January 5, 2014 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

Within the clouds

Fog:

A collection of liquid water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air at or near the Earth’s surface. While fog is a type of stratus cloud, the term “fog” is typically distinguished from the more generic term “cloud” in that fog is low-lying, and the moisture in the fog is often generated locally. Fog is distinguished from mist only by its density, as expressed in the resulting decrease in visibility. Fog reduces visibility to below 1 km (5/8 statue mile), whereas mist reduces visibility to no less than 1 km.

Wikipedia

The sensation that fog or any condensation adds to photography is one of mystery, one of magic. The eeriness that those little water droplets can add to a scene may bring forth visions of fantasy. What lies within the clouds? The way that light intertwines with moisture in the air adds to the atmosphere of the landscape. Not only are you mystified by what lies behind the curtain, the mist can add the feeling of surprise, fear and admiration.

We had a few days when the fog stayed with us until the late afternoon- a rarity in our parts. We were lucky to be out in countryside on these days traveling the back-roads of Southeastern Minnesota lucky that we could share this abnormality together. Next time the fog rolls into your area, grab your camera, and capture the light that dances gracefully with the water droplets. Be quick though, the fog can form and then dissipate just as fast.

March 25, 2013 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

A Hometown Affair

A group of photographers from the Red Wing Photography Club met up on this beautiful sunshiny day back in June of last year in Red Wing, MN with the sole intention of photographing the city and all of it’s beauty. Venturing out with a group of photographers can be interesting and an outing that you can learn from. How does your shooting buddy see the world behind that trusty camera– Different no doubt. The goal of it all is to gain different perspectives on how other photographers not only view the world and how they wish to portray its beauty, but it is also wonderful to see how they work and how you can learn from them. On this particular day, we met at the local Farmers Market where you can find vendors selling fresh canned fruit, fresh vegetables right from the garden, fresh baked bread (yummy), flower arrangements, plus much, much, more. We spent a couple of hours touring the city that we have all seen a thousand times. You know- Those roads that we all travel on as we make our way to work or play, it is those streets that we take for granted at times. I would have to say that I love living in the Mississippi Valley and Southeastern MN Bluff country. Coming down into the quaint town of Red Wing from the North on Hwy 61 is always an amazing site for me and never gets old.

We had a fun and productive day walking the alleys and photographing the local businesses – trying to view the streets of Red Wing, MN in a different way and taking off those “took for granted” sunglasses.

Sit back and enjoy the views you might have overlooked in Red Wing, MN.

Red Wing, MN Train Depot

Gernentz Auto Service

A simple greeting

A great day for a dog to take its owner for a walk

The old and the new

March 9, 2013 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

The Round Barn, Red Wing, MN

After our trip touring the countryside in Wisconsin for round barns last April, we decided to contact a local Bed and Breakfast, which just happens to be called The Round Barn. Robin and Elaine Kleffman, owners of the The Round Barn Bed and Breakfast and restored round barn, were gracious enough to give us a private tour of the facilities.

I could not say enough of the hospitality of the owners and the history involved with astonishing example of architecture. The round barn was originally built in 1915 by Henry and Mary Dammon for their dairy cattle, and subsequently used as a honey processing facility by Earl and Retha Griffith. The barn has been renovated and is used for wedding receptions, dances, parties and reunions.

The house was built on a design from 1861 by architect Samuel Sloan and is beyond beautiful. The charm of the place shines as you drive onto the property and you are filled with tranquility as you step out of your car. I still would like to taste Robin’s award winning bread as he pulls it from the wood-fired hearth bread oven.

If ever in the area, I would highly recommend a stay!

February 9, 2013 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

April showers bring may flowers

April… Not only my birthday month but a time of new beginnings in the northern hemisphere as well. Upon research, the etymology is from the Latin aperire, “to open,” in allusion to its being the season when trees and flowers begin to “open” or start a new beginning. Additionally the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” comes to mind. April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains. Therefore, by extension, that a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness. April… What a wonderful month indeed.

The fourth month of last year brought continued happiness and good fortune in our photography travels. Dan and I scoured the countryside of Minnesota and Wisconsin in search for beauty. We have the knack for running into something special whether it be a forgotten building, a reflection in a puddle from a recent April downpour, or a morning sunrise like no other. As for the sunrises, I am a bit spoiled as I do, on occasion, get advance notice of the beauty that is about to unfold. Dan commutes to St. Paul for work, which means that he leaves sometimes before I even open my eyes. Those early morning text messages telling me to wake up and catch the morning sunrise as it is unfolding are appreciated… Thank you honey.

Easter Trip

Easter trip

April reflections

April sunrise

Always remember to catch a glimpse of the good things.

Gallery July 9, 2012 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

July 4th, 2012 – Firework Celebration

This gallery contains 18 photos.

Everybody go ooooooh, everybody go aaaaaahhhh… We, as photographers, love to capture the beauty around us and the show that fireworks put forth in the night sky certainly fits that description. Although those bright, colorful explosions can be tricky to capture when you are shooting in the darkness; a little planning and simple execution is […]