Wilting Camelia, I

photograph of a wilting camelia flower

The camelia flowers have had their run.

Their work is nearly done and their time is running out.

In a few more days this flower will be gone.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Vivid

Traditions De France

photograph of Traditions De France store in Old Town Alexandria, VA

During the walking part of my commute through Old Town Alexandria I kept my eyes open for vivid images.  Normally I walk on the same side of the street as Traditions De France so I pass right by without really seeing it.  Viewed from across the street it really does make for a vivid image.

Red Bark

photograph of a tree trunk covered in red bark

This tree stood along a trail I was hiking one morning.  I thought the vivid, rusty bark contrasting with the greens of the moss and pines made this an interesting study of color and texture.  The early morning shade provided the perfect soft, even light to produce the deeply saturated colors just as I remember seeing them.

Grand Prismatic Spring I

photograph of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park

As hot mineral water seeps out of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park it leaves tiny layers of minerals.  The heat of the water provides an ideal environment for bacteria, which grow in colorful mats over the wavy mineral deposits.  The end result is an amazing display of color and texture.

Western Tanager

photograph of a Western Tanager in a pine tree in Yellowstone National Park

While hiking in Yellowstone National Park I noticed flashes of yellow in the pine branches overhanging the trail.  I stopped to check it out and saw a small group of Western Tanagers flying through the pines.  They didn’t remain in sight for very long so this was the only worthwhile photo I was able to capture.