The Real Sponge Bob

I remember as a kid seeing a movie about sponge divers called ” Beneath the 12 Mile Reef” with Robert Wagner and Gilbert Roland. It was set in Tarpon Springs Florida.

When we visited Tarpon Springs I was surprised to see the sponge business thriving thinking sponges were all manufactured in factories today. It turns out the natural sponges are still considered superior by artists and make up professionals and although more expensive still high in demand.

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Sponge Bob

Sponge Bob

Togetherness

I was sitting on the beach with my telephoto zoom lens and saw this toddler running towards the waves by herself. Where are her handlers I thought. A young runner ran in front of her and she turned and ran away from the water. She sat down as I zoomed out and saw this group of young ladies paying absolutely no attention to her.

The little girl sat and played in the sand by herself. Well who am I to judge, maybe she wanted it that way. I assumed one of the young ladies was her mother but then I moved on.

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Togetherness

Togetherness

A Valentine’s Day Beach Flirt

When did you first learn how to flirt? Chances are it was on Valentine’s Day. Although a manufactured holiday designed to sell greeting cards and candy, I can remember when it used to be important. As a child I would spend a long time agonizing over who received the bigger cards from my Walt Disney collection. As a young man, it was absolutely critical to not be alone on Valentine’s Day.

This picture is a study in flirting dynamics. The young man on the right is clearly with the girl next to him but seems to be trying to win over the young lady in the middle. The guy near the water needs to buy a clue.

Whatever you do have a great Valentine’s Day but don’t fall for that “Must buy candy” ploy!

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Beach Flirt

Beach Flirt

Along the Tampa Riverwalk

People have told me that Tampa is a great city but people don’t live downtown. If true,that is not apparent from walking along the Tampa river. People walking their dogs, children running like crazy in the playgrounds and teens skateboarding are just a few examples I saw while strolling along the river on a Saturday night.

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Along the Riverwalk

Along the Riverwalk

Throw Away Sunset

When we got back from Cancun in December, I published a few sunset pictures. This one never made the cut. I had uploaded the image but never published it.

Last night was a beautiful night in Clearwater, but the sunset was lame. I waited and waited but it just sank, no clouds or haze means a lame sunset. I could have told you this one was from last night, but it was actually the reject from Cancun…sigh, truth is hard.

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Cancun Sunset

Cancun Sunset

Pitchers and Catchers

Although Spring is still a month away, the first event of Spring happens next week. Pitchers and catchers will report to all MLB teams by the end of next week and the following week exhibition games begin.

Some people in northern climes look for the arrival of the Robin as the first sign of Spring but not me. Play Ball!

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Pitchers and Catchers

Pitchers and Catchers

Perfect Flare

When shooting directly into the sun you can get an unwanted reflection off the lens elements within the lens. This is known as lens flare. Sometimes you can’t see these in the viewfinder and when shooting sunsets it is best to frequently slightly change your angle to assure you capture an image without flares. (https://imageryphoto.net/2014/01/29/pirate-sunset/)

I could have tried for days to create this flare without success. It almost looks as if a spotlight is on this couple watching the sunset.

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Perfect Flare

Perfect Flare