Wading it Out

While waiting for sunrise on Sprague Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, this bull elk wandered out into the lake to cool off.

Technical Details:
Canon 20d, 300 f/4l + 1.4tc, f/5.6, 1/2 sec.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

On Top of the World

This image was taken around sunset on the tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park. The clouds this evening slowly moved across the tops of the mountains as the light filtered through.

Technical Details:
Canon 5d, 17-40 f/4l @ 17mm, f/16, 1/8 sec., 3-stop hard ND Grad
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Hidden Falls

Today's post is the first image from a recent excursion to Colorado. This is Zapata Falls near Great Sand Dune National Park in the southern area of the state. It is a small hike through a creek to get here, but it is worth the effort.

Technical Details:
Canon 5d, 17-40 f/4l @ 17mm, f/13, 1.6 sec.
Zapata Falls, Colorado

Born Free

As many people know, I do not do a lot of bird photography. I find that there are quite a few good photographers who specialize in this and who have equipment that enables them to get in close for a shot. My equipment for the most part usually puts me too far away, especially from the easily scared birds such as herons. Recently, I have been visiting DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge since they have had quite a few birds fairly close. While driving around we came across a lone pelican. When I got out of my car to take a shot of him floating down the lake, he took flight. At first he started flying away from me and I thought that he was going to be no where near me, but then banked and came right in front of me. I was able to snap about 3 shots off as he continued into the distance.

Technical Details:
Canon 5d, 300 f/4l + 1.4 tc, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

No More Sleepy Dreaming

After a fairly long absence I decided it was time to update the blog. I have lots of new photos to share that will be coming along. Today's photo was actually taken in the beginning of September at a marsh right outside of Lincoln. This is a perfect example of how landscape photographers (especially in Nebraska) really have to be aware of the weather. I have several websites I check to see how the clouds will be lining up for the evening. Occasionally, I get right and have a spectacular sunset. Sometimes, I am completely wrong and the clouds change direction and the sunset fizzles. For about two months I had been aware of this location and realized it would be a great location for sunset. On this particular evening, the clouds looked like they were going to be right over the marsh with an opening to the west to allow the setting sun to underlight the clouds. It was not disappointing.

Technical Details:

Canon 5d, 17-40 f/4l @ 26mm, f/11, 4 sec., 3-stop singh-ray hard dodged
Frank Shoemaker Marsh, Near Lincoln, Nebraska