I made these photographs at O'Leno State Park which is historically and geologically very interesting.  In the late 19th century, the area was named Keno after the lotto gambling game, but evangelical pressure forced a change to Leno which eventually became O'Leno, the 'O' standing for 'old'.  It's geologically interesting because the part of the Santa Fe River that runs through here runs underground for five miles before returning to the surface. The light area on the trunks of the three trees marks the recent high water mark.  (MF Film)

(MF Film)

These centuried, vaulted oaks are a natural cathedral.  Always draped in Spanish Moss, they appear clad in a tattered alb.  (MF Film)

And there IS abundant Spanish Moss!!

Live oaks are among the most visually interesting trees in this area.  I'm not sure if this was one, but it was nice to come upon spreading shade in a clearing by the path.  (MF Film)

Before the road leading to Kingsley Plantation, one rides beside this vast marsh with open channels that fishermen sometimes use.  It's tidewater too, so it's almost always different.  I liked this view, and stopped with my camera.  (MF Film)

I hadn't been to Kingsley Plantation in quite a while, but did visit last weekend.  I came back today with my camera gear and made these two images of the wonderful mossy trees and their cast shadows on the dirt road that leads there.   (MF Film)

As a Yankee, I'm just becoming familiar with some of the trees (other than palms) here in Florida.  So many are interestingly sinuous both in life and after.  This guy could star in a Disney cartoon!  (MF Film)

I used to get up at 4:30 every morning to get to work, but I've gotten out of that habit.  Still, it's a good thing to do now and then, and this morning was one of those occasions.  I really wanted to get to where I made these photographs at around dawn, but I was a little late. However, the sun was shy and particularly photogenic as it hid behind clouds. As the day brightened, I visited Little Talbot Island State Park and enjoyed some time on the beach with my gear.  (MF Film)

There are an abundance of state and local parks in the northeast part of Florida where I now live. They visually differ from one another, and I've made quite a few photographs in each. The four images below are from Anastasia SP located in St. Augustine which was founded in September of 1565!  It's America's oldest city despite what Boston claims to the contrary! ;)  (MF Film)

I continue to return to Big Talbot Island SP (NE Florida) because it is so rich with potential photographs.  Just after the first of these two were taken, a fierce wind sprang up and the temperature dropped precipitously.  Oddly, though the sky looked ominous, it didn't rain, but the wind continued for quite a while.  I went back again a few days later for the second photograph.  (MF Film)

There can be emotion in still photographs that do not include living creatures.  Of course, those emotions are projected and entirely internal and empathetic, but real nonetheless.  Again, from 'boneyard' beach, here are two of those onto which I imply 'irrational' exuberance!  (MF Film)

Here's one more from last Wednesday.  It sort of belongs by itself anyway as it seems to have elected not to keep any others company...and...it's still standing!  (MF Film)

The elect among maple and spruce trees become musical instruments of surpassing tonal and physical beauty.  Walnut, mahogany, oak, and even pine have a chance to live second lives as finely crafted furniture.  Others may become more prosaic but utile benches, wallboard, floors and outdoor tables and chairs.  The unluckiest, though, end their lives rotting in the forest, or transforming into paper products.  And then there are the damned, falling into the sea, their intimate private parts exposed to sun, sand and rude stares of those who cross their path. Here are several portraits of those pariahs...the condemned never to be appreciated by anyone other than the occasional photographer who still sees their beauty and mourns their indignities.  (MF Film)

This is an imaginary selfie.  It's not so much that I look like this, but sometimes I do feel this way! ;)  (MF Film)

One of many attractions about photographing at the beach is that it is always in flux!  Every element is a variable in at least one way and often more.  Had I been at this place two hours earlier or later,  the light, tide, sand, sky and human fisherman would have been different.  (Pentax 67, 55mm, #15 deep yellow filter, Ilford Delta 100 film)

Though sunrises and sets are usually better left to those who photograph in color, sometimes a scene reaches out, grabs me by the wrist, and insists.  I caved!

I've lived in Florida now for five years, but had never visited the Gulf coast until this past weekend. There are an abundance of crystal clear springs, manatees, dolphins and water somewhat warmer than the ocean.  The several photographs below were taken at Crystal Bay on a cloudy afternoon that was pretty chilly.  (MF Film)

Whatever Florida's reputation is regarding winter weather is only partly true.  It certainly does not snow nor stay frozen for very long when it actually does freeze, but northeast Florida can be pretty chilly and uncomfortable now and then. This photograph was made on Little Talbot Island SP this past Saturday, and I ended up numb with cold.  In fact, several people who had been fishing from shore were in ski parkas with hoods up and face masks on from the wind chill.  I was not dressed warmly enough by a long shot, and will keep a parka, hood and heavy gloves in the trunk of my car from now on when I misjudge what I'm in for this winter.  (MF Film)

These two photographs were taken on the grounds of the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society in Jacksonville, Florida.  The first is of the St. Joseph's Mission Schoolhouse for African American Children which has been relocated to the grounds of the Historical Society.  The other is an ancient building on the same property that appealed to me for the sunlight falling on its wooden side.  This stuff fascinates me for a host of reasons and I'm really glad these structures have been preserved and are accessible to the public.  (MF Film)

As nice as it has been to explore some areas new to me, it's also been nice to revisit familiar places for a fresh take.  Here are several photographs from Little Talbot Island SP I made yesterday, January 5th. (MF Film)