Spring in the desert southwest is glorious. It’s a time to grab the camera and head out into nature. This past week, I was quick to join other members of our local camera club for a photography outing.
It felt great to be back out and about with camera in hand, and although, I didn’t capture any compelling images, it was just the impetus I needed to get the brain into a creative mode. This recent outing along with John’s photo challenge prompt sent the creative juices flowing, and me scouring my computer for photographs that might fit John’s challenge.
Tools of Composition – Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #289
Today’s challenge focuses on Shape, Form, Texture, and Light. The desert southwest is abundant with photo opportunities and perfect for today’s photo challenge.
Texture
The texture of petrified wood along with the thought of wood turning into stone had me scratching my head in wonder. For anyone traveling through northern Arizona, I highly recommend a stop at Petrified Forest National Park.
Light
Throughout my life, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel. I have traveled extensively, and during all these travels, I have never encountered more amazing skies than that found in the desert southwest.
The light seen in this part of the country is more than just a photographers dream … it’s an experience and a joy to witness.
Shape
You’ll find some of the most remarkable scenery in this part of the United States along with all kinds of shapes and textures. The landscape is diverse, extraordinary, and stunning.
As many times as I have been exposed to Mother Nature’s unique creations, I continue to be awed by her artistry.
Form
Of course, I can’t forget about wildlife and plants; two of my favorite photographic subjects.
In my opinion, this flower image seems to hit all the elements of the composition challenge; shape, form, texture, and light.
This flower reminds me that it’s the beginning of March and spring is in the air. It’s my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait for the desert to come alive. She has already started.
It’s a time for bird’s to mate and flower’s to bloom. New life and new beginnings!
Finding inspiration… After a rough four months physically, I am finally feeling better, better than I have in quite some time and am inspired to continue capturing the beauty found around me in my home state of Arizona.
I am currently on wildflower watch which is nearing with each new day, and therefore, I am keeping the camera batteries charged. 🌵 Who else is doing a happy dance? 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Till next time,
Live Laugh RV 
111 responses to “Photo Composition”
💖💓
LikeLike
These are some very beautiful photographs. I love these❤️❤️✨❤️✨❤️
LikeLike
Thank you so much! 🌵
LikeLike
Beautiful and reliable wonderful photos,i must say i love not only liking them, ok…..
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
What a co-incidence: I just put up pictures on my Flickr-account of our visit to the Petrified Forest in 2004!
I like all of your pics here.
LikeLike
Thank you Pit. I found the Petrified Forest fascinating.
LikeLike
We did so, too, even if I had to push Mary around in a wheel chair as it was shortly after her ankle surgery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
They were done with my very first digital camera, a Nikon E950.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos however why do you think “mother nature” is in charge?
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
LikeLike
Do you have an answer?
LikeLike
Nope! Don’t really understand your question or what you’re looking for.
LikeLike
Nice photos, my favorite one is Lake Powell Sunrise
LikeLike
Thanks. Lake Powell remains in my top five favorite places we visited during our RVing years.
LikeLike
Fantastic collection!
Arizona-Utah border, my fav.
LikeLike
Thank you. I don’t think you could take a bad photo in that part of the country (AZ-UT border). Stunning landscape!
LikeLike
Yes, wild flower watch! I head into the McDowell Park every few days to see what has popped open!
LikeLike
I’ve been out and about twice now searching for blooms and they are out here and there. I have a feeling this week and next will be perfect timing. 🤞
LikeLike
Apparently the Poppies are out at Bartlett Lake, so I expect they are in the section of McDowell where we have seen them before. There are some Lupins in a yard in our community, so we’ll have to watch for them too!
LikeLike
I’m hoping to visit Bartlett Lake next week. Last year when I visited, it was beautiful. I hope I’ve timed my visit right. I went to White Tanks last week and lupins were out but no poppies yet. My hunt continues!
LikeLike
beautiful photos!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos. I only wish I’d seen more of that region. Keep on the mend and enjoying nature!
LikeLike
Thank you! I’m taking full advantage of our beautiful weather and hoping to capture some nice images of wildflowers. 🤞The southwest offers some stunning landscapes that I never tire of viewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post and photos, Ingrid. The lake Powell photo reminded me I have to get out and prepare our RV for our three month trip up the West Coat from Big Sur to Olympia National Park. It starts Monday with a drive across the country.
LikeLike
I am so jealous. I was just talking with a friend today on how I’d love to visit Olympic NP. Have a wonderful time and I look forward to reading your posts and seeing your photos. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Ingrid. There will be lots of photos. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
A truly great gallery! Especially love your birds. And the petrified forest – I have a friend who went there long ago and was totally mezmerised. Then his cameras were stolen, and I think he never really got over it. He never returned either. Thank you for posting on it!
LikeLike
Thank you! Ah, what a shame his gear was stolen. That alone can leave a negative impact on a location.
LikeLike
It can, but I think the disappointment and the long journey from Sweden made him drop it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, absolutely stunning photos, Ingrid. Excellent choices for the challenge and very inspiring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I am very fortunate to have traveled to so many unique and beautiful places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These photos are amazing!
LikeLike
Awe, thank you so much!
LikeLike
These pictures are amazing. I will also try to follow this challenge as it would make me go out and take pictures. In between, how did you feel after posting these pictures here. I am asking because I take pictures but never get the chance to edit and print or post them. Soon, it begins to feel like a burden. so how did you feel after releasing them here?
all the best…
LikeLike
Thank you! Hmm, I never thought about ‘releasing’ them. I guess I’ve been blogging and posting for so long that I don’t give it a second thought.
My edits are pretty quick. I use Lightroom. With a few tweaks here and there, the photo is ready for upload. Good luck on finding what works for you. It just take jumping in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have started writing in this format. thank you for responding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for all these fantastic shots!
LikeLike
I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, you must be really glad okay…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ingrid,
Having you out and about with camera in hand is good for all of us. looking forward to wildflower season. Last time we were in AZ, the wildflowers were amazing due to all the rain. Do you expect a good crop this spring? Enjoy! Joe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Joe. It did feel good to be back out shooting again. We aren’t expecting a ‘super bloom’ but it should still be a nice showing of blooms due to a good amount of precipitation this past winter. Right now, our weather is near perfect and I’m soaking it up as I know the extreme heat will be upon us soon enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such inspiring images. We love the Southwest as well, especially southern Utah.
LikeLike
Thank you! Utah is an amazing state. I never tire of exploring her and I’m hoping to get up there a time or two this summer to escape the AZ heat.🌵
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful pictures as always. I cannot wait to see the spring flowers!
so happy you getting back to feeling better!
LikeLike
I was just out and about on Monday searching for wildflowers and they are just starting. So, I’m sure wildflower images will be showing up here soon. Stay tuned! 🙂
LikeLike
Absolutely beautiful images. I am glad John sent you back to your travels. I so agree with you. Our southwest is inundated with so much beauty from the grains of sand, drops of water, and to the skies. I love the photo of you with the petrified wood. I felt the same way when I first saw it. Fascinated! My favorites are the window, and the sunflower. Such a great look at composition throughout, along with your travels, Ingrid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Donna. I appreciate the kind comment. I’m hoping to hit some of the trails soon in search of poppies. The 7th Ave/Carefree Hwy trailhead is one of my favorites for wildflowers. I hope to get there next week to see if the flowers have started. I went to White Tanks on Monday and there were Lupines and Globemallow blooming 💃🏻🪻🌻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. We are on our way to California. The roads are lined with lupine. So pretty. Not too many on Deem hills. I guess it’s still a little early. Hope you find them. Let it begin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear you are feeling better and getting out to photograph. Your images are so beautiful Ingrid, each one tells a unique story. My personal favourite in this group has to be the opening shot, a very sweet reminder to take time to stop & smell the roses, or in this case, whatever pretty flower catches your eye💕
LikeLike
Thank you, Lynn. It feels wonderful being on the mends and getting out shooting again. Spring has hit here in the desert southwest, and I intend to take advantage of our lovely weather. So stay tuned for upcoming wildflower images. 🌵
LikeLike
Glad to read that you’re feeling better after a rough patch, and no doubt the coming of spring will lift everyone’s spirits. You’re right about the light in the south west, it enhances your images beautifully. I especially love the first one (a gopher???) and that stunning yellow flower 💛
LikeLike
Thank you Sarah. I believe that little one is a squirrel. I captured her at just the right moment. Our lovely spring weather and the popping of wildflowers has indeed lifted my spirits. Over the next two months, I plan on giving my camera a workout. 🌻
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll look forward to seeing more great photos from you then 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
The skies of the SW certainly are like no other. When watching old westerns, I can almost always identify the area the movie was shot. Such a unique and beautiful area.
LikeLike
Unique and beautiful indeed! It is fun to watch old movies or even some of today’s commercials and recognize the landscape … been there, done that. 😁
LikeLike
Yay! SO happy to hear that you’re doing well, Ingrid! Just in time to enjoy your wonderful spring weather and capture some exquisite photos of your gorgeous blooms. Like John, I loved the photo he called your windowscape – it’s stunning! As for looking forward to spring here in the northeast – yes, yes, bring it on! To me, spring always feels like more of a fresh start to life than the beginning of the new year. Wishing you many happy photography excursions ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mary. It has been a rough four months for both Al and me, but we’re finally out the other side 🤞(I hope). I absolutely love this time of year in the desert southwest. She’s green, colorful, and alive. Unfortunately, she wasn’t at her finest during your visit. It was a brutal summer. I hope to capture a bunch of blooms over the next few weeks 🌻🌵🪻
LikeLike
Hello…..,am sorry for dropping a message here on your public comments section,okay please.
Actually,you haven’t know me yet and i know you didn’t know me either but i have been sending you friend request but it isn’t going through,ok…I please you now that you should give your permission to ask this from now,that if you don’t mind by sending me a friend request….
Stay safe,okay…my great friend, it’s really my pleasure,okay..
LikeLike
Fantastic set of photos. Really loved them
LikeLike
Wonderful photos, all. Loved the “shape” ones, you captured nature’s beauty in such an inspirational way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I appreciate the comment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice photos Ingrid! I especially love the biplane. I have had a longtime desire to go up in a biplane that performs aerobatics 😀
Debra
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always fun going to an airshow where the biplanes are doing aerobatics. Me? I like keeping my feet on the ground but my husband would also jump at the chance to go up in one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you are feeling better and can’t wait to see more desert spring pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has been a rough few months, but things are on the upswing around here. Some of our desert plants are starting to bloom and now I’m patiently waiting for the wildflowers 🌵🌺🌵
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a relief to be better just in time for spring! And I am so happy you are getting out with a camera club!
LikeLiked by 1 person
First of all, I’m so glad you are feeling better, Ingrid! How nice to be able to find a group of photographers to add more snaps to your collection. Beautiful examples of the L-A challenge this week. That Lake Powell sunset is remarkable! Love that sunflower, too!
You are a natural with composition and you always find an unusual perspective for your shots! Enjoy the desert blooms and warmth, my friend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was really bummed to have missed you both times during you AZ visits, but I assure you, that wasn’t by choice 😮💨 It was one thing after another and I’m hopeful I’m done and out the other side.
There are so many beautiful places to camp around AZ and UT. I miss having an RV. Thank you so much for your kind words. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
From first to last, I love all your photos taken in a part of the country I haven’t been to in years.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. Arizona is definitely different than Florida. Each offers its own unique beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
nice details!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 😊
LikeLike
WOW. Great photos! LOVE the windowscape! 👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John. Lake Powell remains in my top 5 favorite places we visited during our RVing days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Im so glad you are finally out of the ” not feeling well ” rut!
Excellent shots, as always Ingrid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it’s been a rough four months around here. I’m hoping that’s it, the worst is over, and we’re back to normal, or at least our new normal. Finally went out with the camera last Thursday and I felt like such a newbie 🤪but as the morning progressed, I too progressed. Now I’m on the hunt for wildflowers. Keep me posted when you start seeing them in your neck of the woods.
LikeLike
Really beautiful images for this one Ingrid, I loved them all. You know, most everyone photographs flowers, including me, but that image of the daisy is truly unique and perfectly captured – really terrific!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe, thank you Tina. The wildflowers are getting ready to pop around the Phoenix valley and I’m hoping to capture lots more floral images this season 🤞🌺🤞
LikeLike
Oh that squirrel! Lot’s of great photos, but this is my favorite.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As usual outstanding photos and very informative, nicely done Ingrid!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I appreciate the comment. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m glad that you are feeling much better these days, Ingrid! There are so many beautiful photos in this post! I hope your home survived the windstorm which is winding down finally, the worst one I’ve seen to date.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you John. Our winds weren’t too bad. While Las Vegas is being hit straight on, Phoenix seems to be getting the outer edges of these storms. It has been an interesting weather pattern this past winter. Fingers crossed we don’t encounter a summer like last years.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The wind is finally easing down and should end sometime today. No property damage, just some light cleanup thank God! Last summer wasn’t too bad except for the gullywasher at the end which did a ton of flood damage around the city. I look forward to the summer heat returning. ☺️🔥🌞
LikeLike
Glad the storm wasn’t too bad. We just have light breezes today. The return of summer heat? … NO! Our summer was so hot last year that the saguaros, yuccas, and various cacti were dying from the inside out. The overnight temps weren’t dropping enough keeping their stored water too hot and killing off various desert plants. It was very sad to see some of our precious saguaros tumble over.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reminder, that was so terrible! Those are such beautiful cacti! 😭 The heat doesn’t seem to affect the Joshua trees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know if it’ll be a super-bloom, but it should be a good showing considering we did receive good moisture this winter. Fingers crossed our summer isn’t as brutal as last years.
LikeLike
I don’t know if it’ll be a super-bloom, but it should be a good showing considering we did receive good moisture this winter. Fingers crossed our summer isn’t as brutal as last years.
LikeLike
I always love your pictures and I’m hoping for an amazing bloom! Happy to hear you’re feeling better and hope it continues.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Debbie. I too am hoping for a good showing of blooms this season. Hope Steve’s eye is doing well and you’re able to continue with your travel plans for the year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you thinking there might be a superbloom with all the rain this year? If so, I hope you get a chance to experience it. We, obviously, won’t, but it’s a pick-up-and-go trip we always have in the backs of our minds. Glad to hear you’re feeling more than better. It’s a wonderful feeling when those curtains finally lift, isn’t it? Keep finding that beautiful inspiration!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m not sure AZ will experience a super-bloom. Although we received a nice amount of precipitation this winter, it wasn’t as much as CA or NV. That said, we should have a nice showing of blooms. I’m hoping our summer isn’t as brutal as last year’s. In the meantime, I plan on soaking up every minute of this glorious weather.
LikeLike
Brilliant! I love your photographs and places you visted. Arizona is amazing. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! We do enjoy living in AZ.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful collection, Ingrid. I really enjoy your compositions of the images of the desert southwest. It is my favorite part of the country, and you show it off well.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you John. Hope to meet you during your AZ visit.
LikeLike
Looking forward to it. I know I will be meeting several bloggers for the first time here this month.
LikeLike
Awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Tim 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great shots! I especialy like the last bird in the shots.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! The biplane? That was a taken at a great airshow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I was the photographer you are but obviously not enough to work at it. Your shots are always so good.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awe, thank you. I’ve always had an interest in photography, thus always trying to improve.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ingrid, keep those camera batteries charged! Thanks for these fantastic images. I’m glad you were able to get out for your photo outing. Happy spring!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi Beth. We are having some fantastic weather thus I plan on enjoying it as much as possible before the heat sets in. I’m sure you’ll be sharing images of the blooms from your neck of the woods.🌺
LikeLiked by 3 people
No kidding! I was captivated by the one with “frame” you found in nature for the landscape, what a fantastic eye to capture that!
LikeLike
Thank you, Endless Weekend. Lake Powell in northern AZ is a favorite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The desert southwest IS unique. We never get tired of the views. Now that the Ocotillo are green we’re waiting patiently for the stunning red blooms to appear. Prickly pear blooms are amazing, but Ocotillo are my favorite Spring flower.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ocotillo blooms are one of my favorites. It is such a fascinating plant. I plan on getting out into the desert regularly to enjoy our spring before the heat arrives.
LikeLiked by 2 people