Guarded -- at dusk and at dawn.

These were taken at the Cherokee Park Golf Course. Sandie and I went out one evening, late, to shoot there. It was dusk and the light was not sufficient for my macro lens -- wide open at f/2.8. Sandie, however, got some great shots with her 50 mm at f/1.4.

Fascinated with all the thistles and frustrated at not getting the shots, I got up early the next morning and went back by myself -- f/2.8 was perfect then. :)

Lost in the Weeds

I shot for over an hour at dusk last night in a vacant lot across from my sister-in-law's house. It was quite restorative to lose myself like that

As you know, weeds fascinate me. They grow where they want to, often in quite inhospitable environments. Their structure, their offbeat beauty, and their determination inspire me. They have no idea that they are not wanted. They are merely living out their best destiny, without any qualms whatsoever.

This shot was my last click of the shutter for the evening. After an hour, my arms were tired and shaky. But when I saw the sun setting behind the dandelions, I had to go for it. I was hopeful that I got the shot.

I did. What a beauty. Nature never fails to inspire me.