Camellia

Today, I will share a little about me. Here are photographs of a pink camellia bush. Yes, I do always drive and walk around looking for flowers. No, I don't carry my camera with me all the time. I find I have to be in the mood. Plus usually, if it's worth photographing (for me) it's worth driving back to. I can tell you where a lot of pretty flowers live.

Since, I didn't study flowers in college, I am learning hands on and really marvel when I discover something new. I remember specifically the first time I saw a camellia tree blooming. It was at the children's dentist. You know that shocked feeling... that's what I sense when I find a new flower or discover something I didn't know about flowers. I usually photograph a flower during its peak. Each time I have ideas about what I want from the picture and may wait a whole year for the right shot.

I discovered what may be a camellia (no flowers, yet) growing in my yard today and cleared out the ivy from nearby. Happy Thanksgiving!

Billy Currington's Stories Are Worth Listening

One of my favorite artists is Billy Currington. His country music strikes a chord with me. His song... Good Directions... has a neat ending, but you really have to listen. I just took this photograph in Macon, Georgia this past weekend in Hill Street Park and titled it "Good Directions." I wish I could have seen this cherry tree at the height of the bloom.

Good Directions

I was sittin' there sellin' turnips on a flatbed truck
Munchin' on a pork rind when she pulled up
She had to be thinkin' "This is where Rednecks come from"
She had Hollywood written on her license plate
She was lost and lookin' for the interstate
Needin' directions and I was the man for the job

[Chorus]

I told her way up yonder past the caution light
There's a little country store with an old Coke sign
You gotta stop in and ask Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea
Then a left will take you to the interstate
But a right will bring you right back here to me

I was sittin' there thinkin' 'bout her pretty face
Kickin' myself for not catchin' her name
I threw my hat and thought, "You fool, that could've been love"
I knew my old Ford couldn't run her down
She probably didn't like me anyhow
So I watched her disappear in a cloud of dust.

[Chorus]

I told her way up yonder past the caution light
There's a little country store with an old Coke sign
You gotta stop in and ask Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea
Then a left will take you to the interstate
But a right will bring you right back here to me
Is this Georgia heat playin' tricks on me
Or am I really seein' what I think I see
The woman of my dreams comin' back to me

She went way up yonder past the caution light
Don't know why, but somethin' felt right
When she stopped in and asked Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea
Mama gave her a big 'ol glass and sent her right back here to me

Thank God for good directions and turnip greens.

Georgia DOT Wildflower Project

You've seen this sign if you live in Georgia. Here are a few images from Highway 41 near Griffin, Georgia. One of my favorite activities is to take photographs through the sunset. It is amazing how much the meter needs to be adjusted as it gets darker.

Flying!

My framer says, "Your flowers look like they are moving." Here is one titled "Flying" from today, October 5th, 2010. unaltered.

My Art For Sale at Thompson's Frame Shop

Before my art career, frame shops were a necessary evil. I needed stuff framed to hang them on the wall, didn't really care what the frame looked like. Lots of money and sometimes didn't like it... And, it took forever.

And, then I found Thompson's Frame shop at 7560 Holcomb Bridge Road  in Alpharetta. (My daughter happened to be taking dance a few doors down.) When I first took my art there, and they said it would be ready the next day, and I was shocked. But that's their way. Many years later, when I started framing my art of course I used the Holcomb Bridge store, but one day I wondered if the Thompson's at 1062 Johnson Ferry was part of the same group. And, sure enough. I had my order delivered to Johnson Ferry and picked it up there and began working with the wonderful staff at Johnson Ferry.

Laura, Carrie and Angela are amazing and very talented! The frame shop is more like a coffee shop in attitude. Yes, I have framed many works by now, but they make it fun and know all about their customers. And, we learn about them too. And, my art is still ready the next day. But the best part is that my art is now for sale there. I hope you willl stop by and take a look. There are four framed images:  Flowing, Curtsey, Waltzing, and Together and loose, unframed photographs of 20 flowers. I started this blog post because Carrie and I were looking through my new ACEOs recently and together came up with the cute title of "First Date" for these flowers. This is my latest addition to Etsy, and the image was selected for two treasuries the first day I listed it. Here are a couple coupons to get you to Thompson's.

Naples Really Stands Out

What a beautiful city -- Naples, Florida. The flowers lining the streets were exotic and blooming! My daughter said, "That was the best beach we went to." The fishing must be good to as there were so many pelicans hanging out at the beach. I did try to talk everyone into eating without me, so I could take photographs, which I would have preferred! But I was sitting enjoying a shrimp dinner while the sun fell into the ocean. I found another waitress to bring me the check and was able to catch the tail end of the sunset.

Total mileage: 1792

We are back home now. A friend asked why we "just went to Florida" (it's a neighboring state) instead of a longer road trip like usual. There were a lot of reasons we went to Florida. I wanted to add beach photographs to my portfolio, and it was close. But honestly, I will be hurrying back because there really was so much to see in so many places. I think LeBron make a good choice to move to Florida, and I would love to move there. If you live in Florida on the gulf coast and have lots of flowers blooming in your city, like Naples, let me know. I'll stop by!

Floridian Birds are Out of There!

The beautiful, varied birds in Florida more than make up for the lack of flowers in my path. I really can't believe the opportunities I received today and yesterday to photograph so many winged creatures. I haven't seen this many birds on any one day, never mind being able to photograph them. I photographed birds at the John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo and also in the Shark Valley in the Everglades off of Highway 41. And, I almost forgot the beach in Naples, Florida. Here are a couple images.

Woodpecker at the John Pennekamp State Park

Egret in the Florida Everglades

First Light at the Beach

This morning was a pretty sunrise mostly blocked by a big bunch of clouds. But as soon as it was up, I headed to a garden of flowers. I captured them as the sun first hit them. Here is First Light. Anyone know what flower this is?

The View from Miami Beach

Mileage 231.7
I woke up just as the sun was rising this morning. Thank goodness. And found these beautiful pictures.



 I was wondering how to find the view of Miami from the island. I asked a gas station attendant, and she said I couldn't. These kinds of statements really motivate me. I found the view and a wonderful bike path at the same time.

From the Gulf -- Clearwater

After our over 499 mile drive, we found our way to the beach; the sunrise was worth the car ride. And there were lots of pretty birds feeding this morning.

Sunflower Festival was Blooming!

Just back from the Rutledge, Georgia Sunflower Festival. One of my favorite moments was when a browser said, "That's magnificient" when eyeing my 12" x 18" canvas of a magnolia tree. Then, he realized that was the title! Which I named for the flower's name. And, how cool I think magnolias are. Lots of sales and many names for my constant contact list during this show. If you want to be on my monthly email list, which features new works and upcoming shows, just subscribe here.

Here is my booth from the show. The holes are sold works. I also sold lots of ACEOs this weekend. Recently bought the print bins. I like the new look. But the best part of this show was the view. The field was gorgeous. I loved listening to live country music and looking out my shop window at the field. The garden near my booth was also home to many hummingbirds. Of course, I brought my camera.

New Neighbor Just Moved In

One of my big photography sayings is, "Shoot in your own backyard" because no other photographer lives there. This gives you a unique place and images. This week while on one of my many dog walks, a neighbor pointed out this gorgeous baby hawk.

My Favorite Holiday -- July 4th -- Independence Day

I absolutely love the 4th of July. I created this new photograph for 2010. You can buy Stars and Stripes in my Etsy shop. In my shop, there is another pretty flag image from a baseball game, and I am working on more this weekend.

Most years you will find me at the Decatur, Georgia 4th of July Celebration because there is so much going on. Large crowds pack into the old-fashioned square for music and fireworks. The parade begins at 6 PM. Children and adults line up at 5:30 with their decorated bicycles and scooters. The path is a short one around the square. Afterwards, the callanwolde concert band entertains until just before the fireworks begin at dark.

I like preparing food for our picnic and having all my kids close by. My salmon recipe holds its flavor long enough for these kinds of events. It is so sweet to lean on each other on our blanket, eat delicious food and relax. The music reminds me of weekends in Bar Harbor, Maine or Chatham in Cape Cod. Chatham and Bar Harbour have music every Saturday night during the summer as part of their home town flavor. To me, the square's activities make a summer vacation special and memorable to see all the residents mix up with locals. Last year we were in Hyannis on the cape.

The celebration at Decatur also reminds me of attending a concert at Chastain park, but there is no admission. An added bonus at Decatur is the ease of which everyone leaves because the parking lots are spread out over the city. There are many ways to exit in all directions. Hope to see you there!

Flowers at the Farm

Yes, the patch of coneflowers was wating at the farm. I was so happy to see them. I played a little here and wonder what you like. Please let me know. It also totally motivated me to paint one. To the left is my newest ACEO Spirit available in my Etsy shop. This is a painted rendition of one of my photographs. The coneflower on a green background above is title Natural and also available as a 5x7" print in my Etsy shop.

Straight from the Garden

Hydrangea have fascinated me for years, but in the past they have looked pretty boring through the camera lens. But this year the petals are gorgeous, and I finally figured out a view. Here are shots from my new series. They are all available in my shop as 5"x7" prints for $19 at MagMoment. I have planted a row in my own yard. At first, I planted them underneath a couple trees. Then, I realized my mistake and moved them to bright sun. I bought a few more and they are growing to form a pretty wall. Perhaps they will block a loose basketball before too long.

Magnolias on Magnolia Street

Dear Carine, Thank you so much for allowing me to hang my images in your tea house. I am crazy about magnolias and how fitting the restaurant is on Magnolia Street. I have polished up thirty-two of my images that are of the beautiful tree. This is a very exciting happening in my life. I hope that your customers enjoy the art. Hazel

Dear Gittel, Thanks so much for your hours of volunteering as our president for Women in Focus. I am so glad to have joined the Women in Focus board as Vice President. Thank you for helping me procure this show at the Teahouse. This is a great opportunity that you have opened the door to. Hazel

Dear Jim, Thank you for having such a beautiful tree on my street and introducing me to these glorious flowers. Hazel

Dear Children, Thank you for all your opinions about my photographs, your ever lifting and carrying my boxes and your swift setting up and tearing down my tent to enable my art career. Thanks. Love, Mom

Dearest Reader, Thanks for following my blog and viewing my art. I am always open to feedback and appreciate your support. My show opens today May 3rd and I hope you live close enough to stop in for lunch one day this month. Hazel

Magnolias on Magnolia Street -- May 3 - 29, 2010 at The Roswell Teahouse -- 108 Magnolia Street in Roswell. Learn more on my site. Here are a couple more images to wet your appetite.

Dear POE team, Thanks for all the advice, ideas and support over the past year on Etsy. It really has helped me professionally to be on the team. Hazel

John Mariana Speaks at Roswell Photographic Society

This past Monday John Mariana presented highlights from his two books to the Roswell Photographic Society's members. John showed us many photographs and illustrated the before (photoshop) and after versions of many shots. One of his suggestions was to darken the corners of the photograph using the burn tool.

I didn't realize that you can really change a photograph in camera raw before bringing it into photoshop. He showed us the sliders on the different screens within raw. Pictured to the right is a flower photograph that I altered only using camera raw. Not bad... I will note that you cannot view the photograph without the "layer" if you don't have layers, so this means you have to start over if you can't remember what you did to the photo.

Another tool John pointed out was the ability to change the color within the photograph using the targeted adjustment tool. This looks cool and could save a lot of time pulling out highlights in shadows for example. He used many other buttons duing our meeting, but I think it might be easier to buy the book then decifer my notes.

Southeastern Flower Show Opens Today

The SE Flower Show opens today and I am so honored to have four images in the show. But best of all, I have received a third place for my image titled Joy, pictured to the left. And, two of my flowers, Waltzing and Spring received honorable mentions.

The Flower Show is Thurs., Fri., and Sat 10 AM until 8 PM at the Cobb Galleria. There are 105 images in the photography exhibit, chosen from 400 submissions. It was judged by Larry Winslett and Marianne Lambert. Following is the list of winners.

P-6 - Landscape

1st Phyllis Hlavac Middle Prong River - Best in Show!
2nd Tom Query Forest Primeval
3rd George Bradfield Grand

Honorable Mentions:  Kim Bates Trunks and Shadows; David Dennard Tree; Gail Stewart First Light

P-9 Flowers (this class is double the size of the others)

1st Alan Thiese Night Blooming Cereus
2nd George Bradfield Bud & Bloom
3rd John Enslow Bedazzled

Honorable Mentions: Hazel Berger Waltzing; Hazel Berger Spring; David Foster Backlit Tulip; Valerie Gruner Coneflower; Rita Songer Poppies; Murphy Townsend White Tulip; Murphy Townsend Orange Dahlia; Brad Wilson Cypripedium parviflorum; Anne Wisgo Interlude

P-11 Travel

1st John Mariana Tyrolean Village
2nd Anne Wisgo Caution
3rd Leslie Clements Margarita Island

Honorable Mentions: Leslie Clements Zapote; Roy Gordon Tuscan Landscape; Jerome Roberts Ghosts of the Past

P-13 People and Other Critters

1st John Clemmer Wet Hawk
2nd Pamela Keene Maasai Elder
3rd Hazel Berger Joy

Honorable Mentions: Kim Bates American Icon; David Dennard Dog; John Enslow Waipu'ilani; Brad Wilson Thread-waisted wasps

P-12 Water Features

1st. Jennifer Clements Naples Botanical Garden - Most Creative Image!
2nd Debbie Paulding Cypress Party
3rd Roy Gordon Biltmore Reflections

Honorable Mentions: Karen Beedle Fall Ripple; Al Levine Flow; Gittel Price Water Crystals


P-16 All Things Green

1st Meg Dreyer Untitled (Green 2-for i.d. purposes)
2nd Brad Wilson Froghouette
3rd Ted Maloof Swampscape 3

Honorable Mentions: Kim Bates Beyond Green; Brad Wilson Green Tree Frog

Georgia Aquarium Creates Photo Op

Thanks to StarCreations for the push to take my camera to the Georgia Aquarium. It was fun!

This is one of my favorites "Through the Looking Glass" to the right.

This fish below had the most personality...

And, then there were these... definitely took the most photos of these guys. This is titled "Mystery Fish." I love how they moved back and forth like they were on stage in the rockettes line up. They also created very nice diagonal lines for me. but this shot is cool because of the overhead light.

Juried in SouthEastern Flower Show

Wow! I applied to the SE Flower Show recently, as my biggest work of art is flowers, and 4 of my images were juried into the show. Here is a list of images that were juried in and will be on display at the show. It is February 4-6th at the Cobb Galleria.
Pictured to the right is Waltzing. The links below are to listings in my Etsy shop.
Christmas Mag P09 Flowers, Flowers, Flowers
Waltzing P09 Flowers, Flowers, Flowers
Joy P13 People and Other Critters (not for sale)
Spring P09 Flowers, Flowers, Flowers
 
And, as if that weren't enough... three flower canvases (and other works) sold at the chanukah bazaar last weekend: Perfect, Zinnia c/o City of Pittsburgh and Spinning. I'm not sure if I should spend the day celebrating or working! I have printed 13 more canvases and am painting away!