I think the weather is not sure if it's Spring yet. Colors are showing up and so are animals and birds and butterflies and more. Near the Gathering place along the Arkansas River there is a west bank and an East bank. Soon the recreation area where kayaks and small boats, fishing will be allowed and a pedestrian only bridge that will connect both sides that also have an enormously long hiking and biking path. Pelicans and Eagles are in abundance along the river as well. Yesterday I witnessed 3 adult eagles guiding a juvenile to fly free. Pelicans are comical to watch as they take off if a flight pattern most of the time and land. Here 2 have flaps up, landing gears down, ready. I used my Sony A7Rii with Sony G series 70-300mm zoom that works well to catch the birds in flight. 

 It is near the end of fall season and all the beautiful colors. In the background gallery I added one background without lightening or editing it. I saw opportunity for choices to add your own subjects and in photoshop or like software one can lighten or design it anyway they want. Of course, it would make for a beautiful photo if I was able to catch something other than a squirrel! There are many creative possibilities with a scene photo like this to be creative and add your own touch. I do have a library full of these scene shots so feel free to contact me if you are looking for something special.  

Yesterday A road trip took me near Talimena scenic drive, but the Welcome center was closed permanently. No one knew WHICH road as the online guides show 3 roads possible. The roads had no spots to pull over and take a photo. Colors were beautiful though, the hills sprinkled with oranges, yellows and pinks so we make lemonade out of lemons, right? I took a few photos out of the window while driving (not recommended) I will contact the National Forest/Park Assoc to get correct information and then plan for next year and add another spot. The photo I posted from yesterday is a painted version and in the COUNTRY gallery. The scenic drive supposedly lands me in Arkansas and 50 miles long, so I want to make that happen! I took my camera backpack with everything with me, and all batteries charged, sensor cleaned. When going on a road trip that is long it is always best to prepare the night before and then go! Whether your road trip is short or long, remember the moments, what do you notice that is spectacular about the drive that day to day life ordinarily makes us dull to? Do we have to succumb to iconic places for photos or can we make places appear iconic ourselves?

Oklahoma is never short of Lakes and Rivers. The river water levels are low right now. In the "country Road" gallery I added 4 photos of birds and off roading. This lake has several large areas that allow off-roading right off the lake areas. The other site was blocked off for repairing so when it is reopened, I will go and take closer action photos. There is a juvenile heron I took, many birds here are breeding which is great to see. By the way I take photos with my Sony A7Rii, 300mm Zoom lens this time. Action shots are wonderful. How do you take them, what settings do you use? I used Manual mode or shutter mode but set for continuous shooting. f14,1600iso, focal length 120mm. I do not "stack' my photos, but I am considering doing some action shots this way to try.

I took over 400 photos of the Parade and it was nice to see honoring of our Veterans. I was standing next to a Sgt of the Police dept who is a veteran as well and telling of the story of Desmond Doss and my dad in the same unit who told me the story just 5 years ago. He as a Veteran for 30 years served WWII, Korea and Vietnam and in 3 branches of service. It was nice to talk story of this and the one photo that I like the most was not of the parade but an onlooker. If you need and want to see these photos email me and I will post them in a gallery. There are 4 photos in the "sacrifice" gallery and will add more on request.

 Curiosity sent me on a mini road trip to OKC (Oklahoma city). The diversity I saw over the 2 days was amazing. I asked myself how can this state have water drought problems with all the water, rivers, canals, lakes and so on? I will add some photos in the "traveling gallery" for you. In Bricktown there is a water canal and can dine or taxi down the water. I found extensive hiking trails, River sport on the water. Hiking trails under the train tracks, huge parks, Ferris wheel, baseball park. Lakes, murals and iconic restaurants. I visited the National memorial ad museum of the Oklahoma bombing. When looking at these photos I realized the theme was "reflections" which is exactly why I was there. 

 I visited Grand Lake in Oklahoma to see lots of wonderful fall colors and boats docked along the private accesses but not much else for the love of action shots for this photographer. Claremore lake was in the area, so I went to take a look. To my surprise there I saw Pelican's fishing in the lake. They caught my attention taking more than 100 shots fishing and flying away to another area. The next day I headed to Riverside drive and the Arkansas river. Barren of water so I did not expect to see much. After hiking down the trail more than a mile, there they were pelicans and lots of them. I walked toward them on the riverbed and took more shots of them flying, circling close above me then back again to where they started. I did place 4 photos in the "country road" gallery and will add more in the days to come. As a photographer it is both fun and challenging to get that perfect action shot with clarity and composition. What are your ideas for a great action shot?

I decided to create custom digital backgrounds to purchase for the post processing of the photographer's work and desktop publishing. I am open to all ideas and requests for themed, textured or whatever your imagination desires. Send me an email for any requests. Sized with high resolution, just download and pop it into your software.

 Hello everyone, spring has come and gone while I was waiting for the colors in nature to change. Our weather, rain one week and 90 degrees the next. As in life we must go with the flow. Have you noticed how fast our seasons come and go then come back again? What I am learning is to seize every opportunity to take that photo, just get out there and be different.

I have started a new collection, "Inspirations for Trauma Survivors". I am one myself so I can relate to many people that go through these events. I am currently writing my own story hoping to inspire others that there is always a better way to feel, to think, to be, to relate, there is always a way out of the darkness once we bring it into the light. Life is about living, not merely surviving. This collection was suggested to me by a friend  and Doctor.

I will be adding as we go along. I think the message I want to convey that there is always beauty no matter how dark, how chaotic and crazy the world may seem so make your world beautiful, color it with love! Be back soon! Leave suggestions comments as you wish please.

 I was thinking the other day, photos I could take of people in parks airports and the like. I can take photos of buildings that are interesting. I am primarily a nature photographer and resonate with that. I go for the unique, what others do not see. I see photography as memories frozen in time. What do we want to remember? What do we want others to remember? With Climate change rescaping our landscapes, towns and shores, what memories do we wish to pass along in our photographs? Do we need to stick with traditional compositions or just go for it? I like the perspective like get on ground level where the bugs are, then the level children see, then adults what we all can see. My mentor tells me to stay diverse and I agree but if there is truly a passion for a style of subject, takes those TOO! I have an idea of a series to blend people and nature in the perspective right underneath our noses, but most ignore. I hope to come back here to tell you of it and why. Leave a message or ideas, stories and questions, feel free. See you soon!

 I have been able to get out to take a few photos recently but Covid and the varient D is not making it easy for any of us. I hear all too often these mandates are an infringement of ones rights and freedoms. Many do not want to be vaccinated yet without doing so the rate of transmission and mutation is increasing. Having an unvaccinated individual come into my space puts my freedoms and rights at risk. In this world of climate change Covid is no surprise to this photographer.  I went to Prescott AZ recent and decided I was being safe by taking photos along the way with no expectations and no opportunities missed. A hawk, butterflies and wildflower galore! When I arrived, an event for 9/11 was taking place and a car show. I was there early enough to go around the entire city block taking photos safely with mask on( and vaccinated) I left before the crowds arrived. This day reinforced what I truly believe " It is the journey that matters most, not the destination" Be in the moment, be grateful, stay safe! Look around in ordinary life, drive down a street, have no expectations and take pretty pictures!

The price of war affects us all and comes with it great sacrifice . If you cherish your freedom, the right to choose then thank a Vet. It has been a year already and the last time I was here, my Dad passed away. A 30 year Veteran, in 3 branches of service fought in 3 of our major wars, the WWII, Korean and Viet Nam wars. After he passed I learned of his service in detail as he never had a purple heart. We as an American society expect our Vets to come back as if it was a vacation, just part of their job never fully understand the scope and profound experiences a Veteran often endures. Next time you talk to a Vet, as I know we all have at least one close by, ask their story! I created this image in honor of Veterans everywhere. Tell a story through your photos, what would you want people to know, speak loudly , speak clear through imagination and your photography. I have broadened my horizons sort to speak, seeking other locations to shoot as well. Be back soon with more...
 

 Well as life can throw us many challenges in this COVID environment, facing challenges as a photographer in the lock downs, quarantines and limited movement of life, I am restless. My subjects are nature not necessarily people but if you cannot go outside & roam the hills, hiking trails or beaches freely & safely go into the zone what am I going to do. A pleasantly surprising discovery since the COVID19 restrictions and social distancing, the lack of human footprint have given way for our other life forms in the world of every species to come out and play in droves. Apparently they are celebrating and flourishing. A needed observation I suppose. I find myself wanting to add other locations to my adventures in photography and expand, learn and grow. My next stop? Lets find out! See you soon!

JAWS Big Wave swell did not disappoint. Getting up at 430a anticipating the long walk down the dirt path to cliffs edge circling in my mind if I had everything, was I ready? On the walk was picked up by a local to take me down the 2 mile road. To the left sat at cliff's edge under the trees of the shade with perfect views of the swells, the waves, the boats, the jetskis without obstruction. Sat next to Randy Sarrow of Bluewavemaui photography and yes his lens coud zoom better but I was able to get some great shots too! The roar of the waves, you can hear the power as they roll in. In the final heat of mens there were 5 locals from Hawaii. I and then Lucas, another favorite. Ian Walsh, Kai lenny, Billy Kemper, M Rothman, N FLorence. Billy Kemper won mens for the 4th time and Paige ALms the womens for the 3rd time which places them in opportunities to be a part of olympics sport surfing, now added. WSL kept all the people safe and filmed for everyone to see online. I appreciate what they have done for our local big wave surfers. Billy and Paige will not give up those titles too easily, JAWS is thier own back yard! 35-50Ft waves rolling in, many wipe outs and 15 snapped boards, no injuries, an amazing site! I walked back home in the high 80's sun beaten windless afternoon, but was worth every minute!

Aloha everyone! Well Maui's summer weather has been higher than normal but I have been out there shooting getting more photos for all of you. Wanted to let you know on the gallery select a photo then can go to the shop where you will be able to order calendars under seasonal items, you can customize with 13 photos total. Make an inexpensive gift for all, especially for those hard to shop for! 

Aloha Friends, Again late to the party getting here to post more. Well I am out there getting these shots for you! I have a special beach on Maui secluded from ANY  kind of traffic to include people. When here I am able to sit next to them, whisper as a loud voice scares them, we do not want that. I tell them softy just here to take your photo! I keep a distance, giving thier space like we woud want from other people and animals. It is vital to thier health that humnas do not touch them, on shore or in the water. We will see the Green turtle here the most on Maui characterized by 2 scales between the eyes. THis shot a one in a million and has won "finalist" in contests on Viewbug five times. It is more to me than just a photo, it is connecting to the nature, respecting, taking care of it and communcation, a rythmn of life. WHen you see a momma lay her eggs and then cry through it, just amazing to witness such emotion. If ever here on Maui they can be spotted on any North Shire beach, mostly Ho'okipa but please respect thier space.

Any comments and posts are welcome. I just ask to be respectful in doing so and yes I am oopen to constructive critizism making me a better photographer for you!

Aloha all you beautiful people! It has been awhile since I have posted here as I have been out taking more photos and learning so so much more!  I recently added to the galleries some of the recent photos I have been working on . I don't know about you but I have spent time learning more on my Camera settings and getting much better with the graphic software programs I use. I use Lightroom, Photoshop, Corel and topaz plug ins. I don't feel we ever become experts as I am always learning more as  new technology comes out as well.If you want to watch some no nonsense photography videos I would recommend Chris Bray on You Tube

As some people know it did snow on Maui this past Winter but shutting off the area to the public and yes sadly the photographers! There was however one ranger up there that did post photos locally with ice, black ice and lots and lots of snow coming down into the 6200 foot elevation! I have posted under "Maui Landscapes" one of my versions of this scene. I did not get nearly close enough but this will do considering the dangerous driving circumstances.

On West side Maui the sunsets are back but still not coloring our skies with the full color ranges yet. As climate changes so will our photos. I have also posted in the galleries a few of these sunsets and beachscenes! Until next time, share your comments, opinions and suggestions!

ALOHA!!

 I have added "Russell's Footsteps" as a stand alone gallery in honor of my mentor. "Russell's Footsteps" I named, is a tree that has fallen and laying in the water on the beach on the way to Lahaina, Maui as driftwood.The assignment was to go find and capture his photo of this tree. It taught me to look for the beauty in anything, that composing a photo does not have to be difficult, but to look at the subject AND the background, to pay attention to lighting and check the settings and yes not to get the camera wet.If you look close you can see the beauty of the wood bare of the bark once adorned this beauty. This is a popular photo on Viewbug and have seen a hand full of photographers capture this tree sinceOf all the other perspectives by other photographers, I like "Russell's Footsteps" the best.Before we know it it will be a landmark for many photographers. As time passes the landscape will change so it is my goal and vision to go back and capture the changes, taking this same photo from many perspectives over time. It is probably the biggest piece of driftwood I have seen on these beaches but lately I have seen much of the West side beaches sprinkled with large driftwood. They make for great subjects in composing."Russell's Footsteps" has been a special favorite of mine and you will have to come back to see from time to time more perspectives. Happy Shooting! 
 

 

Yellow Hibiscus is the State flower for Hawaii. There are many colors, sizes,and varieties in my gallery  Maui Hibiscus. I created a gallery just for Hibiscus as they are abundantly growing here on the Islands and will be adding more in the furture

 

Aloha Everyone,  Since on Maui my passion in photography has been capturing the stunning beauty of Maui's Landscapes.  I am excited as I continue to learn and have recently have upgraded some equipment and techniques. This blog is for you to share what you want to write about regarding photography.Maui has beatuitiful, diverse, natural elements, weather, and photo opportunities as her colors, seasons, landscapes are ever changing showing us her diverse moods and colors. How inspiring and breathtaking it is for me to see the sunset in yellows, red and oranges, reds, the teal blue crystal clear waters adorned and surrounded with lush tropical greens. From the usual to the unusual subjects, Maui provides many opportunities to get creative and practice. We all can learn each other no matter the level of experince, quality of the equipement,as good photograhy takes vision and imagination. If you critic, be kind to one another in doing it! Thank you for visiting! Let's spark each others creative eye!