I have known photographer and blogger Terri Webster Schrandt for several years. Terri is among the first bloggers I met when I joined WordPress in 2016. Terri is know for her photography challenges on her blog, Second Wind Leisure Perspectives. If you have an interest in photography, you can find her two weekly challenges here:
Sunday Stills which has a weekly theme with a variety of announced topics: https://secondwindleisure.com/photography/sunday-stills-photo-challenge/
The Flower Hour which has a central theme of flowers and a variety of fun sub-themes which you can include at your discretion: https://secondwindleisure.com/the-flower-hour-photo-challenge/
Learn more about Terri’s challenges and what inspired them later in this post.
Tell us a bit about Terri Webster Schrandt and how you became interested in photography. Are you self-taught or have you attended a course on photography?
I grew up in a family where creativity and artistic expression were always encouraged. My grandmother was a painter and taught me how to sew. I enjoyed drawing, crafts, and art throughout childhood, and later discovered another creative outlet—writing.
My first camera was a Polaroid my grandfather gave me for my 15th birthday. During family trips to Yosemite National Park, I photographed landscapes, plants, and anything in nature.
While studying Parks and Recreation Management at university, I minored in art and took my first photography course in 1982. That class gave me a technical foundation, but I’ve always relied heavily on my eye for composition.
In the mid-80s, life got busy with my career and raising my children, and photography took a back seat. Then in 2001, my boss purchased a digital camera for our recreation department, and I became more adept at digital photography.
I consider myself mostly self-taught. Later, after becoming a blogger, I took another photography class to better understand my Panasonic Lumix FZ300 digital camera, and I also learned a great deal through WordPress Photography 101 and connecting with other photographers.
Whether I’m using my camera or my smartphone, photography remains a blend of creativity, observation, timing, and a little bit of luck.
Below, Terri’s photograph: Autumn Colors on the Snake River, Quincy, California 2010
This photograph holds a special place in my heart because it was the first image I took with a digital camera where I received meaningful feedback. When someone suggested I enter it in the California State Fair photography competition, I began to realize that I did have some talent. That encouragement gave me confidence to keep learning and sharing my work.
Do you think the camera makes all the difference with photography or do you think good photography depends to a large extent on the talent of the photographer?
I always characterize photography as 50 percent luck, 50 percent right place-right-time, and 50 percent preparation. Yes, the math doesn’t add up, but that’s because great photographs are really a collaboration between chance and intention. Photography has never been a tidy equation anyway.
Talent is certainly a factor, having that eye for composition, or being able to just snap a photo are all part of the process.
Once digital cameras became affordable, it was easy to snap away and delete mistakes. This shift encouraged experimentation and allowed photographers to learn more quickly by reviewing their results instantly. Smart phones really upped that ability to take a good photo as well, putting capable cameras into nearly everyone’s pocket.
Below Terri’s photograph: Windsurfer In Motion 2016 (ting)
This image represents a milestone in my photography journey because it was one of my first successful attempts at capturing motion using a real camera. Never could I have imagined I could capture the expression on his face! Action photography requires timing, patience, and a bit of luck—there’s that 150% Rule again!
What programmes / tools do you use to edit your photography. Tell us a bit about your process.
It was during the WordPress Blogging University during Photography 101 where I learned about an editing program called PicMonkey. There was a free version back then (2014). I took advantage of it then continued with the Premium paid plan.
Because of my natural eye for composition and subject matter, I simply need to edit each image by cropping, adjusting lighting and exposure, color, and adding my watermark for anything that is published. If it needs more work than that, it’s probably not a great image.
Below Terri’s photograph: Brodie’s First Water Day 2017
With water splashing everywhere, a stick planted firmly in Brodie’s mouth, and pure determination written all over my dog’s face, this photo captures everything I loved about that moment.
Please share some of your favourite photographs and share what you like best about them.
Floral Perspective — Yellow Flowers Against the Antioch Bridge 2018
This photograph represents one of my favorite aspects of photography—finding a different perspective. The bright yellow flowers in the foreground contrasted against the strong lines and structure of the Antioch Bridge created a scene that blended nature with human design. I have always enjoyed looking for unusual angles and compositions rather than simply capturing what is directly in front of me. Sometimes moving a few steps, crouching lower, or framing a familiar subject in a new way completely changes the story of the image.
Sunflower Bee in Flight — 2019
Sometimes my favorite photographs happen completely by accident. This image was taken with my smartphone while photographing sunflowers, and I didn’t realize until later that I had captured the bee hovering in just the right spot. Moments like this are exactly why I believe photography is part luck, part timing, and part preparation.
American Bald Eagle Portrait 2021
My eagle photograph remains one of my personal favorites—so much so that it now hangs as a canvas in my home. Eagles are powerful and beautiful subjects, but capturing the right expression, detail, and presence takes patience.
Say’s Phoebe Feeding Her Chicks 2025
Since successfully photographing the bald eagles, wildlife photography has become one of my favorite challenges, and this photo is especially meaningful. I submitted three similar images to the Spokane Audubon Society for their annual calendar, and one was chosen for the 2027 edition. I have always admired the amazing photography shared by members of the group, so having one of my own images selected felt like a wonderful validation.
Aurora/Northern Lights using smart phone 2024
This image is proof that the best camera really can be the one you have with you. I captured the aurora using only my smartphone, which still amazes me. Years ago, a photo like this would have required specialized equipment, but technology opened new doors for photographers.
Tell us a bit about your WordPress challenges Sunday Stills and The Flower Hour. What inspired them?
Sunday Stills Photo Challenge
Having blogged happily since 2014, I found that photography quickly became an important part of my online storytelling. Sharing images each week gave me another creative outlet and helped me see everyday moments through a photographer’s eye.
For many years, WordPress hosted a Weekly Photo Challenge. Participating every week—not only sharing my own interpretation of each theme but also seeing how others approached the same idea—helped my blog grow and introduced me to countless wonderful bloggers. Many of those connections became genuine friendships that continue today.
Then, in early 2018, something unexpected happened. I simply ran out of things to say. I felt as if I had told all my stories, so I published a “farewell” post and stepped away from blogging for three months.
During my break, WordPress discontinued its Weekly Photo Challenge, leaving a creative gap in the blogging community. Around that time, I remembered a photo challenge called Sunday Stills, originally created by another blogger who had since stopped blogging. A thought crossed my mind: Why not resurrect Sunday Stills and give it new life?
So, in May 2018, I did exactly that—and the rest is history. Other bloggers also joined in by creating photo challenges.
Creating weekly themes for Sunday Stills continues to spark my own creativity in photography and storytelling, but the greatest reward has been the community. The challenge reconnected me with longtime blogging friends and introduced me to new photographers and writers around the world who enjoy sharing their perspectives through images.
The Flower Hour Challenge
As if hosting a weekly photography challenge didn’t keep me busy enough, another opportunity to support the blogging community came along.
My dear blogging friend Cee, an incredibly talented photographer and longtime challenge host, became gravely ill in 2024. Many bloggers knew and loved Cee through her numerous photography challenges, especially her beloved Flower of the Day, where participants shared images of flowers and plants from around the world.
Cee was not only gifted behind the camera, but she was also gracious, encouraging, and generous with the blogging community she helped nurture. After she passed away in March 2025, bloggers continued linking their FOTD posts to her closed blog because the connections she created meant so much.
Bloggers love participating in challenges and linkups. They inspire creativity, help us discover one another’s work, and strengthen the friendships that make this community so special.
After discussing the idea with a few close blogging friends and reaching out to Cee’s partner, I received encouragement to create a new weekly flower photography feature. With their support, The Flower Hour began in October 2025.
Both Sunday Stills and The Flower Hour give bloggers a welcoming place to share their photographs, find inspiration, and encourage one another. Photography may begin with a single person behind the camera, but sharing those images turns it into a conversation—and that is where the real magic happens.
About Terri Webster Schrandt
Terri Webster Schrandt is the writer and photographer behind the blog Second Wind Leisure Perspectives, where she shares her love of photography, nature, travel, recreation, and everyday moments that inspire creativity.
A lifelong creative, Terri grew up surrounded by art and encouragement. With a background in Parks and Recreation Management and a career devoted to helping others enjoy meaningful leisure experiences, she has always believed that creativity and play are important parts of a well-balanced life.
After retiring from full-time work in 2015, Terri embraced her “second wind” by exploring photography, blogging, travel, and outdoor adventures. Whether capturing landscapes, wildlife, flowers, her beloved dogs, or unexpected moments found close to home, she believes memorable photography comes from her personal 150% Rule: 50 percent luck, 50 percent right place-right-time, and 50 percent preparation.
Since becoming active in the WordPress blogging community, Terri has hosted the weekly Sunday Stills Photo Challenge, encouraging photographers and bloggers around the world to share their creativity through themed photography. She also created The Flower Hour, a weekly opportunity for bloggers to celebrate flowers, plants, and the beauty found in nature.
When she isn’t behind the camera or writing a blog post, Terri enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and discovering the extraordinary moments hidden in ordinary days. Through Second Wind Leisure Perspectives, she continues to celebrate creativity, connection, and the joy of seeing the world through a curious lens.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
Social Media Links
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyFo_OJLPqFa9ZhHnCfHUA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
TSL Publications: https://tslbooks.uk/product-tag/robbie-cheadle/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robbie-Cheadle/author/B01N9J62GQ
Unsplash profile: https://unsplash.com/@r_cheadle
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