Almost all of the trees are leafed out by now. The undergrowth of the forest which includes Barberry bushes, Honeysuckle, Raspberry, Gooseberry, and other prickly things all are in blossom or getting ready to blossom.
The grass and weeds in the Meadow have sprung to life this past week. The yard grass has a life of its own seeming to grow inches each night.
Our friend Jason came out for Mother's Day with his fluff balls...
his intent was to give me time to do what I wanted on Mother's Day.
This next series of shots is from my morning out in the forest. The last shot is of one of my favorite trees that flowers. The Hawthorne tree. The flower buds still weren't quite open. I was able to spend a little more time by this tree to discover that there were six or seven little ones growing under the forest canopy.
Color me happy.
Jason had come to give me coverage for Rich on Monday night. Olive's Track Team had a Conference Meet at their home field and I had volunteered to come and photograph the kids doing their things.
It also meant that Rich had to be comfortable enough with Jason to allow him to help him undress and put him to bed. Rich and Jason said they had it covered and off I went.
I donate my time and the photos. I give Olive the shots and she hands them off to the Head Coach who lets the kids have their photos.
The last time I did this the Head Coach received feedback from the students. They asked to have my name and wanted to know how much I charged.
The last time I did this the Head Coach received feedback from the students. They asked to have my name and wanted to know how much I charged.
I had set up the ground rules ahead of time.
I remain anonymous and they get their shots.
I did get to see a few students that I'd seen the last time I'd done this. Six hours of running about on a hot spring night 'shooting' action shots was pretty fun.
My favorite event to photo is the hurdles. I only tried them one time myself, but never quite got the hang of it.
The meet went on until after dark so the 'shooting' got a bit trickier as the night went on. Still, I had great fun pushing the limits on my camera. Even with a high ISO and panning, I got a bit of motion blur. However, this was the last event and it sure was an exciting one.
Another coach suggested I try photographing the triple jump and pole vaulting ... along with some of the other events if I wanted more cool action.
I'm game to try it one day.
I probably pushed the boundaries of activity and sleep a bit. By Tuesday I was totally wiped out between being up long hours doing fun things, farm things, and having fun at the track.
When Shay came out for 4 hours of Respite care, I went to the upstairs bedroom and turned a fan on high and slept for most of that time.
Below. A photo from the Meadow back to the forest pasture. I'll be opening this gate and letting the gals out onto more grass for the summer.
[Taken in Infrared...well, because it is that time of the year!]
I have a lot more work to catch up on the outside and yard.
I'm so glad you got time off for mother's day. And you're so generous, donating your photography anonymously and gratis. You're a star!
ReplyDeleteI like not getting attention or requests on the photos.
DeleteThose action shots are marvelous -- I can see why the young athletes would be thrilled to have such photos of themselves!
ReplyDeleteThey have been. Still sorting. I have to get that done this weekend aside from farm duties.
DeleteI am continually amazed by you energy, Val. That's a generous thing you do, spending hours photography the students events. The photos are all wonderful as usual.
ReplyDeleteI saw some poignant moments that made me think there is hope for our country yet. The next generation surprised me. So many young ones I talked to were so polite and generous also.
DeleteYou’ve had good photo ops and then a chance for a good rest. 👍
ReplyDeleteI did and thanks!
DeleteYou have been busy! Good thing you finally got a bit of extra rest in! Great sports photos, I used to love getting Hockey shots of the girls:)
ReplyDeleteHockey would be another great sport to 'shoot'!
DeleteOne of the most lovely finds of a woodland walk is Jack-in-the-pulpit. Truly wonderful! Enjoy the weekend. I hope you are able to ramble.
ReplyDeleteThe Jack in the Pulpit is also a charm to find in the fall when it holds up magnificent red berries!
DeleteThanks. No rambling for a bit farm duties call.
What fabulous photos!! A wonderful thing for you to do and I know that the parents and students greatly appreciated all you did! The shots are sensational.
ReplyDeleteI just have one question. Is Jason a real person or an angel?
He is a real person with faults and foibles just like the rest of us.
DeleteHe happens to have a kind heart though. :)
Hi Val, what a very special kindness you give to everyone you photograph. I can only imagine how very much not only the athletes appreciate them but also their parents. Lasting memories for everyone there. Glad you got some catch-up sleep too. Jason sounds like a very special guy and Rich must enjoy his company. Loved the photos you shared today. The Allosaurus gave me a smile. Sweet pup and your last shot was magical. I don't have a clue how to do that. I should do a bit more research with my camera.
ReplyDeleteI love being anonymous with my gift of photography to the students. I look like any other person wandering around in the infield. So it is fun to hear their reactions.
DeleteJason is incredible with a kind heart. He is an expert at being helpful and then he can be unobtrusive at the same time.
That last photo is from a converted camera so most cameras couldn't do it.
What a blessing it is to have a friend like Jason, for both of you.
ReplyDeletethanks, he is a treasure.
DeleteLD...I am sure the track kids loved getting action shots. You are having a lot of fun with that. The last photo is wonderful with the colors.
ReplyDelete