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Memorable Summer Moments
August 2004
Summer is in full bloom. The weather is good—with many days of sun to enjoy and helpful days of rain that nourish crops, trees and flowers. We’re told that global warming is continuing and we should be concerned, but it’s hard to recognize the changes from year to year during such delightful months.
Once again the entries for our annual photo contest have been superb. We have received about 1,000 images for us to pore over and, as always, it’s very difficult to select finalists for the judges to evaluate. The photographs in this portfolio are among those we particularly like in this year’s submissions.
Our cover image is a beautiful photograph of a lovely blue clematis. Its six perfect petals, together with the amazing yellow center, form as lovely an image as we are likely to find with our camera eye. Thanks to the photographer, we see the clematis framed by rich green leaves in the background.
On the first page of our portfolio we have another beautiful image of a flower, this time a morning glory that has just enjoyed refreshing summer raindrops. The blue color is extraordinary against the dark green background and the shape of the flower is very much like a sculpture.
Opposite we see a striking image of a lake with a cluster of daisies on the nearby shore. The reflection of the clouds in the sky creates a striking composition on the surface of the water.
On the next page we see another body of water, this time with a blue sky and a scattering of clouds above. It is a lovely, serene summer image with tall cattails in the foreground that harmonize with the shoreline behind them.
Opposite is a lone hay wagon standing in the middle of a field. A soft mist envelopes the forested hill behind it, which blends into the distant mountains.
Two unusual images follow. On the left we see a summer fawn walking confidently across a meadow. The photographer has discovered a lovely composition, with the grasses and foliage acting as a frame for the young deer. Its soft, spotted coat blends beautifully with the wildflowers in the field.
On the opposite page is another image of a field with flowers, but this time a single tree stands in the foreground, its dark trunk and branches creating a striking sculptural composition.
And finally we have a hiker’s view of a forest path. There is a rustic bridge in the center covering a small wet patch. It looks as if it was a clear day since we can see splotches of sunlight in the distance.
David Finn
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