Friday, August 28, 2015

In a way, it might be a better idea to wait until I've accumulated a lot of photographs from the marshes rather than post them right away.   But, as this is a blog that doesn't allow self-curated image groups the way a website does, it'll have to do.  Obviously, what I'm happy with today might be totally eclipsed by what I find next week, but so be it.  I'll just post the 'better' work when and if I make it.

This is again from Pumpkin Point.  As you can see, the tide was out, and the mud was just 'puddle wonderful' (e e cummngs).  Framed by leafy branches and ubiquitous Spanish moss, the marsh was still;  the silence broken only by egrets scolding each other over fishing rights!.  (Film)



Thursday, August 27, 2015

I've been utterly seduced by the marsh at Cedar Creek.  I could return endlessly and find nuanced variations of photographs I've already taken over and over again.  I'll try not to indulge that impulse.  Here's one from yesterday.  (Film)

Update:  I posted an earlier version of this with a wider view that included part of some trees on the right, but all of the cloud on the right.  This is a revision without the trees.  I can live without the entire cloud.   This way also keeps the eye more centered which, I think, is better. 



Wednesday, August 19, 2015

I was happy to find this tree though I didn't expect to find anything at all in the parking area at Pumpkin Hill.  My interest was in the marsh, but this skeletal relic got to me right away.  What is hard to see is the hawk on a branch in the upper left.  He just stayed perched with barely a twitch the entire time I watched.  But....at least I know he was there, and now so do you!  ;-)  (Film)



Saturday, August 15, 2015

I'm beginning to be aware of an attraction to the marshes here that I never expected would occur.  That impetus arises from visiting them frequently.  Between tidal fluctuations, and the glorious parade of clouds, there is a lot to savor that is constantly in transition.  Here are two more from Cedar Creek Preserve.  The first is titled "Six Posts, One Buzard".   The critter ignored me utterly, and I was much closer to him than the way this appears as I was using a very wide angle lens.  But his quarry was no mystery...the smell was not subtle!  (Film)





I've decided to post an alternate version of the 'lonely trees' picture of my previous post.  I absolutely cannot make a firm decision either about which is better or which I prefer.  I think it may be this take, but I'm not sure.  If you want to comment, please do. 



Wednesday, August 12, 2015

I've started to get somewhat 'lucky' with places to photograph.  The luck stems from exploring the scenically fertile northern and eastern part of Jacksonville. Although pancake flat, isolated trees and meandering waterways in the tidal salt-marshes are visually interesting.  The sky, too, is often just as important as anything on land with  mid-day and afternoon clouds being very compelling photographic elements.   (Film)





Monday, August 3, 2015

In this part of northeastern Florida, cloud forms can be compelling.  As the terrain is so flat, they hold one's interest the way hills and mountains do elsewhere.   Tidal salt marshes really need their help except when the tide is out and what's in the mud is the subject (not too often!).   Yesterday, the sky was roiling and I found these two subjects.  Not long after, rain brought an end to my camera time.   (Film)






Sunday, August 2, 2015

Yes, this is the ocean, but sand bar barriers block the surf.  The water here is often this calm except when coaxed by the wind to be more active.   Some would say this has no center of interest, and they'd be correct in a way, but they'd be missing the point.  A view like this IS a center of interest that lures countless multitudes to sit on the beach and let go of all stress while staring at it.  (Film)



This photograph, taken at the same location (Big Talbot Island SP),  has an obvious center of interest.  What you can't see nearby are the scores of fallen trees that litter the sand.  This little guy got separated from the rest of his bones.   (Film)