We humans tend to look at our feet and terra firma as we walk. I know as I age, I’m even more intent on watching where I place my feet and I even find myself using handrails now. Pooh! Aging is not for the faint of heart. But I digress.

I want you to look at the sky! Yes, that canopy over our heads, offers endless photographic opportunities. We seldom notice it unless we see a stunning sunset or a dawn with lots of drama and color.

The sky is constantly changing , like God is using a remote control clicker, changing the stations. Think of the advantages:

1 – The sky is always there. You don’t need to travel to an exotic location to find it.

2 – An overcast day provides the best lighting imaginable for portraits. It is like a ton of soft-boxes, providing forgiving lighting, minimizing wrinkles and blemishes ( a good thing for the “mature” face).

3 - The color palette variety is simply amazing. Muted, misty earth tones to dramatic, vibrant and colorful extravaganzas are displayed routinely, sometimes on the very same day.

4 - Bad weather can be a plus for theatrical clouds and rays of piercing light beams, prior to an advancing storm.

One of the things that I’ve learned in recent years is how different the sky is behind me, from what I see in front of me. I became aware of this condition as I started to make 360 degree panoramic images. I’ve often been stunned by the differences in the same sky.

Be sure to look over your shoulder to what is behind you. The better photo is often behind you. That brings to mind a trip I had made to Australia. I was viewing the sunset on Ayers Rock, with hundreds of other tourists. After the sunset had occurred, everyone scurried away. But the real show was still in the sky overhead. It was the most beautiful sky I think I’ve ever seen. But most folks were looking at their feet, having seen what they came for, and were anxious to get back to the hotel. We have a tendency to discount the sky.

I challenge you to become an observer of the sky, record its different personas photographically. The noteworthy photographer, Alfred Steiglitz, husband of painter Georgia O’Keeffe, can provide you with inspiration in his Song of the Sky series of photos. Look up! A show is on for you every daylight hour.

Please look at my website at www.suebloom.com