Blackwater NWR 20 Oct 2009

I finally made it to the Blackwater NWR. It had been a while since I last visited the place. However, it always lives up to my expectations. There has never been a trip to Blackwater that I did not find worth subject, be they Herons, Eagles, or the endanger Fox Squirrel. I ran into another photographer who had decided he would wait until the subject came to him; he was in the same location for 2+ hours. The following picture, is a Great Blue Heron.

Well it is Sunday, and I did not make it out to Western Maryland or Pa. for any pictures, weather was horrible this weekend. Hopefully I can get out this week a couple of times.




I was looking at a site I enjoy going to that post other photographers work and they seek critiques. I have not posted there yet, not sure why, got lots of excuses. But what caught my eye was on one particular picture, the critique was "these make me feel warm, sorry not much of a technical critique". It comment makes me ponder about photography. May times people critique the technical merits of the pictures, placement, composition, etc. But there are two side of this, one technical merit and feeling one gets one they look at the picture. I have seen excellent technical pictures that after I see them I often say, "so what". It did nothing for me at all. Then I have seem pictures that before I can even think of the technical merits the picture has left me speechless or in awe. So there are places for technical pictures and places for awesome pictures. Food for thought.

Weekend Plans

It is Thursday and I need to make the decision on which area I want to take the road-trip, either western Maryland for the fall foliage or Eastern Pa. for combining the foliage and opportunities to capture Cover Bridges. Still doing research on both. One or the other will be the choice.  Well it is Friday morning and the weather looks terrible for the weekend, so no road-trip to Western Md, or Eastern Pa.  Will spend my time on Lightroom and organizing some of the past pictures I have taken.

As I look back over the year, 09, I realized that I have not done much of anything regarding updating the blog. That can be contributed to a month vacation in New Zealand and Australia, then returning to work for 6 months, the death on my sister in June and now the death on my Mother in Oct, after a illness from June to Oct. It is now time to get back to the joy of photography, and making blog entries. I use to focus on nature and Wildlife, I'm now going to expand my interest to landscapes both nature and man-made. So there should be no excuse to not add a new picture to the blog or my thoughts regarding a picture I plan to take.

Haines, Alaska Bald Eagle Festival

This was taken at the Haines Bald Eagle Festival, held in the Nov Time frame every year. This Eagle was perched in a tree about 50 ft above us. He was eating his "catch". The Haines bald eagle Festival is a wonderful opportunity to see approx. 3500 eagles feasting on the last salmon run of the year.

Viera Wetlands, Near Melbourne

Florida trip, the opportunity to capture these bird in the Florida winter is something everyone should do if you can possible do it. The colors are great and the birds are "everywhere"

Sandhill Crane at Vierra Wetlands

Taken at the Vierra Wetlands near Melbourne, FL. Normally don't see many Sandhill Cranes there. There were two, must have been a male and female, they were watching over a couple of baby chicks.

Merritt Island

The first picture was taken at Merritt Island at sunrise. As you can see there are a number of Egrets wait. The next picture was take a few minutes later, as the sun came up. It was as if you had rang the diner bell. the birds all flocked to the water. I guess it was "you can't see the fish and now you can".

2008 Reflections

2008 was a year filled with interruptions to my photography work. Will not let that happen in 2009. I have set some goals to improve my skills and more important is the commitment to get out more and take more pictures. I received a book for Christmas called "Wild Delaware" by Kevin Fleming. He spent an entire year taking picture all over Delaware, both wildlife and scenery. An outstanding book, would recommend getting it if you are interested in taking pictures in Delaware. If you combine the opportunities of Delaware with the rest of the DELMARVA you should not be lacking in opportunities for subjects. My point is in a year he spent everyday out taking pictures. To be successful you need that commitment. I'm moving toward that commitment.... take more pictures. I also plan on posting my best shots as I spend more time out. On my return trip from the Baltimore area to Lewes I saw two eagles, one flying and the other eating on a dead deer, I did not have my camera, missed opportunities. No more missed opportunities......