A Sample of Pop’s “Bee” Images
Tuliptree Blossom with Guest
Another Day at Work
Apis Workers' Party
Predator
Some of Your Beeswax
Sedum Bumbler
Look of Defiance
Chicory Bee
Bumbling Bees
Garden Cafe
Buzz By Here - To Infinity and Beyond
Pick Your Poison
Blind Side Attack
On a Mission
Honey Bee on Sedum
Covering the Cosmos
Center of the Cosmos
Three's a Crowd
Popular Spot
On A Pedestal
A Sample of Pop’s “People” Photo Collection
Big Harry Fireworks Display
To Impress the Girl
Different Perspective
Sweet Ride
Perfect Little Piggies B&W
Flipping the Light Fantastic
Festival of Flights
To the Crowd's Delight
Amish Go Round
Wondersome One
The Stars In Her Eyes
Tuesday's Child
Sleeper Hold
Considering the Next Move
Sugar and Spice
Front Porch Portrait
Caged Competitor
Early Adoration
Child In the Ligtht
Stroll Through the Weeds
Attention Grabbing
Eye Contact
On the Line
Eyes of Wonder
Rounding the Curve
Troubadours of Basin Spring Park
Down by the Creek
Sun Day
Catching Some Light
EAA Fireworks
Hear Me Roar
Shuttlecock
The shape of this cosmos, in the processes of opening up, reminded me of a badminton shuttlecock. Of course, it’s the back-lighting that brings a richness to the color and texture of this simple wildflower.
To view a larger version of this flower, click on the image.
Impersonating the Sun
The full moon took on a color more like the sun as it began its rise over Lake Michigan, behind the Kewaunee, WI lighthouse and pier.
The two people on the pier near the bottom left corner are fishermen who were packing it in for the day.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
Heads Up
Two Sandhill Cranes are up to the necks in wheat. This wheat field is in southern Door County, Wisconsin.
Sandhill cranes have always presented a challenge for me. They seem to be very shy and quick to take off when I try to get close. These two required a creative, persistent approach. Here’s how it happened.
Sara, my wife, and I were on a weekend getaway in Door County. We were heading to Peninsula State Park for a day of hiking through the woods. On the way Sara spotted these guys in a wheat field that we passed. We decided to go back an try to get a shot. I pulled over and we switched positions, so Sara was driving and I was free to take the photos. The plan was to approach the field at a relatively slow speed…but not too slow, so the birds wouldn’t get spooked. I would try to focus in and snap a few frames before they caught on and disappeared.
The first pass was a resounding failure. The movement made it hard to find and focus on the birds with my zoom lens and my exposure settings were way off. We turned around and tried it again. This time I had the right exposure but the birds sensed something was up and were on the move. Their heads were bobbing up and down in the field, always in a different spot than the last. Sara remarked, it reminded her of a Whack-A-Mole game.
We approached slower and even stopped as the birds headed for the brush at the edge of the field. Before they really took off, I got a couple of decent shots. There were actually 4 or 5 of them in the field, but with their concealed movement and head bobbing, I was never able to catch more than three in any shot. This is the one I liked best.
To get a better, more detailed view, click on the image.
Morning Blush
Of all the photos I have of local lighthouse, I’ve never made it up to Sturgeon Bay to visit their lighthouse. Last weekend my wife and I were on a little getaway in Door County so Sunday morning, I got up well before sunrise and found my way to the lighthouse.
This is an early shot before the sun broke the horizon, when the sky first began to blush behind the Sturgeon Bay, WI lighthouse, on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
To view a larger version, click on the photo.
Plum Rose
A floral beauty. The delicate placement of petals and the plum color captured my eye.
To see a larger version of this image, click on it.
Rocket’s Red Glare
I’m blessed to live in an area where local firework’s displays are launched near water. I always position myself close to the water so I can include the colorful reflections from the bright lights in the sky in my images. This is a perfect example.
The bright red from this fireworks burst creates a stunning reflection in the Kewaunee, WI harbor. This was part of their annual Trout Festival celebration.
Take a look at the larger version to see more detail in the reflection – just click the photo.
Rinse & Repeat
Our grandson, Sammy, actually likes bath time. At only eight months old, he doesn’t even mind the rinse cycle.
The hand model is grandma – my lovely wife, Sara.
To view a larger version of this image, click on it.
Uh Oh
This is an incredibly creative African animal display found at the Cabela’s in Kansas City. Yes, I know, it lacks an element of realism, but it was way cool.
On a recent trip there, while the rest of the family shopped, I had a good time taking photos of the many wildlife and marine displays.
To get an even better look, click on the image and a larger version will open in a new browser tab.
Serendipity
Looking back over the past several posts, I thought it was time for a bit of floral beauty. These cosmos brighten up the edge of our garden.
To view a larger version is this image, click on the photo.
Tiny Details
This male, ruby-throated hummingbird was just as intent on keeping an eye on me as I was in keeping an eye on him.
This was my first attempt at snapping a hummingbird photo this year. I didn’t think it went well, but…on second thought. I’ve had to change the way I snag these photos so I’ve not had time to perfect my method. I’ll be working on that.
To view a larger version of this photo – which I’d highly recommend on this one – click the image.