This photo freezes a display of stunning light and shadows last year at Canoa Beach Hotel. (Ecuador)
Todays assortment of images reflect my response to Otto Munchow’s post, “Let the Sun In.” A gifted photographer and teacher, Otto stated, “Light is one of the most important factors that influence the quality of a photo.” He followed with, “There is no such thing as bad light, only suitable or not suitable light for whatever you are trying to express. ” His post offers pointers for photographing in the harsh mid-day light.
View from the dining room… 10 a.m. light…
This bromeliad hitched a ride to the edge of a public gravel road via a large limb that fell to the ground. After watching it for several weeks, I decided that the road graders would one day consume it, so with no guilt, I transplanted it to a space where it would be treasured. Several of its canopy mates joined it – friends for life!
As I read his post, I thought of the ‘Plant Rescue Garden’ (pictured above) at my friends’ property in the cloud forest near Mindo. During certain hours, the sun stretches its fingers into the deep shadowed area and showcases several of the plants. The light is very dramatic, and I almost always reach for my camera and try to capture what makes it so special. Just how many photos does one need of the happily-transplanted bromeliads, begonias and orchids? For me, they serve as reference photos for those rainy days when I’m housebound and looking for inspiration for paintings.
A begonia lived on the tracks of an old excavator that was about to roll for the first time in years.
Another section of transplants at the other house.
This torch ginger offers stunning color against the dark background.
When back at my main computer, I will look for photos taken around noon; until then, here are more photos that were inspired by dramatic light during other times of the day.
An expat tour settled into the informal restaurant area of Canoa Beach Hotel, and the late afternoon sun cast dramatic shadows on the group. Some of the guests were quite comfortable when I stated, “Oh! The sun! The light! The shadows! Please, may I – would you, please, hold that pose!”
Sitting with one group of guests, I noted these just-served glasses across the courtyard; I dashed to their table and asked, “May I please photograph your drinks?”
While visiting with a friend waiting to harvest a shrimp pond, I noted a surreal effect from the late-afternoon sun. I often wish I could step into this image and paddle across the pond in the canoe! It reminds me of David Gray’s “Last Boat to America.” (Make me a boat – away I’ll float – into the stillness of the clear blue sky…)
There’s a funny finale to this shadow story…
I noted the motorcycle shadows as I passed the closed Palo Santo Cafe. Half a block later, I backtracked and returned to photograph the shadows. That night while sitting at the cafe, the owner’s brother came in and said, “Leee-sah! I have something to show you!” Fernando turned on his phone and showed me a photo he took of me photographing the shadows! Of course, I turned on my camera and showed him the images!
Ha! Of course I photographed the post that Luchy painted in early July. For a history of the painted posts, start here:It Started with One Light Pole
Even in the dark, this painted post is stunning! I tell Luchy most every time I see him, “I love that mosaic post!” He is so talented!
Enjoy Otto’s pointers about light here: Let the Sun In. then scroll back thru his posts for his recent updates on his recent visit to Cuba.
With so much sadness tainting our world, and with cold weather advancing in many areas, here’s Sheryl Crow showcasing the sun:
(I don’t miss below-freezing temperatures, Black Friday and the shopping frenzies of December!) Pardon me while I step back into the sunlight!
Ahhhh; Good Morning, Sunshine!
Embrace the day and keep your eye on the light and shadows! Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
Oh, I absolutely love these light and shadow photos, great job!!!
Great song. I’m actually a sun addict, lol. Our winters of long periods of time with cloudy skies is very hard to take but we are looking to start spending more time in the caribbean (or somewhere warm) during winter months.
Great photos! I love those and a fantastic song to play along.
Lovely photos, Lisa…thank you!
Soak it up indeed. I love the motorcycle shadow. It reminds me of old films, where they did that when one actor walked off camera, but you could see his shadow doing things. Take care, Z. Keith
You are truly an Artist Lisa.
hi stranger! i hope that all’s going ok there and that the holiday season is a rewarding time for all of you. give my best to ‘all.’ z
Beautiful shots, as usual, Lisa. We are experiencing the particularly clear days that come along with very cold temps. Forecast rain and snow later in the week, but right now, the colors are vivid and bright. Take care
As I look out my window on a Winter Wonderland of beautiful snow, I delight in the fact that somewhere else there is also beauty.
brrrrrrrrrrrrr…. so it’s snowing up there? i hope that the winter isn’t too bitter… it’s presently raining hard here.. i think el nino is starting to awaken..
As usual, a wonderful post. Please keep up your good work.
thank you; it’s been a challenging week, but all’s working out.
Well, you do wonderful work. I am very thankful for you and for all that you do.
Yes, you are great!!! Thank you for being great. 🙂 .Hugs.
Love how you’ve done the light and shadows. I particularly like the photo of the drinks. Hooray for you for going up to those folks and taking photos!
Great exploration of Otto’s topic. You do him proud. I adore the photo of the canoe and I marvel at your confidence in jumping into people’s lives to snap photos of them or their drinks. I always fear intruding, so my photos are serruptious and never so fine.
thank you for the music, the flowers, the sun – we have winter here…
Beautiful shots Z! Love the feel to this post ~
Yep, you got some gorgeous light going in these photos! I had already read Otto’s post, so I could identify with what you were conveying.
Z. It is always a joy to visit your posts, we learn so much from your wonderful art and moving stories. Best wishes, James
hi james.. i’m so sorry i’ve not been in the cheering section much this year.. every single one of your photos is exceptional, and every so often i go to your main page and take a little walk in your area.. it’s always comforting… there’s one photo that always comes to mind.. of a rolling hill, a fence/stile… that leads one with an active imagination to many destinations!
the other one was your ‘genius’ self portrait.. did you ever expand on what the doctors decided?
happy holidays.. i hope that you’re well!
Hi Z. What can I say but a massive apology and a really huge thanks for your wonderful comment and thoughts. I have to say that Drs and I find it hard to meet……by this I mean …a typical bloke doesn’t like going to the Dr’s, but I am following up on their advice. Thank you so much for asking.
In return may I ask how you are and the recent heart felt stories in your posts are beginning to be resolved.
I wish you a really wonderful Christmas and that the New Year begins you Joy and Peace. Best regards, James
hi james
thanks for expanding – possibly b/c i had neurological problems long ago, i know how sobering it can be to know that something’s wrong but no luck in finding out what’s wrong. each month when in the neurologist’s office, i looked at the other patients that were so much ‘more ill’ than i, and i thought, ‘i don’t deserve to be taking this man’s time… ‘ anyway, your self portrait (?) /portrait definitely nails what it feels like when faced with problems like that!
my biggest problems this week have been no water and no electricity at the property.. neither are large problems, and i embrace the challenges.. one is totally repaired and i have one more day of concrete work before the water can be turned back on…
aside from joint pain from lingering chikungunya side effects, my health is great. hpe yours is as well, and may 2016 bring great things for both of us!