Lone Trees

As I mentioned in a previous post, several dead-looking trees line the beach at Lovers Key State Park near Ft. Myers Beach.  The evening I took this photo, the sky and Gulf of Mexico were quite colorful, but I couldn't resist converting this image to black and white.  Moody! The entire SDP staff will be taking a brief respite  from the blogosphere -- off to Key Biscayne (Miami) for the annual tennis tournament and then, if the weather holds out, to Everglades National Park.  Looking forward to it.  So many photo opportunities await!  

Roll Fog Roll

Yesterday's photo of the foggy fishermen was taken from the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier in downtown a few nights ago.  After snapping that pic, I puttered around the bend to Bayfront Park to encounter this scene at the mooring field.  You can see the fog behind the sailboats, but it was much thicker when I approached.  Unfortunately, during the quick few minutes it took to take out my camera gear out, the fog started to roll out.  **darn**  While I was taking pictures, a woman walked by and exclaimed, "I'm so glad you have a camera and someone is capturing this!  It's just beautiful!" Perhaps more beautiful -- and moody -- in black and white?  I should have given her a SDP business card.  **double darn**  The Editor-in-Chief will be dismayed.

Wise One

Believe it or not, I had given up on seeing any wildlife at Myakka State Park last Saturday evening, when I encountered this barred owl. It was a beautiful evening and the park was filled with families, so most of the wildlife had opted to go into hiding. I couldn't have imagined I would have an excellent opportunity to use two new pieces of camera equipment I received for Christmas: a tripod with a ball head and a remote control. 

As I was driving out of the park, an owl flew right over the hood of my car --- and landed in a tree top about 35 yards away in the woods. Yes! By the time I had quietly positioned myself to get a good shot, I realized I was almost directly under the bird -- a perfect situation to use the new tripod.  (It was quite exciting to shoot almost vertically on a tripod.)  To minimize camera shake, I used the remote control.  And…voila!   The owl seemed very curious about what I was doing.  Unfortunately, the fading sunlight resulted in washed out colors.  So, I converted the image to black and white.  Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Lovers Key

At Lovers Key State Park….channeling Clyde Butcher, Florida's modern day version of Ansel Adams.  Over the next few days, I'll share more photos from this heavenly slice of paradise in Ft. Myers Beach. Have a nice Saturday!