Enjoying “Light Play” in Siouxland, rural Monona County

The setting sun creates a dramatic look as it peers through western horizon clouds spotlighting various areas of a hillside off of a country road in rural Monona County near Whiting, Iowa, Saturday, May 21, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some days when I drive about Siouxland I have not particular destination in mind, or at least no particular subject matter. Sometimes when checking out an area to see what I can find and have as a resource for later use I will take a drive. One particular weekend day afternoon to got lucky as the sun was getting low in the sky for the end of the day, the sunlight broke through the cloud cover that had contained it and showered the countryside with light. Very directional and hard lighting that will give a landscape a bit of character or bring its own character out as it sculpts hillsides and other amenities.

A lone Canada goose sits quietly on a shaded pond off of a country road in rural Monona County near Whiting, Iowa, Saturday, May 21, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The setting sun creates a dramatic look as it peers through western horizon clouds spotlighting various areas of a hillside off of a country road in rural Monona County near Whiting, Iowa, Saturday, May 21, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I like watching the light when it creates some amazing possibilities for images. Even if I am not shooting or in position for what I might think would be a good photograph. A pond nearby was in shade because of the low setting sun and the trees and provides a good contrast (pun intended since there is no contrast in light at the pond) to what an area looks like without the sunlight streaming across.

Life sometimes should be simple and a joy to just enjoy simple things, like sunlight and a landscape.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The setting sun creates a dramatic look as it peers through western horizon clouds spotlighting various areas of a hillside off of a country road in rural Monona County near Whiting, Iowa, Saturday, May 21, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Feeling the Sunshine in Siouxland, Sioux City

Sitting in a sunlit window on a cold morning in Sioux City, Iowa March 1, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Temperatures in the Siouxland recently have reached into the 50’s and some places even 60’s. It’s a nice relief to feel the warm sunshine and see snow melt and brown grass once again reappear. Eventually that grass will turn green weather forecasters are predicting an unusual spring with roller coaster weather patterns involving severe storms and yet more cold temperatures.

When summer arrives with the heat and humidity, I am sure the thoughts of cold mornings may not surface as one might complain about the heat and humidity. But for now, living in the moment and enjoying sitting outside and reading is something to relish and enjoy, until one can’t.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Playing with Light and Polarizing filters in Siouxland, Le Mars

Creating a heavy effect while using a polarizer on a sunny day in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, June 13, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Dialing down the effect of a polarizer on a sunny day in Le Mars, Iowa Saturday, June 13, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Depending on who one talks with or reads and one’s own personal preference, the use of filters can be a touchy subject. Landscape photographers use neutral density filters and polarizers to enhance the scenes they photograph. While traversing about Siouxland on bright sunny days, I personally like using a polarizer to enhance my skies. But then how much an effect is too much. Sometimes being over the top can add to an image if that is what the photographer desires while at other times less is more.

I don’t think all will agree on any kind of like mindedness with this topic and that’s okay. The saying variety is the spice of life, and if you don’t like the soup, don’t eat it, but then, don’t spoil it for others who do.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa