Slow Start
So far my year in photography has been pretty much nonexistent. I haven’t been out to create anything significant at all. Although I have been outdoors, and I always take my cameras anywhere I go, I’ve just been using my iPhone to capture little moments here and there. I’m hoping to get back out in the world with my actual camera gear sometime soon!
While I was out last month I did manage to get a few snaps of the local peacocks that roam around. Just when I started having fun chasing them around and getting into a groove, it started raining. It hardly ever rains here, so that was very odd…but needless to say, the trip was cut short.
Here are some of the photos that I liked enough to keep. I can’t wait to get back out there to try and get some more portfolio worthy photos. More importantly, I can’t wait to get back out so I can have some fun!
The Return Of Autumn
It’s no secret that fall is my favorite season, but now this time of year has taken on a whole new meaning.
Living in the desert for the past 4 years has made me both miss and appreciate the fall even more. Living in an area that doesn’t reflect any of the wonderful characteristics of the season makes me reminisce on a time when the beauty of fall was just outside my door.
With that being said, I’d like to share a few of my favorite fall memories, in hopes of creating more someday soon.
Botanical Desert
I love photographing nature! The desert is a totally interesting place, with a unique and beautiful array of plants, flowers, and wildlife. I try to get out to experience as much of the desert landscape as I possibly can. Of course the summer and fall months can be a huge challenge because of the intense weather conditions. But once the winter months roll in the desert becomes a vast, exciting, photographic feast. There is also plenty of danger around every corner that you must be cautious of as well. I was once told by a local when I moved out here that, “everything in the desert is out to kill you!” I’m definitely careful whenever I venture out into the unknown.
Below are a few of my favorite photos from my most recent outing. As soon as it cools off outside I plan on taking many more trips to discover all of the new and fascinating hidden gems this expansive environment has to offer. Enjoy!
Early Morning Color Palette
Very few things in life can compare to the beauty of an early morning sun rise. I wouldn’t consider myself a “morning person” by any means! But, I understand and appreciate the energizing power of a brand new day. The colors that come alive and start to envelop the surrounding environment is truly inspiring. It seems that they can only be matched by the soft, warm, glow of the setting sun. I always feel a sense of thankfulness whenever I’m up to both document and enjoy a wonderful sunrise.
Sedona Family Vacation Color
This set of photos is a continuation of my family’s recent vacation to Sedona, Arizona.
As with most of my work, I tend to create in both color and black & white. It’s not alway an easy decision. It’s honestly more of a constant challenge in choosing what warrants being photographed in color or in black & white. Sometimes it can go either way, or sometimes lighting conditions and color palettes will specifically dictate exactly what should be done.
Here are a few color selections.
Sedona Family Vacation Monochrome
I guess the old saying, “you learn something new everyday” can certainly be applied to this particular experience.
Before I ever stepped foot in Arizona I never knew it snowed there. I, like most people, assumed the weather was too consistently hot to produce snow. I couldn’t be more wrong! During a recent holiday vacation to Sedona I was finally able to see snow in the desert first hand. It’s both a strange and beautiful sight to behold. Seeing all of the familiar desert trademarks such as, a cactus, covered in snow is definitely a memorable occasion. I’m so happy that my family and I were able to witness this moment together, as I feel it’s a unique encounter that my children will never forget.
Photos and videos can only do so much to represent the sheer beauty that can only be truly appreciated in person. Exploring unusual scenery such as, the juxtaposition of snow in a desert setting, is something I highly recommend for everyone fascinated by travel and adventure.
Beautiful Nevada Scenery
The more I visit Nevada the more I fall in love with all of it’s beautiful desert scenery. The colors, textures, and of course the details! I hope to go back soon for more in depth exploration and photo making.
Here are just a few photos from a visit to Red Rock Canyon that I captured with my phone.
Princess Of Color Series Pt.1
My princess of color series was created to depict a more realistic and identifiable image of princesses to young women of color. The idea is to show girls of color that royalty looks just like them, as opposed to the traditional notion that we’ve been conditioned to accept throughout history. The series is meant to convey the message that you are beautiful and important just the way you are, so be proud of the skin that you’re in. Having a daughter myself, my goal is to get more people involved and have more representations from children of all different cultural backgrounds.
This first set of images feature Princess Madison.
(Please click on each image to enlarge)
Grand Rising!
A beautiful sunrise I was fortunate enough to capture, handheld, while out walking one morning last month.
Tropical Storm Irma
The destruction caused by Hurricane Irma was far reaching, extending into parts of Georgia in the form of a tropical storm. Although the damage was far less than expected in the Columbus city area, strong winds toppled large tress, and power lines. The winds also scattered debris across the city’s streets causing some roads to be blocked off. There was also some minor flooding, power outages, as well as school and work closings. On the worst day of the storm I spent most of my time out walking the streets trying to document the damage. Below are a few samples of just some of the things that I saw.
(Please click on each image for larger view)
Winter Colors
Hello everyone! I just wanted to drop in and post a picture of a beautiful purple plant that I found growing in the downtown area while walking the streets. What caught my attention was how the bold colors stood out amongst the drab winter tones that surrounded it. You don’t see very many colors during the winter season where I live, so I was very happy to have stumbled upon this beauty. I’m not sure exactly what type of plant it is? But never the less, I’m glad that I had my camera with me to capture it.
Autumn Dashiki
The lovely fall colors help accentuate the many colors of this stylish dashiki worn by the beautiful Latrice.
Model: Latrice Hicks
Makeup: Nichele Hardge
1st Of The New Year
Happy New Year to everyone!
My very first post of the new year is a beautiful southwestern sunset captured a few days ago and shot with my iPhone 6 Plus. I know that I haven’t been posting as much, but I have been doing a ton of shooting lately and I have many new exciting images to share in the coming weeks/months. Stay tuned.
Loving The Fall
I’ve been having some very trying times lately, so I wanted to post something positive and show a little love to my favorite time of year. To my surprise there has been more colors in my area than it’s been in years, making it feel much more like a real a autumn season. These colors have lasted much longer than I anticipated, but it appears that they’re rapidly disappearing. I hope to get out and capture one more round of fall colors before they’re all gone. Until then, I hope you enjoy!
(Please click on each photo for a higher resolution view)
Morning Glory
The sun rises early upon another fall morning. I am thankful to witness it’s natural glory.
-Robert N. Jones
Too Hot To Be Out?
I’d like to share a few photos that I captured last weekend. Due to the excessive heat I only ventured out for a little while, and the city was basically a ghost town anyway. The few people that were out were all near the water trying to cool off. I wasn’t able to shoot very much for very long before I could no longer stand the heat, but below are a couple of shots that I thought were cool. Better luck next time I guess? This is the time of year when shooting can be tricky due to the amount of heat and humidity, especially in the areas of this country that are prone to higher temperatures such as the south. You really have to pick and choose when to come outside. More often than not when the sun starts to go down, effectively giving you much less time for actual shooting. It truly makes me look forward to fall and winter! That tends to be the time of year when I shoot at a much higher volume.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
(Click on each image for a larger view)
Moss
I know most people think moss is gross, and I totally get it, but I happen to think it’s pretty interesting. I love all the details! I also love the growth patterns and colors. I actually have quite a collection of moss photos I’ve accumulated over the years. Here are some of my most recent moss images taken at a park near my house.
(Click Each Image To Enlarge)
Bird Portraits: Part 2
My second set of images in a series of local bird portraits I’ve taken over the past few years.
This time it’s a brown Muscovy Duck
(Please click on each photo for a larger view)
Good Morning Thursday!
Good Thursday morning everyone! I just thought I’d drop in and share a few shots from an early morning walk. I hope everyone enjoys their day!
Bird Portraits: Part 1
The first in a series of local bird portraits I’ve taken over the past few years.
First up is the multicolored Muscovy Duck
(Please click on each photo for a larger view)
Breaking The Silence
Wow, my first post in quite a while. This is totally unlike me, as I like to post regularly to stay consistent as well as challenge myself to continually post something. I never planned to stay away for so long because, I really do enjoying blogging. Real life just has a way of changing your plans for you. I’ve made some huge changes recently prompting me to do a lot searching deep within myself. I’ve had both personal and professional difficulties that I’ve been forced to address lately. As artists we’re often confronted with periods of downtime that can lead to huge slumps and even depression. These issue tend to work themselves out with time, and or a healthy dose of inspiration. Unfortunately right now this awkward predicament is my current status. I’m stuck inside a difficult battle within myself. My creativity is in a fierce fight with my reality. My heart wants to be set free but my mind won’t allow me to become too lost in my dreams. I already have the answers that will solve most of my issues, but right now they’re just out of my reach. No worries though, I will continue to push through until I’m closer to where I want to be. Until then I won’t force a thing. I have tons of photos accumulated over the years that I will share as the mood strikes me. I’m confident that eventually I’ll be back up and running at 100% creating even greater work!
If you’ve supported me over the years I sincerely thank you. Things are tough right now but they’ll get better. Stick around!
With all that said, I’d like to share a peaceful image I captured one morning while out enjoying the soft, gentle breeze. I try to find any little moment I can that will ease my mind, allow me to relax and enjoy myself.
Focusing
Just a few shots where I focused on the subtleties of the neutral tones and small details of random objects at a local park.
Versatility By RNJ 