Rays 

400 mm 

Mississippi 

Photography adventure: Morning glory

This morning I woke at 6 am and just knew, even before the sun was up, that I had to shoot the sunrise today. Do you ever get those feelings. Something tells you where to go and there it is, WOW.

When I started out I looked at the gray, overcast, sky and thought, maybe my gut instincts were wrong this time, but since they are usually right on target, I proceeded to my favorite East overlook. Tip: establish a spot to view East for sunrises and West for sunsets, that you can get to fast because sun transitions go fast.

The park ranger was late today so the gate was still locked. After a minute of thought I parked the jeep and hiked past the gate to the overlook. I knew the sunrise would be fleeting and couldn't wait for the guy who slept in.

The sun was just coming up as I got to the overlook and it was glorious. The only problem I have now is deciding which of the pics to blow up to poster size. I sent three to the lab to make 8x10s. Speaking of labs, lets have a little talk about picture quality.

Labs vs home printers

Home printers are convenient, but the ink and paper cost more than the cost of most labs. Also, unless you use the, even more expensive, archival inks and papers in your home printer, your prints run the risk of fading into oblivion in a few years. Find a good reputable lab to develop your work into high quality prints. Make sure you get chemical prints. Yes, digital files can be developed using a chemical process that provides the longevity of film prints. Just ask the lab you plan to have the work developed at what process they use. If you have a choice of labs, print the same print at multiple places and see which one does the best job. Think about this, what is the one thing, next to people and pets, that is most valued and grieved over when lost? Family photos. Don't trust the discount places to do a good job. Most of them have shotty equipment and don't have trained lab techs who know how to balance the chemicals.

So when you get that fantastic shot that you got up early for, stood in freezing temperatures for, risked your freedom and life for, do it justice with quality developing.

geopic

Hike Naked. 

If I move, the pot is yours. 

Learning 

Profile 

Book Artist 

Sculptures 

Sidewalk Artist 

St. Louis Art Fair

Sculptures, photographs, books, chalk and paintings represented a few types of art viewed this weekend at the art fair. The quality, volume, and variety of art at the fair was excellent. That comes as no surprise when you learn that the 165 booths at the fair represented a fraction of close to 1700 artists that applied to display their work.

The people at the fair also attracted the photographer's lens. Many artistic people dress with flair, in some cases blending in with their abstract art, in others a simple hat stood out against bold artworks.

I hope you got to the fair, and go to others in the future. The work of creative professionals can inspire your artistic talent to explode.

geopic

Effingham FD. 

Huge cross watches over the fire department convoy as it heads out to assist in relief efforts. God bless the heros of our society. 

576 

Pre-deployment planning. 

River Grove FD 

Heros Deploy

Huricane Katrina devestated the gulf coast a week ago, leaving thousands homeless and cities in ruins. Today, September 5, fire departments converged at Effingham Illinois as they migrated South to assist with recovery. A crowd of brave firemen wearing blue, all displaying city and department logos, stocked up on provisions before heading South.

The heros deploying today will save many still trapped in their homes. I looked at those young firemen and thought to myself, they could be my sons. I just wanted to give them a hug and to let them know we are all praying for them. I waved to the convoy as it headed out, truck after truck, lights flashing. Appropriately, as they entered the highway, the giant Effingham cross towered over the highway, a reminder that their protector is with them.

geopic

Yellow throated frog 

Racoon 

Powder Valley

This pic is just so cute I had to post it.

I spotted this little coon at the Powder Valley nature center at Watson Rd, Geyer, I-44 and I-270, to give you an idea where it is (in St. Louis, Missouri for any out of staters reading this). http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/areas/cnc/powder/

This is a great little nature center with one of those nice visitor centers with big windows that look out on feeders that attract all kinds of wildlife. Deer, Turkeys, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, cedar waxwings, the list is extremely long. For photographers who aren't blessed with good health or the ability to stay out very long on hot days, this spot is a God send. Small children will enjoy learning about wildlife with the center's exhibits for kids, including a bee hive inside that is housed with bees that enter from the outside.

The outdoor paths are not very long and make a nice manageable hike. The longer loop has some steep hills though so I wouldn't take that one if you have trouble with hills.

Photography tips for the center: Bring a log lens to get the shots of the hummers and close ups of birds as well as bigger animals like turkeys that might be farther from the building. A polarizing filter will help reduce window glare. The best shots of birds will be when they aren't at the feeders, so watch where they land before and after feeding and focus on those spots.

This little coon must have figured out that the feeders are filled in the morning and deviates from his nocturnal lifestyle to fill up before the birds get it all. He stayed on the back side of a feeder for about a half an hour, reaching around and grabbing handfulls of food, mostly out of site. Once he finished he moved very fast and I had to run to the next room to get a shot of him washing his hands in the pond. He was off into the woods in an instant. So watch your subject and don't hesitate to stick with them or you may miss a golden opportunity.

geopic