As Requested by Allison ... Heeeeeere's a Cleveland University Skyline!

In the comments for my last post, "Skywatch Whenever," Allison asked, "How about a sky shot of the Cleveland skyline? Or the sky above the buildings?"

Well now. As a rule, I hate cities.

So this photo from January 30, 2006 is a real rarity. It's a shot of a sunset over Cleveland State University in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

If you look real close, you can see the silhouette of a seagull ...

Tie Dye Twilight and the Wide Open Abstract Realm of Possibility

A surreal white sun reflects into the waters of the Dreamkeeper Pond at evening twilight. The sky comes alive, glowing fantastically with the sheen of precious copper and gold metals enhanced by shades of electric turquoise blue stone.

There's so much possibility in landscapes like this!

Splish

There's some small furry water animal that lives in the Dreamkeeper Pond. I think it may be a muskrat. It likes to play hide and seek with me at sunset, surfacing, diving, sending up bubbles from underwater. The Dreamkeeper Pond is one of my favorite haunts in Northeast Ohio. Apparently, this elusive little critter feels the same.

I've been doing a lot of running around lately, from the Wiegand's Lake Park Memorial Day Open House and Market to visiting the Cleveland Metroparks to dropping off artwork at a gallery for a show that will open later this month. This weekend I'll be on the road yet again, planning to visit relatives.

But don't worry ... Just like the muskrat, I'll be around. :-)

Twilight Tranquility

Snow and ice are very much in evidence here still covering up the pond, though it's pretty much melted off the grass in Northeast Ohio, at least for now.



A couple of contemplative cattails salute the setting sun.

Of the many moods of the Dreamkeeper Pond at Mapleside Farms, peacefulness ranks high and comes in a variety of colors. Yesterday evening featured a wintry blending of peach-orange, brown, and grey.

Winter Sunset at the Dreamkeeper Pond

Cattails like paint brushes reach up through evening glimpses of muted light and cold color towards a charcoal watercolor sky.



Cattails along the ice-covered Dreamkeeper Pond bask in the last falling rays of an evenstar.



A magnificent ending.

These three photos were all taken on the same day at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio.

Being a landscape photographer in Northeast Ohio can mean standing for a whole hour in mud that cakes around your boots up to your ankles, wind that keeps blowing the hood back on your winter jacket, and cold that seeps through your gloves to numb your fingers. Meanwhile, your heart and mind are alive with the surrounding beauty.

What sort of challenging weather do you come across when you go out to take nature or landscape photos? Do you make any special preparations for weather conditions? Do you enjoy the many moods of the great outdoors? What are your favorite weather conditions for enjoying nature?

You are welcome to comment and share your feelings.