Friday, February 22, 2013

[Focus on Life Week 8] Monochromatic

This is week 8 of Sally Russick's Focus on Life and the theme is MONOCHROMATIC.
I hardly use black & white and sepia in my photos so Sally really challenged me.  Both of these photos were edited using PicMonkey.  
Focus on Life Week 8
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia, 2012

This was taken in Sydney, Australia in 2011 during our family reunion. My husband and I took a Sydney harbour sunset cruise and it was amazing!  I particularly love this photo because it captures some of the iconic images of Sydney, New South Wales, and Australia:  the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in the background.   The bridge is also called "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design.  The bridge is open to tourists who are brave enough to climb it, such as Ms. Oprah in 2010.  My husband and I are working on our "height issues" so its not on our bucket list for now... or ever.

Focus on Life Week 8
I took this photo this week when I saw how the sun shined on the branches of this tree.  Its past mid February and these branches will soon turn green with life - not that it's "dead" now but it will spring with beauty pretty soon.

This exercise in monochromatic photography or editing inspired me to explore more.
I will try to take photos of people and portraits, play with light and such.

Now it's time to check out these LINKS.
Enjoy!

 Michelle  ♥

21 comments:

Cyndi J said...

The composition of the bridge photo is incredible. So beautiful. And how neat to see the opera house in the background. I'm with you on never climbing the bridge! The tree branches against the sky are so pretty.

brokenteepee said...

The Australia photo could be a post card.
The tree photo just sings with hope

AntiquityTravelers said...

WOW what a stunning photo of the bridge and opera house! And I'm with you and Cynthia ... there is just no reason I can think of to climb a bridge!? LOL

But I really love this bottom photo. Even tho it is black and white you can really feel the sun coming through the branches. Well done with this week's prompt!

Annette said...

What an incredible bridge photo! I love the tree photo. It's amazing how a tree can be so beautiful in the middle of February!

Islandgirl said...

I'm old enough that I have albums full of black and white photographs from family holidays. The stark contrast in your tree photo is lovely!

Claire said...

two very different images - both very powerful...
wonderful photography!

Adrienne said...

Stunning photos!

Mary K. McGraw said...

Your photo of the bridge is fantastic, I remember that episode of Oprah where they climbed the bridge. I am not sure I could do that.

Courtney Breul said...

Spectacular shots! The tree is great. :)

Tanya said...

Those are great shots. I love the contrast of. The light tree in the second one. That bridge shot is stunning.

Shel said...

Both shots are fantastic, but the bridge shot is amazing!!

Beti Horvath said...

Love the arch bridge, I took some shots in black and white of the tiny one by my house, but I am obsessed with that bridge, so no surprises there! And the light on the tree is just perfect.

Meeling said...

Great shots! The bridge gets so much contrast - love it!

(no. 43 this week)

A Polymer Penchant said...

I'm with you on the heights. not for me. I did get up the nerve to go parasailing once, just made the quick decision and went that day... that was the way to do it, no time to talk myself out of it. beautiful photos too

Becky Pancake said...

Your pics have great dimension and contrast. Thanx for sharing a part of the world I have never seen.

Unknown said...

Amazing how B&W can bring out what color loses at times. Fantastic pictures!

Lori P said...

Beautiful images! I'm with you. Height issues. :)

CraftyHope said...

Both of those shots are stunning, but your one in Australia is really breathtaking and simply amazing. Fabulous, fabulous picture.

Honey from the Bee said...

You have a real knack for composition. There's something about the tree photo that is mysterious. The bridge photo is wonderful.

Karen Williams said...

I can't decide which I like better. The composition of your bridge photo is stunning. But the light shines so beautifully through your tree. In both you have such a great play of light and dark.

LoriF said...

I'm very late this week, sorry Michelle! LOVE your photo of Sydney...whenever you like, I'll take your turn up on that bridge :-)
Can you IMAGINE the photos you'd get from up there??