We had a beautiful, sunny 75 degree day on Thursday when I noticed my neighbors Plum Leaf Plum tree (or Cherry Plum) blooming.
My plan was to snap some photos of blooms Friday against a background of Carolina Blue sky but Mother Nature had other plans.
Heavy rains and tornadoes from the line of storms that came from the Midwest down to the South had me keeping my fingers crossed ~ not only for there to be blooms left but the tree(s) would still be standing in the morning.
We were lucky~ no damage to us, some locally~ although nothing as devastating as in Indiana.
Blooms & trees seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
So no Carolina Blue backdrop, but blooms I was happy to see nevertheless, against a grey & misty sky on Saturday morning.
I’ve had several emails and comments asking about my camera and what photo editing program I use. I’m by no means an expert~ I took some photography classes in college many years ago and then put my old Minolta 35mm SLR down and didn’t pick up a camera again until a couple of years ago.
I have a Nikon D60 that was a gift so I didn’t do any mental-heavy-lifting or research :) I usually use my camera on automatic setting {gasp} and always with the vibration reduction switch on (no tripod).
With these photos I used my AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm lens to zoom. I edit in Picasa which suits my purposes since I can straighten, adjust the contrast and do minor retouches.
I’m a bit intimidated by Photoshop~ I spend enough time playing with mosaics & editing. I can only imagine the black hole I would be sucked into if I could play with textures too :)
Whether you skies are blue or grey ~ I hope you and your loved ones weathered the storms & are safe.
Beautiful photos Mary…I’m so glad you weathered the storm all right!
Beau shots, Mary! I have the news on, the devastation is terrible. Now Georgia an Fla are in the path. Terrible, poor people.
Happy Seasonal Sunday, and thanks for putting my party button up!
So happy to hear you did not suffer damage from the storms. I have been trying to reach my sister in western NC but her phone is out from the heavy rains and winds. I’m hoping she is fine too.
Your pictures inspire signs of spring renewal after such devastating storms.
I hope the skies are peaceful and calm for the rest of the weekend.
However you do it, and whatever it is you do with your camera, the results are always beautiful.
So pretty to see pink when I am in a watery blue and green paradise today… Glad you have weathered the storms, my heart breaks for those with so much devastation…
Glad to know what kind of camera you use because your photos are always astounding! My thoughts and prayers are with the people whose homes have been devastated.
I’m glad you were storm free. What an awful year this has been for tornados. I always love hearing about someone’s photo tricks. Ive been working lately on blurring backgrounds and don’t always like the results. Surely you didn’t have your camera on auto for yours. If so, I’m doing something really wrong!
Our trees aren’t quite there yet. They have buds though.
Your photos are amazing, Mary!
PS: I read somewhere in all my little photo research things, that it’s quite okay to leave it on auto. That was from a pro. So I am right there with you. I do experiment some. However, if the pro’s say auto is good…then auto it is, for me.:-)
Outstanding pictures….I just got back from the camera store, so this post is so very appropriate…I am trying to really make the best of my camera, so decided to take a one on one class specifically for my new Nikon D7000..
Your photos are exquisite…you really made the best of a gloomy day..Here in NC it has been beautifully gorgeous one day and rainy the next…
Your photos would make any grey day, sunny and happy…
Very pretty pictures, it’s nice to see things beginning to bloom-enjoy:@)
More lovely images from you. I admire your photographic skills. Your images are exquisite in every shot! Glad the storms didn’t leave destruction in your area. It breaks my heart to see the damage.
Your photos are lovely. Using your camera in auto has just shown the average person that they too, with lots of practice, can attain photos of your quality! Your eye is the real talent. sigh. So glad that you are okay. xo marlis
Beautiful photos and so glad to hear you had no problems with the horrible storms.
That’s a nice camera you were gifted! I like you had learned on a 35mm camera, but it fell to the wayside once I got lazy with my point and click cameras. I finally tired of them and bought a new SLR Digital camera. It does make a big difference. Your do a great job with all your pictures!
I was hoping for spring to be early here in Michigan. We got blasted with a nasty winter storm when area’s like yours were getting hit with tornadoes and rain. Seeing blossoms and blooms in sunlit skies or gray ones is okay with me!! I guess we all have a lot to be thankful for.
Hi Mary,
I was thinking of you as those storms passed your state. I’m glad to know you & yours are all safe. So sad to think of all that devastation & heartbreak…and it coming just after our Ohio school shootings is horrible.
I let your pretty photos take me away for a bit & imagine that better days are coming. It will certainly be awhile before we get any blooms…although I DO have yellow crocus peeking out!!!!
Hugs,
Rett
p.s. I used the pretty chickadee teaset that I won from you. Come see!!
My heart has been heavy for the storm victims. Your photos helped brightened my mood.
Thank goodness you did not suffer any damage and your beautiful blooms survived, they are more advanced than ours.
Glad you are safe and sound. Those fake Bradley Pears are in full bloom in TN. Your photographs are just beautiful. Dianne
I always love looking at your photos. So glad you didn’t experience any type of devastation from the storms. Take care.
Fabulous pics!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Glad to know there were no severe damages in your area. Those storms are so scary!
You might just use the auto setting and no tri-pod, but your photos are always lovely. I too have a fancy camera but haven’t learned to use the bells & whistles. I prefer PhotoShop to edit my photos but use Picasa for mosaic work (the few times I’ve played with them) – I seem to be able to control the sizes and textures better with PS, although I have barely played much with textures except for a study of bell peppers I did once and a few photos of landscapes.
Your plum tree blossoms are gorgeous and your photos and mosaic are beautifully done. Looking at these I would think you are a professional photographer. I am happy that you were safe from those awful storms. Thanks for sharing, have a great week ahead.
Your photos are just gorgeous! I sure need to learn some photography skills! ♥
The storms were very scary! Your photos are ethereal and just lovely…the good sign of Spring.
These are absolutely beautiful shots. And, they make you pause and take stock of how precious life can be…even the trees and blossoms. So thankful that you are ok, but I’m heartsick for those that weren’t as lucky.
Gorgeous photos. It will many weeks before I see blossom like that here. I hope you have a joyful week:)
Oh, how beautiful! I can’t wait for our trees to start blooming… but it will be another month or so. So glad you are safe and sound. Those storms were horrible! xoxo
Your photo’s are beautiful! My thoughts and prayers to those who were effected by the storms. Blessings,
Lisa
I found your comments about the terrible storms and the fears that go with them very poignant. Exquisite photos and I am glad that all is well in your corner.
Glad you are safe after the storms. Pretty blossoms and great pics. I am glad you use auto. If I could achieve to your level I would be satisfied. I think Marlis is right. You have the eye for the angle and no camera can substitute for that.
You have managed to make grey skies beautiful.
It’s beautiful. I can’t believe it blooms after the storm.
Crab Apple
Hi lovely lady.
So happy to hear you did not suffer damage from the storms.
Your pictures inspire signs of spring renewal after such devastating storms. Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my new Tablescape. You take the most Beautiful photos also.
XXOO Diane
Mary, I have always SO admired your pictures and wondered what you used etc. In fact, just today I was saying to a friend that your pictures are some of the best on blogger. I am happy you didn’t have any damage. I am hoping we get some blooms on Thurs. as it is supposed to go up to 70!!!!!!!! That will be VERY exciting to me:):) XO, Pinky
beautiful work here!!! your focus and DOF are wonderful!!
Your photos are beautiful. I’ve just recently discovered some online editing sites that are pretty easy to understand. Photoshop is way too complicated for my brain. I’m glad you made it through the storms safely.
Amazing photos of your neighbor’s plum tree! Glad to hear you were storm free. Blessings to you.
So beautiful!
So happy you are ok….
Your photos are absolutely beautiful!
Your P word is great and your photo;s are beautiful.
these are lovely photos, but i always think your photos are lovely. thanks for sharing them. :]
Beautiful flowers -have seen them around but didn’t know the name of the tree! Great for letter P!
Hello.
I’ve been following the terrible storm damage on the news. Just so sad.
Your photos are lovely. Best time of year for me spring & autumn.
Thanks for sharing.
The Painting And The Poet
You captured some wonderful pictures there. Glad you weathered the storm OK…and the tree too!
What wonderful signs of spring! Your pictures are beautiful!
You may not have captured a blue sky background but your spring buds and blooms have brightened my day.
I only shoot on auto too. I’ve had a couple of lessons for manual and it’s like I develop brain fog trying to understand the instructions. Your photos turned out very well.
Is there anything more welcoming than the site of the first blossums on the fruit trees. Spring is coming!
Oh Mary, your photos are gorgeous! I am glad you are safe! I am praying for those less fortunate. Hugs Anne
Beautiful. Sometimes you get more dramatic shots when the sky isn’t perfect blue!
Beautiful. We’re not quite there but you remind me that spring is on its way.
Beautiful photos! We really miss the look of the south in the spring!!
This is my first time doing the ‘Wed.’ deal and how wonderful that I happened upon your blog; a fellow North Carolinian! and if you hop on over to my blog, I have some Carolina blue skies for my post today. It truly was wonderful visiting today. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll stay!
These are one of my favorite trees! We had several large ones in our yard back East and they were just enchanting when they bloomed!
This color is always a particular favorite of mine!
Thank you for sharing your lovely pictures!
A+