Water Wheel
Water Wheel: It wasn’t supposed to be there — that discarded and rusty piece-of-junk automobile wheel — in the middle of a shallow, quiet-running stream. Still, there the thing was, and it turned out to be beautiful from a pictorial viewpoint, at least. In fact, the “water wheel” was my shot of the day! Prints of this image are available at: http://www.guilfordphoto.com
Male Slaty Skimmer
I do love photographing dragonflies. Because they are relatively small, live by the water, and are very quick fliers, dragonfly photography can be frustrating. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be exploring a hotbed of dragonfly activity and, for the first time, got some images of a beautiful indigo-colored flier: a male Slaty Skimmer. In flight, the Slaty is so dark it appears black. When resting on a plant stem or flower head, the male’s deep blue body shows its true color. Clear wings make the Slaty, and some other dragonflies, hard to photograph unless against a featureless background such as the pond in this photo. I plan to get out a few more times, specifically for “dragon hunting” this season and maybe even shoot some video.
Eastern Amberwing
While it’s often possible to shoot closeup photos of insects such as dragonflies, it’s not always necessary or even the best approach. I spent an enjoyable time this afternoon along the edge of a pond seeking one of my favorite subjects: dragonflies! I had some very good luck and even got some very nice shots of a Slaty Skimmer — a big, indigo blue dragon I don’t believe I’ve captured before. As I walked along beside the pond I looked out across the quiet waters and saw a tiny Eastern Amberwing perched on the top of a sunken tree trunk protruding from the surface. The weathered wood was dark and in silhouette, its form reflected on the water, but the little dragonfly glowed in sunlight. I shot image after image ’til finally the Amberwing flitted away. It wasn’t one of those highly-detailed, super-macro insect photos we often wonder at; I think I actually like it better. ‘Turns out, it was my favorite picture of the day! A closeup isn’t everything!
Beach Morning 5535
It may be some time before I get back to the shores of Lake Erie. Over the past many months, my travels have allowed me to regularly visit the lakefront. The view was different every time I visited. Colors in the waters change. Wave patterns constantly shift. And the sky… oh, the sky! I’ve stood on the sands to shoot photos while being pelted by freezing rain and snow driven by gale winds. I’ve walked the breakwalls when the lake appeared as a sheet of glass. Not once have I regretted visiting the shore. So it was this morning as clouds of various shapes moved across the big sky, waves criss-crossed on a quiet lake surface, and sands lay freshly groomed awaiting the day’s visitors. I’ll miss the visits but at least I have some pictures.
Arches
I was reviewing my recent efforts at photographing my favorite insects, dragonflies, and was growing discouraged. Recently it just seemed I couldn’t catch a break. Maybe my missing “luck” was due to a want of recent experience. Last year wasn’t a particularly good one for dragons though this year looks to be very good. Whatever the reason, I was deleting way more images than what I considered worth keeping. Until I came across this one. It was shot late last month in Lorain County on the edge of a pond abuzz with dragonflies. It all came together: a gorgeous dragon, perched atop arches of green leaves, against a nearly black background. I’m feeling much better now.
Stars and Gulls on the Water
Down at the Lake Erie shore the sun shown brilliantly over calm waters, the sky was clear and blue, and gulls gathered on the breakwall. Moving a bit too close for their comfort, I scared up half of the gathered flock. The birds took flight to the west but soon circled around to the east, then south, and into my shot of the morning sun and diamond waves. At first I was a little annoyed at the presence of so many little black dots. Quickly, however, I realized the beauty of the flock against the sky.
Someone to Watch Over Me
This morning’s visit to the shores of Lake Erie was lovely as always. Today’s cross-hatched ripples and low, quiet waves were highlighted by the powder-blue sky and warm sun. I shot a good number of images of the placid lake, morning haze, and water lapping against rock. Then I saw two large silhouettes approaching, low over the water from the west: a couple of Great Blue Herons! I see the big birds along the Erie shoreline on occasion but the waders generally prefer the still, shallow waters of ponds and quiet streams. The lead bird flew past, to my north, and alighted on a stone breakwall. The second heron landed on a solitary stone, not far to my left and made for an interesting sight … a tall, slender bird perched atop a rock, isolated in quiet blue water with hardly a horizon to be seen behind. I’d have preferred the ring-billed gull not already been on the rock but the pair seemed to not mind each other’s company. It was almost as if the heron was looking out for the much smaller gull. I shot image after image as I slowly moved closer to the scene, being watched by the birds just as I was watching them! Then, too close! First the gull, then the heron took flight. I don’t know where the gull went but the heron flew to join the other “Great Blue” on the more distant breakwall. It pays to watch out for each other.
Morning, June 20
Set Apart
Morning Stroll along the Breakwall
With clear skies and light winds from the south, Lake Erie this morning was a vision of placidity. Calm waters reflected morning sun and blue sky. People of early morning contemplated the scene, played on the sandy beach, or stopped to enjoy the moment. Here are two views from this day along the shore of Lake Erie on a lovely serene morning.
Kayakers Skim along on Placid Lake Erie
PhotonStopper 