I have followed this hawk around for several years. I know where and when she hunts in the mornings, and have taken a few photos of her near the place where I captured this shot. She hunts near Eaton, OH. Usually around 7:00A this time of year. I have seen her with prey she recently captured, and on the watch for ‘breakfast’. I admire her consistency, and determination. Large birds of prey are my favorite to photograph. I love their beauty!
Moonshots
I have shared this story with a few close friends, and may have casually mentioned it in a previous post. I hope it resonates with someone other than me.
A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend at work about my frustration in acquiring a particular lens. I wanted something for long photos .. something bigger than 500mm. This is especially important when photography wildlife.
The problem was the lens I wanted was really expensive, and I figure it was forever out of my budget. The next day, my friend stopped at my office and told me I should not give up on the dream. We had a great conversation, but I appreciate his thoughfulness.
A few days later, I was talking to one of sons, Ben. He mentioned a couple of options that I had not considered. By the end of the night, I had ordered a Sigma 150mm - 600mm monster of a lens. Heavy, but perfect for my use with nature, wildlife, and so forth. It arrive a few days later, and I have been enjoying it immensely.
When I walked out the door at sometime near 4:00a today, I saw an amazing view of the moon. I have always enjoyed taking photos of the moon. With this new lens, I am able to take a much better photo, and the extra range makes a big difference. This shot is dedicated to my friend, and my son. It will always remind me to never give up on a dream. Perhaps your moonshot has nothing to do with the moon, or photography .. whatever it is, don’t give up on the dream.
Shot of the Moon from near Piqua, Ohio on a September morning.
Dragons
Dragonfly photo near the pond at the John A Wannemacher Nature Reserve
Well, a Dragonfly .. always difficult to photograph because they refuse to hold still. I was lucky that this dude was taking a break. Great colors. I tried to move to get a picture of her wings but that is when it took off. I’ll try to share pictures of dragons some other time.
The official end of summer?
Labor Day has come and gone. I frequently hear people talk about this holiday as the end of summer. The reality is that schools are back in session, and evenings and nights bring with them a cool chill. The sunset comes earlier each night, as daylight shortens. Soon the trees will dress in the colors of fall, and the leaves will begin to cover the landscape.
If you like to capture photos of amazing sunsets, this is your time of year! The sun is starting to move lower on the horizon, and the magic hour will provide an amazing golden cast. The fall is accompanied with vivid colors - nature’s backdrop for photographers.
Over the years, some of my best photos have come between Labor Day and when the leaves have fallen. I guess what I am saying is this: get out there and take some photos! Nature is waiting to share it’s beauty with you and your camera!
These photos were taken at sunrise at Kiser Lake State Park. It was a beautiful morning .. so peaceful and calm. Have a great fall.
Morning on the Lake
On Labor Day, Teresa and I took a few photos at sunrise at Kiser Lake, near St Paris, Ohio. This was shot just before sunrise, so you get a lot of interesting colors. That is a Blue Heron in the foreground. I saw two of them, but didn’t get many good pictures of them.