2014 Photography Challenge- A Moment in Time (7:00 p.m.)

I have to admit that this is probably my least favorite photo that I've taken in this series yet. Although it's a good reminder for me that while I may have a good "eye" for photography, my technical skills are lacking. For this photo in particular, it was the first time that the light really bugged me and I realized how much more work I need to do in terms of learning how to take photos in less than ideal lighting/settings. I worked hard for this photo and did some studying in order to get it, but in the end, I still didn't love how it came out. I needed a tripod for this photo and wasn't able to find it in time for the assignment.

Here's what I do love about this photo. I am truly blessed to live somewhere I love. A place that most times feels like vacation. In fact, my sisters and I were talking about how coming back from vacation isn't as harsh of a reality because this is my backyard. To take this photo, I walked out of my home and walked for maybe a minute before I ended up here. Talk about lucky!

See for yourself:

This was also probably one of the more challenging photos to line up the a.m. and p.m. photos. My type-A personality was having major issues with not being able to set the photo exactly how I did at 7:00 a.m.. But in the end and with a little bit of manipulation, it all came together nicely!

Here is 7:00 a.m. vs. 7:00 p.m. (click to enlarge): 

Five things I noticed between the two photos:

1. The palm tree leaves have grown!
2. The tree next to the palm tree has also grown and has crowded the p.m. photo considreable. 
3. No clouds at 7:00 p.m., although I really like how much the clouds added to the 7:00 a.m. photo. 
4. My focal point for the photos are slightly different. I was either standing closer at 7:00 a.m., or I was more zoomed in with my lens. I tried like hell to have this be exact, but in the end, I couldn't replicate it. 
5. The flash on the p.m. photo makes the tree trunk look washed out and nowhere near as sharp during the a.m. photo. Which again, to me, highlights my need to learn more!

Cyrena and Sarah posted beautiful photos. Check them out below and see for yourself how fun it is to realize just how different all three of our surroundings were at 7:00 p.m.

Cyrena's photo

Sarah's photo