch
Canadian Goose

The cold winter sunshine was a welcome distraction after November's torrential rains, and we really enjoyed our, albeit short, visit to the park.

As Seen by a Rebel

... a Canon Rebel, that is.

This photographic blog is just an outlet for me to post my photographic adventures and the beauty of the area I live in (specifically, the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State).

A little history... I used to focus my artistic urges into paintings and pencil drawings (and sculpting before that), but when the vagaries of life pulled us from our safe and comfortable existence in Oregon, and brought us up to Washington State... my muse went into mourning and refused to inspire me anymore.

In January of 2007, my husband gifted me with a 'starter camera.' Not a little pocket camera you can pick up for $99, but a nice mid-range one, capable of a variety of automatic and manual options. I spent about a year and a half happily snapping away at my world and chronicling important events in my life (i.e. the birth of my first grandchild). I joined an on-line group called "Pic-A-Day" that encouraged members to shoot and post at least one picture every day for a year. The idea was to hone our skills and create a community amongst ourselves. It was a smashing success and one I treasure. The group, although not disbanded, has morphed into something else, equally precious - but on a more private level.

Sadly, my little camera lacked the stamina to keep up with my zeal and the motor went kaput a couple of months ago. My mother, bless her heart, loaned me her old starter camera, but just wasn't the same. Again my muse refused to aid me and my photographic efforts were stilted and lacked passion.

BUT... yet again my mother came to my rescue. She chose to upgrade from her 2 year old Canon Rebel XTi and it was re-homed it with me. It's a whole new adventure, learning to use more advanced technology and having to study the art of digital photography if I want to make the best use of this gift.

So... here I am, chronicling (mostly for myself) my adventures and growth as a photographer. My world, as seen by a Rebel.