• clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  reflections,  sunsets

    Take My Photograph

    October 24, 2021
    Riverbend Ponds – 7.5 second exposure at f16.0

    I have often photographed when I am not in tune with nature but the photographs look as if I had been. So I conclude that something in nature says, ‘Come and take my photograph.’ So I do, regardless of how I feel.

    Minor White

    Happened to me with this image last night. I wanted to get out east to see if I could find a sunset image. Because I left late I stopped at Riverbend Ponds and walked to a spot I’ve shot from before. The sun had set but the clouds looked promising. I felt no urgency only a need to be there. It was cool enough that I was glad I wore my coat. Nothing spectacular but oh so beautiful. A few geese and ducks honked and quacked. I wondered if they liked the scene also. I smiled. Only took 16 images but have three keepers I like. So, I went and took the photograph.

    Read More
  • landscape,  quotes,  reflections

    Deep Blue Fall Sky

    October 19, 2021

    “Give me solitude,… give me again O Nature your primal sanities!”

    Walt Whitman

    This is a midday image of the pond near Cattail Ponds. I heard the deep croaking of the heron then watched it gracefully flying away from me. Their croaking stirred up the geese and mallards as they quickly joined in. Seems they did not want me coming too close. This is not far from the road but the solitude was what I needed, a bit of sanity. Love the deep blue fall sky.

    Read More
  • natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  Plants,  reflections,  trees

    Morning Reflection

    May 23, 2021

    morning light arrives
    trees reflected in still waters
    nature’s calming gift

    ms

    Trees and their reflection along the eastern edge of Dixon Reservoir this past week. The plains were shrouded in fog and everything was blanketed in morning dew. Love the feel of this image even though the technical quality is lacking. The backlit leaves, the calm water and the reflection make it happen for me.

    Update: As per suggestions from Tom I played around with this image and came up with this post processed scene. I do like it better. Let me know what you think.

    Read More
  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Listening to Nature

    April 8, 2021

    I have friends vacationing in Hawaii with kids and grandkids. I’m a bit envious of them sitting on the beach working on a tan. All the photos they’ve sent include big smiles. Yet, this morning while visiting the Top Minnow Natural Area, I was reminded by the red-winged blackbirds and the meadowlarks of just how beautiful it is right here. They were reminding through their joyful songs to be grateful for where I’m at and what I have. These two Canada Goose told me the same thing. I’m learning to listen to the wisdom of nature more often.

    Read More
  • landscape,  Mary Oliver,  Plants,  poems,  quotes,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Reflections

    April 3, 2021

    “Sometimes I need
    only to stand
    wherever I am
    to be blessed.”

    Mary Oliver

    This morning I drove out near the Arapaho Bend Natural Area and parked along Horsetooth Road to listen to the meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds. Watched several red-tailed hawks perched atop old cottonwood trees searching out breakfast menu. I am posting this image because of the tree reflections in the water and the rising morning sun. Almost no wind gave the water a glass like look. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Read More
  • Candid Portraits,  Fujifilm X-T3,  Fujifilm XF16-80mm f4.0,  lake,  landscape,  lifestyles,  natural areas,  reflections,  shadows,  sunrises

    What the heck

    August 20, 2020

    Getting ready for some morning fishing time

    On one of my walks at Dixon Reservoir I noticed this man just getting started with some fishing. The rising sun offered me a wonderful silhouette so I paused, took a deep breath, composed, took five images. Probably three too many but what the heck. For me the mood of this image tells a story about this man’s love for fishing.

    My bicycle ride to and from Mugs coffee shop takes me across the campus of Colorado State University. I was surprised this morning at the number of parents dropping off students at dorms. I’ll guess 90% were wearing masks but I imagine that will change when mom leaves. It also brought more awareness of the vast differences we have in our attitudes towards this pandemic. What the heck, maybe these freshman need to become fishermen, standing six feet a part. Yes, I know, I’m thinking out loud again.

    Read More