I was running around, trying to get a photo of this beautiful monarch who kept flitting from one milkweed plant to another. So sweet.
At the same time, I saw a black swallowtail on the limelight hydrangea, but he was too fast for me.
I had 3 inches chopped off my hair yesterday by my friend, Dawn. She charges $10 for a cut. (Do you believe it?) I always end up tipping her $10 as well because she works long, long hours and deserves it. The cut was overdue as I tend to let my hair grow until it’s out of control – not a good idea when you have baby fine hair. I feel much better. Then, because Don was off taking pictures with his Crown Graphic, I went to the bookstore for the first time in a while and bought some magazines and a few books.
It’s been rainy for a few days now and today is no different. I’m over it.
Don has been getting some great pictures. He has learned how to get the kind of picture he wants in cloudy or sunny weather. He’s figured out framing. He’s honed in on his particular style. He has done great work for the past few days and I think he’s ready to start asking for a donation for each picture.
I’ll share a couple with you. What these digital pictures of his photos don’t show you is the luminous quality of the Fuji (Polaroid) film. It glows. It’s gorgeous. The digital camera can’t capture that, but let me tell you, when you’re holding that photo in your hand, it’s unlike anything else.
The film is expensive because it’s hard to manufacture and Polaroid stopped making it several years ago. Don has been investing in it, so he can hoard as much as possible until someone else comes up with an equivalent for Fuji’s version, which is still in stock, but will eventually be phased out.
Love this one.
We’re getting a little reflection from the iPhone lens, but you get the idea.
These are all a little lighter than what you’re seeing, but we were on the porch this morning and it’s raining. You can see more of his work on his IG account and in his stories.
I’ve never seen any film like this film. It’s beautiful.
So proud of his work ethic and what he has achieved in a few short weeks.
Happy Monday.
Don has come a long way in a short amount of time. I think he is ready to ask for donations also! I wish I could see them in person. Film has a quality that digital just doesn’t. I hope the rain moves on out for you as I’m over all the storms myself.
I’m watching a squirrel, wait make that two squirrels on my feeders. Whoops they didn’t want to share so started chasing each other. I have a new ‘baffel’ to put on my pole to keep them off. I don’t mind feeding them but not the bird feeder, they chase away my birds! Guess I need to do that before it rains again! Hugs!
Oh, those darn squirrels!
Don is capturing so many of his subject’s qualities, just at that moment, on film. Great job, Don! I can see you following the Monarch around with your lens, Claudia. I’m wondering if it’s laying eggs in the milkweed, since adults don’t feed on the milkweed, only the caterpillars, and mating/egg-laying can go on throughout summer. Adults eat the nectar from coneflowers, which I know you have on your property. Hurray for pollinators!
That’s what I assumed. The monarchs keep going back to the milkweed and that can only be to lay eggs.
Hi Claudia, Don is doing a great job with his photography, but hey! you’re pretty good yourself,.
Your hair always looks great. Mine has got of hand, and is now below my waist, but do you know what, I don’t care what anyone thinks. My DH likes it, and so do I Now you’re doing more reading, I don’t know whether I’ve asked you before, but have you read ‘The Keeper Of Lost Things’? It’s wonderful. If you haven’t read it, please do. Blessings
Oh I know I’m good! I was taking photos long before Don! We just concentrate on different subject matter.
The Keeper of Lost Things is a wonderful book!!
Proud you should be. Good for Don! Smartest thing ever to dive right in…
I’m sitting here while on hold with the Calif Motor Vehicle Department (27 minutes already; at least they have music playing). I made the MEGA mistake of doing my driver’s license renewal (straight-forward, simple form) with snail mail. It’s been 30 days; still no license. I’ve never risked driving with the expired license, so I’ve had clipped wings for four weeks and it’s driving me crazy. I’m glad with each of my parents, as they grew quite elderly and it would have been irresponsible for them to be out driving, that I never had to ‘take the keys away’ from them. (Mother hadn’t driven in years and Dad had the intelligence to know it was ‘time’.) To lose this kind of independence is stressful. I’ve had surgeries, twice, where I couldn’t drive for 6-8 weeks but, this time, it’s bothering me more than ever.
How are you feeling today, Claudia? Better?
Which reminds me that I have to get my car inspected this month.
I’m feeling better, but this humidity and endless rain is not helping!
I wished I lived nearer to you as I would love to have Don take a picture of my darlings ( spouse, son and daughter)- we are visiting New York in January- perhaps Don will be in the City and we can track him down!
He has been inspired to learn this new skill, and it is wonderful to read your words about him Claudia- your love and pride shine through- me thinks he is a lucky man
Siobhan x
Thank you, Siobhan!
I imagine that film would be quite expensive. I am curious about one thing…sometimes Don’s photos are in color and others in black and white. It used to be different films for the color vs. b&w….is it the same way with this camera? (Or do you just flick a switch?). And….I wonder why he chooses black and white for some and not others?
I saw that cabinet with the cubby holes….that is perfect for your egg cups. I say…go for it…and make room. Might never get another chance! ;)
The black and white photos are taken by the Holga, not this camera. Or by his iPhone. The polaroid film is in color. It may be available in black and white as well, but Don uses the color. Both of us love black and white photos and sometimes he’ll change the finish of an iPhone photo to B&W because it looks more striking. As for our Holgas, we use both color and B&W film.
Thanks Claudia…I am fascinated by the black and whites. Did not know an iPhone could take a black and white photo…I’ll have to check that out. ;)
I don’t know if it takes them initially, but you can change the coloring in the edit function.
Thanks again! ;)
Claudia, I loved all the pictures Don took. I also loved your butterfly photos. I can just see you chasing them to get a shot. I have done the same thing myself. LOL. Blessings to you and Don, xoxo, Susie
They’re quick, those butterflies! Thanks, Susie.
Don has become such a talented photographer. Claudia, your hair looks lovely.
Marilyn
Thank you so much, Marilyn!
Great photos from both you and Don. The one of you at the bottom of your post should be in a frame. Your hair looks great Claudia, love the gray and new length. Have a great day!
Thank you, Lori!