I have never done a blog before but it seems worthwhile to post some information if I am going to share 'Special' Images from 2014. All of the following images represent some sort of personal growth , challenge met or noteworthy  (if accidental) discovery. A few were taken outside of 2014 but not 'developed' until this year.  I would love to hear what you think and hope you enjoy looking my little collection.  I wish you great success in your 2015 photographic endeavors!

Spalding Pond Moss

Photo 1:  Spalding Pond Moss

This was my  try at using the Oil filter in Photoshop. I liked the outcome and thought it worked with the water. Most viewers either like it or don't.

Dogwood TrioLight Box creation

Photo 2: Dogwood Trio 

A friend does these Lightbox images all the time and they are always beautiful so I was inspired to try one.

Accidental WaterColorI kind of like this accidental exposure.

Photo 3: Accidental Watercolor

This is as titled, an accidental, overexposed image that caught my attention when I went to delete it.  I should do more of these.

Glowing Hill

Photo 4: Glowing Hill

I borrowed a lens with an f/2.8 aperture so that I could shoot the stars  quickly enough to eliminate most  motion. Having lightning in the distance and clouds moving off revealing the stars made for a nice after dark picture.

Night TapestryNight life in San Juan del Sur

Photo 5:  Night Tapestry  

I took multiple shots with my Canon G1 X from our 3rd story balcony of the night street life in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Later I ran them through Photomatix and thought this image captured the vibrancy of the evening ( though I regret not getting the young boys playing ball in the streets).

IntrospectionAccepted for 2015 Rogue Valley Biennial

Photo 6:  Introspection 

 This was a fun image and done in response to an assignment called 'Inner Child'. Photoshop Motion and Glass filters are primarily responsible for the final look. It is a photo Rorschach of sorts.

Courier CrossroadsAccepted for 2015 Rogue Valley Biennial

Photo 7: Courier Crossroads   

I wanted this image to convey the precarious state of newsprint in today's world. I thought the Angle  gradient used here helped to do that along with a 'Difference' blend mode.

Starry Eclipse

Photo 8: Starry Eclipse

This was my second attempt at lining up the beautiful blood moon  lunar  eclipse against a suitable background and I am reasonably  happy at the way it turned out.