Source:www.jimippolito.com

For years I've maintained that there's almost always a picture to be taken, anywhere; all you need is imagination.

It used to be costly and even burdensome, to take a lot of "maybe" pictures. Film cameras were heavy, as were lenses and of course you had to pay for every shot you took, including the dogs.

Even when cameras started being made of lighter materials they were still sizable and the cost of film and processing were still a major factor.

Digital photography changed all that, and now, even a modestly priced digital camera can return excellent results if you don't want poster size prints.

Keep a camera with you at all times, if possible, and, if you have the means, get a really good pocketable camera, and start revving up your imagination.

A few days ago while driving home from a routine errand I noticed some nice fluffy clouds dotted here and there with the meaner, dark looking type that signal an approaching storm.

Since I was close to home I didn't stop to take pictures but a minute later, after easing into the garage, I went right out with my trusty Pentax RS 430 digital camera, and quickly snapped about 30 shots before the clouds merged into a messy mass with no particular form.

My intention was to get a few shots for possible use as computer wallpaper or to Photoshop into a blank sky in otherwise decent landscapes.

While framing the cloud formations I noticed the palm tree, and decided that it would make a good, off-center focal point.

I arranged it so the tree would be in silhouette, with the clouds back lit by the sun. With the sun totally blocked there was no need to compensate for underexposure, and the clouds took on that rich, illuminated glow that I think makes them look alive.

I like the result. It's not destined for spot in a museum, but it pleases me, and for a quick experimental shoot, in front of my house, it was rewarding.

Look around, you'll find something to photograph, and don't forget to look up too.