The Gift – WPC | Travels and Trifles

The Gift – WPC

“What makes photography a strange invention is that its primary raw materials are light and time.”

Andre Derain

SURF SHOOTING

Jen has asked us to tell a story with our captures this week and for me it’s an opportunity to share a recent nature photography experience. In the shot above I’ve captured a friend standing in a disappearing sandbar during a shoot earlier this week.

THE BIRDS, THE BIRDS

“Light is precious in a world so dark.”

Kate DiCamillo

For the better part of 90 minutes, we shot landscapes in a grey, flat sky covered in clouds that showed no sign of clearing. I crossed a deep stream, wet to the tops of my calves and covered in sand, to capture a flock of birds on the other side.

FEATHER FLUFFING WILLET AND FRIENDS

“Ô, Sunlight! The most precious gold to be found on Earth.”

Roman Payne

We found ourselves shooting textures in the sand, scenes that lent themselves to B&W post-processing, monochromatic birds and any other subjects that might translate into something interesting without being lit by the stubbornly non-existent sun. Suddenly and with absolutely no warning, there came an unexpected break in the clouds and an incredible light burst through for a very brief moment.

ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT

“What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us.”

Alexandra Elle

When the light appeared the landscape became glorious in every direction. The grasses were greener, the water bluer, and the sand grew positively luminous. The moral of the story is – never give up. Work the scenes you’re given and be ready (and appreciative) if the gift of a few perfect moments should come along.

Many photographers can create nice images in good light. For me, it’s what we do with bad light that offers a more interesting challenge 🙂. Here then, a few of my “creations” from the earlier part of the day.

ABSTRACT: BLACK BIRDS / WHITE SAND

“You can make it dark, but I can’t make it light.”

Jodi Picoult

GRASSES OF GREEN

“Every day you play with the light of the universe.”

Pablo Neruda

WADING WILETS

SUCCESS!

“If darkness surrounds you, look for the light.”

Ann Marie Aguilar

Last but not least, a capture of the sun’s final moment before the clouds closed back in.

LAST LIGHT

“We must bring our own light to the darkness.”

Charles Bukowski

Here’s to the gift of light in moments of darkness – may we all appreciate both for the lessons they bring.

WPC: story

NOTE: For the photographers among us, I took advantage of the outing as an opportunity to compare Fuji vs Nikon, shooting duplicate photos with the two cameras. I’m happy to report the Fuji held its own despite the use of an 18-55mm kit lens vs Nikon’s legendary 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, an unfair comparison indeed.

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Tags: weekly photo challenge

90 thoughts on “The Gift – WPC”

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mari nicholson on March 30, 2018 at 3:57 pm said:

Your photographs are stupendous. They make me quite ashamed to be exposing mine to public view! But I comfort myself with the thought that I’m a happy snapper. I’m truly amazed at yours.

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- Tina Schell on March 31, 2018 at 8:01 am said:
  
  Thanks Mari, don’t ever think that about your work! Photography is all about what we feel when we look bat at the memories we’ve created and I wager yours are wonderful!
  
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pommepal on March 14, 2018 at 7:35 am said:

An interesting story Tina and you have demonstrated just what a huge difference the light can make, that is a stunning photo. But also you inspire us not to give up and then show us the different kind of beautiful image your imagination and creativity can create

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- Tina Schell on March 14, 2018 at 8:50 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Pauline. As you know Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate w our schedules so always good to have a backup plan!
  
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thirdeyemom on March 12, 2018 at 5:34 pm said:

Amazing shots Tina!

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- Tina Schell on March 12, 2018 at 8:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nicole
  
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Svetlana Grobman on March 12, 2018 at 3:04 am said:

Great story, Tina! My favorites are GRASSES OF GREEN and ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT.

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- Tina Schell on March 12, 2018 at 7:49 am said:
  
  Thanks SFAM!
  
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Terri Webster Schrandt on March 12, 2018 at 12:49 am said:

As always, your beautiful photography never fails to move me. These are absolute classics and the quotes lend poignant wisdom. A cool comparison with the cameras, but as someone once told me, the talent lies behind the camera ❤

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- Tina Schell on March 12, 2018 at 7:47 am said:
  
  Such a. nice way to start my day Terri! Thanks very much. Have a great week
  
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David on March 11, 2018 at 10:36 pm said:

The “last light” is always the best. 😉

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- Tina Schell on March 11, 2018 at 11:06 pm said:
  
  Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by David
  
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april kanew on March 11, 2018 at 8:04 pm said:

just gorgeous Tina!!! they r all so interesting….their different displays of light….just amazed over ‘all about the light’ & ‘last light’…..brilliant!!

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- Tina Schell on March 11, 2018 at 8:27 pm said:
  
  It’s a beautiful place we live isn’t it April?!
  
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Tiny on March 11, 2018 at 11:19 am said:

Amazing shots, Tina! Loved the creative processing too.

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- Tina Schell on March 11, 2018 at 6:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks Helen – much appreciated!
  
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Dahlia on March 11, 2018 at 10:35 am said:

I love your posts Tina they are a complete package 🙂 The photograph of the brief moment of light was gorgeous but I loved the first photograph too – it spoke of all that you had/have to do to capture and create such stunning works of art.

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- Tina Schell on March 12, 2018 at 8:58 am said:
  
  Many thanks Dahlia. Sometimes it feels like work, but good results make it very satisfying
  
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photobyjohnbo on March 11, 2018 at 9:57 am said:

Something about Grasses of Green photo speaks to me. Love the high key exposure! All in all, seascapes are so tranquil and pleasing. Thanks for telling your story.

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- Tina Schell on March 11, 2018 at 9:59 am said:
  
  Thanks John, happy that one caught your eye. Also my husband’s favorite 😊
  
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Laura Bloomsbury on March 11, 2018 at 8:00 am said:

Tina – your images are like browsing coffee table photobooks – eye candy but also uplifting for the heart.

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- Tina Schell on March 11, 2018 at 8:04 am said:
  
  What a lovely comment Laura – thanks so much!
  
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Lisa Gordon on March 10, 2018 at 5:27 pm said:

These are absolutely beautiful, Tina.
My favorite is “All About the Light.”
It is purely magical.

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 5:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Lisa. It was the light that was magical, I was fortunate to be there at the right moment
  
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lensandpensbysally on March 10, 2018 at 4:20 pm said:

Tina, each image captivates and makes me ponder nature’s marvels.

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 4:24 pm said:
  
  High praise Sally—many thanks!
  
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Rupali on March 10, 2018 at 2:40 pm said:

Lovely captures Tina. The story of light and shade is amazing.

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 4:10 pm said:
  
  Thanks Rupali!
  
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Amy on March 10, 2018 at 11:35 am said:

All were beautifully captured and well presented. Such an inspiring post, Tina! It always is a wonderful treat to visit your site. 🙂 💖

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 2:24 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Amy, that means a lot to me
  
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Grammy Writes on March 10, 2018 at 9:44 am said:

So true that good photography is about light and time. You seem to have it down perfectly! Love the quotes, love the photos – especially “All About the Light” and “Last Light”.

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 2:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much GW. Loves the light challenges that day
  
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rabirius on March 10, 2018 at 8:04 am said:

Wonderful collection of seascapes.

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 2:27 pm said:
  
  Thanks Rabirius!
  
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nomad, interrupted on March 10, 2018 at 5:20 am said:

All such beautiful captures! I especially love the grasses of green and the last light. Happy weekend!

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 7:35 am said:
  
  Thanks Cathy, happy weekend to you too!
  
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restlessjo on March 10, 2018 at 2:15 am said:

I particularly like those wistful grasses, reflected in the water, and the reflected bird close ups too. All I ever catch is a tail feather. 🙂 🙂

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 7:25 am said:
  
  LOL Jo, I have more bird butts than I care to admit😊😊
  
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calmkate on March 10, 2018 at 1:30 am said:

Great shots and philosophy Tina, love your use of light and dark and especially your quotes!

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 7:24 am said:
  
  Thanks Kate, glad you enjoyed!
  
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Anita on March 10, 2018 at 12:01 am said:

That was a beautiful experience! Thank you for sharing it with us, Tina. And the photographs, love them.

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- Tina Schell on March 10, 2018 at 7:23 am said:
  
  Thanks Anita, appreciate your stopping by
  
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corneliaweberphotography on March 9, 2018 at 9:49 pm said:

Tina, beautifully captured as always, the carefully chosen quotes are going so very well with your images

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 9:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Cornelia – it was such an easy choice to find quotations about light since that was truly the lesson of the day. We’ve heard it hundreds of times over the years but on that day it was as obvious as I’ve ever seen it.
  
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  - corneliaweberphotography on March 10, 2018 at 2:46 am said:
    
    It is a lession for every day, that’s how I take it dear Tina.
norasphotos4u on March 9, 2018 at 9:41 pm said:

You captured some wonderful photos on your walk.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 9:47 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nora
  
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K. Joseph on March 9, 2018 at 9:31 pm said:

These are great pictures. I particularly like the one where the beach gets lit up by the sunlight after a period of cloudiness. I can almost imagine my own reaction if I were in the same situation. Unfortunately, I only get to tell stories on the beach when I am on vacation.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 9:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks K – my favorite as well. I was fortunate that I had camera in hand and was looking in the right direction! The light really only lasted a few moments and then it was gone.
  
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Linda Wyatt on March 9, 2018 at 9:24 pm said:

Yes, “here’s to the gifts of light in the moments of darkness.” Has been a theme of mine lately and there you said it and captured it so beautifully. Thank you friend for so many gifts you share. Love those wilets…

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 9:25 pm said:
  
  Always makes my day when you can relate to my message GF, thanks so much!
  
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anne leueen on March 9, 2018 at 8:50 pm said:

Beautiful photos and I loved what you did with the ones you “tweaked”.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 8:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks Anne – a fun challenge on those!
  
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Laurel and Hank Greer on March 9, 2018 at 8:45 pm said:

What an incredible place we live to offer up opportunities to take these fabulous photos!

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 8:49 pm said:
  
  Amen to that Laurel!
  
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Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread on March 9, 2018 at 7:19 pm said:

All beautiful shots, but I especially love the birds. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 8:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Judy—if only they’d been on the other side of that stream!
  
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Fast Pam on March 9, 2018 at 6:53 pm said:

the green grass in the light shot is beautiful!

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 8:57 pm said:
  
  Thanks Pam. The light on that was amazing!
  
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Mary Lynn on March 9, 2018 at 4:57 pm said:

wellllllll Miss T – we obviously weren’t on the same photo shoot.! Love your pictures and what you did with the light, or lack there of. One does need to pick up the camera more than once a year! Love all the bird pictures and the last one with the sun.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 6:02 pm said:
  
  Thanks ML, methinks you are too humble but your lovely compliment is much appreciated!
  
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Sue on March 9, 2018 at 3:46 pm said:

Love tis photo-story, Tina! And that burst of light makes for a stunning image

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks Sue – nice to have an opportunity to tell the story 🙂
  
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  - Sue on March 9, 2018 at 3:56 pm said:
    
    And I need to post one…
pattimoed on March 9, 2018 at 2:42 pm said:

This post is wonderful, Tina! I love the shot of the burst of sun. The colors are magnificent. Hooray Fuji! I am ever more appreciative of the sun, now that we’re back in Michigan. Here, the sun is the “artful dodger” all throughout winter. Hope it is shining bright in your part of the country!

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Patti – happily the clouds have cleared and while still cool, the sun is bright and beautiful. At least for today!!
  
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perdebytjie on March 9, 2018 at 1:41 pm said:

This is so beautiful, Tina. What a wonderful choice of sayings by famous people, all about light! The photo where the sun comes out, is fantastic.Very special, thank you.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much for your visit and kind comment Dina, happy this one appealed to you.
  
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Abrie Joubert on March 9, 2018 at 12:52 pm said:

Beautiful and thought provoking as always. We all had that cloud before the moon nights and that dreary 50 shades of grey days. Then either a mindset change is essential or a GIFT. And I enjoyed your gift

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:45 pm said:
  
  Thanks Abrie – nothing worse that an overcast night when we are trying to capture a special moon, or other celestial event. Unlike a sunny sky, some things are not available the next day 😦 . Perhaps the gray days are sent to us so that we better appreciate the light when it comes.
  
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  - Abrie Joubert on March 12, 2018 at 4:49 pm said:
    
    Well there is actually something worse than imperfect weather – having perfect weather and forgetting your camera bag at home as happened this week-end. A friend his daughter and my daughter hiked Lion Head in Cape Town on early Saturday to be on top of when the sun rose. I was under the impressionism my camera bag is in my car and I had to take mental photos of a beautiful sunrise…
  - Tina Schell on March 12, 2018 at 6:30 pm said:
    
    Tragic!!!!!
    
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Kat at travelgardeneat on March 9, 2018 at 11:43 am said:

Wonderful play with the Photo Challenge theme this week! Great reminder that there is no such thing as “bad light” if you look hard enough 😉

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks Kat – hadn’t thought of it exactly that way but how right you are!! Appreciate your visit and comment.
  
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Perpetua on March 9, 2018 at 11:30 am said:

The quotes on light and darkness are close to heart, Tina. Since I am very sensitive to both, I have to learn what to do with both. Most of all I focus on the lgith when it’s dark, yet I have to find comfort in darkness when it’s not available. Oh glorious light makes a world of new meaning. The photography is always stunning. My highlight for the week is your weekly WPC. Much appreciate your work. Perpetua

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:37 pm said:
  
  Perpetua, that is one of the nicest comments I’ve ever received and means a great deal to me. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
  
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Leya on March 9, 2018 at 11:02 am said:

So Enjoyed your story and creations, Tina! Thank you for taking us…and interesting with the camera comparison as well. Patience is a great asset when photographing. I am not that good at patience – but trying to develop it.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:34 pm said:
  
  Patience is definitely NOT my strong suit Ann-Christine, but like you I’m working on it! So glad you enjoyed this one.
  
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  - Leya on March 10, 2018 at 8:31 am said:
    
    😚
Jane Lurie on March 9, 2018 at 10:59 am said:

** ITS (darn autocorrect!)

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Jane Lurie on March 9, 2018 at 10:59 am said:

Beautiful series, Tina. Love your bird shots. Sounds like a great shoot with the club. Had to smile when you said, “suddenly, without warning, the clouds broke”…I envisioned a voice from the sky yelling, “get ready, here it comes!” 😄The 70-200 is legendary for it’s results but also legendary for breaking your back. Still have mine for occasional workouts.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:25 pm said:
  
  LOL re the autocorrect AND the voice in the sky 🙂 Agree wholeheartedly about the weight of the 70-200. My back was really unhappy with me the next day. Seriously difficult to handhold it these days but until I get something with reach for the Fuji it’s my only choice for distance. Did you ever get the 90 mm?
  
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sustainabilitea on March 9, 2018 at 10:38 am said:

I like all the shots and edits, Tina. There’s beauty in the black & white/grey and in the color as well. They provide such a wonderful contrast when one follows the other this way. Beautifully done. Looks like a great time.

janet

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Janet – it felt like hard work there for a while, and my back was complaining the next day, but worth the effort. I always feel contented when I’ve done a hard shoot and am satisfied with the results.
  
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kimballkraus on March 9, 2018 at 10:37 am said:

Tina, So fun to see more of your beautiful shots from that evening:) And I’m sure happy to hear about the Fuji performance!

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:05 pm said:
  
  Thanks Kimball – I’m equally happy that your decision on the Fuji was the right one!
  
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Heyjude on March 9, 2018 at 10:31 am said:

What a wonderful photo essay Tina. I had a similar day this week when the sun hid behind the clouds for a time and it looked as though the day was deteriorating into rain, but we continued to walk on the beach seeking treasures and eventually the sun came back out. No birds though, other than two faraway gulls. Your birds are pure delight.

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- Tina Schell on March 9, 2018 at 3:05 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Jude – it’s funny about going out specifically for photography. Clouds can be stellar subjects but those flat, grey skies are such spoilsports! Good for you (and for me too!) for sticking it out!
  
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