Autumn Beginnigs

"Autumn Beginnings"

Before I moved to California, I lived in an area where I was able to experience all four seasons. At the time, I guess you could say I took the beauty for granted, since it was all I had ever known. Changing colored leaves was just the normal around autumn. Once I moved to California and into the Mojave Desert, I was shocked to discover that the distinct seasons I once knew were pretty much non existent as I had known them. The green grass, rolling hills and tall trees were replaced with brown dirt, expansive mountain ranges, cactus and Joshua trees. Without the water being supplied from rain, very few trees were around that actually had trees that would change color. Because of this, I was adamant about having at least one tree in my yard that could change color and remind me of the home I once knew. Every year, I look forward to seeing the green of its leaves change from green to the bright marvelous colors I remember and hold so tightly to. Every year I'm reminded about how truly amazing nature truly is. So here are some Autumn Beginnings from the Maple tree in my front yard. If you like this photo, you can purchase it, along with other photos of mine at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography. I also invite you to visit and follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/shaidphotography. I'd love to hear what you think. Have a wonderful day!

Frozen In Purple

"Frozen In Purple"

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was (and still am) used to having four distinct seasons every year. I loved making snowmen and forts in five feet of snow while trying to catch flakes on my tongue. Saying that, when I moved to central California, I felt as if I was thrust into a new world. Four seasons were not known. If I wanted any snow at all, I had to travel up thousands of feet into the tall mountains for a few hours of delight before coming back down to my new desert home. Now a couple years later, living in the mountains at least gives me a small taste of both worlds. I'm still not used to it though. Granted that during the winters here I still get a couple inches of snow, it still doesn't have the constant freezing cold weather, so I forget that the nights can get chilly. One January day, I was watering my garden, and when I was finished, I had forgotten to turn the hose water off. That night was one of the few nights that it got below freezing for a few short hours. When I awoke the following morning, I was welcomed to an ice wonderland. The cold weather had frozen the water in my hose, causing it to break apart and allowing water to rain freely over my entire yard throughout the night. Icicles covered every flower, tree and cactus I had, with some icicles being well over 4 feet long. Rocks and leaves were covered solid in a thick layer of ice. For a brief moment, I felt like I was little again, enjoying the beauty of nature. I sat there all morning until it warmed up, enjoying my garden being Frozen In Purple. If you like this photo, you can find it for sale (along with my other work) at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography. I also urge you to come view all of my work and follow me at facebook.com/shaidphotography. Have a great day!

After the Rain

"After the Rain"

Any time I know there's going to be rain coming nearby, my first thought is to grab the camera, run outside, and start shooting. I love how water works in nature. The way that it acts as a tiny lens giving me views that aren't otherwise easily seen calls to me, begging to be captured. The way the droplets lay on a leaf is nothing short of perfection, and I long to keep this frozen in time forever. Although my camera doesn't like the rain nearly as much as I do, I usually find ways to win the ability to get the photos I want. And so I present to you, my rose garden, after the rain. If you like this photo, it is available for purchase at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography. I also urge and invite you to follow me on facebook at facebook.com/shaidphotography. Check it out and keep clicking!