Friday, July 12, 2013

A Personal Photo Challenge “Birds”

Or in my case…One VERY pretty bird!

BlackSwanPMIMG_2936

We’ve been to Homosassa Wildlife Park a few times now and I’ve had the opportunity to take photos of a magnificent bird! A black swan! So what’s the problem? I have a little Canon S 100 that I point and shoot. I admit I get excited when I see amazing sights and I am always either wearing darkly tinted Maui Jim sunglasses or Ray Bans. (I have light blue eyes!)

BlSwanIMG_2937

So when I got home with my photos of the black swan, the water had reflected like crazy and the swan was washed out as well.

I took my 2 best photos to PicMonkey and worked a little magic. This one, I used the Space effect.

BlackSwanIMG_2936

And next time I see the black swan, I’ll try to remember to use a better setting to take the photos. Do you think he’ll pose long enough for me to figure my camera out? haha!

IMG_2936

(the original)

Phbuttn

I’m taking part in Donna’s photo challenge 

and Weekend Reflections.

 

56 comments:

mail4rosey said...

I saw white swans the other day and got excited, I'd have done cartwheels if I saw a black one! :)

Cranberry Morning said...

That is beautiful, Diane! That would be a great shot for 'Weekend Reflections' also. So pretty!

Unknown said...

I just love to play with photos as well..

Looks great my friend.

Hugs~

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

You did beautiful work those photos are amazing!!

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

You did beautiful work those photos are amazing!!

Suzan said...

He's lovely!! Have never seen a black swan! Hope he had a buddy and isn't the only one.

Babs said...

Beautiful black swan. We used to see them at the park when we lived in Montana. I like PicMonkey, too. I have a point and shoot, by choice, and have to edit my photos a lot. I haven't tried the Space effect, yet. Neat. Happy weekend.

cucki said...

Wow these photos ate amazing..
Love for you x

Ricki Treleaven said...

WOW! My friend Pat recently painted swans in her neighborhood. I might paint one of these photos!

xo,
RJ

Vee said...

You created an exquisite photo with a bit of help from PicMonkey. I'm impressed! Mightily!

Musings from Kim K. said...

I've never seen a black swan either. Absolutely stunning. Gorgeous photo. Love the special effects from PicMonkey.

Sparky said...

Diane...never ever have I seen one..so your pic is pretty spectacular.YOU do have a great eye...someday you can graduate to a bigger camera...One of the things I did when I got into quilting....still use my small one at times...by DH calls it my grown up toy......however I would be awwweed at what else you could do if you did get one of them wink

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful! i love the original!

Olive said...

The black swan is gorgeous. I have a very tough time taking pics of birds. Much less keeping up with feeding the hummingbirds.

James said...

What a beautiful bird! It looks like he's floating on an impressionist painting.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I think all your shots are great, but that last one is my fav! Such a beauty, that black swan.

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

Anonymous said...

Lovely! Looks like an impressionist painting.

Diane said...

Wow! Very impressive!

Pamela Gordon said...

Hi Diane. These are beautiful shots and edits of the black swan. I've never seen one before. I hope you have a nice weekend. Pamela

Donna said...

LOL, next time you can put the sunglasses over your camera lens so that it can do some polarizing magic! I'm glad that PicMonkey came to your rescue! The black swan is gorgeous. I don't think I've ever seen one before! I'm so glad that you participated in the challenge, sweetie!

'Tsuki said...

The black swann is so gracious... Great participation.

ClickNCamera said...

I've never seen a black swan, not even a photo before...lovely shots!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

It is still a beautiful photo! I haven't seen a black swan in years!!
hugs,
Linda

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Beautiful - I never even heard of a black swan.

JG said...

Wow! I've never seen a black swan. It's always difficult for me to take a photo of an animal or bird. They move so quickly and I do not always have the camera ready.
~Judy

Linda Walker said...

I have never seen a black swan before! What a beauty!
XO
Linda
Sewwhat!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hi, I love the photos you took of the black swan! I love the water effect you made. I hope you have a nice weekend.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Wow Diane, the black swan is gorgeous. Made me think right away of the movie by the same name. :-)
Judith

koralee said...

That black swan is amazingly beautiful....love your photos. xox

Martha said...

I have similar issues - maybe we should treat ourselves to upgraded cameras where we can really see what we're shooting.

The black swan is gorgeous and you did a great job with touch ups :)

RURAL said...

Diane, you rock, that's one gorgeous shot of a black swan...

I'd love a chance to see them in real life..we have trumpeter swans here but they are white.

Jen

cynthia lee designs said...

We have a white swan that lives in the park near us, but I don't think I've ever seen a black swan except in pictures. What a beautiful swan!! Love the effects that you did to your photos.
hugs,
Cindy

Danice G said...

What a lovely black swan! 'Love the space effect on the photo also :)

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Morning Diane, What a thrill it must have been to see such a beautiful black swan.... I have seen many white swans but never a black one.
Your photographs are lovely and I love the reflections in the water.
Have a lovely weekend,
Best Wishes
Daphne

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Que precioso cisne negro, es majestuoso!!!

Zimbabwe said...

I have not seen a black swan in years. I generally travel with my point and shoot, I also now have a new Nikon which takes far better photos but is not so simple to carry around! Have a good weekend. Diane

Fun60 said...

Such a beautiful bird.

ann said...

How exotic! A black swan. I got so excited last winter with the pari of white swans in our area that I took the grand kids to see them and make a couple of trips to take their photos. PicMonkey did a nice job of rescuing the photo. He is a beautiful bird.

Diane Writes said...

My first time to see a beautiful black swan :) Thanks for the tour again namemate.

Btw, I remember you using picnik before. I think the photo editing website is back with a new name. Try this http://www.ribbet.com

Stephanie said...

The photos turned out beautifully! I don't know if I have ever seen a black swan....what a lovely creation :) Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs!

Jeanne said...

I like both the modified version and the original. I have never seen a black swan so this was a real treat for me. Just lovely!

Kathy said...

I love the way it looks with the space effect - very dreamy. Sometimes our mistakes push us to go a step further and we end up with something we couldn't have done on purpose. Well done!

The Boston Lady said...

I actually like all the versions, Diane. If you ever go to downtown Orlando, stop by Lake Eola and you will see several white and black swans. In the spring you will see them on their nests or if timing is right, the signets themselves. Love seeing my old state through your lens. Ann

Kathie said...

I've never seen a black swan - they're absolutely stunning! And the water has a magical effect.

Happy Saturday!

Susie said...

I thought your reflective waters looked like a Monet painting. I found it interesting.xoxo,Susie

joyh82 said...

Awesome photo! Hope your having a great weekend. Working today and doing a bit of blog hopping.

Linda H said...

I join the ranks of those who never have seen a black swan. It is beautiful as are your photos. They look magical!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

I don't know that I've ever seen a black swan...Gorgeous photos!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Mevely317 said...

Amazing images, Diane! You've really a gift, girl.

Oh, by the way, I've a feeling he (swan) likes you :) I swear, it looks like he's posing!

Have a great new week!

Hugs,
Myra

Shirley said...

We never see black swans here and consider ourselves lucky to catch sight of a white swan! This one is handsome, reflected perfection in the ripples of water.

Unknown said...

Lovely photos. I love black swans. When we lived in Asia, they were especially common in Australia. They are beautiful and so are your photographs.

Karen

Crafty Gardener said...

gorgeous black swan, wouldl ove to see one in person

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Beautiful pictures, and I just love all the reflections in the water!! looks like a painting :)
Blessings,
Susie

Electra said...

This is an INCREDIBLE photo!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I just featured this post on my blog!

Botanic Bleu said...

Love the black swan photos...

Judith