Thursday, October 22, 2009

Shadows on an Autumn Afternoon

Now that I keep my camera handy when I walk I'm ready for whatever presents itself.
I found a nice curvy snake shadow.
There was a complex mantis shadow. (This one needs to be enlarged to fully appreciate.)
A shadow of a man made object placed to enable one to enjoy the natural world.

I never know what I will find when I go for a walk.
Find more shadows at HeyHarriet

39 comments:

Arija said...

What a beautiful snake Martha,is it poisonous? I co-habit quite happily with them although all ours around here are deadly. I just don't like them in the house or where we walk at night.

I think your portrait study of the Mantis is spectacular, love the facial expression and the outfit, like an emaciated indigent parson.

Martha Z said...

He is a harmless snake. The only poisonous snakes in California are rattlesnakes and they usually advertise their presence if given a chance.

Carolyn Ford said...

You have a very nice curvy snake shadow and, you have the snake too! The mantis is so grand! You captured the perfect shadow while the little guy is watching you! Precious capture! Beautiful bench shadow! Iron chairs, benches and fences create very unique shadows and they are so fun to photograph! Nice post!

Gaelyn said...

OMG, these are such excellent captures! The critters are looking right at you, and the shadows are large and crisp.

PERBS said...

oh my gosh! You have some great shadows but look at that bench! You know, I love benches!!!!!!! Great shadow for it also.

Anonymous said...

entering ones own shadow - character building

amazing photography!

Diane AZ said...

These are beautiful shadow shots, Martha! Cool that the snake and mantis were looking at you. I was surprised by the color of the mantis as I've only seen green ones.

robin. said...

...great shadow photos...one must always be ready with camera in hand!!!
happy sss.

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic shadow shots -- fantastic shots period!! How terrific that you had your camera with you. The snake is beautiful and the mantis, when you enlarge the shot, looks as though he's posing for you! Love it!

Enjoy your day, Martha!

Sylvia

penny said...

You get a gold star for the first shot, Martha. I a scaredy-cat, I would have run away. I enjoyed the rest as well.

Ralph said...

The shadow of the snake could be anything, like a hose or pipe if the reptile weren't there. Yet the shadow of the Mantis is lifelike and a perfect replica. If not for the chair, the shadow left is like a fence or other barrier. THe chair is inviting and no impediment. Beautiful captures for SSS!

XoXo said...

Yay! the shadow of the snake is also like a snake, Lol. Great captures!

Linnea said...

Oh I love shadow shots and yours are excellent finds. I'd stay away from that snake though!

Tom Hilton said...

Nice. The snake shadow is my favorite--so sharp, such lovely curves.

Barb said...

Love the new Header, Martha! Hope that snake is casting his shadow AWAY from me! I love Praying Mantis, and this one is looking right at me.

Carin said...

Brrrr that snake makes me shiffer, yet it's a great shadow shot. I love your 2nd shadow shot of the mantis. Really beautiful, such a clear shot!

Elizabeth said...

Such crisp snake shadows.
I'm afraid I'm conventionally scared of them.....
Yes, carrying a camera has become second nature.
You never know what you might want to capture.

Crafty Green Poet said...

wonderful photos, i love the way the mantis is looking directly at the camera as if posing...

Patti said...

Great snaky shadow. He's got the curves all right ;-)

That mantis knows how to pose for the camera, I see.

Thanks for stopping by!

PJ said...

Oh, that snake is really something. Great photo.

Beverley Baird said...

What great shots! The mantis is incredible!

Quilt Works said...

Wow, what a snake shot! Great composistion and great shadows

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

All three are great shots, but I think the snake is the grand prize winner!

Anonymous said...

slitherin' shadow! Stunning photo of that snake.

Unknown said...

Each SS is awesome! I like the posing mantis the best--he's quite the model! Great composition in each photo!

Sam said...

I'm not a huge fan of snakes but I've gotta say that's a fabulous shadow shot!!...as are the other two!

Sharkbytes said...

I just found your blog. I'll be back for sure. Great stuff. The shapes of the snake's curves are as good as the shadows. I like the way you see things.

Bestemor Drillo said...

Thanks for visiting me! A fantastic snakephoto !

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

I really love the one of the mantis - is it the same as a grasshopper?

EJ said...

The snake's shadow is beautiful but scary!

Here's my first Shadow Shot Sunday

Nina said...

The beauty of shadows, a reflection of life in away. Wonderful Photo's! I especially love the way the mantis is looking right at you as if to say... "Yes, may I help you?" Keep the shutter clicking! Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina P

storyteller said...

I love them ALL, but the first two are so unique that they're tied for favorite this week ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
My Shadow Shot

Hot Fudge said...

Eeeeeek!! Snake!! Sorry ... I've calmed down a little now. You see, I live in an area which is habitat to one of the deadliest snakes in the world, the Eastern Brown Snake. A few months back one slithered across the wall which divides our house from the local park. Strangely enough, I didn't rush out with my camera! Despite this, I think your images are just fabulous.

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

Great shots! I especially love the Mantis one...really great shot!

Unknown said...

Yes enlarging the mantis photo, I was really able to see ALL the incredible detail! I was a little chicken to enlarge the snake! Fantastic Photos!
I hope you have a great week ahead!
~Really Rainey

BLOGitse said...

ooooops, I'm not a snake fan but it's a great SSS!

Eric Z said...

The mantis is amazing! I haven't visitted your blog for a while. These are some remarkable photos, I must say.

EJ said...

Thank you for commenting on my first SSS entry. Following your blog now.

By the way, I am trying to generate some support for our daughter. We entered her into a Smile Contest, and was wondering if you could please vote for her (just once), the contest runs until October 31st. Your vote would be so much appreciated.

To cast your vote, please go to this link. Please look for Jillian Rylie Cottrill.

Thank you very much!

Janie said...

great shadows, especially of the mantis.