Constance Hobbs Photography Blog

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Portuguese Man O' War Jelly Fish

They're back! I went for a walk this morning along the beach and found these jellyfish all over the shoreline. It doesn't seem to keep the swimmers out of the water but these little babies can deliver a powerful sting. The bulbous or fan part stays afloat but those long venomous tentacles drift dangerously beneath. I find them so unusual in appearance.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Southern Churches

There is something wonderfully primitive about southern churches. They seem closer in spirit to the truth of their faith. Without all the pomp and circumstance of other churches these churches seem to embody the essential aspects of religion. They are often colorful reflecting the goodness and joy of spiritual teachings. The happiness empowered by being close to God. Northern large churches seem to have lost all sense of intimacy, joy, care, benevolence and generosity of spirit. Perhaps they are more political and because of that some how removed from the fundamental qualities of goodness.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Little Leaf Keeping a Float

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

More from Delray Beach

If you are wondering why the images have a slight blur here and there that was the intent.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Delray Beach This Morning

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Swans Over the French Alps

Swans are the largest member of the duck family. They usually mate for life although divorce can happen, particularly following nesting failure. They look so graceful as they fly over the Alps.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Lakeside Switzerland

Ok, so I'm switching from Paris France to Lakeside Switzerland. The Swiss use this chevron pattern a lot. I must say I do like it. So graphic and clean. The blue and white combination is always a crisp good look. These are the doors to a lakeside boat house. Can you make out the rails on the bottom of the photo. Thats how they tug the boat out of the water and into its place. Sometimes at quite a distance. I find this so charming. I grew up by the sea so lakeside boat houses were new to me. I'm sure they exist in the US but I haven't seen any. There is a tiny bit of graffiti on the doors which is very unusual for Switzerland.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Paris

I've been in a Paris state of mind lately. I suppose because we are going to Europe this summer, first stop Paris.This is a view of Ile de la Cite. In the image above I was fooling around with the Bokeh effect. Not so easy to get without a tilt shift lens. You can mess around in photoshop, which is what I did, but the result isn't exactly correct. I still like the dreamy effect I acheived though.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day from Paris

Happy Valentine's day to all the wonderful people that visit my blog. Don't forget the champagne and chocolate tonight!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Paris

I have a thing for doors in Paris and Europe as a whole. They are so spectacular and unique. The size, variety, colors and the exterior fixtures. Just love them!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

More from Paris

Monday, February 6, 2012

Paris

Monday, January 30, 2012

Sunset in France

Monday, January 23, 2012

Crescent Moon

What is it about the moon, this crescent moon, that magically communicates life's mystery. Is it the shape? The fact that it's partially hidden? The reality that it is reflecting the sun? The way it just hangs there in space so close and yet so far? The crescent shape to me is a happy shape. I have no idea why. It symbolizes hope and goodness to me. To others this shape represents other things I am sure. We are all so influenced by our environments and personal histories. Wouldn't it be wonderful to wipe out the conditioning and memories and see life anew? Fresh. This is the goal of meditation. To empty the mind. Great idea, not so easy to maintain in actuality.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Winter in the Alps

Something I have never become accustomed to while driving in the mountains during winter are the snow covered roads. Frequently in Europe there are no guard rails or protection of any kind. As one climbs higher and higher, twisting and turning it is extremely easy to hit a patch of ice or snow and go in a direction you would rather not! Where the sun hits the road its wet but you turn the corner where its completely shaded and you can hit a section of ice or snow very easily. I have been in cars where people are so well adapted to the environment that they drive at very high speeds through the snowy alpine roads. Well, I grew up at sea level and my "heart is frequently in my mouth" when driving with them.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Orchids for Alexandra

Today is my daughter Alexandra's Birthday. These orchids are for her. Happy Birthday Alexandra.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Wheat Grass and Cattails

I suppose it's hard to see but these are images of wheat grass manipulated. I have so much fun making these images. The combination's are endless. These photos are a tiny bit too large and the right side is ever so slightly cropped, sorry. I like repeat patterns a lot. Here's another of cattails.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Long Island Sound at Lattingtown

Long Island often gets a bum rap. But I can assure you that the north shore and the east end are filled with many beautiful spots just like this one. The Hamptons have been discovered by copious outsiders and have made it often times unpleasant during the summer season. But that's no different from the South of France. So, if one is able to visit slightly before or just after the summer season you will find yourself very lucky indeed.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Floridian Horizon

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Missing Switzerland

I guess I'm a bit nostalgic for Switzerland having spent so much time now in Florida. It's the fresh fallen snow in the mountains I miss most. That dry sound of snow crunching under your boots as you walk, especially this time of year. Or maybe I miss the clean fresh smell in the air? Or maybe the smell emanating and drifting from wood burning fireplaces? Perhaps its the gathering with friends and family over fondue, white wine and schnapps? I guess I miss it all. I don't think I will get there much before this summer. But one never knows what's in store.

Lac Leman in Switzerland and the Jura Mountains

Swiss Alps

One of the greatest joys of living in Switzerland is taking a ride into the Alps or countryside. Everything and everywhere in Switzerland is so well groomed and cared for, even the simplest farm. It's a visual delight. As you can see from the image above the views are spectacular. The country is small so one does not have to drive forever to reap the benefits of spots like the one above. It rains quite a bit so in the spring everything turns a verdant green of breathtaking dimensions.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Winter's Road

Locust Valley New York

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year

We're bringing in the New Year right this year. Swimming and spending time in the hot tub. I wish everyone a happy and healthy year. All the best for 2012!!

Happy Holidays

Art Basel Miami

Art Basel Miami was very exciting this year. Not only was the art work inspiring, but the crowds were overwhelming. I heard from some gallery insiders that people were spending money this year. That's wonderful to hear. The photos below are only a smattering of what was available there. One has to compete with the crowds, the overhead lighting and other peoples flashes. So its difficult to snap everything you want. I misplaced my paper work on who's who below, sorry. I hope you enjoy what's to follow anyway.