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Photographed at Oak Creek Wildlife Area and along the Tieton River near Naches, Washington, USA. IMG_1471
This male cardinal was watching every move I made, when I finally looked away, it was only then that he flew down to get some sunflower seeds.
For many years now I have had a deep desire to simply sit at the edge of a Prairie Dog (known affectionally by locals and our friend Deb as Whistle Pigs) colony and photograph/observe the community. Like most animals, once a threat is identified, full alarms are sounded and all normal activity concludes. The Prairie Dog is a bit different as if no aggressive action is taken in just a little while they will go on about the business of the day.
About a week before our trip, I had a very vivid, realistic dream that was so detailed that once I awoke, I laughed out loud and was thankful for the experience. Here is the shortened version of the dream:
I was sitting on a wide-open prairie, Indian style (I assume its still called that). As I sat photographing the colony, out of the corner of my right eye I caught just a glimpse of the tail of a Prairie Rattler as it disappeared under my thigh. They are common in colonies as they use the burrows to escape the heat of the day. In this case, it was using me! Knowing that I needed help, I slowly reached in my pocket, pulled out my cell phone and called 911. This proved to be a mistake.
The first on the scene was a park ranger who laughed at my situation and told me not to move…a classic No-shit Sherlock instruction of absolutely no value! When the local sheriff’s deputy arrived the park ranger briefed him on my situation…between laughs and speculations of how close the snake was to my manhood. When the EMS and fire department showed up it officially became a party. If you have seen the movie “There is something about Mary” …it was a lot like that! As a rescue plan was being developed, first responders were posing for photos behind me as bets were being made on just where I will be bitten. And then the news crew showed up…
When I heard the words “We are live in three, two, one” I realized that I should have taken my chances with the snake! As the EMS tried to place a neck brace around my neck and a borrowed bicycle helmet on my head (from one of the two dozen cyclists who paused their ride to see what all the hullabaloo was about), a microphone was stuck in my face for comment…a comment was made that I will not share!
As a lasso was fitted under my arms and around my chest, the rescue plan was finally revealed. I was to be tied to a truck and pulled off the spot at a high rate of speed. I was in the air when I awoke.
Needless to say, after this dream I decided not to sit amongst the colony but to stand…just in case in was a premonition. I would never have considered sharing this dream had it not been for this photo…a Prairie Dog looking anxious…as if watching a fat Italian guy sitting Indian style flying through the air!
Taken on 19 May, 2023 at Custer State Park, South Dakota.
2nd build in my Iron Builder round against LittleJohn, using the Toy Winder Key part in dark orange.
In two weeks time I'll be off to Japan again for our annual White & Wild Japan tour.
Many years ago, I started to experiment with off-camera flash in an effort to create truly original images of the often photographed Japanese snow monkeys. At the time, no one else was doing this, so it seemed like a good thing to do. And it was. Over the years I've created an entire series using this technique, and it eventually won me the Grand Title 'International Nature Photographer Of The Year' at the International Photography Awards. I'm still very proud of that achievement, but it also taught me a valuable lesson: it pays off if you try to be different.
We're still in the early stages of the digital revolution, but you can already see how it has changed photography. Just look at this website for instance. Someone posts a picture on 500px, that picture becomes very popular, and soon after you will see a lot more pictures taken at that same location or of that same subject. Locations that were once exotic have turned into cliches within a decade. If you're the exploring type and/or love hiking, you don't have to worry - people probably won't be able to find your locations and copy what you're doing. But the moment you decide to photograph a common subject or a well know location, it's good to know that you have to put in some extra work to make your images stand out from the rest. That's not easy, but in the end, it will be a good thing for both yourself as an artist and for the quality of photography in general.
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If you're interested in joining us on our White & Wild Japan tour to photograph snow monkeys, Japanese cranes, Steller's sea eagles and whooper swans, please check out our website for more information:
Squiver Photo Tours & Workshops
Marsel
©2015 Marsel van Oosten, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.
I went on a walk with Katie last night as Thomas was at a sleepover. We fed the ducks and then she happily posed for me. She was still in her school uniform and this made a change for me as she hates wearing dresses.
2 secs @ f/11
ISO 100
Lee .75ND soft grad across whole image
Lee .75 hard grad across sky
Lee ND.9 across whole image
Maggie loves to sit and watch the TV sometimes if something catches her eye and sound. Last night something did.
Kestrel - Falco Tinnunculus
Rodley Nature Reserve
Many thanks as always to all those who view my photos. Your comments and faves are very much appreciated and welcome.
DSC_0468
A quick spur of the moment visit to Cockersands and it didn't disappoint.
The light and colour in the clouds around sunset created a photogenic scene. There was a fisherman out on the shore, a dog walker catching the sunset on his phone and Plover Scar lighthouse looking diminutive in the expanse of the incoming tide.
I never tire of visiting this spot with a view out over the Irish Sea.
ant bag beetle (Clytra laeviuscula) on the edge of a poppy blossom.
It's just a jump to the left... 😃
Olympus E-M1 + Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45/F2.8
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to watch or leave a comment/ award :)
All my photos are © All Rights Reserved. The pictures are for viewing, not to be downloaded and shared on any other site or for personal use without my explicit permission. Thank you! :)
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