Tag Archives: “new year”

First Photos of the New Year

Photos of the Day
January 1, 2012

Yesterday I wrote a post about LED lamps and trees. Today I offer photos of untrimmed, misshapen, evergreen trees that I captured after dark.

These trees stand clumped together inside a circular drive green space with light from the building shining upon them. They are not particularly attractive in and of themselves. Nor are they attractive in their planted mass. Still, their contrast against the lighter grass and the dark skies make them stand out in the artificially lit night environment. They were begging to be noticed for a change. I saw them, and how beautiful they were as part of the larger picture.

I was hesitant to write about trees (and light) for two consecutive days here. Would anyone care about trees, besides my friend Charlie who loves trees? Would fellow photographers find something beautiful and/or artistic in these pictures?

Then again, it’s the start of a new year, a time when people make resolutions and think about changes (growth) for themselves. Trees are all about growth and spreading themselves via their root systems, their trunks, their branches, their leaves, and whatever fruit, nut and/or flower they may grow. In this regard, another post about trees seems perfectly natural.

Let there be light in 2012. Let there be growth in 2012. May you grow tall and strong with stunning ability to sway and dance with the wind. May you be fruitful in all your endeavors. May you blossom with joy all through the year. May you be ever “green”.

There is beauty all around us. Sometimes, you simply need to take another look in a different light.

Blessings,

Kate

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LED’s and the Ghostly Tree

Photo of the Day
December 31, 2011

A condominium association recently installed LED flood lights outside the building. I happened to be at the condo this evening after dark when the lights were on. The lights cast a bright, white light onto the tree above, giving it a ghostly look. Perhaps it’s fitting for this last day of the year as we say goodbye to 2011. The shot above is the normal color. The photo below is black and white.


The LED, or light-emitting diode, is supposedly the light bulb of the future. They provide high lumen levels at low wattage. I have friends who have purchased LED holiday light strings for Christmas trees. They tell me they are too bright.

These photos show a very strong light source. Will a dimmer be needed at each fixture to comfortably use these in our homes? How long will it be before the prices become more in line with an incandescent bulb (current pricing for an LED flood light is about $50 a bulb)? I’m interested in seeing them in a kitchen where bright light is desired. They would be good outside the house to clearly see steps and key holes.

LED lights are still in development stage. Read more about the subject here:

LED Lamp – Wikipedia

LED’s benefits aside, my first choice in lighting remains natural sunlight. Nature still does it best.

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