A California winter and early spring spring sight, the striking dark black limbs of the valley oaks always make for interesting photographic subject matter. Their twisted framework of branches provide a stark contrast to the sky behind them. Then with the first warm sunny days they miraculously transform into opulent trees with lush bright green foliage completely hiding the framework of the branches. Shade for summer picnics under their huge canopies follows.
I have always been fond of orchids, so when I saw about half a dozen hand-lettered signs spaced out at various intervals next to the main road advertising an orchid show last weekend, it didn’t take much convincing to plan to attend.
I picked up a neighbor who is also fond of orchids and we drove over to the show on Saturday morning. Although medium in size in terms of an exhibit, there were spectacular orchids in all colors, shapes, and varieties. A carpenter had even built special wooden exhibit stands for some of them. These prize winning orchids were an orchid lover’s dream and a joy to photograph as well.
Later, as I was perusing the sale portion room of the exhibit a man walked in and asked us to check our numbers on our entry tickets, and lo and behold I saw that I was the proud winner, picking out a beautiful dendrobium orchid. I have seldom won anything so there was much excitement on my behalf.
Dendrobium orchids have a profusion of flowers but lose some of their leaves in winter I learned when reading up about them later. I have only had phalaenopsis orchids until now, so the dendrobium orchid was new to me. Cradling my new treasure I headed home with a big smile on my face.
California dream: narcissus blooming during a very dry January this year bringing hope of renewal and spring.
Even a blind chicken finds a kernel once in a while I chuckle to myself as I open my photos folder. I thought I had been holding my iPhone steady to photograph a string of Christmas lights, but I guess not! I wonder if I could pass this off as the Northern Lights, hehehe.
I have alway been fond of photographing these flowers. Their subtle gradations of color are simply lovely. One is reminded of pastels or impressionist painting.
Below are two links to some of my botanical watercolors.
August 2025
It has been quite a while since my last photo portfolio, so I’m very happy to finally be able to put up some new imagery after struggling with health issues for over three years. While I usually do my work with my trusted pair of heavy digital cameras, this portfolio consists entirely of images taken with my iPhone. It is a dinosaur too – by today’s fast changing standards – a hand-me-down 6S Plus that I am grateful for. Nonetheless, it is the eye and vision that matter, right?
Several weeks ago on my way to the dental chair I met someone on a BART train who I noticed had a Leica film camera, and we had a fun conversation about “old school” photography. I think he was about half my age, and exited about “discovering” film. I had to set him straight about darkroom fumes though. Let’s not go overboard. No more chemicals for yours truly if you please. I love processing photos on the computer screen and digital printing on quality art paper – it was a milestone in terms of innovation when both arrived, and desktop publishing and fine art printing became a reality for normal everyday users.
The first digital image I ever took if I remember right, was with a Sony Mavica that used floppy discs! Anyone remember those? I think it was around the time when the Macintosh SE and Plus came out, perhaps the Classic. It was very practical that you could insert the discs directly into the Macintosh. The precursor to modern CF cards. Continuing my conversation with the fellow on BART, we discovered we both shared an interest in the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. What’s not to like? He was such a master of his craft.
Recently, while perusing the Apple website I was astounded at the leaps and bounds iPhone cameras have taken. Their top of the line iPhone 16 Pro Max model made for photographers, rivals professional DSLRs. What a technological advance, and a light year leap from the Mavica.
I have had a lot of fun with the images in this new portfolio, from photographing breakfast I made for my “kids” (all grown up), who protested to no avail that this was for “kids” when breakfast was served (I loved making it – and eating my fair share too), to Black & White images of small slices of life, to nature that I love so much, and of course special photos of my faithful cat Calvin. Can you find my “the decisive moment(s)” homage image(s)? Say the last two words quickly three times – think “Fox in Socks”. 🙂
Explore and enjoy,
Matthias Leue
I took this photo quite some years ago, but it remains one of my favorites. The blur of sandpipers has always reminded me of music notes. I wonder if an orchestra could keep up with this movement.
🙂
©2025
Taking a delicious bite out of the new year.
That was quite a downpour during the past few days. You’ll have to excuse me here if I don’t defer to, or try to add to the media hyperbole that took place beforehand. One never knows if it is safe to stick your head out the door when listening to, or reading their hysteria. The weather apps on the phone seem to be in cahoots as well. Just watching the sky seemed to be good enough prior to all this.
The ginkgo trees I passed on a walk today seem to have weathered the rain well. In fact, the cool nights seem to have added depth to their golden yellow. There are few trees that can match such autumn beauty and color in my view.
Have a blessed Sunday.
This is one of my favorite blooms of spring (even though it is summer now – I know, I know). The purple wisterias are so delicate and beautiful in color, sometimes they look like fat caterpillars to me. Such a sign of renewal as they emerge from the the stark bare branches hugging a trellis.
Now a full green canopy of leaves provides for summer shade.
Matthias Leue Photography 