52Frames Just Breathe Weekly Photo Challenge

Some of the subjects for the 52Frames weekly photo challenge are more interesting than others. Some of them require using a specific technique or color or exposure. While a lot of the others are generic ideas of which this week is one of those. The subject was “just breathe” which could be just about anything. In some ways it makes it more difficult; in other ways it gives you more latitude. We went in to town last week with the intention of seeing the Christmas trains at the US Botanic garden, and the Christmas tree in front of the Capitol. After viewing the trains outside, we went indoors to check out the Christmas display in the conservatory. But then we walked to the rear gardens and to the fountain that we know very well. I love the tile and the water motion. And that last’s where I took a few photos - because it makes me feel very calm and relaxed when I look at it. I also tried a few long exposure options that turned out really nice. While editing, I was happy with the result, but thought the image needed a bit of something else. So I painted in a small orange colored koi - just enough that his mouth was coming up for a breath while the rest of the body was submerged in the center of the circular water motion. It’s not the best photo I’ve submitted and sometimes that’s just the way it is. But I always like to add a personal touch and create a composite. So I’m happy with the end result. 

52Frames_justbreathe

Another week, another photo challenge. I thought I might have made a bit of an impression last week with my macro photo of my charm bracelet with the New England charms and the whale with the hinged jaw, but I didn’t.  I did get more comments on that photo than my usual entries, but I can’t compete with the real photographers out there. I’m using my iPhone for all my photos, while most of the others have equipment and use terms I have never heard of. The weekly challenge has made me a better picture taker. I even have an app that I’ve used for things that I can’t do with just an iPhone. Last week’s subject was “just breathe.” I thought about using our stethoscope, but that was too literal. So we went in to town and searched for images that make me feel calm. The Capitol reflecting pool is a place that we have frequented over the almost 15 years of living in the DC area. We have witnessed many events there, but I most like it when we just sit there and observe our surroundings. Since the sun was overhead we couldn’t get our shadows on the water. So we moved along to the next best things- the pond next to the American Indian Museum. It was surreal in the light and the pastel and watercolor effect on the water were enchanting. I could sit there all day and it’s just mesmerizing. Of course, we had to visit the gardens down by the Smithsonian Castle where the flowers are simply captivating, and a few good photos emerged from there too. It was a nice challenge because it was really left up to your personal preference rather than a specific technical technique. I’m sure my image this week won’t get much attention. But it doesn’t matter because both my husband and I really liked it.