Silhouettes and Skies

A trip out into the country where I can enjoy nature
and a simple fence silhouetted against the sky and mountains.

Closer to home, in my neighbourhood,
the local church steeple rises above the buildings around it on the hill.

A little fluffed-up sparrow settles on a branch
of this young Gingko tree which still has a few leaves.

There's nothing quite like hanging seed-pods 
to gracefully adorn the cloudless sky.

A little colour this time of these pods ready to drop and swirl in the wind
like mini helicopters when they leave the tree.
I find they look so glamorous against the pink tones of a painted house.

Mr. Blackbird shows us his elegant silhouette 
perched on a branch of a beech tree in the park.

These are the tall poplar trees I walk past
every time I go to my nearest park.

When I see that a beautiful sunset is going to take place,
I drop everything and go quickly outside with my camera 
and climb to the highest spot I can find
to capture the silhouettes of the trees against the forever changing sky.

The leaves of the tulip tree are easy to recognize
and the low hanging boughs decorate the sky
and fill my frame.

One last look at the skyline which is now turning orange.
I've taken a vertical shot to exclude distracting things
like tall city chimneys and cranes!

There are still some private houses among the buildings
in my neighbourhood.
I love to see this one cut-out against the sky on my way home.

The lighting behind the poplar trees has changed a lot
since I first went out.
I notice that the lights have come on along the small bridge
I need to cross to get home.


Some days, 
it's really worth dropping everything
to seize the moment.
Don't you think?
I hope you do the same!


31 comments

  1. It's wonderful to see such beauty as I start my day! I love every last one of your images, but the first image draws me in. I love the mountains and the imperfect fence silhouette. And, those hanging seedpods against the pink, GORGEOUS! I see simplicity in each of these lovely photos and that simplicity leads to calmness and peace! Thank you for that this morning!

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    1. Thank you, Cathy. I do love scenes that bring me calm - it's like unwinding at the end of a busy day.

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  2. Beautiful post Sandra, and I love the theme! I particularly like the first photo of the tall poplar trees for the lovely shape made between the trees - like they are respecting each others space!
    Kate :}

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    1. Thanks, Kate. Yes, that first shot of the poplar trees was taken from a different angle from the second one, but they are the same trees taken at a different time in the same day!

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  3. Such lovely shots. I like the pods in that pink sky!

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  4. Yes, the pod shots are fun. I always love to see them at this time of the year!

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  5. I am so glad you were able to get out and take a walk as I know that makes you so happy. You certainly found many interesting shapes and sizes to photograph....By the way, I love your new header....

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    1. Thanks for popping in, Nancy. I do enjoy silhouette shots very much, whatever shape or size, though I go for harmony in the shapes! All of these, except the first one were taken in my neighbourhood.
      I'm glad the new header seems attractive to you. I had so many gorgeous images of rich autumn leaves, but they wouldn't have corresponded to the reality of the trees for very long!

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  6. I do love your silhouettes but I also love seeing what you see on your walks!

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    1. Thanks Mary. Yes this is the way I go on my local walks! Across the road from my building, then cross a wooden bridge, cross another road and then into the nearest little park to where I live! This is usually the start to most of my neighbourhood walks!

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  7. Well, as THIS MOMENT is all that you have . . . it should DEFINITELY be seized!
    Beautiful photographs, as always Sandra.

    Enjoy your weekend.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  8. wonderful captures. as always, I enjoy your photos.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. Thank you, Lissa! Snow is expected today over here - so the seasons are definitely changing seriously! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  9. yes, dropping every thing to experience the world of colors light and shadows is a special treat. A treat that you have handed to us through your lovely photos and words.

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    1. Yes, we learn to drop the unimportant things that can be done another time to seize the lighting and mood outside which is calling our name! I know you do the same!

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  10. I love the variety of images presented here within the theme. I love how simple silhouettes are but when well composed like yours, how powerful they can be. The poplars are splendid!

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    1. Thank you, Sherry. I've always loved silhouettes because they seem to express so much with beautiful simplicity!

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  11. There's something so soothing and calming about all these beautiful images. You really know how to seize the moment!

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    1. Thank you, Susan. I think the calming part of silhouettes may be because they often happen at the end of the day, or against the light, when there is more calm to be felt.

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    2. I so agree...there's that strong contrast between the dark silhouettes and the soft pastel sky and subtle light.

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  12. Such a nice walkabout through your world, Sandra! The first image is my hands down fav, but I also like # 5 and 8 :) Hope winter isn't knocking at your door yet....I'm afraid the white stuff and cold are already visiting in my woods :(

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    1. Yes, I like that first image too! It was taken from below quite a steep slope and I liked the angle of the fence against the mountains. Yes, winter has arrived overnight with snow and it's all white this morning. I love it!
      Thanks for popping in to comment, Anna!

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  13. What wonderful silhouettes. Your walk shows the beauty of simple things. You're right - the time is now. (That's what I tell myself sometimes when it's very cold, and I'm reluctant to go outside!)

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    1. Well you're certainly in your winter wonderland now, Barb! It started here with a light snowstorm around lunchtime and this morning all is white! The first snow is always exciting - even in the city! Luckily I don't need to use a car for anything as everyday needs are within walking distance! I feel so fortunate in that! I'm in a self-sufficient neighbourhood. There has to be some compensation for living in towns away from real nature!

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  14. A stunning collection of silhouettes and skies. A wonderful topic.

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    1. Thank you, Kim. They are such wonderful subjects to enjoy in the moment, but also such a pleasure to capture on camera!

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  15. You have to take advantage of every daylight moment at this time of year - lovely pictures of the changing light and trees.

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    1. Thank you, Elaine. Each season has its own particular kind of beauty and it's so good to seek it out!

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  16. What a great theme, Sandra! These silhouettes are so beautiful in their simplicity. How lucky to catch the beautiful sunset skies. Good for you for seizing the day -- carpe diem!

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    1. Thank you, Gina. I know how much you enjoy photographing silhouettes also!

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