"happy feet" upon the sands of time ...

Jockeys Ridge ... and endless horizons, a place of which I never tire.

creative, we all leave our mark amidst the wind ...

Climbing the seemingly endless dunes at Jockeys Ridge on the coast of North Carolina always produces new "finds" and fleeting images. Such was the case last week as I carried my camera (of course) for a couple of hours around and over the huge sand hills and valleys. No where else is the work of the wind and resulting shifting sands so evident and so fleeting. Hundreds of visiting folks and families are drawn to the looming sand hills by the sea each fair weather day ... to wander, to think, to explore, and to be creative in their own unique ways. I had to smile when I ran across the the creative impressions left in the sand by a child who used "happy feet" to leave his or her little "mark on the world", if for only a fleeting afternoon and the song in their heart :-)

a thousand words ...

What is a picture worth? In words, I believe they are immeasurable ...

Imagination, not faith, ... is limited by time's passage

It amazes me what water can do to what we "see", and "accept", as reality. When I take photos that focus on reflections but exclude the source, and later view those images - the time that has passed determines how well I remember the original source of the image before me...

If perhaps I forget someday just what "source" may have been transformed by the subtle undulations on the waters' surface, then I must rely solely on my imagination to interpret what "may" have "been"... And, the reality of what "was" (the source of my image) becomes less important or memorable. What remains is the image that I "have"... For a photo that "reflects" the beauty and wonder that I had seen, my imagination is enough to recall and sustain the feeling I had experienced by its capture.

Unlike "faith", my photos and interpretations have relative insignificance in the grand "scheme of things"... Yet I believe that "faith" comes from within, and is unwavering in its reality. It requires no visible "proof" and no powers of imagination, but is simply and forever ingrained ... within my soul.

secrets of the "peace" ...

Seemingly there are few places in the "urban" world to immerse one's self in nature. But they do exist, often isolated by very narrow boundaries. I can still see the sky on a mild spring day, and I can still find a tall grass knoll (it takes a bit of searching perhaps). If there is a little breeze, so much the better. I have learned to "see" the world through the lens of my camera, to "look" for serenity, and to isolate myself within the boundaries of those images that appear to me there... I know it is hard to ignore the "problems" and the "hustle" of life all around us, but I look for and often find those escapes from chaos even if they last but for a moment... The "peace" found in those few minutes is often then revisited, and the serenity returns - again and again. And, therein lies my very little "secret". ... :-)

readiness ...

I'm finding that one of the hardest things to do well in my photo exploits and sojourns is to "be ready" to capture what I see. When I think back over the many unique things I've observed in nature, I have to cringe a little bit. So many of the times that a good photo opportunity "knocked", I simply was not ready to take advantage of it. Either I did not have my camera with me, or it was not "set" properly, or the subject discovered was just moving too rapidly for me. I'm beginning to learn a thing or two (I think :-). Now when wandering around in a likely location for a good shot, I try to keep my camera on a fast shutter setting (at least 1/1250th of a second) and set the ISO up to 400 (comparable to film speed - but digital). At least it lets me "be ready" for that shot that just "won't wait around". Such was the case recently when this mallard flew by me (not more than 15 feet away). The background was not that great (hence I selectively isolated his image on a new background - a painstaking task), but the end result prompts great memories ... and the sound of his rushing wings against the wind.

May is a time for goslins and ducklings. The training they get from their parents these first few weeks often determines if they will live or die ... And sadly, many of them don't usually make it, falling prey to natural predators, dogs, and cats. But with my camera in hand, I do love this time of year and the ease of finding a variety of avian family images... This year has been no exception ...

a valued connection ...

It is strange, I know. And, I am "lucky", fortunate, or both. For well over a year now, I have been getting closer and closer to this magnificent Great Blue Heron. Yes, I have been very cautious not to frighten him (from the very first time we became aware of each other's existence one early morning during a walk along the lake). The first few times I noticed that I could only approach him by moving very slowly (when his attention was focused on a fish that he was stalking). Then after many such encounters, he became less and less concerned of my presence. I think that he senses my respect for him, and perhaps he has lost his "fear" that I might harm him. At least, that is what I like to think. In any case, this particular bird has been a continuing source of pleasure and great photo opportunities for me ... Should I never see him again, I will not soon forget "him". And, somehow I feel that we had a special "connection" ... one that I will always value dearly ...

a reason for every season ...

Spring is definitely in the air, on the water, and throughout nature. Lakes are teeming with wildlife, new life, and seasoned veterans ... it is a time of renewal ... a time for parenting ... a time for teaching ... a time for learning. Life depends on it. I hope I will see many more "springtimes", new leaves, nature's seasonal babies, and fresh starts. When it begins after winter's cleansing, spring seems to last for such a short time. Maybe that's because it is so "anticipated", and then quickly melds into summer - and temperatures rise. I think often that if it were up to me - there would be just two seasons, spring and fall.... (I would never close my windows :-) In reality though, if I didn't experience the summer and winter extremes, how would I know the special joy felt in springtime? I'm relieved and thankful ... that it is not up to me. There's good reason for every season, and we're all just along for the "ride"... Hope I don't lose my camera :-).

Sanderlings (amazing little birds) ...

Often, I find that a "fair" photo I've taken has a nice element within it, but has a lot of detracting elements as well. If the nice element is unusually unique, it may be worth "selecting" that element (a process that takes a lot of extra time in processing/editing). It's a gamble on the use of my time for a single image, but often is worth the extra effort (as in the included image of this little shorebird). I'm not sure that anyone else would think so, but I liked the results - particularly as these little quick-footed birds rarely wait around very long for one to get their camera set "just right" :-). This time I didn't hesitate and was "quick on the trigger". Otherwise, he would have been way-long "gone"... :-)