Lens-Artists Challenge #207: Reflections

This week, Jez hosts Lens-Artists Challenge – Seeing Double, where he challenges us to share our photos of reflections. It’s easy to find reflections around us, and since I love nature photography, I dug through my water photos for this week’s challenge. I am also sharing for Jez’s Water Water Everywhere challenge, since these go hand in hand!

I’ve been taking a break with my blog because of the 4th of July, so I’ll share my fireworks photos first. One of my favorite spots is on a bluff overlooking the ocean. All of the boats come out of the harbor and are lit up, waiting for the nearby barge to shoot off the fireworks. Far in the distance, I can also see a nearby city’s fireworks too (although they look like little lights in the photo). It’s a spectacular view.

---

Other times of the year, Dana Point provides excellent views. By now, most of you know that I love animals, so I could not participate in this week’s challenge without including a reflection of animals at one of my favorite beaches in Dana Point (perfect combination!). These California Royal Terns will occasionally pick this spot to congregate, staying on this side of the creek to avoid the crowds. I love trying to photograph them at low tide, where the sand is wet and it creates interesting reflections. They don’t normally fly away from me because I stay far enough and don’t try to bother them.

Speaking of avoiding crowds, I love being at the beach when there’s no one around. It is very peaceful, but I can also see more natural reflections in the water and sand, like this next beach photo.

Meanwhile, back at the harbor, I enjoy a different type of peacefulness, especially when I find super cute seals. The boats always give a unique reflection in the water too.

Yes, I typically gravitate to the beach, but I am also drawn to nature in general, especially when there’s water.

Arizona is not all dry–there is water. Here’s a lake that we have enjoyed taking the kids to fish and kayak (but not camping–that’s another story that involves scorpions and tarantulas). The water is peaceful and no motorized watercraft are allowed. I especially like the trail around the edge of the lake, too (just not at dusk…).

Here’s a place in central Arizona that occasionally gets water. This place can be beautiful during the spring, with trees and flowers blooming. I particularly love finding water in the creek, which reflects all of the spring colors and saguaros that are unique to the Sonoran Desert.

A little further west in Arizona there is a watershed area with a few interesting trails that we used to hike. It’s a great place to escape the city and find some peace. You would never know that you pass a lot of cacti and dirt on the way to it.

Regardless of where I visit, I am always on the lookout for water, nature, and peaceful places. This next photo is from northern California. I can guess that the water level is much lower now, thanks to the drought, but it’s still beautiful and provides a deeper scene with the reflections.

Lastly, I will end on a local note. I took this photo this past spring at my neighborhood pond, where there was a brave momma duck raising many babies on her own. Thankfully, I had my zoom lens and was able to get this shot without getting close to them.

I hope everyone has been having a peaceful start to their July (and a happy fourth for those of you in the US!).