Earth Day 2014
I have never really paid much attention to Earth Day before, to me every day is Earth Day. Anybody who has seen my photography or followed my blog for a while knows that I love to be in the great outdoors.
This year the actual Earth Day was brought to my attention when reading a collaborative blog I follow, Focusing on Life. Their theme for the whole month of April was Earth Day. On the actual Earth Day, April 22 the girls at Focusing on Life issued a Photography Challenge.
"Earth in a Day" Photo Project
Tomorrow is Earth Day 2014. Take a photo any time during the twenty-four hour period of April 22 where you are. Take your best shot of our environment -- how you see it, what you treasure about it, the things you would never want to see fade away -- and then share them through our Flickr group.
I knew that I could do this challenge. I also knew where I was going to go, Kirk Park at the Lake Michigan Shore. This place has become very special to me and my photography over the past two years.
I started out along the shore.
But to get the shot I really wanted I had some climbing to do.
This is where I started to hold back. I already had a cardio workout for the day, so climbing all these stairs, of which there are multiple sets, didn't really look appealing. Also I had drunk two cups of tea before I left the house, not a wise move, so what if I had to go to the bathroom when I got halfway there. Eventually I got my act together and started up the stairs. Still giving myself an out if I needed it, I could always turn around.
The closer I got to my destination though the thoughts of needing to go to the bathroom were gone. I was sure I would get extra brownie points from my personal trainer for this cardio workout. And getting to the top was so worth it.
The view from up here is spectacular.
As I sat on the bench and looked out at the beautiful lake, I realized how easily I take it for granted because I have lived next to it my whole life. Yet this is my place to come to think, to breathe, to photograph. So maybe I don't take it for granted as much as I thought. The calming effect the beach has can not be underestimated.
As I looked around I noticed the snow fence. The perfect structure to include in my landscape shot. I tried the shot from a few different angles but this is the one I settled on. The rickety wooden fence with the sea glass green water and large expanse of beach sand in the background.
As I looked around I noticed the snow fence. The perfect structure to include in my landscape shot. I tried the shot from a few different angles but this is the one I settled on. The rickety wooden fence with the sea glass green water and large expanse of beach sand in the background.
I am so glad that I pushed through that resistant voice and climbed those stairs. This shot was more than worth it.
Joining Kat for Photo Heart Connection.
Joining Kat for Photo Heart Connection.
23 comments:
Wonderful photos Sarah. Worth the climb !
Absolutely stunning images. Great processing. Always love coming for a visit!
Really, really nice post . . . Perfect chosen image . . .
Perfect shot and what a blessing you have access to this place!
Oh I love this Sarah, and you are so right, the beach has the ability to make all things better if only for a little while. I have noticed that some people who live here by me, do take what we have here for granted, or they don't like it because the water isn't crystal clear. They simply forget that they have a day vacation in their backyard...something I don't take for granted at all! Those stairs, holy cow....those stairs, lol! Good for you....
I think you picked a winner. Nothing more beautiful than a rickety fence with ocean bokeh in the back ground! I think I'd have died of cardiac arrest on those steps!
Beautiful shots! I can see why you wanted to climb to the top. Amazing view and beautifully photographed! The sound of water, whether it's in the sea, lake, stream or rive,r is one of the most restful sounds I know!
Beautiful images and a great idea. Temple University has an earth day celebration around the corner from me every year. I hate it as it gives me a negative attitude toward earth day. In preparation, trucks come spouting exhaust all day, the day of- bus loads of kids come to run around and supposedly learn something from the displays, the day after the place is littered with debris. I am not impressed with what it conveys about taking care of the earth, no one seems to be getting that message. Your method was much better.
The photo's are wonderful Sarah...what an amazing view...and good for you for getting to the top...
A great view with these photos.
i'm so glad you pushed past resistance too! beautiful pictures and lovely thoughts...
absolutely worth the climb Sarah
Love all your photos, especially the first with the fence. Beautiful!
Those stairs do look daunting, but the view from the top is worth the effort! I love the simplicity and gentle tones of your fence image. The beach is one of my favorite places too, a place where I feel renewed and re-centered.
I'm glad too! Beautiful images, Sarah - and I'm not sure what the other angles of the fence were, but I'm sure this is the perfect one!
Playing a bit of catch-up on my blogging - these are wonderful images - I especially like the fence angle. Excellent post.
All the shots are beautiful but the view from uptop is really special.
The beach is close to my heart, too, and I feel so lucky to live nearby one. The battered snow fence is a great compositional element, and I appreciate it all the more after learning about your efforts to get to it. It was worth it!
Wonderful photos, and such a great place! It sure looks like a spot to clear the mind and be inspired, excellent!
Oh my gosh...wonderful photos each one! Breathtakingly beautiful!
Oh, what a gorgeous place! Beautiful photographs, too. Such lovely, soft colours.
Wonderful photos, great PHC Sarah. I love sea and your first photo is amazingly beautiful. Such a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day
Great post and I absolutely love that fence shot. You should print and frame it for your newly redecorated living room.
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