In my last post I wrote about photographing silhouettes on Vero Beach this past weekend http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/06/candid-silhouettes-on-vero-beach.html. That post features different people relating to the ocean. At one point I turned and looked up the beach to my left and saw this amazing sky, the kind that in Sci Fi movies the mothership of the invading aliens is hiding! Well, there were no alien ships which was a good thing, (although I can't help but think what a great photo opportunity that would have been)! As soon as I looked up the words "Lucy in The Sky" popped into my head. I'm a child of the 60s, what can you expect!
There was a small group of people walking on this part of the beach and I started following them. I wanted them in the picture as a point of scale, I think they help the viewer see how large the sky looked to me that night. I did not want them to know I was photographing them, wanting a more natural look plus I knew that it would be hard to recognize any of them the way I was planning on photographing the scene. I was planning on keeping them small in the frame, emphasizing the sky.
I kept my distance from them and kept photographing, looking for different compositions.
Keeping my exposure set for the sky and not for the people, the cloud formation was changing pretty quickly, kind of a swirling effect. I think this next one is my favorite!
As I was shooting I saw a woman walking towards this group of
people.
I just had a feeling they were altogether so I started photographing her. When the young girl ran towards her, I knew I was right. It was easy to see that the young girl was really excited to see her mother. She started to run down the beach with her arms waving as if she was saying, "Look mom, look at this great beach!"
After I was through photographing them we started talking to the family and found out not only did they come from Massachusetts, (which is where Phyllis and I lived for years) but the father was friends with my niece, Sheena. Imagine being down here on a beach, far from where our home was for many years, and meeting them. It is a very small world.
I love photography for many reasons but one is the people I meet while shooting. It seems we meet such great people all over the world and when I have my camera with me it provides opportunities to meet and speak with them.
As I look at these images I am reminded how much I love our move to Florida. I know this country and the world has many beautiful places. But for Phyllis and I living where we can go out for dinner and I can photograph the ocean and these great skies within 300 yards of our table is more evidence that we are in the right spot at the right time in our lives.
I never found out this little girl's name but I'd like to think it was Lucy!!
27 comments:
I truly love how the people in the scene complemented the background, the ocean esp. the skies. They are all dynamic... I like how they were all moving...Everything is alive in those photos.I was drawn to how the clouds moved while you took those pictures. The sky seems to have a mood of its own just like the ocean... I particularly like those scenes with the child and the woman. I admire the reflections you have made while doing this...
And one of the greatest attraction for me is the inclusion of my fave band, the Beatles in your post.I was born in the 90s :P...but they live on.
That girl is Lucy in the sky with the diamonds Jim... shining brightly ;)
wow! amazing photos you have here. i'm a fan! would definitely come here often...
A fine group of photos of the changing sky enhanced by including the people.
Awesome beach scenery - subtle yet so effective. a picture is indeed worth a 1000 words. Following you now as well.
i was born in boston and i miss the ocean SO BADLY!!!!
i love the photos and the story with this entry, jim. it reminds me of one of my favorite photograhy quotes:
"The camera is an instrument that teaches people to see without a camera." -- Dorothea Lange
I really like how the pictures tell the story. We live on the coast and have views over the ocean. I love the way it is always changing! I'm following you now...great site
Jim, you know what? You really have "feel-good" photos! Your photos can put a smile on any face and brighten up even a dull day! I love the photo where the woman was holding out her hand! What a great photo!
Wow lots of new readers today Thanks to you all Hamlet,
Bob,Web Snacker and Naomi I appreciate your comments and please keep coming back
Melissa I really appreciate your comments , you may call them novels but I appreciate that you take so much effort in commenting on the images and words
Nelieta- If I can bring some emotion to anyone I am very pleased, thank you so much for your very kind comments
Beautiful post..I love beach sides and here you've captured superb especially the clouds and I love it's greenly look :)..And your explanation makes it more interesting!
Take care and keep sharing :)
Love this! I want to be there and I too think you bring it alive. Lucy In The Sky is a nice touch :)
I know someone who is a fan of Beatles. Hahaha. I miss him. Anyways, what a sweet pictures you have there huh. =)
Hello Story teller - what a wonderful post that was. And aahhhh the skies : )
Each pic is truly a jewel, Jim. I love the beach, the ocean and the sky and the family makes it complete!
Great photographs of the clouds! And, what a lovely story. How fun to meet someone connected to you while out photographing. :)
I love the clouds and with the sea..... GORGEOUS!
Lucy in the sky with diamonds indeed! Just the other day I was singing this song. And your sky with their clouds are marvelous Jim. Imagine meeting someone who knows your niece. The world is so small. Maybe someday we will meet too!!
What breathtaking shots, Jim! I accidentally clicks on one and it was even more beautiful as it filled my entire screen. Photography is such an art and you are truly talented. I had no idea you could keep the exposure set for the background and have photos come out like this! =)
Glad you chose to move to Florida too! =)
I love the beach and these photos are beautiful, Jim! I also enjoy reading the "story" of how you capture the shots. Lovely!
Yes! Florida and the beach are beautiful! Great pics!
wow..amazing really....you know whenever i visit ur post its so mesmerizing that its just not possible for me to write something here, i just get lost into these....every time you do it so wonderfully.....
Wonderful pictures. Funny how I was gone all day to the beach on the oregon coast and took some very similar pictures. I'll be sharing some on my photos blog shortly. to tired tonight to get through them.
I am a sky lover too, and these are beautiful pictures. Your favorite was mine as well.
Hi Jim -
I am a big admirer of storm clouds. The ways in which 3 major air currents meet overhead far west of Chicago provide me with spectacular views. I used to stand on my chimney when I was younger, especially when there were severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings...just admiring the sky, the force of the winds, and the lightning bolts dancing around me. Love your sky photos. :)
I love the photos and the way you used the people to show the scale of the photo. It is a small world, the people being from Mass. and all. Fl is a beautiful state, I used to love visiting my Mom in Naples.
Just one word "Stunning" simply Stunning.
http://filmedit.blogspot.com/2011/07/mission-impossible-4-ghost-protocol.html
The sky is very dramatic and the beach invokes a feeling of nostalgia for me. Lovely photos as always Jim.
Loved your photos
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