Seasonal Images with a Theme

While paddling on the Wapsipinicon River this morning a common theme wove its way through my photography. Yes, I was documenting some of the remaining color of the season. But, I was also memorializing what used to be and what will be no more. I watched as a couple of leaves floated past my canoe, then slowly drifted to the bottom of the river. Elsewhere I found small trees beginning their lives on logs in the water- once trees along the river - with neither the logs or the young vegetation destined to remain long.

Leaves, trees, logs, and seasons - all are fleeting. These pictures illustrate what was here this morning, but may not be around tomorrow.

“Where is My…?” and “I Wonder…”

Two quotes are frequently heard in our house coming out of my mouth. Quote 1 is “Where is my (fill in the blank)?” Usually I have lost my wallet or keys, but often other things too. Quote 2 is “I wonder (fill in the blank)…” and usually this has something to do with utilizing something to the maximum of its capabilities or making something do more than intended. Or, as was today’s case, I wondered if I could record a hiking/photography video while carrying a long lens/camera and a short/lens camera to record both aspects - doing all without caving in under the load.

I am happy to report that my first attempt appears to have worked - maybe not to Hollywood standards - but it worked. My first big lesson learned was I need to change the frame rate on the video camera. Movement wasn’t always smooth. Lighting and white balance need constant attention too, but are workable. Likely a big challenge is staying focused on shooting still images while recording video, rather than concentrating on video and maybe shooting still images. Prioritizing is important and challenging since video requires more operator input than stills.

Even with challenges, I believe I have found a workable solution to carry a minimal amount of gear while still accomplishing my goals - in other words - stable shooting without the weight of a tripod. For backpacking and, to a certain extent wilderness paddling, that is a big deal - as in two or more pounds of a big deal.

My first attempt at a hiking video can be viewed at this link (after 10:00PM tonight). The link:

A Camera and a Hike - Ingawanis Woodlands

Following is a sampling of still images recorded while hiking and talking and watching my video efforts.

The Peak of Colors has Passed, But Still Very Pretty

As the month of October comes to a close, the peak of autumn colors in Northeast Iowa has passed. Still, the landscape is exceptionally pretty if a person looks for the smaller scenes. I was able to document some nice looking views late this afternoon.

Just Checking

After another month or so of waiting, I checked on the status of work at Marten’s Lake at Sweet Marsh. I was hoping I would see that something had been done for the renovation project, but that was not the case - at least not based on the view from the boat ramp. If work has not begun, I hope it does soon so we can have water again sometime next year.

Photography Technique Examples

In the event you have studied photography much, you have learned there are certain details to consider in images. I am going to share examples now.

Alcock Park Views

Looking for pretty autumn scenes? Check out what I enjoyed at Alcock Park in Frederika late this afternoon.

“That Place”

I have a place where I can go to lose my senses as I recover my soul. I can tell you about it… I can walk you to the spot… but it won’t be the same for you.

Happenings in the past few weeks have put me in “that place” frequently. Issues around the globe are disturbing to consider. Learning the truth about those close to home has been even more challenging. “That place” gives me solace and helps me to center my thoughts again.

“That place” has been exceptionally effective recently, especially with the sensory conditions. Autumn colors, sounds, and smells… quiet space to reflect… and a peacefulness not easily found elsewhere. “That place” is mine, even when I try to share it.

I hope you too have “that place” where you can escape for comfort. If you do, hopefully you visit often. If you have yet to find your “That place,” I pray your path leads you there soon.

Thankful for Wind

Even though today’s winds were howling much faster than I appreciate, those winds proved to be a blessing. My brother and I hauled a canoe and kayak to the Mississippi River for a day of paddling. Relentless winds…

Overheard at the Great Body Shop to the North

Today as I sat with two family members in a waiting room at the Great Body Shop to the North we easily overheard the following conversation.

Him: Stop mumbling…

Her: I am not mumbling

Him: You are mumbling

Her (much louder for all to hear):…

Now Showing at an Alcock Park Near You (If you are near Frederika)

I am regularly seeing a couple of eastern bluebirds yet this year. I know, bluebirds are known to stick around for a long time, but seldom do I see one or more hanging around yet, so these are special. Since this one opted to perch on a branch near me, I photographed it against a background of vivid fall colors.

Not too far away, and only for a limited time, is a pretty scene most will enjoy. The…

Perspective (or Building an Image)

Now that crops are being removed from area fields, wide open views have returned. Included in such scenes are lone trees in a smattering of fields.

For me it is easy to put emotions into the trees. What storms -natural or world - have the trees endured? What environmental conditions have the lone trees weathered? Have the trees even survived unscathed or have the effects of harsh conditions become visible. Sadly, have some of my old lone tree friends succumbed to conditions and fallen to the ground to be forgotten forever?

This morning I…

Autumn Art

As the season transitions to colder times, the affects are remarkable - leaves, fog, color and smell. Over the past couple of days I shot a number photos to document what I am seeing. Some views are very realistic while others are more artistic. I hope you enjoy them.

Not What We Expected

Early this morning Kristy and I headed up to Volga River Recreation Area with the intent of shooting paddling images with a backdrop of the wooded hills surrounding Frog Hollow Lake. My plan was for the paddler (Kristy) to be a small element in the photo - not the primary theme.

What we did not expect was the speed of the variable wind and, even more, the amount of mist that began falling after we were on the water. In just a few minutes we went from dry and hopeful to…

Attempting a Save (and more)

This afternoon a caring fellow reached out to me about an owl that was down on the ground, not flying away when approached, and possibly in trouble. Within the hour Dan and I had the owl in a pet taxi for delivery to Terese at Black Wildlife Rehabilitation for care.

Will the owl make it… time will tell. What I do know is that I lost a key today - possibly at the owl rescue - and Kristy and I went to look for it tonight. We did not find the key, but I did see two cats “hunting” where the owl was captured. Imagine what might have happened if Dan had not seen or reacted to his owl sighting.

I-Lean and More

Since my last post I have recorded a number of images without a common theme. Of the pictures, one that stands out for me is the idea this sailboat gave me for naming my “new-to-me” sailboat I acquired last week. Since mine is smaller, and without any sailing experience, I am assuming a day on the water in strong winds (like this picture) will result in a strong lean of the boat - strong enough that I will need to hang off the side to prevent it from capsizing. If I am correct, it would seem appropriate to name the boat “I-Lean” or “Eileen” to reflect what is necessary.

Before Work and After Work Pics

For reasons unknown to me I once again attempted something I have done before and expected different results. My test… recording video with enough quality using my cell phone rather than my GoPro or Nikon. What looked good on my phone screen did…

Life Cycles (Deep Thoughts)

Earlier today I spotted a “not so healthy” looking red fox hesitantly prancing across a harvested soybean field. Eventually the fox made its way to a partially harvested corn field. Once there, the fox headed toward me on the edge of the standing corn. Before approaching too close, the animal paused to look around, then - without convincing urgency - entered the standing corn.

Even though my time with the fox was probably less than one minute, it appeared obvious the animal was struggling. Was it young and not doing well on its own, or aged and reaching the end of life. Regardless, winter is likely to be tough for this fox.

This afternoon, while getting some exercise, I spotted this grasshopper on a milkweed leaf. On closer examination I could tell its lifecycle was complete. The grasshopper’s challenge to survive had passed.

Seeing the dead grasshopper and the fox closer to death than the prime of life got me thinking. How am I doing in my lifecycle?

Nowhere is…

Glimpses of Autumn

This morning, as I listened to our church message, I also appreciated my location at the Church of the Open Stream - in this case the Wapsipinicon River. First I paddled the upstream area from the dam, then

Testing a Prototype

Last week I picked up a trailer to convert to a kayak/canoe carrying trailer. (Yes, it had a sailboat on it that came home with me, but the primary use will be to transport canoes and kayaks.) My goal was to be able to use our Jeep to go paddling since the license plate is “Paddler.”

Over the past few days I have been…

Wow!

What a pretty sunset to end the work week. This picture appears warmer than the temperatures were. Possible spotty frosty is forecast in the next few days. I am not ready!