Becoming a Florida Photographer

Morning spider webs

I have gotten behind on my blog before, but six months is much longer than I ever intended.  All I can say is that life got in the way.  I have gone through a lot of changes since September, including getting engaged, moving to Florida, and starting a new job.  I moved down right after Christmas and have spent the last couple months trying to find my footing in a new place.  Since I'm updating this, I'm hoping that means I am starting to get a handle on things and can relax a little to photograph and update my website.

Morning mist at
Archbold Biological Station

Five years ago I started with a part time job in science education at a science museum.  Little did I know at the time that it would end up turning into what appears to be my main career.  For a while I really wasn't sure how to identify myself.  At first I thought of myself a photography who happened to be teaching science.  As time passed I began to really associate with science education.  So much so now, that I have to make sure to push myself to keep making art.  I get to be creative so much of the time at work, that it gets out most of those "urges" us artists have.  But I have to remind myself, that no matter how much I get to be creative or even use photography at my job, I need to make art for myself, too.

So far, I've been traveling around to different natural places and bringing my camera along.  I now work at a biological research station, so I am about ten steps from my desk to a nature trail.  This has been great for my nature photography skills.  I have opportunities every day to work on them if I want.  So far I've been trying to understand the panoramas down here as well as take close up shots of the plants and animals I come across   I have discovered that during the winter here there is a fantastic morning mist, which makes spider webs look amazing.  Unfortunately winter is now on its way out, but this may turn into a project down the road.  I haven't seriously photographed any people, but eventually I want to get back into photographing babies, weddings, and people in general.

I hope you enjoy these first impressions of Florida and stay with me as I investigate it further over the coming months and years.

Kissimee Prairie Preserve State Park

Morning mist at
Archbold Biological Station

Spider webs

Spider webs

The camping spot where I proposed to Emily

Baby Brennan

Brennan, 6 day old baby

Gosh, it looks like it has been awhile since last I posted to this blog.  I assure you, even though my science education job keeps me busy, I am still photographing.  And to prove it, here are some cute photos of my nephews.

Lechworth State Park

Lower Falls
at Lechworth State Park

Rustic stone steps at
Lechworth State Park

Every time I think I have an idea about what Upstate New York is all about, it surprises me again.  I've spent my whole life here and yet there is always something new.  Lechworth State Park is one of those surprises.  I went to college at Alfred University, which isn't too far from the park.  Once I was even there for a couple hours to watch an AU cross-country race, but I had no idea how beautiful and unique the park was at the time.  Last Sunday was Father's Day, and this year my dad and I decided to go camping to celebrate.  When I was a kid my family went camping every summer, but this was the first time I had done anything like this with my Dad as an adult.  He had been there before and knew I would love it.  He was right.

What makes Letchworth unique is its gorge and three sizable waterfalls.  For those who like to hike, you can follow a seven mile trail from the top of the upper waterfall past the bottom of the lower waterfall.  And for those who like to drive your car and stop here and there to check out the view, there is plenty of that.  My dad and I did a little of both.  We climbed a couple hundred "rustic" (that's what the sign called them) stone steps and hiked to some great views, but we pulled the car over at just about every lookout we saw.  Hopefully I will be heading back again later this year.  From the photos I've sen online, it looks stunning during the fall.  Enjoy the photos and please grab a loved one and take a trip together.

View from Middle Falls
Lechworth State Park

Clouds over Lechworth State Park

Howland's Island Park in Montezuma Wetland Area

Howland's Island at Montezuma

I'm always interested in new places in Central New York to take a hike for a couple hours and take some photos.  Recently I had the pleasure of finding just this kind of place.  Howland's Island is part of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.  Montezuma is a park that many people know, but Howland's Isle is lesser known.  I imagine this is partly because it can be hard to find.  In fact, one of the final roads I was supposed to take was closed down.  Luckily, with some thoughtful driving I was able to find another way around.  If you can manage to find the place, it is well worth the visit.

Howland's Island at Montezuma

Purple flowers at Howland's Island

Howland's Island at Montezuma,
photo taken near a beaver dam

Howland's Island at Montezuma

Tully, NY and Tinker Falls

Tinker Falls, outside Tully, NY

What better way to spend a Saturday than to do a little hiking and nature photography?  That was my thought today as I set out down I-81 S from Syracuse to Tully, NY.  I've been to Tinker Falls, which is just past Tully into the next county many times, and I always enjoy the experience.  This time I decided to photograph using only my 15mm wide-angle lens.  Each lens really offers something different.  I often photograph with a telephoto and enjoy utilizing its shallow depth of field.  Recently, though, I've been interested in making pictures that include a lot of detail and a deep depth of field.  The 15mm is perfect for this.  I had fun getting muddy and wet today and spending some time in nature.  Please enjoy taking a look at some of the photos.

The creek leading toward the top of Tinker Falls,
outside Tully, NY

The path of the water on the rocks
leading into the creek.
Tinker Falls, near Tully, NY

Can you find the bird's nest?
Shot taken near Tully Lake in Tully, NY

Some great tree roots.
Near Tully, NY

This patch of moss caught my attention.
Near Tully, NY

Winter at the Zoo Prt. 2

The juxtaposition of these two photos make this
Siberian tiger's feet look huge.
Panthera tigris altaica

In the hopes of getting a "winning" photo for the Winter at the Zoo photo contest at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, I returned again today.  I really liked some of the shots I got last week and I am happy with some of these as well.  I've got until the end of the month to photograph some more or decide on the ones I have.  I would love to know your opinion.

Check out the head turning action on this barn owl.
Tyto alba

I just love the red panda.
Ailurus fulgens

A male Indian peafowl, also called
a peacock.
Pavo cristatus

Rainy Day Zoo Trip

Amur Tiger, Siberian Tiger
Pantheris tigris altaica

Female African Lion
Panthera leo

FJanuary is time for a photography trip to the zoo.  Every January the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse lets visitors in for free if they are participating in their photography contest.  Last year was my first time competing.  Both of my entries earned "honorable mentions," and that has a way of making you want to try a little harder next time.  I only visited the zoo once last time, and I hope to visit it at least twice this time.

Red and green Macaw
Ara chloropterus

Today was a great day to photograph at the zoo.  As it was a rainy school day in January, there weren't many other's there.  Actually besides my girlfriend and I, I ended up seeing Matt and Carissa, two other MOST employees.  They said that Justin, our PR Director was also there.  So, with five MOST employees there, we must have made up a nice chunk of the visitors.  I felt bad for the low attendance, but really enjoyed the one on one experiences with the animals.
I didn't end up doing a tour of the whole zoo this time.  Instead I made may way slowly few a few of my favorite parts.  I always enjoy the bird room.  This time I ended up attracting the attention of the large Parrot/Macaw there.  Usually he just sits in one spot, but the quiet chitterring sounds I made got him to leave his post and move to the closest part of his tree.  He continues going about his business of chewing on the tree, but kept looking up and watching me.  I think he may have even become a little territorial, because he puffed out his feathers at me.  After I felt I had worn out my welcome I journeyed on.

Please take a look at the photos and let me know which ones are your favorite.  I need to decide what to admit to the competition and I could really use your help.

Red and green Macaw
Ara chloropterus

Red and green Macaw
Ara chloropterus

African Lions, Male and Female
Panthera leo

Amur Tiger, Siberian Tiger
Panthera tigris altaica

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis

Markhor from Asia
Capra falconeri