Wave

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Beautifully lit wave at Fort Funston

SONY DSC-RX10M4 220mm f4.0 1/2,000s ISO100

A nicely lit wave at Fort Funston (GGNRA) in San Francisco.

Wave Photograph Description

The photograph titled "Wave" captures a moment of serene tension at the cusp where the ocean prepares to crash down with a powerful embrace. The wave curls majestically, its translucent green hue vividly illuminated by the interplay of sunlight and water, resembling a piece of fluid glass. In the forefront, delicate white foam dances at the crest, while the undercurrent reveals streaks of darker green, suggestive of the ocean's depths. The background displays the gentle shimmer of light on the water surface, adding a sense of vastness and endless horizon, hinting at a peaceful ocean beyond the immediate drama of the wave.

This image employs a minimalist style, focusing narrowly on the wave to evoke a sense of immediacy and presence. The composition adheres to the principles of symmetry, with the wave extending horizontally across the frame, effectively guiding the viewer’s eye through the image. The use of natural lighting enhances the texture and color of the water, bringing life to the wave’s form. What is compelling about this image is its simplicity and focus—it evokes the raw power and beauty of nature without distraction. However, this may also be its limitation; the lack of a dynamic element or a contrasting feature could render it static for some viewers. Overall, its artistic merit lies in its pure and undisturbed capture of a singular, natural moment.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Wave #photo #wave #fortfunston #sanfrancisco #pacific Photo of a beautifully lit wave at Fort Funston, San Francisco, California. )

Red Swamp Crayfish

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

A Red Swamp Crayfish at Stow Lake in San Francisco

Google Pixel 6 Pro 7mm f1.9 1/320s ISO44

A Red Swamp Crayfish at Stow Lake in San Francisco. It is confronting an 85lb lab and is not interested in backing down despite being only six inches long.

The photograph captures the vivid presence of a Red Swamp Crayfish amid a spectrum of earth and green tones. The crayfish stands assertively, its pincers raised as if poised for a curious dance. Its brilliantly red body, with intricate patterns of darker shades, contrasts sharply against the earth-toned mud and the lush, vibrant grass. This juxtaposition enhances its formidable character, making it the undeniable focal point of the image. The background, a blend of natural hues, offers a subtle yet dynamic setting that alludes to the crayfish's natural habitat.

The composition of this photograph is strikingly effective, utilizing a central focus that draws the viewer directly into the crayfish’s world. The bright color of the subject against the muted background serves as an example of the rule of thirds, subtly steering the attention while maintaining balance within the frame. The depth of field is well-managed, ensuring the crayfish remains in sharp focus while allowing the background to softly blur, emphasizing the importance of the subject without distraction. However, the lighting feels somewhat flat, missing an opportunity to add depth through shadows and highlights. Despite this, the natural and bold portrayal of the crayfish makes for an engaging and memorable image.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Red Swamp Crayfish #photo #stowlake #sanfrancisco #crayfish Photo of a Red Swamp Crayfish (crawfish, crawdad)  at Stow Lake in San Francisco, California. )

Frog

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Frog at Acadia National Park

SONY DSC-RX10M4 220mm f5.6 1/250s ISO320

A frog next to Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park.

The photograph titled "Frog" captures a moment of serene patience found in nature. At the heart of the image, a vibrant green frog rests lightly on a rich, muddy surface. Its textured skin echoes the uneven terrain beneath it, blending subtly into the wet earth. The frog's limbs, delicately sprawled, and its golden-brown eyes glisten, hinting at both its alertness and its harmony with the immediate environment. Sprinklings of thin, scattered twigs punctuate the mud, adding an organic detail that enhances the natural context of the scene. The overall setting speaks of a quiet, unassuming corner of a marsh or pond edge, where life exists in a symphony of earth tones.

The composition of this photograph adheres to a close-up framing that immerses the viewer directly into the frog's immediate world. The choice of a bird’s-eye view effectively captures the textured earth around it, adding depth and context to the subject. This angle, combined with the natural lighting which highlights the frog's vibrant coloring against the dull brown, creates a striking contrast. However, while the central placement of the frog draws immediate focus, it might feel a bit static, leaving little room for exploring a dynamic interaction between foreground and background. A potential improvement could be the introduction of a diagonal line to guide the viewer’s eye across the frame, enhancing movement. Nonetheless, the photograph succeeds in celebrating the frog's camouflage artistry, evoking an appreciation for nature’s subtle intricacies.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Frog #photo #frog Photo of a frog near Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine. )

JFK SFO

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, January 20, 2025.

JFK SFO

Google Pixel 6 Pro 7mm f1.9 1/1,133s ISO48

AS27

Updated 2024-09-06 16:12:

JFK SFO

Google Pixel 8 Pro 18mm f2.8 1/110s ISO16

AS15

The photograph titled "JFK SFO" captures a bustling scene at an airport gate where an airplane is being prepared for its flight. The central focus is a large commercial aircraft parked at the gate, its nose facing the viewer. The airplane appears to be linked to the terminal via a jet bridge, and additional vehicles surround it, engaged in their various duties. To the left, a catering truck from "LSG Sky Chefs" is docked, with personnel actively involved in loading supplies. The tarmac stretches out towards the background, where other aircraft can be seen either taxiing or stationary. A sense of organized chaos is conveyed, with the movement of ground crew and vehicles against the backdrop of a cloudy sky, adding a dynamic aspect to the stillness of the parked plane.

The photograph uses a straightforward documentary style, focusing on the everyday operations of an airport. The composition places the airplane at the center, creating a sense of symmetry and balance in the image. This choice highlights the importance of the aircraft and the hive of activity surrounding it. The horizon line and tarmac lead the viewer's eye toward the distant planes and buildings, adding depth. The lighting is natural, casting soft shadows and lending a true-to-life atmosphere. One aspect that might fall short is the lack of dynamic angles or movement within the frame, which could enhance interest and add storytelling elements. Nevertheless, the image excels in giving a clear and accurate depiction of airport procedures, providing a glimpse into the intricate ballet of air travel logistics.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: JFK SFO #photo #jfk #sfo #plane JFK SFO )

Black Crested Night Heron

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Black Crested Night Heron

Google Pixel 6 Pro 19mm f3.5 1/235s ISO36

A black crested night heron with a couple of turtles at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

The photograph captures a serene scene where a Black Crested Night Heron finds balance atop a submerged log in a rippling green expanse of water. Sharing its perch, a pair of turtles rests leisurely, seemingly sunbathing, their textured shells casting gentle shadows on the driftwood. The water dances around the log, creating a mesmerizing pattern of light and shadow, while the heron's poised, elegant form suggests a moment of stillness amidst the gentle chaos. Interspersed throughout are delicate branches and red-tipped buds, which add a touch of natural framing and color to this tranquil waterscape.

The composition utilizes a diagonal line created by the log, effectively leading the viewer's eye across the frame. This dynamic arrangement enhances the photograph’s sense of balance and guides attention to the heron and turtles. The color palette, dominated by greens and earth tones, lends a cooling, harmonious feel to the scene. However, the foreground branches and flowers, while providing context and depth, can be somewhat distracting as they slightly obscure the central subjects. This natural framing could have been more effective if positioned to avoid interference with the primary focal points. Overall, the photograph beautifully captures the coexistence of different forms of life in a calm, candid manner, though slightly adjusting the foreground elements could enhance its clarity and focus.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Black Crested Night Heron #photo #heron #ggp #sanfrancisco #stowlake Photo of a black crested night heron and two turtles at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. )

SFO JFK

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, January 20, 2025.

SFO JFK

Google Pixel 6 Pro 7mm f1.9 1/2,096s ISO44

AS20

The photograph titled "SFO JFK" captures a moment of anticipation and readiness at the airport. Dominating the scene is a sleek airplane, perfectly centered and poised at the gate. It stands like a mechanical titan, its nose pointed directly at the viewer with a firm sense of purpose. Around it, the tarmac stretches out in neatly marked lines, guiding the viewer's eye to the vast runway that rolls into the distant horizon. A soft blue sky provides a backdrop of calm, contrasting with the subtle bustle below, where airport staff clad in reflective vests move efficiently. To the right, the gate marked D6 frames the scene, adding a sense of direction and dynamic purpose, as if narrating a story of journeys beginning from this precise spot.

The composition of this photograph draws heavily on symmetry and perspective to create an engaging visual narrative. The airplane, centered flawlessly, establishes balance and attracts immediate attention, serving as the focal point. The perspective lines, formed by the tarmac's markings and the shadow cast by the airplane, guide the eye inward, enhancing the depth and inviting the viewer to explore the image more intimately. The subdued color palette, dominated by the grays of the concrete and the soft blue of the sky, lends a sense of professionalism and tranquility, aptly reflecting the controlled chaos typically felt at such travel hubs. One aspect that could be improved is the slight distraction caused by the grid-like pattern in the sky, which might be a reflection or glare from the terminal window. This intrusion breaks the otherwise seamless expanse of the image's upper half. Overall, the photograph succeeds in capturing the essence of travel and transit, evoking a feeling of anticipation and adventure.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: SFO JFK #photo #sfo #jfk #plane SFO JFK )

Tree with Lichen

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Tree with Lichen

SONY ILCE-7C 20mm f22.0 1/30s ISO250

A tree with lichen at Echo Summit on Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The photograph captures the imposing grandeur of a towering tree blanketed in vibrant green lichen, set against a clear, cerulean sky. The perspective chosen is atypical and dramatic, looking up the trunk, which emphasizes both the height of the tree and the lush texture of the lichen. The surrounding forest forms a natural frame, with neighboring trees stretching toward the sky, their foliage softly blurring at the edges. The sun, filtered through the branches, creates a brilliant starburst effect that adds a dynamic and luminescent quality to the image. The colors are vivid, with the green lichen popping against the deep blues and earthy tones, making the photo both striking and serene.

The composition leverages the technique of leading lines, guiding the viewer’s gaze from the base of the tree trunk upward toward the sky and sunburst, effectively drawing one deeper into the image. The use of a wide-angle lens enhances the dramatic perspective and makes the tree appear even more majestic. There is a natural sense of balance in the image, with the tree serving as the central axis around which the rest of the scene unfolds. What stands out favorably is the use of natural light and the capturing of textures; however, the sunburst, while adding drama, could be considered overly intense and might distract from the intricate beauty of the tree and lichen. Overall, the photograph is a beautiful interplay of nature’s elements, presented with a compelling perspective.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Tree with Lichen #photo #trees Photo of a lichen covered tree at Echo Summit on Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. )

Surf Scooter

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Surf Scooter

SONY DSC-RX10M4 220mm f4.0 1/1,000s ISO100

I think a Surf Scooter, surfing a wave just off Fort Funston in San Francisco.

Surf Scooter Photograph

The photograph titled "Surf Scooter" captures a serene and expansive seascape with a single bird gliding effortlessly atop a gentle wave. The horizon line divides the composition almost perfectly, with the azure sky kissing the deep blue water, giving a sense of infinity and freedom. The lone bird rides the wave effortlessly, its dark silhouette standing out against the translucency of the green-blue water, hinting at nature's delicate balance and the ever-present motion of the sea. The image evokes a sense of solitude and peaceful coexistence with nature, highlighting the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.

The composition is minimalistic, employing a rule-of-thirds approach where the bird is positioned slightly off-center, drawing the viewer's attention immediately. The use of color is striking; the creamy blue sky and the vibrant yet calming hues of the ocean create a harmonious palette that feels both refreshing and tranquil. The photograph achieves a nice balance between texture and simplicity, with the smooth transitions of color in the waves. However, the central placement of the horizon may lack a bit of dynamism, which could have been enhanced by shifting either the horizon line or the bird's position for more dramatic effect. Overall, the photo is successful in conveying a mood of quietude, though a bit more variance in composition could elevate its visual impact.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Surf Scooter #photo #fortfunston #sanfrancisco Photo of a Surf Scooter riding the crest of a wave off Fort Funston beach in San Francisco. )

58 Birds

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Picture of 58 birds on some power lines recently.

Google Pixel 6 Pro 19mm f3.5 1/230s ISO33

Photo of 58 birds gathered on some power lines.

The photograph titled "58 Birds" captures a strikingly simple yet captivating scene of a utility pole against a vivid, cloudless blue sky. Perched upon the intersecting power lines are clusters of small birds, meticulously lined up in a harmonious arrangement. The birds resemble musical notes written on an invisible staff, evoking a sense of rhythm and quiet contemplation. The lines bisect the frame diagonally, leading the eye into the depth of the composition. A solitary streetlamp attached to the pole adds a touch of human presence, juxtaposing the natural elements of the scene.

The composition of the photograph is both deliberate and dynamic, utilizing leading lines to draw the viewer’s attention across the scene. The decision to place the utility pole off-center creates an asymmetrical balance, adding visual interest and tension. The photographer employs a minimalist style, allowing the clear blue sky to serve as an expansive backdrop that emphasizes the linear patterns of the wires and the structured formation of the birds. The image’s simplicity is its strength, though some might find the repetitive elements to lack variety. Overall, the photograph evokes a peaceful ambiance, celebrating the beauty found in everyday visuals while maintaining an intriguing, organized complexity.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: 58 Birds #photo #birds 58 Birds )

After the Storm

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

After the Storm

SONY ILCE-7C 20mm f1.8 1/320s ISO100

Photo of the twisted wreckage of a tree on Strawberry Hill in the middle of Stow Lake (Golden Gate Park, San Francisco).

The photograph, aptly titled "After the Storm," captures the raw aftermath of nature’s fury with striking detail. The central focus is on a tree that has been violently torn asunder, its jagged fibers exposed in a testament to the storm's ferocity. The splintered wood juts out fiercely into the foreground, its raw edges contrasted against the soft blur of greenery that recedes into the background. The texture of the split tree is palpable, almost tactile, as if you could reach out and feel the ruggedness and the hidden stories within its rings. This is a narrative of resilience and vulnerability, framed within the quiet aftermath of chaos, where the world pauses to breathe and begin again.

In terms of style and composition, the photograph employs a shallow depth of field to great effect, isolating the broken tree from its surroundings and emphasizing the details of the splintered wood. The use of a close-up perspective invites the viewer into an intimate encounter with the subject, focusing on the delicate interplay of light and shadow among the splinters. What stands out is the photographer's ability to draw attention to the intricate patterns within the destruction, an artful choice that speaks volumes. However, the composition could be improved by offering a hint more context, perhaps by including slightly more of the background to juxtapose the chaos of the foreground with the tranquility beyond. Overall, the image succeeds in evoking a visceral response, a testament to the blend of technical skill and artistic vision.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: After the Storm #photo #tree #strawberryhill #stowlake #sanfrancisco #ggp A photo of a downed tree on Strawberry Hill in Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. )