One of the things I love most about heading out into the world with my camera is the power it has to help me pay attention to the beauty and the details around me.  It’s been wet around here this week–rainy again. As I pulled into a parking place at the university this week, I noticed the leaf debris on the ground as a result of all that rain and was drawn to the natural beauty of the eucalyptus leaves.  It was a welcome relief after the hassle of trying to find a parking place!

As the storm moved out, the moon became visible winking above the clouds.  I stopped on my way home to find a place high enough to look above the buildings and houses to capture the moon in all its natural brilliance.  I was particularly drawn the blues and greens in this shot looking east.

The moon reminded me that I was also likely to find some low tides–and I was rewarded as I headed to the beach for an afternoon walk.  But, while the weather report promised a warming trend, the beach areas were shrouded in fog.  (We could watch it wafting in around ten in the morning from the classroom!)  But there is something peaceful about walking wrapped in clouds, visibility limited, breathing in the benefits of the damp natural air.  It’s like walking in a black and white film, with everything in shades of gray.

And even as I walked, I could feel the sun penetrating the thick blanket of fog, creating a natural shine reflecting on the water.  The low tide reveals so many interesting rock formations–the beach is new each time I walk!

As I walked again after work yesterday (such a great way to end the work week!), I noticed this sea plant tossed up onto the rocks.  Up close the fog doesn’t wash the colors away–you can see the bright red of the plant against the multi-colored sea rocks…a natural still life!

I’ve been seeing a great white egret over the last couple of weeks.  Yesterday, I spied a distinctive white bird in a different part of my walk.  I stepped carefully across the natural carpet of algae to get close.  I noticed that this white bird was different.  Instead of a yellow beak–this one was black…and its feet were bright yellow!  A little research led me to its name–a snowy egret!  It let me get quite close and snap some shots before it flew off to another part of the beach.

So, head out with your camera and let what’s natural guide your lens.  Of course, you get to decide on the definition and parameters of natural for yourself!

You can post your photo alone or along with some words: commentary, a story, a poem…maybe even a song! I love to study the photographs that others’ take and think about how I can use a technique, an angle, or their inspiration to try something new in my own photography. (I love a great mentor text…or mentor photo, in this case!) I share my photography and writing on social media. You can find me on Instagram and Twitter using @kd0602. If you share your photos and writing on social media too, please let me know so I can follow and see what you are doing. To help our Weekly Photo community find each other, use the hashtag #natural for this week and include @nwpianthology in your post.

What will you find when you focus your lens on the natural?  I look forward to seeing what you find.