Thursday 8 April 2010

Sun, shadows and Contre-jour



The early sun shining through the tiny new leaves of this bush caught my eye at breakfast time! They looked such a gorgeous red. So when I took the dog out, I took my camera with me. Which can get a bit awkward as I find I haven't enough hands!




The daffodils on our patio looked lovely - they are a very early miniature variety and look great in the blue trough, which I don't think you can see properly.




In the park, the shadows on the roots of the beech tree by the stream looked wonderful and contrasty!



The light on the water through the railings attracted me, as did....



A very smart mallard drake. The ducks have nearly all paired up now, and waddle around the park looking for good nest sites. One came into our garden yesterday, but didn't stay. I'm rather glad, actually, as I don't think any eggs would have stood a chance with cats, squirrels, magpies and crows around!



On the way back, I saw that the ornamental cherry tree buds were swelling up. It won't be long before we have some glorious blossom again!




And when I got home the sun was still streaming in through the windows. This lovely glass jug looks fantastic when the light shines through it. I don't think I have done it justice! I am rather fond of it, as it was presented to me when I left work for another job, ooh, must have been nearly 40 years ago!





And lastly, the sun through our glass ball, which I have 'blogged' before, but always deserves another outing!

I enjoyed that trip with my camera, the early light is always much more interesting to me than the midday sun, high in the sky, and making for a flat photo! And at this time of the year I don't have to get up horribly early for it, either!

10 comments:

KathyA said...

Lovely photos and a very lovely day! The water under the drake looks like velvet!

theMuddledMarketPlace said...

ooooh lovely jug!

kenju said...

Wonderful photos, Gilly. I love the tree roots and the colored glass.

Hollace said...

So much beauty surrounds us, doesn't it? But you have to have your eyes open to see it. You always seem to, even in unexpected things. Isn't sunshine encouraging?!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

All of the pictures are wonderful. I think my favorite is the mallard drake. Glad you took your camera on your walk.

VioletSky said...

Love that pitcher! Do you use it?
I hope you get to see lots of goslings

Cloudhands said...

I love your play with light and shadows, the reflections and the textures. Along with others I was delighted by the pink glass and the tree roots. You have a good eye for the fun pictures.

Maria said...

What a great day you must have had walking and snapping photos of the beauty of the season! Looks like Spring has really sprung

Friko said...

thank you for taking me on walk in the Spring sunshine. I hope the dog gave you enough space to enjoy it at leisure.
Isn't it wonderful that winter's back finally seems broken? I can't get enough time out there.

Diane said...

You have a great eye for a photo Gilly. Your vase looks great - that was a lovely leaving present. What did you used to do for a job?xx