Portrait
Turtle Happy
This big fella seemed content to be lounging in a ravine, caked in mud, balanced on a log, basking in the sunshine of an early spring morning. This photo was taken in the woods of northeast Wisconsin.
As we began a hike along the Ahnapee State Trail another couple ending their hike told us to watch for a large turtle in the ditch. We walked quite a while and didn’t see anything. We thought we’d missed it or it had moved on. Well, as you can see, we eventually spotted it.
To get up-close and personal, I had to tromp through some muck. It didn’t seem to mind my presence and sat for quite a few shots. Eventually it slid off the log and moved to the shade and mud under the log.
I don’t know what kind of turtle (or tortoise) this is but I can tell you he was large and looked ancient. Judging by the slight smile on his face, I think he was happy to see me.
To see more of the detail in those mesmerizing eyes, the wrinkles and claws, click on the photo. When you do, a full-screen version will appear in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me (pops@popsdigital.com) for digital purchase and licensing options.
Tucker the Pup
Meet Tucker, the Brittany pup. He’s a recent addition to my in-laws family. They are rather partial to the breed. This photo was taken when Tucker was about 8-weeks old. He lives in northwest Missouri.
According to Wikipedia… “The Brittany is a breed of gun dog bred primarily for bird hunting. Although it is often referred to as a spaniel, the breed’s working characteristics are more akin to those of a pointer or setter.”
This image is not any great photographic achievement, but every now and then I feel the urge to post something that ranks high on the “adorable” scale. That’s Tucker.
If you have a large monitor, you can view a larger version of this image by clicking on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Amish Go Round
This young, Amish lad took a spin on the carousel. I’m sure he is quite familiar with real horses. His father was seated on the steed to his left; out of the camera’s view.
I snapped this photo during a family visit to the Columbus, Ohio Zoo. I was trying to capture images of my own grandchildren on the ride and this little guy kept popping into the frame. I didn’t feel any of the photos I was going for of my own grandchildren turned out to be great, artistic works, but I really like this one.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Wondersome One
This darling seemed to have a look of serious thought the moment this image was snapped.
This is an image from a child portrait photo shoot. This is not the photo I would expect the parents to choose as a favorite, but it is one of my favorites from the session because of the child’s expression. To me, it conveys innocence and wonderment with a twinge of uncertainty. I also enjoy the vivid colors, the wispy curls of hair above this cutie’s ears and her holding the blade of grass.
This was a quick, portrait session. We had a baby. We had a rural setting on a spring day. We simply added a colorful blanket and found a spot in the grass with an open field and distant tree line for a background.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Turbulent Solitude
Lake Michigan’s waves were churning during an otherwise peaceful morning as the sun was ascending behind the Kewaunee, WI lighthouse and pier. Look closely and you can see people fishing on the pier.
I checked the date stamp on this image and it appears I took this photo on the morning of my birthday in September of 2017. It took me long enough to finally get around to processing and posting it. I may need to get more focused.
You can view more of the details in this image by clicking on the photo. When you do, a larger version will open in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
The Stars In Her Eyes
A Happy Independence Day to you!
This is one of our grandchildren who was examining a small flag of the United States of America. This image was captured last year when we had the opportunity to visit our son and his family in Ohio. We brought flags for each of the youngsters with us. They had a blast running around with them, waving them wildly. I made a mental note to remember this shot when the 4th of July rolled around.
You can view a larger version of this photo by clicking on the image. When you do, a full-screen version will open in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
On The Hunt
Keep your eyes open. It’s snake season. This is a harmless, Western Fox Snake found slithering through the woodlands of northeast Wisconsin.
We were out on a springtime, family hike in search for morel mushrooms. My wife – an avid mushroom hunter – was the first one to spot this beauty. The snake was kind enough to rest quietly while I snapped a few shots.
As I said, these snakes are harmless to humans. They prefer to dine on mice and other small rodents. These snakes can seem fairly bold and don’t mind getting close to other animals and humans if undisturbed. When confronted, they will ‘rattle’ their tail to imitate a rattlesnake and attempt to scare away a perceived threat. They will also go into the S position and rapidly lunge in your direction. These are all defensive maneuvers in an effort to scare you off so they can escape.
One of the interesting details of this image is found on the lower lip of the snake. (That is, if snakes had lips.) You have to look closely, very closely, to see an ant going along for a ride. Zoom in as far as your monitor will let you and you may be able to see it. Not sure what the ant is doing there, but I thought it was interesting.
I’ve taken photos of this breed before, in my own yard. Get a real close-up view from my image, “Forked Tongue.”
To view a larger, more detailed version of this image, click on the photo and a full-screen version will open in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Tuesday’s Child
They say… “Tuesday’s child is full of grace.” This child seems to be blessed with full measure of grace and a double measure of cuteness.
This is what I consider a candid portrait; where I simply follow the subject as they roam around snapping frames while they do whatever they would normally do. Using this approach, you end up snapping a lot of pictures trying to find a good pose or compelling expression. With a child this young, you usually won’t have much success trying to get them to pose.
You can view a larger version of this image by clicking on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Sleeper Hold
There is nothing as peaceful as a sleeping baby. This little one seems comforted by holding the thumb of the one holding her.
I like this image because of the peaceful warmth it instills in me. I also love the contrast in size and age between the two hands. A great study in texture and tone.
This is an image featuring my wife and a newborn niece. A very sweet baby who was very cooperative…as sleeping babies tend to be.
You can get a larger, more detailed view of this image by clicking on the the photo. When you do a full-screen version will open in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Winter Warm Spot
In a very cold world, the sun offers a ray of hope. This comforting spot was found the morning after a recent storm that coated everything with beautiful, fluffy snow.
I captured this image just after sunrise at a spot near our rural home in NE Wisconsin. Of course, I had to get off the beaten path and tromp through the snow to grab this view.
My favorite feature of this image is the sunlight (and subsequent shadows) on the ground.
If you have a large monitor, you can view a full-screen version with greater detail – simply click on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.