I enjoy capturing an occasional portrait in black and white.
For me, it places the focus on the emotion of the person while the remainder of what’s in the photo doesn’t detract.
Sometimes, it’s clear to me that the color in the photo doesn’t add to the emotion I’m trying to capture.
See imagesbyvandyne on etsy.com for more photos.
My favorite type of photography involves nature, especially animals.
Somehow, animal behavior reminds me of relationships with people.
What these two photos make me think =
Sometimes, you are in the mood to talk, Other times, words don’t solve the problem.
This is what we call a “face off.”
See imagesbyvandyne on etsy.com for more photos.
As a photographer, things from a simpler time catch my eye.
Not only are they visually interesting, but they make me wish for the Good Ole’ Days.
On the other hand, I am grateful for our modern day conveniences and, of course, camera equipment.
Find more imagesbyvandyne on etsy.com
Taking photos at the Zoo can be relaxing while providing some challenges. Here are a few tips to consider. 
Know the Zoo Rules: Before you arrive, find out the rules. For instance, you cannot use any KC Zoo photos for commercial purposes.
While there, don’t block paths or expect people to stop because you want to take a photo.
Identify a Point of Interest: What about the animal interests you?
Be sure to approach your shot to take advantage of your point of interest.
Radi is one of my favorite subjects. What interests me about him is his attitude.
Manage Distracting Elements: A good first option is to shoot 
from angles that have natural looking elements around the animal.
If you can’t avoid the distracting elements, try using wide apertures, a telephoto lens, and a tight focus on the animal. This will tend to defocus bars or other barriers between you and the animal
A third option is to use the distracting element as part of your composition. I like the way the barriers in this shot convey a sense of passage.
Focus on the Eyes: When you get the eyes in focus in a prominent
place in your photo, it creates a better connection between your subject and the viewer. I had a difficult time looking away from the tiger’s eyes.
Watch for Antics: Animals sometimes do funny things. Be on the lookout for those. 
For some reason the koala reminded me of a rock star intently focused on his performance.
If you haven’t been to the Zoo recently, consider adding it to your list.
P.S. You get bonus points if you can name the song that this post title used for a play on words.
by Malinda VanDyne imagesbyvandyne.com
What about landscapes draws you to them?
Is it difficult to overcome the urge to kick off your shoes and run across a field of blooming clover? Does the sunlight dancing on a pool of water captivate you so much that you begin to walk toward it? I admit to thoughts like those.
Rather than lose control of the situation, I let my camera be my intermediary. If I can visually capture nature calling me, I not only avoid possible embarrassment, I create a means to relive the memory.
For instance, something about this curved waterfall mesmerized me. It was a challenge to my self-control to not dive into the water. My camera saved me. As I look at the ropey strands of water in the photo, my mind returns to the experience of gazing at the waterfall
Can you imagine the sensation of touching a fuzzy plant? That’s what my camera allowed me to do with this plant from a distance. Now, I have a memory to revisit with the bonus of knowing I did not damage the plant by touching it.
This is why I enjoy landscape photography. I can appreciate nature without being intrusive. My reward is an assortment of photos that let me repeatedly enjoy nature.
For some reason, there are many strange growths on the trees in this little forest. At first glance, I thought these were mushrooms. Upon looking again, I think they are a type of tree growth.
When I captured this image, I wasn’t sure what type of bird it was, I described it to my mom. She was certain is was a bluebird. Apparently, they were quite common where she lived as a child. Mom was correct. With a quick internet search, I confirmed that this is a bluebird. More research revealed that several states have designated the bluebird as their state bird.
Somehow, this tree deformity reminded me of walking in a magic forest.
Butterflies are gorgeous creatures who are not inclined to strike a pose for you. What’s a photographer to do?
With some planning and patience, you can take beautiful butterfly photos.
Seeing a bird like this is just superb. Interestingly, this is a Superb Starling.
