Houston in Black & White

BUDDLEIA SEED PODS

2012-02-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

I got a new butterfly bush for the garden and snipped off the old seed pods. They were quite delightful.

David/:-)

...AND THE JOURNEY BEGINS...AGAIN

2012-01-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

It has been one year since I joined Dragonstar at The Weekend in Black & White. I've found someway or other to post without ever missing.....52 weeks in a row!

My goal was to improve my skills and to enjoy the wonderful photos of others.

It's been a profoundly moving experience and a year I will never forget.

This second year will be different in a number of ways.

First, I will not be able to post each week. My job and my family need my time in ever increasing doses.

Secondly, I've outgrown my poor little camera.

I need a new one to continue this journey.

I don't like to say I need a 'real' camera.

Perhaps a serious camera would be a better term.

My greatest joy is nature macros, so if anyone has a special camera or lens they'd like to tell me about or recommend,

I'm all EYES!

Thanks to all for such a wonderful, warm welcome, kind comments, and continued friendship.

David/ Houston B&W

2011 BEST SHOTS

2012

This week's photo: " The Journey Begins....Again"

Thanks for stopping by,

David/ :0)

RISKY BUSINESS: A MONOCHROME BLOOM DAY & FOLIAGE FOLLOW-UP

2012-01-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Black & White Photos for a Garden Bloom Day? Risky business indeed!

This month I am putting my Garden Blogger's Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-up post on my monochrome photography blog. Hope you enjoy the change of pace. Black & White photography strips away all the glitter and glitz and really makes the photographer concentrate on form and light. Now on with the show of flowers & foliage:

Loquat leaves both new and old...I love their edges.

A metaphor:

A poor poinsettia left behind after the holidays sees a hint of green through the curtains.

Unknown Aloe species in bloom today.

Honey bee coming in for a landing...

"Houston...the ~~Eagle~~ Bee has landed. " (famous NASA quote)

Tweedia caerulea (every garden should have a fun name to say)

Agave weberi.... a smoooooooooth agave

Miscanthus seed fluff.

Twinkle, twinkle, little seed...a little wind is all you need. Woosh...and they'll be gone.

Setcreasea purpurea green form (...as if you needed to know that for a monochrome...LOL)

close-up of Setcreasea flower

Lantana still in bloom!

Asclepius curassavica with two ants

Shrimp plant still in bloom.

More feathery Miscanthus

...and more!

Tweedia caerulea seeds getting ready for take off.

Shake the pod and out they come!

My favorite thing to show you...although it's not for bloom day OR for foliage. Still, it's here in the January garden and so very fun to watch.

Kapow! An explosion of life.

...and the journey begins...

Visit my garden blog, Tropical Texana, for some color versions.

http://tropicaltexana.blogspot.com/

And my sincere thanks to:

Carol at May Dreams Gardens...our monthly garden host of GBBD

Pam at Digging...our monthly host of Foliage Follow-up

and Dragonstar...our weekly host of Weekend in Black & White

Thanks for stopping by and being kind enough to view a bloom day in MONOCHROME!

David/:0)

MY TROPICAL GARDEN

2012-01-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

Here in Houston. I love to garden.

For more black and white photos that will grow on you, visit Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/ :0)

DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM TOOL KIT

2012-01-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

I was struck by how these tools looked as if they were ready to jump up at a moment's notice and dance about. Perhaps they come to life late at night in the little jewelry shop. These are the fascinating tools used by my friend Sam as he handcrafts his own jewelry. He's quite good at it.

For more fun photos, visit our host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

thanks for stopping by,

David/ :0)

FLOWER MUSIC FANTASY

2011-12-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

I was going through my photos today and found this one from March. These
azaleas bloom every March here in Houston. The parts of the flower remind me of musical notes on a staff. I like the way they repeat on the flowers behind the front one. It has a nice rhythm.

For more, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ David/ :-)

QUIET MOMENT

2011-12-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Way out in the country, in the little Danish farm community of Danevang, Texas, we celebrate Christmas together at the community center.

There are lots of people there dancing around the Christmas tree and singing. If we stomp our feet, Santa will come!

On that night, I always go outside for a moment to be alone by this window.

I come from a place with 70 people and now live in a city of 2.6 million.

It's nice to go back to the country.

.... there are stars floating by on this quiet night.

For more, see Dragonstar, our host throughout the year,

at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!

David/

TWO BIRDS & A LINE

2011-12-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Daddy bird and Mama bird are in a parking lot.

What are they saying? Let's imagine:

Dad: "Honey, what's this LINE doing here? "

Mom: "Line? Line? Who cares about a line! There's car coming right at us!"

david/ :-)

THISTLE GEOMETRY

2011-12-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

I love finding designs in Nature. So much detail in a single plant. Why?

This one was on the sand bar along the Colorado River in Wharton County, Texas

BACK TO MY HOME ALONG THE RIVER

2011-12-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

Long ago, I passed this river everyday on my way to school. It is like an old friend and I've finally had a chance to return for a photo.

David/ :-)

The Colorado River near Wharton, Texas

BRASS HORN

2011-12-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

Example of music from this instrument (this is not me~I just wish I sounded half this good) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoqAe-v3LTg&feature=autoplay&list=ULPPs6qhoqcOk&lf=mfu_in_order&playnext=1

and another masterpiece if you want to hear more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds7Dw79bod0&feature=autoplay&list=ULLH886hOot7Y&lf=mfu_in_order&playnext=3

It's not as popular here in America as in Europe, but I'm part of a brass band. We play each Christmas and I love it. This is a detail of my Euphonium. The most famous Euphonium players are in England and I'm quite a fan. To see some visual music, tune in to our host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

David/ :-)

ABSTRACT EXCITEMENT!

2011-12-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be a bit mysterious this time and let you guess what this is.

It's filled with EXCITEMENT!

For more excitement, visit our super host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh...and the answer is below. Please scroll down a bit.

Merry Christmas!

David/ :-)

IN A SINGLE NIGHT

2011-12-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

Sansevieria subspicata

This is from my garden and tonight the flowers all bloomed at the same time. As with many night blooming species, the fragrance was so overpowering (in a bad way!) that we had to take it outdoors.

For more surprises (in a good way), visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

David/ :-)

MIRABILIS

2011-11-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

Mirabilis means miracle in Spanish.

This is a seed from one of the plants in my garden. It's called a Four O'Clock, but its Latin name is Mirabilis jalapa. To a gardener, a seed is always miraculous. I like this photo because the natural light in the garden gave the leaves and seed a glowing effect. It was a nice surprise. Photography is full of surprises, isn't it?

For more surprises, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstart, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/ :-)

HOT PEPPERS & A TOMATILLO

2011-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed taking this one. I was attracted to the shine of the peppers and the unusual features of the tomatillo.

The tomatillo (round fruit) is used here in Texas and in Mexico for green chili sauces.

The serrano peppers are even hotter than our usual jalapeno peppers.

You can tell Houston cooking is highly influenced by the spices of Mexico.

For more spicy photos, visit our host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by. David/ :-)

PATHWAY

2011-11-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

I was fascinated by this vine arbor at a Christian retreat center in Round Top, Texas. It was the only way into this beautiful garden.

In a way, it reminded me of the old covered bridges you see up in rural New England or Ohio.

To journey through more black and white photos, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/ :-)

CRYSTAL CLEAR

2011-11-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

The cold weather this week reminded me of the rare ice storm we had last winter. This is a milkweed pod from my garden with a topping of ice. The air was crystal clear that morning and the wind perfectly still, so this little image turned out quite sharp and I was pleased.

For more sharp photos and very sharp photographers, visit our gracious host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/ :-) Houston B&W

WEDDING RING

2011-10-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's our anniversary this week and Melanie & I have been married 28 years. I struggled with this photo and retook it over 20 times at different angles. The photo is just like marriage. In the same way, we have to work at it all the time. It's not giving to each other 50%-50%, but instead 100%/100%. We're happy and we face our problems together as one.

Visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ for more black and white wonders!

David & Melanie :-)

FEATHER

2011-10-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is from one of our 5 chickens. It's interesting how different feathers can look when magnified.

For more photos, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the weekend.

David/ :-)

JUST FOR FUN ~ LAUGH IN BLACK & WHITE

2011-10-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break this week from a 'serious' post to bring you this!

This was on a row filled with only black and white objects. It was quite fun to snap a black and white photo of a black and white display.

I had to laugh. :-)

Black & White, Black & White....I felt so at home on this aisle!

For more fun-filled fotography, visit our gracious host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Happy Weekend.

David :-)

THE UKULELE PLAYER

2011-10-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Our younger son, Alex, is quite the musician. To most older people like myself, the ukulele is just a toy.

But as I've listened and learned I now know that it is a serious musical instrument capable of the most beautiful music.

I wish I could include a music clip of my son's ukulele music, but I'm not quite there on embedding such things.

Instead, I can include a clip of the most famous of all ukulele players; IZ of Hawaii singing and playing on a white sandy beach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_YfyKahP-0&feature=related

Maybe you could play it while you visit our most gracious host Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks! David/ :-)

DANCING STORM CLOUDS

2011-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

"The Light and the Dark"

I picked this one because of all the various shades of fractocumulus clouds and their ballet of movement.

The storms all across the state this week are giving us hope that the drought might be losing its long, powerful grip.

"The Scout Clouds"

I picked these for their ominous tone against those wispy white upper clouds.

Scout Clouds are the low set of clouds that rush along the front of a storm.

This storm swept through Katy,Texas bringing hail and 60mph winds.

For more photos that 'dance' their way into our group, visit our gracious host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/ :-)

THE SEED

2011-09-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

On its way to a new beginning...

To get a grasp on more fine photos, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

David/ :-)

SIGNS

2011-09-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

They're not the scary kind from the sci-fi thriller, just some artsy signs outside the Menil Collection

here in Houston, Texas

For more 'signs' of beautiful photography, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

David/ :-)

ABSTRACTION: PATTERNS ON THE WALL

2011-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Patterns On the Wall"

It's rare that an abstract photo haunts me, but the tonal range and movement and textures all converged on our living room wall one afternoon. I tried to put an empty frame around it, but by the time I got back, it was gone.

For more off the wall photos, or in my case ON the wall photos, visit our gracious host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by. David/ :-)

SOMEBODY WAS HUNGRY

2011-09-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

I found this leaf on the sidewalk just blowing around.

Life is full of surprises. :-)

For more wild shots, visit our host Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

ROYERS CAFE

2011-08-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look like a fun place to eat? It's in tiny Round Top, Texas. I've been by dozens of times and can you believe I've never been inside! The food is supposed to be seriously delicious.

For more delicious morsels of the visual kind, visit our host Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

David/ :-)

CRACK IN THE DOOR

2011-08-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

I was the last one out of the planning room at school and in the dark. I didn't mind; there were over 80 kindergarteners on the other side!

I turned the image on the side because I couldn't resist the laser look. Notice the one piece of popcorn on the floor.

For more creative images, walk through the door to Dragonstar, our host. She's waiting for you! :-)

http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

DROUGHT

2011-08-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's impossible to show the misery associated with a drought. Here in Texas, there are untold numbers of farmers selling off their cattle, deciding to plow up their fields, or watching their small pond dry up.

We were one of those that had one or two extra rainfalls this year and managed to make a cotton crop. We have an excellent farmer that manages our farm with careful soil & water conservation in mind. This is our farm in Danevang, Texas. We called this year the miracle year.

For more stories through photos, visit our host Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/

JUST FOR FUN ~ I'M ' WORKING' ON THIS PICTURE

2011-08-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

I guess what I'm working on is this: if you take a nice photo of a painting, is it now a photo or is still a painting? Maybe it's not as black and white as I suppose. Perhaps it's in that gray area. This is from the McNay Museum of Modern Art in San Antonio.

Inside the galleries

"Geometry"

I especially enjoy this one since it was by a pane of windows. Capturing the windows behind this 'see through' art makes it even more 3 dimensional. This was my favorite to photograph.

The outside of the museum

Finally some surrealism: Waiting across from my wife and the decapitated art guard.

I was so impressed with the place, I've made a tab at the top of my photo blog. Please go take a look. It was quite refreshing to find that this museum allows photography (no flash) in all of its permanent collections. The geometry of the 1920s is still fresh and exciting. To find more excitement, visit our host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/ :-)

FLOATING DUCKWEED

2011-07-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

It's not the easiest thing to capture. The camera wants to focus on everything BUT the tiny duckweed.

I liked the rhythm & diagonal movement on top of the water. This is our garden pond while it was raining here in Houston.

Hope you can float on over to our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by. David/ :-)

Meadow With Rocks

2011-07-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Garden of the Gods ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

These red sandstone megaliths are upwards of 100 feet tall. I love the texture of the grass with the dark junipers and jagged rocks etching the sky. To see more cool, calm, and ~~colorful~~..better than colorful images, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by. David/ :-)

PASSION FLOWER

2011-07-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Our most dramatic native flower, passion vine grows along fences here in Texas. When you come up on one suddenly, the thought occurs that this must be an alien life form.

For more surprises, visit our gracious host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com

David/ :-)

THE LAST TOMATO

2011-07-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

A very famous photographer once said, "If you don't like surprises, you should never be a photographer."

That's true of this photo. On a simple trip to the kitchen I saw this luxurious vine. Have you ever had something beg to have its picture taken?

Visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ to see photographers and the fruits of their labors. Thanks. David/ Houston B&W :-)

FORBIDDEN PLANET

2011-06-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

This is brain coral from my classroom. As I set it up, it looked much like an alien landscape. To visit the wonderful world of photography, zoom over to our out of this world host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

By the way, I got the title from the 1956 sci-fi movie Forbidden Planet, still a classic worth viewing for all you die hard sci-fi fans. Thanks for visiting. David/ :-)

FAMILY CAT

2011-06-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is our family cat, Pepper, held by wife Melanie. I caught him at just the right moment before he jumped to the floor.

For more fun, visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by. David/ :-)

THE WALL

2011-06-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

This giant wall and roof had all the right elements for a nice shot in our museum district. The fine foliage textures juxtaposed with the solid wall; the dark to light to dark elements; the sun rays all moving towards my son, Alex, and his friend are reasons to add this photo to this week's Weekend in Black & White. Plus, it's Father's Day so I thought it would be nice to include one of my two sons in a picture.
To see more, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by.
David/ :-)

AFTER THE FEAST

2011-06-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Painters of long ago had such a fascination with painting tables filled with food. After my best friend's 30th wedding anniversary, I was drawn to this table next to the window. The diffused lighting made the whole scene almost surreal. It's more about the shapes than what makes up the shapes.

And don't worry...they bagged up all these grilled veggies and took them home afterwards with nothing wasted.

Ready for more of a feast? Then visit our host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ and feast your eyes on monochromes from all over the globe.

Thanks for stopping by.

David/ :-)

M.C. Escher Reflections

2011-06-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by a little book filled with M.C. Escher (1898-1972) woodcuts. He loved to play with perspective much to the delight of his viewers. This photo is unremarkable until turned upside-down. Then it becomes a visual pun as the trees appear to go up a hill. Study the photo for awhile and you'll see what I mean....the reflection is on the top. Hope you like it.

To see more, visit our host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by or by for stopping Thanks.

David/ :-)

Here's the book jacket. It's a small pocket-sized book with lithographs & woodcuts.

A WHEEL NICE PLACE

2011-05-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

My wife had to pick up her broken bike at Blue Line Bike shop and I just happened to see a 'wheel' nice chance to take a photo. Just as I was looking "a round" the place, this image 'spoke' to me. So, I put it "in gear" and snapped the image. Are you 'tired' of these puns? Well, 'cruise' on over to our host, Dragonstar, at http://www.blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ for other thoughtful images.

David :-)

BELOW: The original meat counter adds a quirky feel to the place. This was once a local food store in the Heights.

IN MEMORY OF THE WHEAT CROP

2011-05-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

Our first agricultural casualty of this terrible drought was reported this week by Reuter's News Service. The Texas Winter wheat crop is a near total loss. We provide 5 to 10% of the wheat grown in our country.

This is a phtoto of one of the other 560 species of grasses found here in Texas. I found it along the side of the road in Katy, Texas.

For more thoughtful photos, visit our wonderful host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Thanks for visiting. Maybe we'll get rain soon.

David/

SUMMER FUN AT NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS

2011-05-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

New Braunfels, Texas is famous for the spring fed Comal River, the Guadalupe River, and the Schlitterbahn water park. I really enjoyed taking this photo. It conjures up all the memories of floating down a cool, shady river on a hot summer day. Plus, I like the texture variations of the trees with those smooth tubes.
To float through some more fine photos, visit our wonderful host Dragonstar at http://www.blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

MOTH WINGS

2011-05-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

I found this moth on our back porch one night this week. It is the Giant Leopard Moth found in our area. It is actually black and white, so it was a natural choice. We are celebrating Mother's Day here in the U.S. today, so please forgive me for this next pun....the only time I can say Happy MOTHer's Day. :-)
Visit our host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ for more great photos.
David/

UNFURLING

2011-04-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

This daisy fleabane grows in our front yard each Spring. It's not so remarkable, except when caught unfurling its dozens of petals. Visit our host, Dragonstar, at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ to see more fine photos unfurl! David/

A GOOSE IN THE COOTS

2011-04-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the expression a horse of a different color? I like this fun photo...perhaps a fowl of a different color? She came to see what was happening in the "black duck section" of the lake while we were there. The black ducks are called American coots hence the catchy title. To see this week's fine photos, visit our host Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/
....And Happy Easter! :-)
David/ Houston B&W

NATURAL SCIENCE

2011-04-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

This is a collection of natural objects in a basket in my classroom. I really enjoyed capturing the different textures. Pictured are seashells, three types of acorns including our largest, the bur oak, and in the middle a scale off of a cardboard cycad I grow in my garden.
Visit Dragonstar for more textures and great photos at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ .

JESTER STREET BIKE BRIDGE

2011-04-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

JESTER STREET BIKE BRIDGE ~ HOUSTON TEXAS ~ Shadow Shot Sunday

This is a fun bridge for cyclists...and for shadows.

Visit http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/ for more. David/ :-)

P.S. Thanks to my friend, Dimple, for telling me about this group.

THISTLE BUD

2011-04-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Found this along the highway near Victoria, Texas. I'm glad I've never tripped and fallen on one of these.

Thistles are quite common in some parts of Texas. I wonder if the thistles of England are a different species.

Visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ for more.

JUST FOR FUN ~ WHEN PIGS FLY

2011-03-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be back with 'serious' photography next week. Right now, enjoy the metal creatures! LOL

In this country, April 1st is a day for playing tricks on others. We call it April Fools Day. Everyone has a good laugh. And I hope this photo makes you laugh as well. These giant metal pigs and a rooster were standing guard in front of an antique shop on Westheimer Blvd in the Montrose area while my wife and I rode past on our bicycles. Please bike on over to our host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ for more.
David/ Houston Texas

VAN GOGH, CAR GO, ME GO

2011-03-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving the Museum of Fine Arts, I was intrigued with framing Van Gogh between moving cars.

It took some time, but here's the shot. I also wanted to show a night shot of our beautiful museum here in Houston.

We are temporarily housing the National collection of 50 French Impressionist paintings from the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. while they refurbish the galleries. They're here for the next couple of months.

It's a beautiful exhibit. To see another beautiful exhibit, visit our host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

David/

Remembering Japan

2011-03-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Lotus is the symbol for rebirth. This one had washed ashore.

My family's prayers are with the people of this country.

Dragonstar http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Aprivate note: I struggled with the idea of having a wave in the image, but finally decided to show a tiny portion on the retreat. So many go to the beach to relax, but it's hard for me to relax anywhere. I'm sure a lot of us feel this way at the moment. David/

Duck, Duck, Goose!

2011-03-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

We were feeding the ducks at Hermann Park when this beautiful goose glided by. The feathers were so distinctive that I thought it would be perfect for a black & white photo.
To see the whole collection, visit our wonderful host Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ . Thanks for stopping by!
David/ Houston :0)

THE CONVERSATION

2011-03-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

This has got to be one of the coolest buildings in Houston. It's the Glassell School of Art next to the Museum of Fine Arts in the Museum District. The glass walls & reflections surrounding the people captured my imagination. It was a fun shot.

Please visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ to see the rest of this week's collection.

Thanks for stopping by. David/ Houston B&W

SEED POD

2011-02-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

I found this mysterious seed pod in my garden last week on one of the garden paths. I thought it was crossvine or even trumpet vine, but neither match my books. I guess it will remain a mystery.
Visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ to view more.

OLD RICE MILL ~ KATY, TEXAS

2011-02-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have driven by this small town icon for the past 30 years and never stopped to take a photo...until now. It's funny how you can see something so often that you never think that others might like to see it as well.

Tree Along The Massive Walls

Visit our host Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ to view the whole collection.
Thanks for stopping by. David/

QUICK STUDY ~ CLOUDSCAPE #1, #2, and #3 WEST OF THE CITY

2011-02-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm trying cloudscapes every now and then. The perfect one will have rhythm, dark and light contrasts, a nice ground scene and movement along with an interesting pattern. The first one has an interesting pattern and contrast. I can't wait to get down to the beach and try some. There's also the Katy Prairie west of town. That would be nice, especially with flocks of geese across the skies.

This is my start for learning about cloudscapes. The cloud has a nice shape and visual balance. The tree at the left gives the viewer a feel for the enormity of the cloud floating by.

The unusual angle gives the eye some visual excitement as it searches the borders for clues. The clouds have an ominous feel that almost seems like a scene from an Alfred Hitchcock movie. There are even birds.

A beautiful sunset with a lighted set of buildings adding interest and contrast. I much prefer an all natural scene, but that would be a long drive west of the city.

West of the City near Brookshire, Texas

ICE DOWN SOUTH

2011-02-10T18:53:00.000-08:00

It's so rare to get ice down here in Houston. So when I woke up to this winter wonderland, I grabbed my camera and started shooting. Speaking of a wonderland, go on over to Dragonstar for the entire collection at
http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ .

Top: Sago Palm Middle: Agave leaves Bottom: Bicycle seat

To see abstract ice images....see the post below. :0) David

QUICK STUDY ~ ICE IN THE RAINBARREL ABSTRACTIONS

2011-02-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

A rare ice storm and 4 days of freezing temps caused my rain barrel to freeze. I worked with light and dark and pleasing shapes and I'm posting two of the nicer shots.

The Strange new world of Sycamore tree balls

2011-02-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

"Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the USS Kamera. It's 5 year mission, to explore strange worlds and new civilizations. To boldy go where no one has gone before. "
~Star Trek quote

....to boldly view this week's black and white photography and to explore this strange new world, please visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ May the Fstop be with you.
David/

Quick Study ~ Wild Buildings of Houston

2011-02-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

"I always keep my foot a little in the door, to let chance come in, pilfer something, or bring something I hadn't thought of. " ~ Robert Doisneau French photographer 1912~1994

Sometimes you just have to enjoy the patterns more than thinking 'this looks messed up'. Took it while moving...at night...wrong ISO...wrong angle...still it's that wild IMPRESSIONISM that can sometimes bring more enjoyment than perfection. For instance, speaking of perfection, I've taken 31 shots of a bar of soap in a soapdish and still not been happy. LOL

Wild Building in Houston Texas

David/

White Cocoon on Twig

2011-01-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

While trimming some tree limbs, our son found this white cocoon. It's well made and I'm certain to see the resident this Spring.

Which reminds me, don't stay wrapped up in your own cocoon. Instead, get out and visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

to see the latest in emerging photography.

David/ :0)

QUICK STUDY ~ WIRE MFG. BLDG in the HOUSTON HEIGHTS

2011-01-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

I like the angles on this old building. These buildings are now being being torn down and replaced by modern homes. Update: As of January, 2012, they are gone. I'm glad I took pictures!

Anhinga Tree

2011-01-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

The anhinga is a shore bird very similar to a cormorant. The Spanish moss hanging on the tree is found along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

To see this week's entries, visit Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Notes on the photo: This tree looks like it is out in swamp or wildlife preserve when actually it is near the lake at Hermann Park in central Houston. The shape of the tree with all of its elements reminds me of a haiku poem. This type of water bird has none of the negative connotations that a tree full of vultures might have. In fact, it's almost comical that a large bird with webbed feet can sit in a tree! I wanted the scene to look mysterious but not haunted. David/

Quick Study ~ Rainy winter scene in Houston

2011-01-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

"Waiting in the Car Outside the Spice Store"

Background: the liquid tone of this picture just kept haunting me. Should I take the quick snapshot? Should I wait until someone with an umbrella walks by? Maybe next time. Maybe never. I think the circles of light inside the store keeps it fresh. Still, a person with a dark umbrella would be so much better. David/

Welcome to Houston in Black & White ~ Monochrome Photo Blog

2011-01-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

The Discovery Table in My Classroom ~ Ocean Theme

Visit our host, Dragonstar at http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ to see this week's fine collection.

Background & Personal Notes: I had originally thought I'd post a weekly black and white photo on my other color blog, but after viewing it, it didn't seem the right context. Checked out all of the monochrome blogs this weekend and really enjoyed them. This will be the home of my black and white weekly photos.

Notes on the photo: After posting my top pick (the CAT) on my other blog, I was left with deciding what my #2 photo of the week would be. As I was closing down my classroom for the weekend and after turning off the lights, I noticed the blinds were tilted down instead of up. I went over to fix them and noticed the table of shells. I try to avoid posed pictures, but too much of the desk was showing. I pushed the shells together and had already determined in my heart that whatever happened, happened. As it stands, the single layer of shells and such are nice, but there is one white shell that's 'hanging' on top of the others. Everytime I view this shot, I want to flip this shell over. It's to the lower right of the starfish. I guess it gives the photo unresolved tension..which is good in a way.

My plan is to do something very different each weekend. So next week outdoor, not indoor; long range, not short range, big picture, not vignette. Moving life, not still life. I'm 52 and just starting out on this long awaited photo adventure. This will be my most challenging blog of the three. David/