When it comes to color, I’m kind of a split personality. I love bright, intense colors–even neons–and I love soft pastels. I used to do a lot of black-and-white, but got away from it when I bought a digital camera. The only formal training I’ve had was a beginner’s darkroom class and I loved every second. Seeing your image appear in the basin filled with chemicals is so exciting. I could have spent hours in the darkroom, and I did. One day I’ll go back.
So, as promised, some pastel shots from Southern Cal….
I shot this hibiscus on my son’s patio as the sun was going down. This peachy shade is probably my favorite hibiscus color.
There are quite a few old Crafstman bungalows in Southern California and I love the way they photograph. The peeling paint on the pink door made me stop the car for this shot. I deliberately overexposed for a soft, dreamy look.
Another hibiscus at sunset. When I lived in California, hibiscus plants were being decimated by whiteflies. I’m happy to see they’re making a comeback.
Hope your week is going well….
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
That peachy hibiscus is just gorgeous Ms. Pearl! Love the “dreamy” door too!
Thanks, Bonnie! Thanks for stopping by. I really enjoyed your pics of Chichen Itza.
I love that door and this post just after the last one. I love to ccompare, I also like both, it depends on the mood.
We seem to like a lot of the same things, Caroline. 🙂
Carole, I have a peach hibiscus plant under my mailbox and I get one or two blossoms a day. Love the color, but wish the blossoms lasted longer. Not sure if they are being eaten, or just don’t last long. We seem t/b back in the late afternoon storm cycle here – good for the aquifer/
Lucky! I seem to remember that the blossoms don’t last that long, but there should be more than one or two blossoms a day. I had two of them in Calif. and whiteflies devoured them.
Welcome to the blog. 🙂
I’m torn between these soft, muted tones and the bright constrasts of the post from a few days ago. They are both very appealing.
That peach of the hibiscus is gorgeous.
This color hibiscus is one of the first plants I bought when we moved to California years ago. Couldn’t wait to have it in my yard! Was so pleased to see the same variety in my son’s new backyard.
The two posts one after the other are just so rich – great job.
Jennie, thanks!
Dang I love all your photos! That first flower shot is so detailed, it’s incredible.