The Final Stop

"The Final Stop"

If there's one thing I've learned about living in the desert, it's that there is always something interesting to stumble upon. California seems to act as a gigantic treasure chest, with new more absurd finds at every glance. Whether it be something in nature, like a cave or oddly shaped tree, a beautiful animal of some kind, or some man made thing-a-ma-jig you happen to come across, there is bound to be some kind of beauty to be found.

This hidden treasure is often overlooked, and many won't find it unless you know where and what to look for. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California, sits the Kern River Valley. The Kern River is known for its dangerous white water as it flows down the mountains into the central valley. The story goes that in 1966, a large amount of water caused the North and South forks of the Kern River to flood, causing bridges to wash out and objects to be swept away with the water. About 20 miles from where it first sat in Kernville, California, it made its final resting stop near Onyx, California beside highway 178. For as many years as it's been sitting half buried in the ground, I think it still has a lot of character and color to show. A path has clearly been paved where others have come to peek inside the now non-existant windows. I have visited it quite a few times just so I can view and photograph this natural piece of art. If you ever have the opportunity to travel though this area, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to try and find this hidden treasure in the ground.

If you would like to purchase this photo, please visit etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography. You can also find me on facebook at facebook.com/shaidphotography. I invite you to like my page, look through my photos and share your thoughts! Your shares, comments, likes and follows are so important to me!

Photo Details:

Canon EOS 70D

Lens: 18-135mm

Focal Length: 18mm

Aperture: f/5.6

ISO: 100

Exposure: 1/400

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Flickr: flickr.com/photos/shaidphotography

500px: 500px.com/shaidphotography

Twitter: ShaidPhoto

email: shanna@shaidphotography.com

Touch Down

"Touch Down"

I've always loved looking out the window of an airplane while flying. The different view of our world astonishes me to no end. With that being said, I have spent countless hours while in flight trying to capture these special views of the planet. Out of every view, one I had never been able to save the one moment that I find most intriguing. Time and time again, when landing, I have listened, felt and watched as the airplane once again meets up with the ground. In that moment, you can truly see and feel the force that is used to make such travel possible. In the sky, you travel hundreds of miles per hour, and barely feel the motion at all, other than the occasional turbulence from the weather. Unknowingly, I had taken it upon myself to freeze that crucial moment in time. That moment when you're seat belt is fastened, your seats are in the upright position, and you descent. Suddenly, you are enveloped by the sheer strength of your speed you hardly noticed. Now I can finally say that I have Touch Down.

I invite you to view and like my page at facebook.com/shaidphotography. You can find all of my photos here, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

This photo is also available for purchase at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography.

Lake Erie Waves Hello

"Lake Erie Waves Hello"

Growing up on Lake Erie, I loved going to the beaches and swimming in the lake, riding the waves. Being young, I figured that's what all lakes looked like. Of course, now that I'm grown, I can fully understand why it truly is a Great Lake. Its size and beauty never cease to amaze me. I now live in an area that has a lake, although nothing like what I'm used to. In my eyes, the Great Lakes are like mini fresh water oceans. Especially when I'm reminded of the waves I used to ride when I was young. Any time I return home for a visit, I make sure to put some time aside so that I can return to the beaches I went to so often so that I can take in the beauty and wave hello back. Please follow me on facebook at facebook.com/shaidphotography. This photo is available for sale at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography.

Blowing Dirt

"Blowing Dirt"

I suppose it's a safe statement to say that I love a good brain teaser. Now, you may be asking "what on Earth does this have to do with this picture??" The best answer I can come up with, is that Mother Nature loves to show her mood with the weather. When she's mad, we have storms. When she's sad, she gives us rain, and so on. Then we have the days when it's as shown here. A beautiful, calm sunny day where everything seems perfect, when suddenly along comes her anger. I adore how weather works and how it looks. The wind is always an amazing thing to photograph, and I enjoy all of its wonder. If you like this photo, I invite and encourage you to visit (and perhaps like) my facebook page at facebook.com/shaidphotography. You can also find my photos for sale at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography.

Memories in the Pole

"Memories in the Pole"

I'll admit, as much as I understand their purpose, I'm not all that fond of posters stapled and taped all over a city. My reason is simply this: as much as they'll help sell an item or find a lost pet, the paper will most likely get ripped down and end up drifting around the city before ending up in a drain. That being said, this telephone pole captivated me. If it would have been possible, I could have stood there all day staring at the two inch deep blanket made from staples and poster corners. What had been there? How was it that this pole was able to bare such a collection? How old was this? Who had stood in my place at one time to either glance at this or add to it? My mind just about exploded with wonder and questions. I guess another person's trash really is another's treasure. I can remember that treasure forever. You can follow me on facebook at facebook.com/shaidphotography and order prints from etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography

Flying High

"Flying High"

I love to fly. Well, I love to be in an airplane when it's flying. I see so many people sitting in the plane reading, doing puzzles, watching a movie or sleeping, and I just can't do it! I'm drawn to the amazement and beauty I see while looking out the window. The clouds capture my attention with their crazy designs and breathtaking perfection. Whether they're faint and wispy, or huge marshmallows, they beckoned to be photographed. And so, they shall be. At least by me. I invite you to view, share and perhaps like my page at facebook.com/shaidphotography and if you'd like, it is available for purchase at etsy.com/shop/shaidphotography