“Light” is the theme of this week’s Digital Photography School challenge.  The subject is left completely up for interpretation, so I present a selection of my favorite images featuring that giant ball of light in the sky.

I’ve always loved shooting cranking up my shutter speed and pointing my camera directly at the sun to capture the deep blue skies and bold rays. Like when I pointed my 10.5mm fisheye lens into the air atop Coit Tower in San Francisco, California.

 

The roof of Coit Tower in San Francisco, California
The roof of Coit Tower in San Francisco, California

Tex Randall

In a state that likes things BIG, Tex Randall is the biggest Texan of them all. Located in Canyon, TX, Tex stands proud at 47 feet tall and seven tons heavy. He was originally built in 1959 when industrial arts teacher Harry Wheeler wanted to make “Texas’ Biggest Texan” to promote his Western curio shop. Today the curio shop has closed its doors, but Tex stands tall for all to see just off of historic Route 66.

 

Tex Randall — the biggest Texan — on Route 66 in Randall, Texas
Tex Randall — the biggest Texan — on Route 66 in Randall, Texas

Kumili Tree

Sunbursts are always a nice compliment to a nature scene, like this one I captured while on a trek through the mountains above Kumili, India.

 

A tree and sunburst in Kumili, India
A tree and sunburst in Kumili, India

The Washington Monument

The clouds parted and I was greeted by both the Washington Monument and a beautiful sunburst during a recent photo session on Washington, DC’s National Mall.

 

The Washington Monument - Cherry Blossoms - Sunburst - Washington, DC
The National Mall and Washington Monument are especially beautiful during Cherry Blossom season.

Fisherman’s Wharf

It was too good to be true…a sunburst shining through a star near San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

 

A sunburst through a star in San Francisco
A sunburst through a star in San Francisco

Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba

The sun was in full force during my three day tour of the holy sites of Sri Lanka’s Ancient Cities. While it did a great job of lighting up my photos, it also made for a very sizzling experience as all of the sites had a no-shoes policy to go with their scalding hot stone walkways. Needless to say, there was a lot of hopping and burned feet.

 

Prayer flags cover the sun at the Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba in Sri Lanka
Prayer flags cover the sun at the Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba in Sri Lanka