My First Sale with Fine Art Photography

How reaching for the clouds launched my photography career!

When I was still a novice during the early days of my art show sojourn I remember a more seasoned artist remarking that doing art shows was like going out in public naked and exposing your innermost soul.  She was definitely correct about her feelings.  I had been a teacher for many years in both college and secondary, had done my share of public speaking, but standing there displaying my photographic art was the most uncomfortable situation that I had ever experienced.

So when I made my first sale at my first art show, I was dancing on clouds, only with my clothes on!  And speaking of clouds, this first sale was of a photograph of cumulus clouds producing crepuscular rays. 

I had taken the photograph when driving along Spring Mountain Road in Las Vegas, Nevada and saw the cloud forming to the west.  I pulled over, parked and managed to get 2 clicks of the shutter before everything changed.

There is a philosophy that art is about the creating and not for the commercial aspect.  This is very true because the pressure to produce commercially can override the moment of creation when the work materializes from the inner soul.

Furthermore, people can “Like” your pictures and tell you how great they are, which is always appreciated.   However, when someone is willing to own a piece of your art, it establishes a sense of worth and value.

Throughout my professional photography career, I never did allow the commercial aspect to over-ride the creative force behind my passion for the art

 “Carpe Diem”  remains on my list of classic fine art photographs and is available for purchase through my online gallery and website:  www.BonnieRannald.com

BTW, the woman who purchased “Carpe Diem” located me at another art show and told me that she loved clouds and collected artwork with unusual cloud formations.    

 

Bonnie Rannald Nature Photographer

If you found this post interesting check back often where I will focus on the story behind the image or give tips on my ventures as a nature photographer.

Your comments are always welcome and I will reply back ASAP.   

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain and are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

Getting Started in Fine Art Photography

 A life changing moment while trekking over a sand dune! 

Do you have that one work of art that stands out from all the rest?  Something that brings back fond memories?  Or maybe makes a profound statement?

With me and my photographic art, it would have to be the image entitled “Sand Totem”.  This photograph actually was the starting point when I became serious about the art of photography.

I was on my first visit to New Mexico and enjoying the White Sands National Monument when I trekked over a sand dune and saw the most perfectly shaped yucca growing on the side of a slope with clouds and mountains in the background.  The scene really stood out and grabbed my attention for a photograph.

After the roll of film was developed, the lab technician commented on what an awesome scene it was and asked to see more of my photography.  He told me about an up and coming art festival that I should consider entering with some of my photography.  

To make a long story shorter, I applied to Summerlin Celebration of the Arts and to my surprise was accepted.  That was back in 1993 and after all these years, it still seems like only yesterday.  Being a novice participating in the art show world, I had much to learn.  Fortunately after much constructive criticism from people who were to become my mentors and long hours of studying, I began to develop in to a more seasoned artist.

The “Sand Totem” is still one of my classic fine art photographs and available for purchase on my Bonnie Rannald’s Reflecting Nature’s Artistry Website:  www.BonnieRannald.com

If you found this post interesting check back often where I will focus on the story behind the image or give tips on my ventures as a nature photographer.

Your comments are always welcome and I will reply back ASAP.   

   

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain and are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

Winter Photo-adventures at Mono Lake

A day's discoveries along an inland sea

 

The winter of 2018 has not seen near the amount of snow as in 2017.  After a moist cold front moved through the region in early March, I was eager to venture out to eastern California and the High Sierra community, 6,383’ (1,946 m)  around Mono Lake.  

 I took a dirt road that might get me a better view of the lake and I was hoping not to get stuck in the icy mud.  I was slightly disappointed with the lack of snow on the ground but the mountains were looking very picturesque against the nice blue sky.   

Eventually the road-side opened for a nice view of the mountains to the south--the gateway to Mammoth Mountain and June Lake.  

With this type of winter lighting and the snow covered mountains Mono Lake looked almost like it was frozen. 

In the far distant to the south, trails lined with snow stood out, what great skiing on that fresh powder. 

The view across the north side of this inland sea leaves me with a very surrealistic feeling.  Mono Lake is twice as salty as the ocean.  

The docile appearing Mono Dome all covered in snow hardly gives any hint of this area’s volcanic past. 

Snow blankets much of the salty shoreline at this ancient lake and the Black Point basaltic cone

stands out across the blue water.  Black Point was formed over 13,000 years ago.  

By late afternoon the sky grows darker and colors become more saturated.  The black shape of volcanic Pahoa Island, formed just 300 years ago, begins to reflect in the calm portion of the water.  Unworldly “Tufa Towers” calcium-carbonate spires, accent the lake’s foreground. 

Time has come to begin my departure and travel back over Nevada’s 7,638 feet (2,328 meters) Anchorite Pass before ice starts to form on the road.    

No matter what the season photo-exploring around the Mono Lake area always offers the most awesome views.  Winter does seem to be my favorite time when the snow covers the high Sierra and accents the rugged terrain.  

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald.

For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.