Hide And Seek

.
.
.

Hide And Seek, originally uploaded by NatashaP. All Rights Reserved.

Winning the July 2008 Hall of Fame with a stunning margin is Natasha P from Israel, a longstanding member of our group and a photographer who frequently makes Explore on Flickr. The competition this month was astounding, but she pulled off a real margin of victory both in the Natural Scape/Scene category and in the final round. Please congratulate her!

What equipment do you use?

I'm using Nikon D40 with a standard lens (dreaming to upgrade some time in the future).

What is the story behind your Brackets entry?

We here hiking Meron Mt. and I told my hubby that we should come back to this spot when the sun will begin to set. We continued to stroll for another hour, then come back to this spot an waited for another hour for the sun to appear exactly where I wanted it. Evidently it was well worth waiting :)

Any tips you have for how to take a great photo?

I truly believe that not the gear, but the person behind the camera is what matters. If you have a passion and your own photographic vision you will succeed. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience, but the important thing is that you should enjoy what you are doing!

Sunrise on the train tracks

.
.
.

Sunrise on the train tracks, originally uploaded by Kathy~. All Rights Reserved.

Wow -- coming in second and receiving the Moderation Team Award in the July Brackets is our very own Kathy, from Ann Arbor, Michigan. This outstanding photo garnered the most Founder and Keeper votes, and it's just a true delight to be able to present it to you on our blog today.

What equipment do you use?

Well this photo was shot with my Christmas present a new Canon Rebel XTI, the day after Christmas, basic kit lens that came with the camera.

What is the story behind your Brackets entry?

The day after Christmas, dying to use my new camera, I got up and noticed everything had frost on it. The sun hadn't come up yet, so I got in the car and raced to the river in our town hoping for some cool river/frost shots. You have to cross the railroad tracks to get to the park..I went and took photos by the river and was going back to the car

... The tracks were an after thought. I thought they looked cool with the sun coming up and reflecting on the metal. The sun is actually rising to the left of the tracks which worked out for nice colors.

Any tips you have for how to take a great photo?

Oh I am such a basic person, I don't have the fancy lenses, most of the time I shoot with the standard kit lens. I shoot what I like, and sometimes it works out and many times the delete button comes in very handy

I wish I knew all the tips, but for the most of my favorite shots were, right place right time. Lighting is everything for the best shots. Get up early get out there for the sunrise. (I need to do it more often )

Even if you don't think something might look good as a photo, take it anyway--- you never know. Some of my favorites worked out that way.

Thanks again everyone for voting for my photo, it is an honor.