Another Moon Image (8/29/07)

Did anyone happen to notice tonight's moon?  Although it is slightly less than a full moon (97% - decreasing), it is still large enough to create a good photo subject.  The exposure times were obviously much less than they were during the lunar eclipse of yesterday.  For those looking for a good software program (free), drop me an email.  The program calculates the many aspects of the moon rise and set, size, sun rise and set, compass points, and can be set to your specific location.

Lunar Eclipse - Lessons Learned (8/28/07)

As I type this, the Lunar Eclipse is on the emergent side...it's now 5:30 in the morning.  During the last hour I attempted to photograph the lunar eclipse.  Several details were in my favor: clear skies, little or no breeze, good shooting location.  Just like in other astrophotography I have attempted, subject movement continues to be a challenge.  Since a lunar eclipse results in a very dimly lit, reddish moon, I have to choose either a high ISO or a longer exposure.  If you opt for a high ISO, you will have noticeable noise in your image.  When you choose a longer exposure, you capture the movement of the moon (and/or stars) and have a slightly less sharp image.  Any images I shot at ISO 100 required too much time with resultant moon movement (blur).  Following are three samples from the lunar eclipse with the shooting data from the EXIF file.  (Note: I did minimal post-processing to the images - primarily curves or level adjustments.  There was nothing done for color.)  

High ISO (ISO=400, Shutter Speed=2.20 seconds, Aperture=7.1, Long Exposure NR=Off, High ISO NR=On (normal)

High ISO (ISO=400, Shutter Speed=2 seconds, Aperture=7.1, Long Exposure NR=Off, High ISO NR=On (normal)

High ISO (ISO=1600, Shutter Speed=1 1/15 second, Aperture=7.1, Long Exposure NR=Off, High ISO NR=On (normal)

I've Got Duckweed in My Ear Canal!!!  (8/26/07)

From the strange but true category...

Due to the high water levels on the Wapsie, I opted to paddle/explore a shallow, duckweed-covered marsh filled with carp, among other things.  There I was, working my kayak quietly along the cattails near the shoreline.  First I called in a green heron that I recognized from its silhouette on a distant tree.  It wouldn't let me approach too close, but I was able to create a "Wildlife as Art" type of image.

Then I noticed the many different dragonflies and damselflies that were either mating or feasting on the hordes of insects that were buzzing about.

At about the same time, I heard a commotion nearby and noticed this doe that was feeding just out of clear view.  Again, I slowly worked the kayak into position, clicked the shutter a few times, and SLAP, SPLASH - I was completely soaked in the blink of an eye!  Somehow I had spooked a carp that made a hasty escape and in the process covered me, the kayak, my camera, and everything else with marsh water, duckweed, and any other creepy things that were suspended in the liquid environment.  I'm almost certain I have duckweed in my right ear.  If you happen to see some sprouting sometime in the future, please let me know so I can harvest it.

On a serious note...it pays to always keep the camera in a drybag, even if I don't have the bag sealed shut.  Although the water flew and covered the exposed parts, the camera wasn't damaged.  Thank goodness for drybags and weather seals on the Nikon!

The Migration is On (8/25/07)

From what I observed this morning, the fall migration has clearly begun.

Sora:

Fragrant Water Lily:

Images from a Daytime Hike (8/24/07)

Finally, an afternoon without rain!!!  I used the time to take a conditioning hike around Sweet Marsh on the dikes while wearing my photo pack and my loaded backpack.  It's good to know that all of my sweat pores are working.  While hiking, I created the following images.  Keep in mind that I was hiking while the sun was directly overhead (harsh lighting).

An acrobatic snail:

Insects on a thistle:

Deptford Pink:

Kansas City Skyline Images (8/19/07)

I just returned from a conference in Kansas City.  Since the conference activities don't go into the late night, I used that time to do some night time skyline work.  Following are a couple of samples taken from the 26th floor of our hotel.

Bird Conservation Area Dedicated Today (8/14/07)  Permission required for use of this information.  Contact Kip Ladage for permission.  A transcript of my speech is available by request.

The Wapsipinicon River Bird Conservation Area was dedicated today at a small ceremony north of Tripoli.  Representatives from the Bremer, Black Hawk, and Buchanan County Conservation Boards, the Iowa DNR, the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society, Restore Our Wapsie, and the general public were in attendance.  Doug Harr - Iowa DNR facilitated the event.  Harr explained the importance of a BCA designation and its impact not only on birds, but on other wildlife species as well.  Other speakers included Frank Frederick representing the three county conservation boards, Doug Chaffa from the Sweet Marsh Wildlife Unit, Jim Jansen from the Iowa DNR, Tom from Prairie Rapids Audubon Society and Kip Ladage representing the public and area birdwatchers.  Near the end of the program was the unveiling of a sign designed specially for the Wapsipinicon Bird Conservation Area.  Featured on the sign is a Red-shouldered Hawk, one of several uncommon bird species known to nest in the Wapsipinicon Bird Conservation Area.

The Green Heron is Posing (8/10/07)

I tried to take spend some time photographing the wild things at Sweet Marsh this morning, before the sun (light) became too harsh.  Unfortunately, just as I was preparing to start photographing a green heron, my cell phone began ringing and I had to respond to a request for assistance.  Much to my surprise, when I returned a couple of hours later, the green heron was still "fishing" in the same spot.  Following is one of many images of the green heron.  Note: I realize the lighting is harsh.  I had to shoot when time allowed.

Before shooting the green heron, I created a few images of a snail crawling up a cattail.

From  the Boundary Waters... (8/6/07)

A few minutes of time were available to post some sample images from the Boundary Waters adventure we completed last week.  Camera Equipment Notes: I really enjoy the instant feedback my Nikon provides.  However, the weight of the camera is certainly noticeable.  Image quality is very satisfying.

Our camp with the Kevlar canoe:

Looking up the Horse River:

Horse Lake:

Portaging a 37-pound canoe (what a treat!):

A Few Photos from a Cloudy Morning (8/5/07)

I am typing this at 11:55am and I'm not sure the sun has risen yet.  Our cloud cover is very thick, resulting in low light levels.  What light we do have is very even.  Although there wasn't much light to work with this morning, I paddled around Sweet Marsh, beginning around 6:45.  The first thing I observed was a green heron.  The little guy wouldn't allow me to get too close, so I had to be satisfied with more distant images.

I then paddled out to check the status of the American Lotus.  Most of the seed heads (pods) are now drying out.  Red-winged blackbirds are feasting on the seeds.

As I left Sweet Marsh, I noticed the jewelweed (also known as spotted touch-me-not) blooming in the ditches.  I tried a variety of compositions and captured everything from the textbook specimen shots to the dreamy style image.  Hold your mouse over the image for photo information.  Notice the change in depth of field and bokah between the first two images.

Images from a Second 2007 Trip to the Boundary Waters (8/4/07)

We returned from a second trip to the Boundary Waters last night, just before the Tripoli Days fireworks display.  (Note: The Tripoli Fireworks were exceptional.  Assuming those coordinating the event continue to hire the same crew, I encourage you to plan to attend next year.  There were no pauses between displays, making for great photos.)  Anyway, we had virtually rain-free weather, but a strong, constant wind that resulted in few photo opportunities.  Below are a couple of loon images created while moving across one lake towards our destination.  I don't think I spent more than five minutes working with these very cooperative birds.