This week, Ann-Christine asks us what “dreamy” is to us, and wonders how we create dreamy in our photography. You can see her beautiful illustrations of this challenge here. When I happen upon natural settings that radiate ethereal qualities, my task is to recognize what is before me, and take pictures that catch the ephemeral moment. Dreamy images evoke a magical atmosphere, using, as Ann-Christine explains, “soft light, soft focus, delicate tones, and other gentle aspects to produce…an almost surreal or unearthly effect.”
Above, a very low tide, fog in the distance, cirrus clouds streaming above and a few people along the shoreline, create a quiet dreamscape at Long Beach, WA. Below, early morning mist, tinged with pink traces of dawn across the meadow is enchanting.
A Paper Kite Butterfly (Idea leuconoe), having recently emerged from its chrysalis, is a delicate vision of gossamer beauty.
Another interpretation of dreamy tends toward more surreal or other-worldly images. It was well after midnight when my husband awakened me saying, “you have got to come see this moon!” Bleary eyed, I looked out, grabbed my cell phone and was able to capture the photo below.
Sunsets at Long Beach, WA often are quite dramatic, filled with action and bright tones. This one is a favorite because of the suffused pastel colors radiating out on small fluffy cumulus clouds.
Lindy Low LeCoq 