Dancing cow-creamer and its momma

This time DPS's weekly assignment asked us to use natural light as the source of light.

Description:

This week: "Lighting: Natural Window Light". As the days grow longer in the northern hemisphere and shorter in the south, we are all aware of sunlight. For this assignment, I want you to find a window or doorway and observe the light that comes through it at different times of the day. Use it to light your assignment image. You can do a portrait, but if you don't have a willing model (and not interested in a self-portrait), try a still life. Be very aware of shadows and how they can add to or detract from your image.

I say, this was a tough one. I decided to use two very soft-lined objects: a ceramic cow-creamer and a ceramic butter-holder. Both white. On a white table in front of a window.

I shifted the objects and observed how the light reflected from them during several hours. I ended up with a bunch of photos and had a hard time deciding which one I would post as the entry.
Here they are, my cows. Which one is your favourite?

Number 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

Number 5

Number 6

Number 7

Number 8

Number 9

I still haven't  decided. Strange, I like each one of them for some particular reason. I guess my choice will depend on which one of them best corresponds to the given assignment.

Heaven's Hall in South Estonia

One of my favourite spots in South Estonia are the Heaven's Halls (Taevaskoda), close to the small town of Põlva. The name of the place derives from red and yellow sandstone cliffs that are formed like two giant halls.

The entire nature reserve area of Taevaskoda is truely beautiful. The river Ahja and its sandstone banks with many caves titillate imagination and give sanctuary to such rear species like the Kingfisher.

Two days ago I visited the Heaven's Halls again. And here are some photos I made during that day:

River Ahja seen from a dam bridge - but what is down there?! Let's take a closer look.

Snow roses floating on the river - They are formed of the froth made by the churning of the waterfall above.

A close-up of the snow roses

Red and yellow sandstone cliffs

Reflections on the river

Snow-covered stones on the river

Water has carved small caves in the soft sandstone

Maiden's cave

The river reflects the pale and soft colours of March

A bridge leads you to the Heaven's Hall

Snowmen guard the Heaven's Hall

The river seen from high above

Two wild ducks swimming in the river

A row of birches leads you away from the Heaven's Halls.

What to do in Otepää in winter?

My new hometown Otepää is called the winter capital of Estonia. And for a good reason.

Even though this idyllic village (well, we actually have been a town for over 70 years) is small – only a little over 2,000 people live here – it is well prepared to cater for every need of a winter tourist.

There are both cross-country and downhill skiing stadiums with several hills and a multitude of fantastic skiing tracks.

March is just about the best time to ski here. The sky is bright blue and the snow is so white and inviting.

Instead of explaining any more, I present you some photos taken yesterday. Should you be interested to visit South Estonia and Otepää with its magnificent scenery, do give us a call or send an email. You'll find all the necessary contact details of our B&B, Villa Ottilia, on our home page: http://www.villaottilia.ee/

Kuutsemäe is one of the two downhill skiing centres of Otepää

A girl coming down the hill

This is how it's done in style

There is plenty of room for everyone

The scenery in winter is like taken from a fairytale

Indeed, the landscape of South Estonia  is something extra special

Cross-country skiing is also very popular

Skiing is a form of meditation in motion

Väike Munamägi is another place for downhill skiing. The hill is short but steep.

The best part of Otepää winter fun is that there are no queues, no crowds. You can enjoy your holiday in peace and quiet.

DPS's assignment: Get Down

The idea of this week composition assignment was to get down and to shoot upwards.

Here is my entry: