In photography, the golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the Sun is higher in the sky. 
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The period of time right before sunrise and shortly after sunset is called the "magic hour," especially by cinematographers. [1] [2] During this time the brightness of the sky matches the brightness of streetlights, signs, car headlights and lit windows. Also, during this period of time there are no sharp shadows because the sun has set (or hasn't risen). The magic hour is actually closer to twenty or thirty minutes. - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hour_(photography)

Alpacas are the cutest animals, ever according to me. I couldn't get enough of them at the Island Alpaca Company on Martha's Vineyard. There bobble type furry heads just made me smile. There was even a 10-day old baby. I convinced my husband that we should go to. Well, I would have gone without him anyway. This trip really made my day, and Jeff loved them too. They are also very photogenic, I brought along my Nikon 7200 and my Tokina Macro lens. 
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This is from their website:
Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard began in 2004 with the purchase of 19 acres of land and an antique post-and-beam barn that once stood in Export PA. Over the next two years, the barn was assembled, pastures were cleared, and fencing installed. The original purchase of eight alpacas in 2004 had grown to a starter herd of 31, which moved into the barn in 2006. Today, Island Alpaca has a select herd of over 50 colorful Huacaya alpaca.

#alpaca #nikon #marthasvineyard #islandalpaca #furryfriends #farm

Do you ever feel like our world is on fire or at least smoldering?
COVID, the election, social media, Fires out west, and whatever else is going on.

I miss the February and March 2020. It was not because of the weather—New England kind of stinks in those months. But I  miss seeing family and friends, go to concerts, eating out, and generally do all the things we always do. But, alas, the world is different now for better or worse.

When I am able to I do go out and photograph. Now that the weather is more temperate, I am back to walking in my neighborhood. I had been taking my community for granted in away, not noticing the little things.

I like knowing who has a friendly dog I can pet, seeing the same families on their bikes or walking. I also like seeing suburban nature change over time. These walks let me think and make me feel happy. You probably have seen some of my flower photos on my Facebook page Kerry Hawkin Art. 

I am grateful for the familiarity in this uncertain time. What makes you thankful?

Finally, the air is getting cooler and I am out taking more walks around my neighborhood and at the Endicott Community Gardens. Sunflowers are winding down but there is still a lot oof color out there. 

Dahlias are my favorite September flower. Big and bright. The can grow very tall. I havent had much luch growing them but some of my fellow gradeners have. I am grateful for that. 

I don't always know what a flower is but love there beauty even weeds. well not as much for weeds.  Below are photos I have taken over the last few weeks.

​There has been a lot going on, and not much is going on. We did manage a short getaway, which was much needed. The news every day doesn't seem to get better. I have a draw full of masks, and we have had multiple heatwaves. I am praying someday for central air conditioning. But I digress!  I have been taking lots of photos of our vacation and my two trips into Boston.  I have to post a few pics here. 

The Dedham Farmer's Market starts tomorrow on the First Church Green in Dedham 2-6pm. That means lots of fresh food for me and lots of fun photo ops. I take photos for the market and post them on Instagram for the Dedham Square Circle. It is one of my funnest feeds. I just love see and supporting the Farmers, artists, food makers and more. WE will be social distancing and will have new rules. Look for pic on the Dedham Farmer's Market Instagram