Swans in the Fog

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You can do all kinds of things with the help of PhotoShop or other editting software programs.   This picture was taken on a very foggy morning.  There was so much fog, in fact, that you could barely see the trees.  I love foggy pictures, so I just started shooting, knowing that I could make the necessary adjustments when I got home.

Picture #1 is a copy of the original file, with some minor adjustments done in Camera Raw, such as bringing up the brightness, fill light, clarity and adjusting the blacks just a little. 

Picture #2 was altered in PhotoShop using curves & levels to brighten the overall scene and to bring out the whiteness of the swans.

Picture #3  is Picture #2 with the NIK graduated fog filter applied to it.  I softened the effect to the point where I liked it and then saved the photo.

My oldest grandson likes picture #3 best, because he likes the soft, graduated effect of the fog.  I think I agree with him.  Which do you like best?

Swans in the Fog

I did some different processing on this swans in the fog photo to make it look like it was taken at night and illuminated with a spotlight.  I have fun trying different things. Hope you enjoy it.

Swirling Waters

"Beauty is God's reflection in the swirling waters of the universe." Lourdes Mallo (b.1930), Gran Canaria

I used NIK and Topaz plug-ins to improve the focus on this image.  I thought it was worth saving because I liked the splashing of the water and the fun the ducks appeared to be having.  I hope you enjoy the picture as much as I enjoyed watching these delightful creatures.  Have a great day!

Peregrine Falcons Save Lives

Although they may look like nice, unassuming birds, peregrine falcons are formidable hunters that prey on other birds (and bats) in mid-flight.  They hunt from above and, after sighting their prey, drop into a steep, swift dive that can top 200 miles an hour.  They are used at airports to scare other birds away from commercial and military airplanes.  Even larger birds leave the area once they see this small, but determined hunter.  Due to their extreme hunting abilities, they .have saved many lives and thousands of dollars by preventing other birds from flying into airplanes.

What is life?

"What is life? It is the flash of the firefly in the night. It is the breath of the buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset." Chief Crowfoot (1830-1890) his last words, Canada

Bison often stand next to hot pools in Yellowstone to warm themselves. Using a long lens allows photographers to get good images without endangering themselves or the animals. Unfortunately, people are injured every year because they ignore the guidelines regarding maintaining appropriate distances from the wildlife. Bison may look like they're slow and sluggish, but they can move very quickly when they want to. Always remember that they're wild animals & animals are unpredictable. They can be quiet and calm one minute and denting the side of your truck the next minute. Enjoy the wildlife when you visit Yellowstone, or any wildlife area, but be safe.

Love Isn't Easy

Love isn't always easy but, even with the occasional scrapping and squawking, it's worth it. So, cherish the relationship you have, and work to make it better. After all, anything of significant value usually requires effort and continued dedication to retain its' splendor. So, give your loved one a kiss and tell him or her how important they are to you. For those special words can never be said too often and they're always appreciated.

Photo tip: As you probably already know, in order to get the type of wildlife pictures you want, you have to be patient. Unfortunately, animals don't pose for us according to an appointment schedule.

Scrapping Bulls

Boys fighting over girls seems to be Nature's way, so we might as well enjoy it.

Take a close look and you'll see some morning visitors. These are just a few of the creatures that inhabit this planet with us. Let's protect them and the beauty they live in. Enjoy!