Welcome to Bren, of Brashley Photography who is our guest host this week. She challenges us to show softness in our photos by lowering clarity and with the use of software. All the photos I feature in this post are “straight” shots; the image that my camera captured in the moment, straightened and cropped for clarity and balance.
Softness comes from the natural light of the Pacific Northwest, where clouds, mist and fog are perennial. This view from Fort Columbia State Park, across the Columbia River toward the community of Astoria, OR, is an ethereal landscape. Big clouds and hazy mountains in the distance add to the hushed feeling here.
Early morning mist rises above Crescent Creek, as sunlight accentuates wildflowers on its bank. This image is one that conjures in my mind, a vision of “the land of dreamy dreams.” (Willamette Pass, OR)
Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), refresh in the surf at the Breakers beach, Long Beach, WA, with their ever-present companion gulls. A very gray overcast sky, restless ocean waves and birds in constant motion meant this batch of photos all came out blurry. What I love most about them is their natural velvety quality.
Hydrangea thrives in my Vancouver, WA gardens. In late spring to summer their gorgeous alluring colors invite me to come out and play with my camera. This close-up features many hues of blue and lavender in the blossoms, as sunlight provides just enough clarity, while keeping the whole image “soft and gentle”.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
The Pac NW truly is a place as you described with a hushed landscape. I loved beach walks when we lived there. Not sure why the fog or mist quiets us, but it does. I love the velvety feel to the pelicans/gulls, photo, and I appreciate your words and photo of the hydrangea. They were a favorite shrub of mine, that I can’t grow here. Always a pleasure, Lindy
Thank you, Donna. There truly is something calming about misty landscapes. Glad you enjoyed the post and so sorry you can’t grow hydrangea – they really do require water and shade!
Wow. Great photos Lindy. I like ’em all.
Thank you, John!
WOW, I love the flowers and the landscape with the mist… I can see the softness in every image, and you’ve really captured the essence of the challenge.
Thank you Bren. Hope you enjoyed hosting this week!
I’ve enjoyed it immensely… especially meeting new photographers.
These are all lovely. The hydrangea colors are gorgeous. The creek photo looks like a painting.
Thank you, Jill. I agree with you about the creek photo – it’s one of my favorites.
Interesting examples.
Love the Fort Columbia State Park click,
Velvety pelicans and soft hydrangea – what is there more to ask for? Lovely choices, Lindy. Mist and low light really makes wonders and sets the mood.
Thank you, Leya. Yes, indeed mist ad low light set the mood! Maybe that’s why I haven’t felt a need to buy software to create the illusion.
😀