Yesterday evening I had this urge to get in the car and drive to one of my favorite local spots. I'm more of a morning person so it was unusual for me to head out so late in the day.
The sun was low in the sky casting a yellow glow over the water.
I sat there for an hour just soaking in my surroundings seeing how light plays on different surfaces.
I'm not used to photographing in this kind of light so I think I need some practice with my camera settings.
On the way back to the car I noticed something glinting in the sunlight.
This poor little guy had got one of his wings caught in a spiders web.
I battled with whether to let nature take it's course and leave the little guy hanging there but I just couldn't do it, I had to set him free. I swear he smiled at me as he flew away.
Just a few steps further along I came across this fuzzy creature (anyone know what kind of spider it is)? I had to wonder whether the damselfly I rescued might have been his next meal!
Back at my car I noticed this reflection in a side window. I loved how the way the tree is distorted gives it an almost tropical feel.
Then on the road home I was greeted with the sight of these deer.
It doesn't get much better than this!
Linking up with James for this weeks' Weekend Reflections, Mortal Muses for Negative Space and Tammy for Behind The Camera.
You have some gorgeous shots in this set Kathryn! I'm pretty sure your spider is a "Bold Jumping spider"
ReplyDeletePhidippus audax (Four eyed North American Monster) ::))
Hah! Both out trying to handle that "golden" light! Don't know why I seem to have such trouble with what is hailed as the "perfect" light. I think you did quite well - love the bridge arches and the way the sunlight peeks through on the water and makes the underside of the arches shine golden. Keep experimenting! We are obviously the last photographers in America to have figured this out.
ReplyDeleteI like that you advertise your etsy store on your car - great idea! The spider's "face" looks like it has jewels on it!
ReplyDeleteThat was wonderful! I love the rock in the water, and its reflection there. I think it's so cool that you set the damsel fly free :) The tree reflected oddly in your window is priceless, as well as the deer by the road! These are all great shots. I'm glad you went against your norm, and went out last evening!
ReplyDeleteBrenda - it was funny when I read your post this morning that we were both trying to get to grips with the 'golden hour'. Everyone swears by it but I really struggle with it. Like you say, just got to keep experimenting right. :0)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tour. Nature at its best and fantastic reflection shots.
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great photographs! I love that you set the fly free!
ReplyDeleteJust think what you would have missed had you not made that trip! I do believe the dragon fly does have a smile on his face -- I'm happy you set him free. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was the most beautiful of magical evenings. And - what a big and beautiful heart you have..to have set the dragonfly free!!!
ReplyDeletewow, this is quite a photo excursion you went on. you obviously have a very observant eye. these are great shots and i love that you set that bug free! thanks for linking up with us at mortal muses today!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I think I've been here...but I can't think of the name. I know it's an aqueduct maybe beginning with an "M?" I live in N VA as well...Springfield and teach in Alexandria. I was there in winter and have always wanted to go in summer.
ReplyDeleteSorry Paula, I should have said the name of the place. It's Monoacacy Aqueduct, I love it there. It's about 25 mins from our home. :0)
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice walk indeed... I hope you helped the poor fellow facing such a cruel ennemy... The reflections are beautiful : I specially enjoy the one with the rock.
ReplyDeleteYou probably were glad you set the little dragonfly free once you saw the nightmarish spider!!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing well with "not being used to" new settings!!
Fantastic captures, reflections and lovely critters! Doesn't get any better than that, Kathryn! Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Not sure if anyone else answered this yet or not, but it's a jumping spider. They don't use webs to catch their prey, but will make them to hide in. They are kinda fun - ever notice how their eyes will follow you?Call me weird, but I think their faces look sorta friendly! haha
ReplyDeleteAnd I was so glad that you rescued the dragonfly.
A supberb collection of photos! What a nice walk:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflections and that last bambi picture is gorgeous. It really can't be much better than you had:)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
I loved all these photos! Well, except for that spider! Yikes! I sure hope you used a zoom lens for that guy; otherwise you were awfully brave that he didn't jump on you!
ReplyDeleteI would have freed him too :)
ReplyDeletethe deer are so wonderful
and the late day sun is gorgeous
I really enjoyed this post
made me smile
Fantastic piece Kathryn, lovely photos. You have inspired me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful collection of images that you've treated us to. Your macro shots continue to be awesome. The reflection images have a great quiet feel to them. Very serene.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots! Even the spider which creeps me out a little and I love those bridges!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a wonderful walk, and beautiful photography. I can see why the location is a favorite.
ReplyDeletelovely series.thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFabulous symetry in the reflections, very beautyful walk, and, you know what? I'm REALLY happy you saved the poor prisonner!
ReplyDeleteNow, this is a lovely post. Great shots, I love the deers at the end.
ReplyDeleteThat shot of the bridge is one of my favorites of the set. They are all wonderful and I admire you for experimenting. I need to more :)
ReplyDeletereally nice reflections and soft golden light, but those deer stole the show!
ReplyDeletesimply beautifully captured shots...lovely!
ReplyDeleteDes images toujours aussi bien soignées et très douces.
ReplyDeleteall lovely except that spider gives me the heebee jeebeees.
ReplyDelete:)
This looks like my kind of favourite spot too. What beautiful shots. Thank you for linking up with the muses.
ReplyDeleteLove the bug caught in the web, and so pleased you set him free. Thanks for linking to the muses.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a delightful place to sit and play with a camera. You caught things big and small... Wonderful bridge reflections (which you could link to Sunday Bridges, link on my today's post). And your dragonfly and spider macros are sad but terrific. There are various memes for those and the cute deer, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful visual exploration of one of your favorite settings. I truely enjoy going to locales such as this to take in the light and texture and color, and all the design possibilites. I love the close-up of the dangling dragonfly and the spider (perhaps a jumping spider, although they don't spin webs. We see them "hopping" around the garden occasionally).
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful walk you have taken us on. And the deer made my day.
ReplyDeletexo
beautiful images... the dragonflies are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think you did a fabulous job capturing the golden light -- especially on the bridge! I love the deer shot too -- they are never around when I have my camera out...
ReplyDeleteWhat an outstanding Day! The shots just kept getting better and better. I love the head on shot of the dragonfly, and the spider, Wow! He looks huge. So ugly and yet so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflections on your photo journey today... Loved the story of the dragonfly release... I know he was smiling!
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
Wow...I love this post! Great photos, I especially love the dragonfly...so glad you released the little guy. He is a beauty! Even the spider was an amazing photo, too!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this post. I wish I could make my camera do what you can make your camera do. (And I'm so glad you messed with the natural order of things and set the dragon fly free.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. I'm particularly taken by the spider - incredible detail. Also, the reflection in the car window; it's beautiful - unique.
ReplyDelete(I popped over from Tammy's spot).
Cheerio, Susan.
I just love those damselfly images!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am so glad you set him free. Makes me happy :)