This week, Ritva invites us to pay attention to what is behind our subjects. “Backgrounds play an essential role…significantly impacting the overall aesthetic of an image.” Since so many of my photos are of nature unfolding in front of my camera lens, the background is intrinsic. Below, I chanced upon a sizable flock of Brown Pelicans as they cruised above surging breakers at Long Beach, ready to dive in for dinner. I just kept snapping and hoping I’d get a clear shot!
Because birds are always on the move, getting a focused shot of them in their natural habitat can be tricky. Below are two shots of a Song Sparrow. On the left, the bird blends right into its driftwood setting, on the right the bright blue sky provides a stand out profile.
Sometimes the background is the subject, as in the photo below featuring a full moon setting. The morning sunlight on Ryegrass in the foreground frames and anchors the view.
Bokeh; that wonderful blurring effect that provides context while remaining secondary to the subject. Below, a Varied Thrush, and Black Sunflower with bee.
Below, Martha Jordan’s Marsh, near Leadbetter Point State Park, is in its early summer glory with water lilies covering large portions of the surface. In this photo, my goal was to visually illustrate the vast expanse of this wilderness habitat, right into the blue horizon.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Lindy, fantastic images for the challenge. The final image of the marsh is my favorite.
Thank you, Beth! I questioned whether the last photo spoke to the challenge and decided it was such a lovely photo it almost didn’t matter!
I’m glad you decided to include it
Excellent. Pelicans agains waves and full moon setting are among my faves.
Thank you, John. I’ll take advantage of any opportunity to show those Pelicans!
Great examples in your beautiful photos, Lindy. I gotta say that the pelicans and the reeds at sunrise are stunning images!
Thank you, Egídio. The series of shots I was able to capture of the Pelicans is a treasure trove to me!
No problem, I am late in replies, as it was midsummer here anfd it time to celebrate, I did not take my laptop with me this long weekend. Your images are absolute ly lovely, sea as a background always works for me. And as favorites, I have to agree with Egidio
Thank you, Ritva. So glad you took time to celebrate!