Racing the Sun - Favorite Still Images

Yesterday I shared a video I put together from clips and still photos created Monday when I hiked to Paint Rock in the Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County. Some of the photos included in the video became favored images for me - at least for now. I would like to share some here for you to see.

Paddling and Shooting Photos "Up North"

Please, use your imagination for today's post.

As the 2024 warm weather season is drawing to a close, the urge to paddle up north has become almost overwhelming. The temptation to head in that direction to enjoy quiet water and fall colors is strong... so strong that today I did it. I traveled up north to shoot the style of images I have been thinking about.

Now, to be clear, I did go north, but only about 2-miles. I left our farm and drove to our cabin where I selectively photographed myself in my canoe on the Wapsipinicon River dressed in early autumn colors. Before the wind kicked up I composed three variations of "up North" images.

Deciding Seasons Based on Pictures

Without saying a word, just through pictures, I am confident viewers can tell which season we are in. These three pictures make it easy to know where we are on the calendar.

A Preview From a Most Memorable Hike

On this last morning of the last day of September I enjoyed a hike that I will hopefully never forget. I raced the sun to record fog over the Mississippi River from a high vantage point. At this time I am still reviewing images and video recordings, but will share this preview image. There is more to come!

Memory Trigger Bird

This morning as I sat listening to the message at the "Church of the Open Stream" (today was really "Church of the Pond), I had my eyes watching the sky and my camera at the ready. Out of nowhere a double-crested cormorant did a low altitude flyby. Since I have many cormorant pictures, I did not record too many flight images - just enough for “bird in flight” practice. In fact, I watched the cormorant fly to the south and thought that was the end of it.

Imagine my thrill as the cormorant banked to the west and dumped air like a goose or duck. I was hoping the cormorant would land on the water, but it did more than that. The cormorant was in glide mode coming right at me as I was shooting picture after picture.

As you can see in this sequence, the double-crested cormorant...

Memories From Childhood Illness

For reasons unknown to me scenes I observed on the river early this morning reminded me of lying on the couch when I was a kid and home sick. We had an outdoor painting - a wooded stream scene - if I am remembering correctly. I studied that painting when I did not feel like watching Bob Barker on "The Price is Right."

I thought of that painting as I watched the sun climb and light the river landscape with warm colors. It seemed no matter where I looked I was seeing sunrise warmth, backlighting, or accentuated autumn colors. As a result, today's images have all been edited to fit with what I was seeing/thinking this morning as I remembered the old days.

Fungi and Fauna From the Day

Some days I see plenty of things, other days maybe not so much. Today was a "see plenty" of things day that began with spotting this whitetail doe at daybreak.

Later today I explored on the Wapsipinicon River. My first observation was a...

Picture Leftovers

The past few days have been days photographically. Many images have been made, but without any commonality among the group. Instead of not sharing them, I will put them out like we do leftovers - no rhyme or reason - just enjoy what you want.

During part of today I was feeling artsy. When I saw these...

A Few Minutes With A Praying Mantis

About this time most years I find a praying mantis. When I do, my attention becomes fixed on this most interesting creature. Until today, all other praying mantis specimens I have found have only allowed for a few pictures to be made. Today's mantis was most cooperative allowing for many photos and video clips to be recorded.

In this post I will feature some of my favorite still images of the praying mantis. I strongly encourage you to watch the video to see action, including eating a cricket and cleaning itself. All video clips were recorded at close range.

Click here to view the video:

A Few Minutes With A Praying Mantis

For Those Hesitant About Snakes

When I saw this tadpole swimming in the river today, next to leaves floating on the surface, I thought "what a great opportunity to feature river wildlife that isn't a snake." This would be for those who prefer not to see snakes, but still enjoy wildlife.

Today I show you a tadpole - first in the water, then in my hand. The little thing was photographed and released to swim and mature.

This next picture was an experiment that I need to expand on. I have a picture idea that requires this basic view, but I don't want to get wet or get my camera wet. I suppose I could use my GoPro, but the quality will not be the same. I will work on this.

Funnel Weaver Web - A Different Web Explained

As I drove into our yard this afternoon I noticed quite a collection of funnel weaver spider webs scattered around. Since, until today, nearly all of my funnel weaver web images were made when the webs were covered in dew, I opted to shoot a few pictures of a webs from near ground level.

The way these webs work is when unsuspecting insects walk on the web, the spider senses the movement of the web/strands, runs out to bite and paralyze the insect that is then dragged down into the center of the web where the insect is consumed.

Funnel weaver webs are widespread, but I am not sure how many actually take the time to study the fascinating creations.

Personal Record

This young lady set a personal record today in her cross-country meet. I am so proud of her!

Catching Up

After the last many days of hiking and fishing and other activities, today was devoted to editing a couple of videos, shooting a few pictures, and organizing gear. As a result, my pics for today do not have a theme. They were just a couple of compositions that interested me.

1. Hen-of-the-Woods Fungi - Look at the textures, the shapes, and how the lines encourage your eye to trace the many similar, but random patterns.

Two Hikes, Many Miles

Today consisted of two very enjoyable hikes covering many miles. A good number of images were recorded. My intent is to put them into perspective rather than just sharing them in a haphazard order. This will come at a later time, perhaps in a video.

Early Morning

There is not much prettier than a rising sun with dramatic clouds early in the morning. Today was such a day resulting in several stops during my travels. I will share some samples with you for your consideration.

Exploring Becky's Fen

This afternoon attendees of the Iowa's County Conservation System conference and others explored Becky's Fen. Many interesting wildflower species were observed.

Becky's Fen is privately owned. Please respect private property.

Following is a sample of wildflowers photographed today. Many more are featured in this brief video: Exploring Becky's Fen

Colors in Images - A Somewhat Technical Post

During yesterday's photography work I had two situations where the composition elements were interesting, but the hues captured within the images were uncomfortable.

1. Mixed Light Sources - Knowing last night would feature a full moon, I planned ahead to create an image capturing my favorite activities under the special light. Arranging the scene was easy. What proved to be more challenging was the mix of colors of light. In the composition there was moon light, light from inside the tent, light from a distant street light, and then very low levels of light. Each light source was a different color temperature.

   The finished image worked, but the color version still has not passed the uncomfortable level for me. The mix of colors of light needs more attention.

   As I worked the image and moved the color sliders around, I recognized that color was the struggle - not the rest of the scene. By eliminating color entirely from the photo, I have the scene I wanted in its purest form.

2. Color Details - A second example of color issues was based on the color of water in a series of images recorded earlier in the day.

   As I sat along the Cedar River watching and listening as water poured over the dam, I was also attempting to capture the scene by drone.

   When working the files on my computer I struggled with the color of the water. With color data included in the files viewers see an accurate view of the greenish/brown water - a dominating factor in the final picture. Since the color was a distraction, I again removed the color to feature just the moving water. My mind, and probably yours, can fill in the colors to our preference.

In both situations where color was problematic I simply eliminated the distraction. I may come back to the files and work with them again in full color. Then again, I do like the monochrome look of each. Maybe they are fine as they provide the basis for each scene while inviting viewer imaginations to fill in the details.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

Late tonight a partial lunar eclipse occurred overhead. This image documents the shadow hiding eight or so percent of the moon.

Quiet of Night After Active Day

There is something calming about quiet time along the river when a near full moon is providing the lighting. Night sounds - from insects to splashes on the water - call for your attention. Shapes and textures...

Wet Feet - Dry Feet - Three Days in Buchanan County

Kristy and I enjoyed part of the past three days in Buchanan County camping at Fontana Park. Since we were so close, I spent plenty of quality time exploring the Rowley Fen. It would be easy to share probably hundreds of images, but I am going to do my best to share only some of my favorites.

When I photograph plants at a fen, I remember how “fen plants” prefer to have wet feet...