Weekly Photo Challenge – Golden Hour / Travel Theme – Simplicity

From within or from behind, a light shines through us upon things, and makes us aware that we are nothing, but the light is all.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

LILY PAD IMPRESSIONS

This week we’ve been challenged to post photographs which were made during Golden Hour – just after sunrise or just before sunset. Interestingly, although photographs of sunsets and sunrises are lovely, captures of everyday things lit by the golden rays of the sun are, to my eye, much more interesting.

My archives have many photos from golden hour, since that is prime time for photography, including some personal favorites from the past. However, I’ve chosen instead to post a few captures from my week here in Michigan, which has been wonderful. Sunset here arrives between 9 and 10 pm, a bit of a challenge but not impossible. I shot the opening photograph from a boat on a lake ripe with lily pads. Because I wanted to capture the light but had no tripod with me, I chose to deliberately work on making an abstract photograph of the lily pads and flowers. I was pleased with the results, especially considering the challenges.

HAY BALES AT SUNSET

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

Leonard Cohen

Initially, I saw the scene above in harsh, mid-afternoon light. I returned at sunset to find better conditions, but the light was quite flat due to cloud cover. Luckily the sun peeked out for just a few moments to allow the capture I’d been hoping for as the late evening sun reflected off of the yellow hay.

SAILBOATS AT SUNSET

Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.

Brene Brown

Finally, our location here in Michigan overlooks beautiful Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. My husband and I took a walk one evening at sunset to see what my lens might find. I was particularly enamored by this scene, which looked to me more like Venice than Michigan. We’ve very much enjoyed our visit here in the north, and are now heading back home to South Carolina. With any luck, the light will be just as beautiful there as it has been here.

Tags: photography, Travel Theme, weekly photo challenge

126 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge – Golden Hour / Travel Theme – Simplicity”

bentehaarstad on July 15, 2013 at 2:07 pm said:

Very nice and golden. I especially like the waterlily-picture. Harvesting is also always great for photos.

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- Tina Schell on July 15, 2013 at 2:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Bente!
  
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april kanew on July 15, 2013 at 8:50 am said:

totally agree with the ‘simplicity’ of the lilly pads….great job!!
LOVE the sailboats…..Venice to my eye as well….great moments!!

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- Tina schell on July 15, 2013 at 10:27 am said:
  
  Thanks April! Wrapping up our Midwestern visit;it’s been great. Hope alls well in VT!
  
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larencev on July 14, 2013 at 5:45 pm said:

Love the bales of hay and the light on them! There is something peaceful, serene and reassuring about the symmetry and organization of bales of hay….who knew?!

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 9:39 pm said:
  
  🙂 Thanks Gin. Yes, the hay really reflects the light if you catch it!
  
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fotograffer on July 14, 2013 at 4:23 pm said:

Beautiful post Tina. The lily pads are so impressionistic. Great job! But I am a sucker for sailboats and the last image just speaks to me.

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 9:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks Ron! I loved the sailboats too 🙂
  
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TinCanTraveler on July 14, 2013 at 3:47 pm said:

That first photo….like a Monet!

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 9:36 pm said:
  
  Thanks! Monet is my idol so your compliment is truly appreciated!
  
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Sherry Galey on July 14, 2013 at 11:07 am said:

Some of my favorite quotes with your wonderful images. I really appreciate your photography.

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 9:35 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Sherry! Appreciate your support :0)
  
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djmrakiey on July 14, 2013 at 2:31 am said:

the lily pads ohhh … outstanding !

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 8:41 am said:
  
  Why thanks ever so!! If you’re happy I’m happy 🙂
  
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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 9:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much – challenging but worth it!
  
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  - djmrakiey on July 14, 2013 at 10:01 pm said:
    
    I can see why. 🙂
Jeff Sinon on July 13, 2013 at 8:06 pm said:

I see you embraced this challenge as well. Love “Lily Pad Impressions.”

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 12:07 am said:
  
  Thanks Jeff 🙂 I’m sure we’ll see some wonderful entries this week!
  
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  - Jeff Sinon on July 14, 2013 at 9:11 am said:
    
    I’ve been looking through a ton of them this week, more than my usual random sampling, and there are a lot of really good photos, a lot!
Mud on July 13, 2013 at 5:59 pm said:

Tina, It’s as though I can smell the hay…great shots. I’ve been away from camera and blog for sometime now, but hopefully returning soon…the Brene Brown quote is inspiring…stop the rain!!!!

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- Tina Schell on July 14, 2013 at 12:09 am said:
  
  Thanks Mud – welcome back! Hope to see a post from you soon 🙂
  
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Jo Bryant on July 13, 2013 at 3:23 pm said:

these are all great takes on the theme Tine…but I do love the lily pads…you were right to try for an abstract feel with them…it works perfectly

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 3:40 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jo-always a challenge but worth the effort when the subject is right, no?
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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Tricia A. Mitchell on July 13, 2013 at 3:21 pm said:

Tina, your first two images have such a lovely Monet quality to them! We just visited his garden in Giverny, France a few weeks ago, and though the lily pad flowers were not at their peak, it was still beautiful. It’s my hope to see the garden in autumn and winter next time, having now been there in spring & summer.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 3:27 pm said:
  
  A magical place for sure Tricia–I’m humbled my photo brought you it’s memory! I’ve seen them flower but never with such bright yellow. I had to find a way to capture them 🙂
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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Uday Narayanan on July 13, 2013 at 2:31 pm said:

The first image looks like a painting! Amazing work Tina, loved it!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 2:48 pm said:
  
  Thanks Uday. I was trying fo that so appreciate your comment especially!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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elisaruland on July 13, 2013 at 1:17 pm said:

What a joy it is to experience the view through your lens, Tina. The quote is lovely.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 2:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Elisa, appreciate your joining in for the journey!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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Barbara on July 13, 2013 at 12:14 pm said:

Another very nice post Tina. The photos are great.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 12:44 pm said:
  
  Thanks Barbara 🙂
  
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norasphotos4u on July 13, 2013 at 12:04 pm said:

Beautifully composed images Tina

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 12:19 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Nora!
  
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Albatz Gallery & Blog on July 13, 2013 at 11:46 am said:

Artists and photographers are always taking photos of lily pads but your photo is the best photo of them I have ever seen, and so painterly!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 12:14 pm said:
  
  High praise indeed! Thanks so much
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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frizztext on July 13, 2013 at 11:30 am said:

“…we are nothing, but the light is all…” quote by Ansel Adams? Edward Steichen? Henri Cartier-Bresson? Rembrandt? No! By Ralph Waldo Emerson!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 12:17 pm said:
  
  I was equally surprised FT 🙂 thanks for the comment
  
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Alma Brown on July 13, 2013 at 10:39 am said:

Such great photos + quotes, as aways! Well done…AB

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 11:10 am said:
  
  Many thanks AB! Hope all’s well on your end!
  
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Amy on July 13, 2013 at 10:36 am said:

I can feel the tranquility of your images. The sailboats in sunset is simply beautiful!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 10:38 am said:
  
  Thanks Amy, the bay was incredibly calm that evening. The night before there’d been whitecaps!!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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njoyeverymoment on July 13, 2013 at 9:57 am said:

Beautiful capture accentuated with beautiful quotes 🙂

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 10:31 am said:
  
  Thanks njoy! Happy you enjoyed 🙂
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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  - njoyeverymoment on July 13, 2013 at 10:32 am said:
    
    yup i did 🙂
lensandpensbysally on July 13, 2013 at 9:49 am said:

Serenely lovely images–for me the hay bales are reminiscent of the “pastoral” genre of painting. Well done.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 10:36 am said:
  
  Thanks Sally, I was glad I took the time to go back for it.
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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Allan Stewart on July 13, 2013 at 9:44 am said:

Big stews Midwestern roots gravitated to the hay bales..I know they smell funny

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 10:37 am said:
  
  LOL! Thanks Pam!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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poppytump on July 13, 2013 at 9:26 am said:

Outstanding effect with your Lily Pad Impressions !
Yes, like a painting .
Sounds like great trip you’ve enjoyed Tina .

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 10:41 am said:
  
  Thanks PT-yes, it’s been great. Weather here is just perfect. Headed back to some heat and humidity but will be very thankful for the differences come winter!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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The Palladian Traveler on July 13, 2013 at 8:15 am said:

Superlative sunset shots. Now, let’s see you do that at the crack of dawn. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 9:12 am said:
  
  LoL Tom. Not my favorite but lots of sunrises in my archives. May just do a second post to prove it!!!
  
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Tish Farrell on July 13, 2013 at 7:55 am said:

Such glorious shots, Tina

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 9:25 am said:
  
  Thanks do much Tish! Just an FYI your comment went to spam:-(. Apparently there is a WP issue going on w many commenters
  
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  - Tish Farrell on July 13, 2013 at 10:50 am said:
    
    yes, I thought that this is what is happening. Once the comment is unspammed I seem to be able to comment again. It’s very frustrating.
Heyjude on July 13, 2013 at 7:41 am said:

I have to agree with all the others, your lily pads would not look out of place in the Monet museums.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 9:27 am said:
  
  Thanks Jude-you are all set. Will keep an eye on the spam folder :-). Appreciate your taking the time to make sure I got this!
  
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Linda Wyatt on July 13, 2013 at 7:17 am said:

Quite simply.. Beautiful… Lily pads looked ” Monet ish.” Reminded me of my beautiful moss hanging trees you did, safe travels. Linda

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:34 am said:
  
  Thanks Linda. Almost used the trees as my header :-). May change to them now that you mention it!
  
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viveka on July 13, 2013 at 6:53 am said:

Would love to been there to share all your golden hours … so beautiful and ravishing – sailboats in sunset, is my favorite … I have chosen the same theme for my entry. I thought that the photo was taken at Lago di Garda.
Lake Michigan … one of my favorite lakes … mostly because it feels like the ocean and it gives me the greatness of Chicago … and prettiness like this.
Stunning post. AGAIN!!!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:38 am said:
  
  Thanks Viveka. Yes, I agree, Lago Di Garda as well. Just didn’t look like the US to me! Lake Michigan is amazing isn’t it?!
  
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  - viveka on July 13, 2013 at 7:40 am said:
    
    Yes, it’s and I just LOoOOOOoooove Chicago.
fgassette on July 13, 2013 at 6:46 am said:

A beautiful expression of simplicity and the golden hour with wonderful quotes.

BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:41 am said:
  
  Thanks Francine! I was happy to have been conscientious about taking my camera for walks or rides in the late evenings out here. The light is lovely.
  
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greenmackenzie on July 13, 2013 at 5:20 am said:

What a lovely rich post on the golden hour Tina. And it sounds as though you had a wonderful holiday 🙂

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:44 am said:
  
  Thank you Seonaid. We have enjoyed our visit very much. The warm days and cool nights are just beautiful.
  
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Jean Alaba on July 13, 2013 at 5:02 am said:

I just love the quote by Brene Brown. Perfectly complements your photographs. Cheers

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:50 am said:
  
  Thanks Jean! And congrats on your TV spot!!!
  
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Ryan on July 13, 2013 at 4:43 am said:

beautiful Tina… love the sailboat and haybales.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:52 am said:
  
  Thanks Ryan! I’d seen both scenes at midday and was glad I went back later to capture them in better light.
  
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  - Ryan on July 13, 2013 at 8:18 am said:
    
    can’t wait for your next pictures.
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Ese' s Voice on July 13, 2013 at 3:46 am said:

Simply beautiful and beautifully simple, Tina. Such a serenity.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:53 am said:
  
  Thanks Ese, beautifully said!
  
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Follygirl on July 13, 2013 at 2:58 am said:

as always.. beautiful!!!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 7:56 am said:
  
  Thanks FG! Appreciate your support and encouragement.
  
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Hachege on July 13, 2013 at 12:15 am said:

I love your first shot.
Great job.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 4:54 pm said:
  
  Thank you Hachege, appreciate it!!
  
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de Wets Wild on July 12, 2013 at 11:36 pm said:

All of them beautiful Tina, and I like the lilypads best!

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Pat on July 12, 2013 at 11:11 pm said:

You did a beautiful job of capturing Michigan light. It sounds like you had a wonderful time – hope you come back soon.

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 4:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Pat, the late evening light was gorgeous!
  
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Mary Lynn on July 12, 2013 at 11:07 pm said:

Loved the first one especially. You always have beautiful new ways to look at things!

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- Tina Schell on July 13, 2013 at 4:56 pm said:
  
  Thanks ML! Good to hear from you!
  
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Jane Lurie on July 12, 2013 at 10:46 pm said:

Hi- You captured some nice light in hay bales. They are always a captivating subject. Glad you had a good trip!

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane!
  
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Jane Iwan on July 12, 2013 at 10:45 pm said:

Tina, the lily pads shot is beautiful, as is the Emerson quote accompanying it. Hope to see more of your Mighican pix. Good work.

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Jane – you’ll be inundated soon enough??? LOL
  
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Angeline M on July 12, 2013 at 10:37 pm said:

Really wonderful photos. The lighting is everything.

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks Angeline – it is, isn’t it?!
  
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Angie on July 12, 2013 at 10:29 pm said:

Beautiful collection…I like the first image because it looks like a painting! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Angel!
  
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Connie T on July 12, 2013 at 10:23 pm said:

I like them all, but the first one is really nice, like a painting.

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:46 pm said:
  
  Thank you Connie – that was what I was hoping to achieve! Appreciate your comment.
  
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sustainabilitea on July 12, 2013 at 10:18 pm said:

I really like the simplicity of your photos, especially that last one with the pristine white dock. It looks so relaxing.

janet

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:19 pm said:
  
  Thanks Janet! I thought so too 🙂
  
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Suzie on July 12, 2013 at 10:13 pm said:

Love them! Suzie

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:19 pm said:
  
  Thanks Suz!
  
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Madelaine on July 12, 2013 at 10:01 pm said:

Such gorgeous shots….the first one looks like a painting!

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- Tina Schell on July 12, 2013 at 10:18 pm said:
  
  Thanks Madelaine – that’s the look I was trying to achieve so especially appreciate your comment!
  
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