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The Sun, Flying Fish, and Life Beams

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I do not recommend anyone taking a photograph as I did with this image.  I was blinded, friends, unable to see the light meter at all as I peered into my camera to focus on shooting this scene set out before me.  After every shot I took I had to put my camera in shade, wait until I could see, look at the viewfinder in order to determine what to do next,  made some adjustments all without really knowing how the image would turn out, (my brain was working at double speed!) and then go back to shooting directly into the sun.  I did this several times until I got the desired effect I was going after.

Holding the camera with one hand I took this picture while my other hand was up blocking out the sun’s light.  Let me see if I can clearly explain this to you.  I crossed over my right arm with my left arm (behind my camera) and then holding my hand up towards the sun I moved it to get it to the exact position needed to keep the sun from hitting my camera directly. And I had to do this so that my hand was not seen in the photograph.  Got that?  That takes coordination and strong hands.  My camera with lens weighs six pounds.  Yes, I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I dare you to try what I just explained here.  And then keep that camera and lens steady without movement while you are attempting to shoot an image you cannot even see properly.  (smile)

The sun’s rays on the water took my breath away as I found myself staring and staring as if hypnotized.  I was determined to position my hand perfectly in order for the rays of the sun to be seen in the proportion I wanted them to be seen.  And I succeeded!!  This image is also very underexposed so that is why it looks as though it is near twilight when in actuality this was taken in broad daylight in blinding light.  I really pushed my limits with this one and broke every rule in photography by shooting directly towards the sun.  Aren’t you glad I did?  I sure am!! I could look at this all day long!!!  And please don’t miss the flying fish!

Photography/ “The Sun, Flying Fish, And Life Beams” 2015©AmyRose
@www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com

Photography taken with Canon 50D at Chestnut Ridge County Park on 12-11-15.

114 thoughts on “The Sun, Flying Fish, and Life Beams”

    1. Jodi, this took my breath away as well. I took time to just sit and look out over this “lake” … it is actually called a pond … and just merged into the moment. I really and I mean really did not wish to leave!!! Have a great Sunday!!! Love, Amy ❤

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    1. You are right, Mom! That is what I thought too. I didn’t actually see this with my naked eye (the beams) but my camera surely did! This was the effect I was going after as I was blocking out the sun with my hand. SO glad you came here to see this image! Have a wonderful Sunday!!! Love, Amy ❤

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  4. This was very much worth the effort Amy. Especially since it was your effort but we get to see the result 🙂 The sky and the water are such wonderful shades of blue. That’s what does it for me.

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    1. Dan, I was really taken away with this scene, believe me. I just stood there and stared. I really did my best not to stare too long into my viewfinder becasuse the brightness of that sun was surprising for this time of year. I only have one pair of eyes and I plan on keeping them for the rest of my Life. I did not actually see these shades of blue. They appeared with the underexposure. These are the types of effects my smart phone cannot in any way duplicate. It feels SO good to be back with my Canon. My Love Affair has again begun. But between you and me, I realized how spoiled I’ve become with my phone camera …. no brainer, no thinking. Using my Canon I again have to “think”. 😉 And so I shall!!! Have a great Sunday!!! Love, Amy ❤

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  5. Wow…wow…wow…. Heavenly beam of light…..!!! Beautifully captured….!!!! Mmmmm great effort… U really appreciated dear…may god wl make ur hands body and mind more stronger …and that image worth ur efforts…it took me away……………..❤️ nd hugs

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    1. Thank you, Sneha, for seeing what you do. May this image BE with you this week, carrying with it the Love and Peace and Power from which our Mother so graciously gives us. Bless you, my friend!!! Love, Amy ❤

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  7. Stunning! the composition is perfect and the lighting and reflections are remarkable, and the blue, OMG!!! I guess you have to master the rules then break the rules. Well done, Amy!!!

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    1. Amy …. Bless you for your encouragement. This was such an incredibly challenging shot to take and in hindsight, I could have harmed my eyes. I won’t be doing this again anytime soon. I know I told you I would be putting up waterfalls this weekend … I’ll do my best to do so this week. I know what to post … it is just a point of gettting around to editing this image. Again, I really thank you for taking the time to come here and for commenting. Your presence means a lot to me. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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    1. OH, my friend, you just don’t know how your words reached me this evening to give me a moral boost. So much of my Life is devoted to these cats of ours and doing so leaves not enough time to devote to my art, my passion. Some day when these beloved babies are gone, yes then I shall have the time so when I do get the opportunity now to express and BE myself as an artist, it is SO appreciated by me. See you soon, like in tomorrow! 🙂 (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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    1. Thank you, Holly, and yes I really do share your awe of Mother. She never ceases to amaze me! I’m like a kid in a candy shop just looking and drooling at all the goodies around me. LOL Have a great day today!! Love, Amy ❤

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      1. Me too, we have so much natural beauty here in central Florida that I missed out on in Miami, not that the Florida Keys and the beaches are not awesome, but here there are huge farms and horse ranches, black bear and natural springs, its so amazing. Every where on earth has something incredible to find. Have a great day, hope you find something amazingly surprising and beautiful today
        ! Love, Holly

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      2. Holly, how I wish everyone had your insight and your enthusiasm. I know of someone who lives in Florida and complains all the time how there isn’t anything to photograph that is pretty. REALLY? I would bet you a LOT Of money that if I were in Florida I could find lots of things to photograph!!! You just have to have the eyes to see!!! LOL Keep playing, Holly!!! ❤

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      3. Oh there is such beauty here and all over the world. Some folks don’t recognize the awesomeness of horses grazing in the sunlight. Or the red of a cardinal against snow. It’s all there !! 🙂

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      4. I know, Holly! I just don’t understand anyone who says there is NOTHING to photograph! My eyes are always seeing things no matter where I go. It’s like a great huge play ground just waiting to be discovered. 🙂

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    1. OH, my dear friend, I am blushing! How deeply I am moved by your comment! Thank you for believing in me and by doing so, encouraging me to continue to improve, seeking Treasures as my eyes go ever deeper into Nature Itself. May you have a really good day today!!! Love, Amy ❤

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      2. Oh, friend, I have more coming from that same day! I would have posted before this but um Life is a wee hectic these days. And the comments … YIVEH!!! They be coming out of the woodwork. LOL I am playing catchup all the time lately! Hehehehehehe ❤

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    1. This really was not an easy shot, JM, and a lot of it was just pure luck. I just kept pushing down the exposure … shooting in the dark so to speak … literally not able to see and honestly really not know what I was doing. I just knew I had to underexpose extremely in order to get the effect I wanted. I won’t be repeating this again any time soon … my eyesight is not worth the risk. Love, Amy ❤

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      1. My wife saw how I admired your work and the other photographers I follow and suggested that I should join the fun and bought me a DSLR for my birthday (Nikon D5500). It’s going to be a steep learning curve as I am not use to DSLRs, I’m mainly a point and shoot camera person.

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      2. I just wrote a long response and lost it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JM!!! And if you want my advice start on the automatic shooting modes first to get a feel for your camera. Don’t even think about the creative modes for now. You will see a difference in picture quality, I guarantee you. You just have walked into another whole world. I just told someone recently I have gotten spoiled carrying around my light little smart phone and just shooting. When I pulled my Canon out again I realized how heavy it is, firstly, and then I had to THINK again. LOL You won’t have to do much thinking yet when in automatic because the camera will think for you. Just have fun and practice as much as you can. I wish you all the luck and please do not get discouraged. WE all do, believe me, so well, when you do even though I said please don’t, just put your camera aside for a little while until you don’t feel overwhelmed. There is a lot to know and the only way you will learn is with time and practice and yes, study. I’m SO excited for you!!! Your wife did a really nice thing for you! Lucky you! I did the same thing last year for my husband! LOL ❤ PS It took me YEARS to get the courage up to stop shooting in automatic and start on the creative side of shooting. (smile)

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    1. Hi, Kathy, I say a day later. LOL Yup, been just a tad busy! Thank YOU for your warm and kind words and I am again so happy you came over here to view my work. I Love this image … and I really stood there transfixed for a long time just staring at the wonder of what I saw. I also agree with you that um 6 pounds does not sound like a lot but try holding that for an extended time and steady she goes at that! LOL Whew!! Mind over matter, that is what I have concluded because in hindsight I am shaking my head in awe of myself. That fish cloud did it for me!! I really said out loud GET OUT and laughed for what Mother was showing me … oh yes She does have a sense of humor! Hope you had a good day today!! I’m finally finished with all I had planned on doing. Now I am going to try to put a post together for tomorrow. 🙂 (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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      1. Yes, that time of year to be busy. Sure did smile when I saw that fish cloud..lol. Love the “Get out” 🙂 Steady as she goes! Tomorrow evening is really going to be fun. We are going to Oshkosh ” Celebration of Lights” at Menominee Park (Where you saw pictures when we went fishing) Half a million lights in 1 mile. Then stopping for pizza on the way home. Sleep well my friend. {{{{{HUGE HUGS}}}}} Kathy

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    1. You are welcome, Ruth!! I went to extreme measures, that I can tell you, and I really am pleased with what was created. I have a smile on my face knowing how much you enjoyed this. Hope you had a good day today!!! Love, Amy ❤

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    1. Oh wow! Thank YOU! Your words leave my face flushed. I won’t be doing this anytime soon so I am really glad you enjoyed this. My eyes are still very sensitive to light and to the sun. I only have one pair of eyes and um, this is a lesson learned. I won’t be shooting towards the sun while it is this bright or high in the sky. Yes I captured an awesome shot, but my eyes are more important. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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    1. Yes I did, Val, and then some. My eyes still are very sensitive to the light, sooooooo …… lesson learned …. not to shoot when the sun is that bright. I have but one pair of eyes. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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  17. I once took a picture by just doing a point and shoot because the light of the sun was too bright for me to look at the scene to focus, it surprisingly turned out excellent. Amazing things happen when you just go for the shot 🙂

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    1. Usually some of my best shots are those that I really don’t know what I am doing and play around. Other times I really focus on getting a certain effect and I don’t stop until I get it. Sitll other times the unexpected appears and OH am I glad I have some type of camera on me. Yes the most amazing things really do happen as my posts reflect. 🙂 ❤

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    1. I am so glad you enjoyed this, Darrell! Thank you for the compliment and yes I so totally agree with you my Canon far outweighs the camera in my phone. It was such a joy to photograph this with a good camera. Love, Amy ❤

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  19. Oh Amy! Can’t believe I almost missed this one! Yes, it is odd the way if you look at the water it looks like just after sunset but if you look at the sky you can tell it’s daylight. Love that you took a risk with this picture! It was worth the effort!

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    1. Hi, Marissa. Believe me I will not be repeating a shot like this for a while. My eyes still are not totally adjusted to normal soon. Yes sometimes I do take risks but not too often like this one. This shot was totally worth it in my opinion. I am so glad you enjoyed this. Love, Amy ❤

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      2. My eyes just seem very very sensitive to sunlight right now. This is just a sign for me to think again about shooting into the sun. The sun for this time of year is just so blinding! Even when driving I’m shocked by the brightness of our sun. This time of year usually sees a softer light then what I am seeing now.

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      3. That is odd. Well, I know it’s very warm over there. I know the sun couldn’t be any closer to the earth but maybe something to that global warming thing? Layers of the ozone diminishing? I don’t know…just a theory.

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      4. I have no idea, Marissa. Probably you are right though. I just bought a good pair of sunglasses which I didn’t have because when snow comes that sun will really be glaring! Hope you are having a great day!! I’ve been playing Santa and still not done. GROAN! And I am ONLY doing a little.

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      6. Yep!!! I have a pair of really expensive sunglasses that I LOVE but they have the wrong prescriptions in them SO I have to get those changed too. Until I get around to that, I will have the ones I just ordered for $24. ❤

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      7. Oh, so your need prescription lenses as well. I imagine that brings a whole new aspect to things. I need glasses as well but don’t have insurance so when my last pair broke, I never got them replaced. Luckily I only need them for distances.

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      8. As one ages, the close up vision goes. I need glasses to see my viewfinder so regular sunglasses won’t do. I will have my close up glasses around my neck and when about to take a pic if wearing sunglasses, will remove sunglasses to use close up glasses. Maybe after the holidays I will find time to go and get the expensive frames readjusted. I am also horrified that you don’t have insurance. That is just not right! Oh man, I just am so lucky to have insurance. Now that hubby is retired he gets Medicaire which only pays a certain amount. When he was working, his insurance paid for almost the whole cost. Glasses are darn expensive! Anyone working full time should have insurance to cover eye glasses. What IS this country coming to anyways?

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      9. Oh, Amy, don’t even get me started. My kids have affordable insurance through the state and my husband has through his job. But me? Nothing. I tried to get subsidized insurance but they said we made to much money, and Amy, I’m telling you, what we make is a pittance. They quoted my insurance as $200 a month and that’s just for the cheapest kind with high copay and I think no dental or vision. According to them, this is affordable for me.

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      10. *sigh* Don’t get me started either. People who ARE working struggle while there many who get free handouts. Somehow, this picture just is NOT right! My Heart goes out to you. The “laws” are so unfair and this country is getting so undemocratic. I’ll step down and hush but know this issue gets my hackles up!

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      13. I have a neice that had her food stamps cut due to she made too much. Yet, she was forced to take loans out to pay for her surgeries, which she is paying $600 a month on, either that or her home and car will be taken. She has 3 kids and she is now getting $125 A MONTH for food stamps. She and her husband are doing everything they can, but because they are making $20 more then the limit, her benefits were drastically cut. Oh, yes, and justice for all. Marissa, I have stories that would make you cry. The unfairness of this world, and this nation.

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      14. I know what you mean. We are doing better financially then we ever were but there was a time when we were getting unemployment, food stamps and insurance from the state. As soon as we passed a certain limit, there was no ‘recovery’ period. Everyone just had their hand out.

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    1. I have very strong hands and wrists, Chris. I’ve gone up 1.5 sizes in my ring size since I have been married. All the work I do with this house to keep in clean, all the exercises, the gardening and now photography all are making the muscles in my fingers and hands super strong. SO glad you enjoyed this!!! My pleasure to share with you!!! Love, Amy ❤

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    1. Thank you, Julie!!! Thank you for telling me you see the special in this photo. What I saw blew me away. What I captured blew me away. What Mother showed me blew me away!! I am just SO lucky to be able to do what I do and then share it with you!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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  22. Where’s the flying fish? I can’t see the flying fish :O( Sorry! I’m blinded by the sun there! You need a sunshade for your camera! That is a beautiful shot though! You can shoot into the sun, but never leave your lens pointing at it for more than 2 seconds, was what I heard… You’re a real trooper Amy! Gotta give ya that! Do you ever get any blow ups? Hang them on your wall?

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    1. Thank you, Darrell!! You have more concern about my camera than for my eyes that are still light sensitive. NOT doing this again any time soon, no matter how tempting. Darn I do take chances sometimes but I have only one pair of eyes! I have a WHOLE lot of images I want to print on my professional printer all over my house but TIME seems to work against me. Any time you like you may come on over and print those babies out for me. Any time you get bored, I’ll put you to work! LOL
      SO glad you enjoyed this shot!!! Treasure it ’cause another won’t be comin’ for a while!! Whew!!! Love, Amy ❤

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      1. I love those eyes! They see beauty beyond compare! Would you like some champaigne? (Popping cork) POP -DOINK! Oh! I am sorry of course! Did I pop you in the eye? Please, let me lap your eye! (SLIRP! SLIRP!) And now my lovely Lotus Flower, I must go fight battles for you! That’ll be $15.95 including postage and handling :O)

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      2. May I have non alchy champagne? Please and thank you! OUCH! That cork did hit my eye! Now I have a shiner! Oh great! Now I don’t have to put on eye shadow … no wait, I still have the other eye to do. Shucks, no such luck! Do you take a tip? Let me see …. 15% of $15.95 is about $2.40. Is that OK with you? That will show my appreciation for fighting battles for me. That reminds me, what battles exactly would they be? Hmmmmmm ….. Curious minds …

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      3. Why Thee French Forieghn Legion Dart Club! It really hurts when you get one in the rump! Please my damn! 15%! It is too small! I need to feed my rabbit… Perhaps $2.41?

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      5. You’ve got a lot of moxy when it comes to throwing your weight around! I like your style. OK! We’ve got a deal! Now… Just what is it I’m selling you again? If it’s patience, I’m all out! Can I interest you in a little endurance?

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      6. I thought you were selling me fighting battles. Patience … don’t want any more, thank you. Endurance …. eek …. be careful what you wish for. I think I have enough of that too. Hmmmm ….. and what happened to that rabbit????

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      7. He caught carrot cancer… They could only save they carrot! All the medical team had a refreshing lunch.

        Fighting battles… I’ll have to write a blog on that for you, so I can fully update you! Love, Kisses and Piarriah, as usual: Darrell xOx

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  27. Lovely photo, Amy! Well worth the effort you put into capturing it. I took photography in school, and read many different books that explained everything you could ever need to know. But truthfully, even though I’m very much a “by the book” type of gal, when it comes to photography? I find that most of the rules produce really crummy photos. So if the shot looks good? Snap it! In photography, I say forget the rules!

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    1. Wendy, I have a few basic rules I actually do remember but for the most part, I let my “sense of wonder” guide me when I take a photo. I am not particular to rules either so no one is about to tell me what I can or cannot do with my camera. The results I get speak for themselves. The fun is taken out of photography if you are so busy trying to remember the “rules”. Nope, not me, for I LOVE to be like a kid with my camera and that is not about to change any time soon.
      I’m not officially here on WP … just catching up on comments. I’ve had a very busy few days, and now am taking some time off (until Saturday) to rejuvenate. I’ll see you then if you are blogging. I hope you are having a really wonderful day!! Love, Amy ❤

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      1. That’s the best way to be with your photos, Amy! And I don’t blame you for taking a little break from WP. I hope you enjoy your rest. I have a Christmas carol post up right now, and hopefully a few more in the next week or two. (Though my blogging plans don’t always come to fruition.) Always happy to see you when you’re around! God bless!

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      2. I’m warming up for tomorrow. LOL I’ve been catching up on laundry and dirty floors around here. It’s just lately, the comments I have been getting takes me days to get through! Tomorrow’s post I KNOW will generate tons of comments. LOL Yes I LOVE to talk but that means I must post less often and to take some time away from WP. I honestly don’t know how people are on here all the time. I’m not able to do it, and there is more to my life then WP to be truthful with you. I’ll be on over to see what you have cooking over yonder! 😉 Much Love to you, Wendy, (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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