Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, May 21, 2012

George's Fabulous Water Photos

On April 23, 2012,  George and I made a trip to the Smokies..   So far,  I've done 2 posts from that trip.  If you missed either of them,  click HERE  and/or HERE.   Today I'm going to blow my husband's horn (since he doesn't like to do it)...  I'm going to share some of George's pictures taken that day along the creek in those beautiful Smoky Mountains.

George and I both love photography.  However,  I'm not nearly as patient with my photography.  I take LOTS of pictures --hoping for a good one.  George, on the other hand,  is patient and works hard to get the PERFECT photo.  He reads and studies ALOT ---learning more and more about how to take really good photos...

Recently,  after taking a photography class,  he learned about a new FILTER --which he immediately ordered.   This is the filter he got:  Polaroid HD Multi-Coated Variable Range Neutral Density Filter.  Basically this filter darkens the scene so that he can use slower shutter speeds.   WELL----the filter is fabulous when doing water scenes.  The water looks like silk!!!!!   I just HAVE to show you some of George's beautiful water scenes today!!! Hope you enjoy them.  The pictures seem to get better and better,  the more he took them that day.  Be sure and click on the photos for enlargements.































I know I'm prejudiced ---but I truly don't think I've ever seen any water pictures that are much better than any of these.   I am so proud of my hubby!!!!!!  (I know this will embarrass him---but I just have to brag about him!!)  Hope you enjoyed George's photos today. All of the photos were taken along the creek at various places where we stopped and hiked.

Have a wonderful, terrific day!

Hugs,
Betsy

77 comments:

Ms. A said...

I'm truly enjoying George's new filter! I always wondered how people got shots like this. They ARE fabulous!

Beth said...

These are incredible and delightful, Betsy! Tell George I gave him a triple Wow!
I can see the degrees of fullness in the water flow---exceptional detail. Great filter! Thanks for sharing all this with us!

Nine more days of school plus one teacher's day. We are ALL counting! :>)

Big Dude said...

"George's Fabulous Water Photos" -I sure do agree with you.

Ruth Hiebert said...

George is an amazing photographer. If he doesn't brag about himself,somebody has to and it might as well be you. Some of the things you say about hime,like trying hard to get that perfect shot,so remind me about Jake and how he took pictures. Always striving for perfection.
Thanks for sharing these fabulous pictures.

~mel said...

You go girl ~ you brag up your man all you want! He's captured some FABULOUS, SPECTACULAR shots! As always, thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day :)

penny said...

So glad you posted Georges stunning shots of the silky water flowing over the moss covered rocks. The forest makes a beautiful background.

They are all first place blue ribbon winners and would make a great photo-book.
Thanks for sharing, Betsy.

Small Kucing said...

I am like you. I snap a lot of photos and hope for the best . In fact i used the multiple shots function in my camera to do that. Having an active boy, it's hard to tell him to stand still while waiting for me to snap his photo

Christine said...

Betsy these are very beautiful! I'm so glad you shared George's photos with us this morning!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You're right Betsy, George deserves the praise. These are gorgeous!

Connie said...

George's photos are beautiful, Betsy. That filter really makes a big difference. Thanks for sharing them. :)

Nava said...

Betsy---you are right--these are great!

From the Kitchen said...

Wonderful! I'm like you, Betsy--I take a lot of photos hoping one will come out and am surprised when it does.

Best,
Bonnie

MadSnapper said...

these are fantastic, not only does the water look like silk, but the clarity of the rocks with moss, looks like they are covered in velvet. stunning photos, all of them.

linda m said...

Thank you for posting those incredible photos. They look very professional - George did an excellent job! You have every right to brag and tell George I said the photos are the best I have ever seen - worthy of National Geographic.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos...really enjoyed you sharing George's water pics, Betsy.

Donna said...

Those are positively gorgeous! I am assuming that he also used a tripod for the longer exposure times.

A Colorful World said...

That filter is wonderful! It's perfect for water, and George is such a talented photographer. I always love his shots! You too!

Faye said...

Sometimes a fan has to take over the bragging when someone is too modest to "toot" his own horn! :-) And for sure these photos are brag worthy. I remember George's post when he introduced this new filter. And you're right--the water looks like spun silk and so beautiful against those big mossy creek rocks. I need to follow George's example and learn more about my camera.

Karin said...

Congrats to George for his fabulous water photos! They look like still life artwork! I particularly love the mossy rocks too! Thanks for sharing these and bragging on your hubby - well deserved!

TexWisGirl said...

that last one is especially beautiful. really nice job, george! i'm like you, betsy - i don't like to study. :)

I Am Woody said...

George is incredibly talented! But I think you are pretty talented as well. I have a tendency to go at my photography like you - I take a million pictures and keep my fingers crossed for a good one :)

RoeH said...

What do you do with a camera to get the water in that last photo to look like that. It's just beautiful. And really - you both need to move to Arizona and take photos and sell them to Arizona Highways magazine. They would take them.

Sylvia K said...

These are such superb captures and George is so good at photography!! I'm "point and shoot and hope for the best"! I do love water shots and these are awesome! Hope you both have a great week, Betsy!

Sylvia

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

George really does seem to have mastered the technique for good shots of flowing water. I find them difficult myself. Patience pays off.

Phillip said...

Great photos!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Makes one just want to jump or wade right in. Beautiful photographs! George did well. Have a super nice day!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Makes one just want to jump or wade right in. Beautiful photographs! George did well. Have a super nice day!

Hootin Anni said...

Stunning...every drop of cascading falls just dazzles the eyes today!!!

happyone said...

Wow that water is beautiful. The water looks so smooth like silk running over the rocks.

mudderbear said...

Betsy, Your life looks so peaceful and beautiful. I always envy you being out there in nature. The photos are awesome. I like that you point out the finer aspects of George's pictures so we can appreciate them even more than usual. They are very nice. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

Sandra said...

lovely photos! i always wondered how they did that, cool stuff.

joy said...

Wow and wow and amazing. I really admired your husband's photos. For me, I just begun reading the manual and not getting forward. There is so much thing to do, other stuf to read and write and do handcrafts and household chores in additoin to alomost full time job. But I do enjoying my life. So, I decided to enjoy looking pictures from other's gifted photographer like you and your beloved. maybe when I retire one day:)

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

George takes truly wonderful photos, Betsy! You should make a calender of these for Christmas gifts! I bet your home has these beautiful pics placed all over :)
Thanks for sharing, Betsy!
xo, misha

Susannah said...

Even the trees and the foliage stand out and are truly beautiful. These are incredible.

Friends,
Susannah

amelia said...

Wow!! These are truly stunning pictures Betsy!! Amazing, George is surely a great photographer!
I haven't been around much, still working on the house!

Unknown said...

The pictures are gorgeous Betsy! The water is like flowing...beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing :-)
Have a lovely day!

Hugs,
Eva

Sally Wessely said...

You have every reason to brag on George. These photos are amazing. I really love the way the water looks in these photos. Wow!

Anonymous said...

What amazing silky water in these pics. Sounds like a great filter. What a great job George!

KathyA said...

These photos are EXQUISITE!!!

KathyA said...

These photos are EXQUISITE!!!

Kay said...

They are all fantastic.I love the way you "soften" the water in all of them.

Neal said...

Yep, I've got to get some ND filters. I bought Allison a set for her birthday but I've never got any. I also need a decent tripod.
Those are beautiful pictures and the kind I want to take if I ever get the filters.

Ann said...

I would be bragging too. Those are amazingly beautiful shots. That's some filter he bought and he obviously knows his camera.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I am always in awe of Georges photos....and these do not disappoint. It is amazing how you change change the photo....but KNOWING what to do. One day, I will get better too. I hope!
xoxo

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Betsy, loving lady,
I am so glad to have found you in Blogland. You and your husband, George take wondrous pictures.
This group of great inspirational pictures taken by George are super fantastic.
I am sure the photography course has taught him tons of wisdom about great photography. He is very talented. I love the Smokey Mountains, and its scenery. You are a blessed couple to live there, and enjoy hiking and viewing such gorgeous creations of God. I'll invite you to join some of My Blogs, sweet dear friend, Betsy. I see that you have joined some of my online friends, but you haven't joined my wonderful blogs yet. Please, welcome aboard at anytime, Betsy sweetheart!!
God keeps blessing you, and those you love!!
All the best,
Poet Starry.

Glenda said...

Beautiful, soothing pics! George deserves some recognition for these and other wonderful pics!

Grandma Bonnie said...

The photos are amazing. I must agree. I don't think I have seen better water photos. The creek looks very inviting.

Sharon said...

You can brag all you want! He deserves it. But you can tell him he's making me homesick for my mountains!

LV said...

You both are excellent photographers. I have not seen a bad shot of anything. Just wish I had the privilege of going and enjoying these places like you do. Keep it up.

Chatty Crone said...

You might be prejudiced - but you are honest - his photos were great. I loved the first one with all the little curves and the ones with the mists off them, and I loved the last one. He got some great perspectives. You both are good! love, sandie

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Those are awesome. I want to be able to do that some day.

Tracy said...

Betsy, I love all of them and good for you for tooting George's horn...I think my favorite is the last one...looks like I want to jump right inside the blanket of white...

Carletta said...

I'm sold - let me write that filter name down. :)
The last one is my favorite - it fulfills the fairytale story. :)

Lynn said...

Hi Betsy, Yes these are incredible shots. Yes, the water does look like silk and those moss covered rocks. Does he enter contests? By the way Terry introduced me to my first SLR way back when we were dating. He loves it, but it has become my passion and he is analytical, plays by the "rules", and like George takes one or two really great shots while I am taking 50! Seriously. Also, I have "visions" of exactly what I want, which is why we are always turning around, stopping, because I just have to get the "feeling" in a photo. He simply does not have this gift, nor I his gift for being more of "real" professional photographer. We learn from each other and our differences like in every other aspect of our marriage, enrich, not divide us. Thank goodness for digital cards. Thank you for sharing your hubby gorgeous photos and bragging about him. I also see that his daughter is a professional photographer. Like father, like daughter. Nice.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my GOODNESS!!! I am so glad I decided to visit and see what I missed today. These are AWESOME!!!!! And I cannot even remember the name of this lens gizmo or pronounce it, much less be smart enough to put it to use like this. These are literally dreamy...a word I don't use much but it really fits here.

Rohrerbot said...

Betsy, thanks for sharing his work! He has done an incredible job capturing these water shots. I love it. I'm still working on those shots. You need a steady hand:) Share with him please that they are amazing. Enjoy your Tuesday tomorrow:) Me:)

Serenity Cove said...

Those are absolutely fabulous. I want to learn how to take pictures like that but I need a place to practice on. Great job George!!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Betsy these are seriously beautiful photographs, perhaps George might give thought to submitting his work to some well known photographic magazines or nature magazines. Really enjoyed this!

Arkansas Patti said...

Wow, those are awesome. What a great effect. You have every right to brag. I always admire those types of pictures and am always disappointed when what I see doesn't turn up in my photos.
Sadly, I am too lazy to put in the work needed for great photography so I will just enjoy some one who does put in the work. Way to go George. Be proud.

NatureStop said...

Betsy, Georgedefinitely deserves the praise...They are awesome!!!Thanks for sharing!have a great day.

Shantana

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I think George should get all kinds of accolades for these wonderful photos! Beautiful work, George!!
And thanks for sharing his work with us, Betsy.
Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

I DID enjoy George's water pictures. That filter works very well for him!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE that smokey water effect & have tried & tried to do it, but had no idea a filter was required! THANK YOU, BETSY for this post!!! OMGosh, last summer I tried taking pic after pic after pic to get that effect & they were all too bright to see anything... i followed all kinds of tutorials & not one of them said anything about a filter!

YOU ROCK, Betsy! Thank you!

Lady Di Tn said...

Beautiful. You got a real keeper in George. Peace

carolina nana said...

Those pictures look like paintings.They are so pretty they need to be framed and hung on a wall.What kind of filter is he using?
Blessings
Marilyn

JDS said...

Those are absolutely fabulous. Describing how the flowing water looks would require so many adjectives that the writing would sound ridiculous! We hope to return to the Smokies in July and/or November this year, and though I won't be able to duplicate those photos I will do my best to take good ones!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Wow...just W.O.W.!!! These are just absolutely gorgeous!

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Those are absolutely gorgeous!! Breath taking! Stunning! WOW!

Travel Quest said...

Hi Betsy we finally made it to Smokies! :) it was an amazing experience. Wish to come back again soon. Your hubby's photos are great anyway. hugs Leah

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Your photos (or Georges) are beautiful as usual. The water before falling in Falls, looks like a ribbon.. Amazing.
I could see the Smoky Mountains from our house.. They are magnificent. xx

SquirrelQueen said...

I definitely enjoyed seeing George's water photos today. The slower speed really gives the water a silky texture. I like all those mossy rocks too!

Cheqna said...

Wow Betsy, they truly are amazing, I love seeing all of it...good investment there by George.

Thank you for sharing the photos..and I for one am glad you brag about this..hehe.

I'm trying to learn to be patient too in taking photos but like you I'd take lots and hope one at least will turn out right.. :-)

Mary said...

Beautiful photos! George did a great job with them.

Ashwini said...

Amazing photos!!! Great work !!

Jeevan said...

Absolutely stunning and marvelous photographs!! I’m a follower of George in his blog and I enjoy his interest on photos and they are all wonderful. The creek is picturesque...

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Wow....gotta check this filter out....wait...won't do me any good, not waterfalls around here......I'll just have to enjoy George's gorgeous work!!!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

There is something very fascinating about waterfalls. I think it's the combination of the visual and the auditory stimulation combo.
These are gorgeous.