Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Inspirational People

In this day of my awakening spirit I am finding myself inspired by a multitude of photographers.  



Ansel Adams said, “You don’t just make pictures with a camera. You make pictures with books you’ve read, the music your’ve heard and with the people you have loved.”


This morning found me perusing the North American Nature Photography Association's website, of which I am a member.  There, highlighted on the front page was a link to Nancy Rotenberg's website, "Natural Tapestries."  I clicked.  I was astonished.  Her work is truly inspirational, her vision exceptional.  It was within Nancy's website that I picked up the above quote by Ansel Adams, another photographer who has inspired me.  Her work spoke so much to my spirit that I decided to blog about it and provide a link to her site so that you can enjoy her work as well.




Other photographers inspire as well not only by their photographic genius but by their mission.  David DuChemin is one of those.  The first book of his that I read (devoured) was "Visionmongers."  Since then I've picked up many of his e-books, follow him on Twitter and we are "Friends" on Facebook.  His personal vision is to "shoot advocacy and fundraising images for the international nongovernmental organization community."  Marketing himself as a Travel and Humanitarian Photographer, following his passion, David has inspired me and countless others along the way.  

 
There are other photographers who inspire me on a daily basis.  Two I met via blogging here at the Giraffe Head Tree - Diane Schuller and Bo Mackison.  

I found Diane first through another friend's blogroll.  The name of her original blog drew me in - "Sand to Glass."  From there Diane changed her blog title to Alberta Postcards and now has her own photography business, Diane Schuller Photography.  Her sensitivity toward her subjects, her love of dogs and nature, her clean and beautiful style of writing and unique eye for detail always have me looking forward to her new works. 


Seems the whole earthy, naturally sounding titles always draw me in for that's how I made the acquaintance of Bo Mackison.  Her blog's title, "Seeded Earth," caught my eye and her passion for photography kept me coming back.  She and her "Sherpa" participate in art shows in many places.  This year she spent several months in Tucson, Arizona and completely blew me away with her prose and photos.  We have since become friends.



Closer to home, Alabama has a bevy of fabulous conservation photographers.  One in particular, David Young, is a long time favorite.  David Young Photography captures images of water, and other works of nature, in a truly unique way.  He and a few others, calling themselves conservation photographers, have started a Conservation Photographers of Alabama page on Facebook that I wholeheartedly suggest you check out.  When you have time.  After checking out all the other links that I've provided.

Thank you, inspirational people!  Thank you for helping me once again become excited about the world of photography, sharing your talents and creating such beauty!   

Monday, August 29, 2011

Hackberry Emperors


These two were cavorting on the side of our house.  

From Butterflies & Moths of North America

Hackberry Butterflies fly in a fast and erratic manner, and rest upside down on tree trunks. Males perch on tall objects in sunny areas to watch for females. Eggs are laid in clusters, and the young caterpillars feed communally. Caterpillars overwinter in groups gathered inside dead rolled leaves.

Caterpillar hosts are various hackberries and sugarberry.
 
Adult food include sap, rotting fruit, dung, carrion. They will take moisture at wet spots along roads and streams.
 
The habitat of Hackberry Emperors is wide - along wooded streams, forest glades and river edges, wooded roadsides, towns.
 
They reside in most of the eastern United States, central Plains states, and the southwest mountains; northern Mexico.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Trouble

I'm having trouble uploading photos to Blogger. The past couple of days the little circle thingie goes 'round and 'round but my photo never uploads. Anyone else having this problem? I'm wondering if it's Blogger OR my network. Thanks for the input.

UPDATE:  There is a "New Editor."  I didn't know that until I scoured the Help forums.  Went to Settings, scrolled down and chose the new editor, hit Save and all is well.  Just so ya'll know.  Sheesh.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tennessee Impressions




Four herons with their nest high above the rapids.






Mosses and reeds and water.






Rocks.






Fish on rock.






Wavy rocks.






Water tumbling over and through rocks.







Seriously?







Moonshine in the making.






Jewelweed after the rain.







Wild native passion flower - taken with an iPhone at dusk.







Turtle etching on rock.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Tennessee



Tennessee.
Rolling hills, rock walls.
The Smokey Mountains.
Dragonflies.





Clear, cold mountain streams
pour down mountainsides and
shoot through boulders
tumbling rapidly, smoothing rocks
into fascinating natural creations.





Escape to nature and restore your soul.
Get back in touch with your inner spirit.
Breathe in the fresh air,
soak your feet in the chilly waters,
and take delight in Life.


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