Grip

Often the expression "Get a Grip!" implies a deficiency viewed in a negative way.  Often though, we need to "get a grip" because we need something to rest on, or we need something to steady us.  This damselfly has a good (yet delicate) grip - yet there is no sense of weakness.  One looks on with admiration that couldn't be possible if he were flying about vigorously as they normally do.    

Persistent



My daughter took this shot.  The camera was set to manual focus and she didn't know how to change it.  So, she just kept taking shots of this cute (?) little guy.  Wouldn't you know - the best shot turned out to be butt-ugly!  But(t), it isn't really - is it?  Who would have taken this shot on purpose?  But(t), in the end (pun of course intended), the picture shows the essence of this toad and it would not have come to be without my daughter persisting in getting a good shot with an uncooperative camera.



Willing

We almost stepped on this little guy.  Then, we put him in a bailing bucket to get a good look at him.  He sat very patiently while we took a few pictures of him.  Then, to get a better look at him, we put him on a bench.  Again, very patient as we took several pictures.  Then, he decided he wanted back on the grass.  So, off he hopped.  Again, we took several pictures - but none were very good as the grass all but covered him.  So, I gently moved the grass away from him for a couple final shots.  Again, very willing and patient - even when I was very close with my fingers.   I'm quite grateful for the willingness of this little guy to work with me to get such a great final shot!

Moment

Usually when you see a Humming Bird, it is but for a moment.  They are usually a flurry of activity trying to drink enough nectar.  But even a  Humming Bird has to pause every once in a while – which provides a great opportunity for others to appreciate it.

Wounded

Dragonflies are magnificent creatures (and very human friendly – they like to eat mosquitoes!).    This noble creature, however, was holding on for dear life.  What you can’t see in this photo is that he had been injured in a fight (with a bird?).  Half of one wing was missing and there was a hole in another.  I don’t know if it could still fly – it sat clinging to the dock for a long while.   This photo is cropped to show its magnificence – not its injury.  Sometimes our lives need to be framed in the same way.

Context

If this little guy was crawling up your arm it might be very tempting to swat it.  Seeing it in a more favorable setting enables us to appreciate its delicacy.  

Contrast

Dark bug – bright blossom.  If this little guy was on a clump of dirt he would hardly be noticeable.  Sometimes being surrounded by something beautiful will cause beauty to become noticeable. 

Beauty

I love taking pictures of mushrooms.  They’re my favourite subject.  Strange, yes.  But I feel such an affinity for them.  They typically grow in, literally, crappy situations.  Their beauty is sudden, varied and short lived.  Yet, they are persistent.  One fades in one place, then another one sprouts up!

Serendipity

Some photos take a lot of planning and set up.  This one did not.  It was simply, spot-crouch-shoot.  If I tried to plan the shot there’s no way it would have turned out.  Yet, sometimes, something unexpectedly good happens when we simply respond to what is before us.

Fleeting

The official flower of Ontario is officially protected because it is so delicate and temporary.   The Red Trillium is much less common than the better-known Trillium grandiflorum (Great White Trillium).  One is rewarded when they take the time and effort to find and appreciate this rare beauty.

Regeneration

Explanation:  This picture is a close up of an abandoned flower pot.  The original plant is now the dried up, broken stem.  And then, out comes new and very unexpected life!  My favorite part is the little mushroom.  Anything that beautiful that grows out of death and decay is incredibly inspiring!

Details

“God is in the details” (Ludwig Miles van der Rohe – Architect).

How can anyone dispute the truth of this quote when looking at the Loon.

Perspective

The concept of perspective has always intrigued me.  Looking at this small branch  casually shows just water drops on leaves.  Looking closer shows a very different view – hard to spot, yet there – a distant shore…