The day of the snowstorm (1-4-22), I went outside to take a few night shots. By that time the sky was clear, and I wanted to photograph the trees with their mantle of snow. I also wanted to experiment with the camera on a new phone I had been given for Christmas.
But first, I am sharing the above photo we laughingly call "bird patrol". I wanted to put seed out, so that our feathered - and furry - friends would have something to eat in the early morning.
And then I turned my attention to the trees.
It was chilly and I didn't stay out too long. That and the fact it was almost bedtimeThe night sky seemed even darker than usual, most likely after coming out of a lit house. Later I was surprised how light the sky appeared in my photos. I still liked them though and will learn about the settings on this camera feature as the days progress. These next two photos are the same, but I tried darkening the second on Paint Shop Pro, to see if I liked it better. I am still not sure which one I prefer.
The most fun part of the evening for me was that I made a discovery when I looked at these two photos on my laptop. I had enjoyed looking at the sky, at the same time noticing that there were still no planes flying in the direction of our nearest airport. There had been many cancelled flights because of the storm. Normally there would be several planes with their twinkling lights up there, but the lack of them allowed me to concentrate on something else, all those incredible stars. When I went back inside and downloaded, not expecting anything but the trees, I was tickled pink to notice I could see Orion's Belt, and then I was able to pick out more of the constellation.These last two photos I found online, and I have included a bit of information.
I read that Orion is located on the Celestial equator and can be seen throughout the world, clearly visible in the night sky from November to February. The constellation is named after the hunter in Greek mythology and is one of the most obvious and recognizable constellations in the sky. This is true because it was the first constellation I learned about years ago, and once I found the belt it was easy to pick out the other stars. Orion is in the southwestern sky if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, or the northwestern sky if you are in the Southern Hemisphere. The following link, Orion's Belt, will take you to Wikipedia where there is a lot more information about this constellation.
You probably won't be surprised to know I have yet more snow photos.
These night pics are really good, your new phone rocks! And gosh, I CAN see the stars!!
ReplyDeleteI know, that's what shocked - and delighted me - when I saw those stars :) Thanks Ginny :)
DeleteI look forward to seeing more of your beautiful snow photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, they will be shared very soon :)
DeleteWonderful snow pictures. Of the two that you edited I like the way the tree looks in the first but I love how the stars show up in the second.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann and thank you :) I can see your point on those two photos.
DeleteYAY a new phone, I love new phones, I WANT a new phone, I don't NEED a new phone. these are awesome and the first one of the ginormous tree is my favorite. the cameras in phones just amaze me. you yard is wonderful to see. I see the stars at 3:30 am and have no idea what they are, but they are beautiful
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, I am one of those people who won't get anything new until things are dropping apart or are not working properly. That is what happened to my old one, and like going from a propeller plane to a jet airplane, that's how I feel about my new phone. Yes, we are star gazers :) That ginormous tree? The two we had cut down, one was much larger and the other about the same size, and I still miss them. However, dead trees fall on houses and there was no alternative.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful snow photos, I love the starry nights. Take care, enjoy your day!
Thank you Eileen, me too :) You take care and enjoy your day also.
DeleteThe night photos are especially beautiful. Well done! Orion is my favorite constellation (maybe because it is one of the few I can recognize!)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie but I think my new phone needs the pat on the back :) The only thing I needed was a steady hand for the long exposure, but I will take a tripod out next time. Because it was a first for me, the Orion is my favorite too, and for the fact you mentioned.
DeleteWith that much snow, I'm sure you have more snow photos.
ReplyDeleteNow you made me smile Red, thank you :)
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ReplyDeleteWe had rain and snow for a few days. Beautiful photos. Good 2022 :)
Hello Lucyna, I hope all is well with you and the snow. Thank you very much and a good 2022 to you also.
Deletep.s. we are expecting another snowstorm tonight, but keeping fingers crossed it won't be as troublesome. I hope people will be safe on the roads. Perhaps with this second warning, many will be able to stay at home.
Orion is a familiar constellation to me.
ReplyDeleteSplendid! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing these wonderful photos and pointing out the stars to us.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Christine, and thank you :)
DeleteThe snow is beautiful ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne :)
DeleteI love seeing your night time photos, Denise! How exciting to view Orion's Belt from your home. With so much light pollution that is noteworthy. Get ready for more snow this evening!
ReplyDeleteSo glad Martha Ellen and thank you :) I looked at a YouTube video today about taking night photos with my phone. The man mentioned light pollution. He was miles away in the boonies taking his and he took some amazing shots. Yes, I have looked out a couple of times to see if it has started snowing. Nothing yet!
DeleteFreshly fall snow is beautiful but too cold for me! Lovely photos
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Carol but I don't really mind it. Felt terrible for all those people stuck on I-95 though. Okay for me to look out at it but gosh, can you imagine? I have been reading stories from various people, I hope no one is on the road tonight.
DeleteHi Denise, long time no see! I sure have missed visiting here and of course I absolutely love all your beautiful snow photos. I hope all has been well in your world. A very happy new year to you and your family. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHey Martha, great to see you here. Are you posting again? I'll pop on over to check. So glad you liked my snow photos. All is well and I hope the same for you. A very Happy New Year to you also my friend, and to your Loved ones :) Sending hugs too.
DeleteWow it looks so chilly but you have some great photos. Keep warm and stay safe, Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane, you keep warm and safe too :)
DeleteReally well done! My phone is a piece of crap!
ReplyDeleteI love the path for the feeders.
Thank you Jenn :) I am really enjoying it. My old phone was throwing its hands up and saying enough already, lol! I had a laugh when I saw the footprints.
Deletethese are so pretty denise, many thanks for braving the cold so that we could see it's beauty!! i'm sure your feathered friends appreciated your concern, it is so hard for them to find food when it snows. as you may know, i can't remember if you stopped by, but we got a mere sprinkle!!
ReplyDeletemore is forecasted for tonight, overnight, while i will be sleeping. who knows if we will get any!!
i am thrilled that you have more pics to share with us!!! take care denise!!!
Hi Debbie, you are very welcome and I am happy you enjoyed. My feathered friends are like my feathered-family :) I love them and they bring me a lot of happy, entertaining times. I wonder if you'll get your snow tonight? It's heading our way too but it looks more out west towards the mountains. At least that's where the big red line seems to be on the radar. Yes I have more pics and will be sharing them soon. I still have to put them together so they could arrive a bit late.
DeleteDenise, I am enjoying seeing everyone's snow pictures around their homes during this cold Winter season. And we've had A LOT of it too, about a foot. It's all new to me since I moved to the mountains, and I love looking out my big front window and seeing the first snowfall. Your night photos are so pretty, and your deck looks charming all covered in snow. Stay warm, and have a cozy rest of the week, Denise.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thanks Sheri, I have been enjoying everyone's snow photos too. We lived in California many years ago and one time we went up to Big Bear to a friend's cabin. So beautiful up in the mountains, I could definitely live there.
DeleteOh, I love both versions of that photo....I wish I recognized the constellations. I can pick out the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper...but that is it.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, glad you enjoyed them. I will always remember how pretty it was that night. That's great that you can pick out those other two constellations.
DeleteThe snow is beautiful and magical. Settling on the tree brunch, so many wonders around. Thanks for sharing. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you babYpose :) You are very welcome and thank you!
DeleteStunning snow pictures, Denise!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to another year of fun blogging with you.
Happy 2022!
Thank you Veronica and I am looking forward to visiting you also. A happy and healthy 2022 to you also :)
DeleteIt's hard not to share the latest snow storm photos! I love your night sky photo and how the stars are showing up! Wonderful. Stay safe out there! :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is and I have enjoyed yours also :) Glad you liked my photos Ellen, you stay safe too :)
DeleteAbsolutely incredible, clear images of the stars Denise.
ReplyDeleteHave fun learning the INS and outs, and if you come up with good tricks ...share!!
Hi Anni, thank you, I was very happy those were picked out so clearly. I am having fun and will definitely share anything I learn :)
DeleteLovely snow photographs, and I do like the night sky photograph ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Happy you thought so Jan, and all the best to you too :)
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