Brenda Rugen has a unique view through her camera's lens.
This summer, more than her family and friends can appreciate it, as she has submitted her images to several area fairs.
The California photographer's "Old Barn" was recently selected to be published in the "Best of 2015 Photography."
She began entering online contests this spring and has found much success, encouraging her to continue to experiment and take more photos, Rugen said.
She's won other contests with photos of Clydesdale horses, flowers, blue ribbon rabbits, historic buildings and outdoor spaces.
Now, she's considering opening her own business because of such positive response, she said.
"It's only through God that I have this talent; plus, someone gave me the push to go ahead and experiment," Rugen said.
Photography is relaxation, pleasure and enjoyment, she said.
"Anywhere I go, my camera is a part of me," Rugen said."You never know what you're going to see at any moment."
It's not uncommon to see her laying on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda or traipsing through the woods.
"Even when I bake my cookies, they go on Facebook," she said.
But what she captures in her frames are not straightforward or traditional images.
"I like angles," Rugen said.
Capturing a moment in time is how she enjoys the simple things in life, she said.
"If I can bring a smile to someone's face, what more do I want?" Rugen said.
Even her feet have become a photo series, as she documents the places she visits on her Facebook page.
"It's a running joke," she said.
But that's what she wants her photography to provide, a slice of life and amusement for those who see it.
"Our world is a masterpiece, why not enjoy it?" Rugen said.
She enjoys capturing unique glimpses of sunlight, shadows and reflections.
"Anytime I can get outside and do something, I'm happy," she said.
A former 4-H photography project leader, Rugen said her photography reveals her life philosophy: "be positive and enjoy the simple things."