Already missing summer

It is almost as if we didn't even have an autumn here in West Michigan.  The leaves changed and moments later we were covered in snow! 

So here is a photo that I took this summer to help regain a little warmth!  :)

I have always found trains to be very photogenic, mostly because of the geometry and what the angles do with light.  But add into the mix something as frivolous as beans and it just becomes irresistable. 

Spring Forward, Fall Back

This month's photo is of a handsome grasshopper.  We are not seeing many of these around here anymore, now that the weather has turned cold.  I am always amazed at just how hairy most insects actually are if you look at them closely. 

We are still working on the relocation, but the deal we thought we had with a buyer for this one ended up falling through when said buyer backed out.  So it may get put off until next spring/summer.

In the meantime, get outside and enjoy the wonderful outdoors while the bugs are down and the snow is still up!

Pelicans

Pretty much what it says on the label.  :) A pair of pelicans.
I have always liked birds.  I don't know why, as I naturally keep very different hours from the bulk of the avian class.  These pelicans for example were captured first thing in the morning, when most birds are at their most active.  "The early bird gets the worm" is an expression for a very good reason.  Birds, for the most part, rise with the sun.  Pelicans are no exception.

While humans tend to persecute them for various reasons, as a photographer I find them to be surprisingly graceful.  Their awkward immediate appearance, especially while feeding, gives a very false impression of what beauty and elegance pelicans actually are capable of.  I hope to have captured some of that in this photo.

Summer Landscape

Here's a landscape that was captured about a month ago, just in passing, while moving between locations on a portrait shoot in Holland.  I just had time to stop, make this one exposure, and move on.  Yet another reminder that you always have to be ready for the unexpected shots to present themselves.

Natural light

Who needs Photoshop filters when you have the sun and trees to work with?  Apart from being cropped a hair and resized, this image is straight out of the camera.  No retouching, no adjustments, no filters.  Because as good as those tools are, there is still nothing that compares to getting an image right before you press the button.

On time and on target!

Yes, I know...for the first time in months, I am actually posting in the first week like I am supposed to!  Given how busy things have been it is all the more surprising, but here it is anyway.  :)

This is a gray tree frog, so named because despite its color in the photo it is usually a dull gray color as it sits up against tree bark.  Up in the leaves it turns this vibrant green, much like a chameleon.  It also does a wonderfully striking half-and-half camouflage pattern using both colors.  This one has just come down from the treetop obviously, as it is still very green.

Have a great July!

Summer Fun

Moving is always a longer process than you think it will be.  Still working on it, so bear with me.  Busy and having fun though! 

This is a horse I have photographed before, and her new foal.  The younger has already shown an interest in the camera, and will undoubtedly be as cooperative a model as her mother. 

Hope your summer is off to a great start, and don't forget to check back here each month for news and new photos.