Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Flight

     All during the long, hot summer we watched them. First just one, then another and finally several of the tiny hummers frequented the two feeders outside the kitchen window and two near the front porch. We became fond as one could of a wild thing - enjoying their closeness and their antics. Because they feed so often, one was almost always making a quick appearance for a snack and sometimes would spar with its own reflection in the window.  However, it seemed another was always close by and would swoop in to chase the first away, causing lots of aerial displays. 

     They're gone now. The last one visited Monday morning and it is now Friday afternoon. Autumn begins tomorrow and we suppose that the hummers have begun their migratory flight to a warmer clime for winter, perhaps southern Mexico or northern Panama. It is so hard to imagine that our seemingly fragile wee friends can survive such a long trip, but we have learned that they are bad ass little fighters as well. We look forward to their return in the spring!

My favorite photo from this summer - a young hummer in flight.

Sunset from a Meramec Valley

     
      In a southwest corner of St. Louis County, near the confluence of the Meramec and the Big Rivers, the scenery is quite beautiful.  It boasts rolling hills, forests and farmland but on a recent visit, it was the moment of sunset that inspired a photographic impulse.

2018 PGA Championship (and a heron)

     A prestigious event is being held this week in St. Louis - the PGA Championship. Golfers, spectators (some 80,000 strong), and more than 4,000 volunteer workers have converged at Bellerive Country Club; the eyes of the nation and even the world are on our own neck of the woods. It is predicted that 10 million viewers will watch the televised coverage.

    

     I am proud and pleased at the perspective that has emerged from this event. The crowds were always orderly, respectful and supportive, even when challenged with temperatures in the nineties or an afternoon thunderstorm. Organizers and even some of the golfers expressed their admiration for the number and the comportment of the fans.Take heed media outlets - the St. Louis area is much more about good folks than the racism and crime that you are so keen to publicize!

     On a personal level, I did attend the event midweek, not because I am an avid golfer or fan, but because husband is. He wanted some good photographs and I obliged because, at the very least, using a camera is something I love and I would be outside at a beautiful venue. Husband was pleased with the album we put together, especially pics of several favorites, like Ricky Fowler (shown above) and I was pleased to get at least one nature shot - a scruffy little green heron!

Balloon Glow at Brookdale Farm

     On one of the last nights in July, one would expect sweltering temperatures and soaring humidity. That is the norm here in our part of the Midwest, but Mother Nature granted us a gift on this particular evening. It was very comfortable and even a bit cool as the sun dropped below the horizon - perfect for viewing hot air balloons (and people watching too). Families gathered beforehand at the food booths and danced to the classic rock band playing in the bandstand. Eager anticipation heightened as propane burners began to inflate the balloons.

      The spheres, some round and some inverted-tear drop, took shape and rose slowly. The crowd gathered closer to get a glimpse of the mechanization involved, which was simple but fascinating. Shortly after all were full and upright, darkness fell and the "glow" began. Every few minutes a horn would sound and all the balloonists would blast simultaneously, creating a magical moment of light and color. Photographers and children and even adults thrilled to the sight, an unforgettable experience.

Prom Photos...at the Barn...with the Horse

     I was honored when granddaughter asked me to take her prom pictures. She requested we meet a couple of hours before the event, at the barn where she has been taking riding lessons for several years AND she wanted her horse, Comanche in the photos as well. I did a little research and found some poses, like the silhouette, and props, such as the prom sign, that were helpful but most of the shots turned out to be impromptu. The silhouette  was meant to be only the young couple, but Comanche waiting patiently outside the door was irresistible. The only photo that had required much editing was the top center shot - I changed the background to be all barn siding instead of a stall door and darkened it a bit. Rissy thought her skin looked too white but I thought it was sylphlike. 

The collage above is Rissy alone with Comanche and the one below features both of the kids. 

Of course there were many photos taken and only a few chosen for the final album. The two below show a couple of "behind the scene" actions. Comanche was very well behaved but did spook a little with the floofy tulle of the long skirt. Rissy's dad had to bunch it up and hold it while she mounted.

   
Before embarking to the actual prom, a little clean up was necessary - even a well-groomed horse will shed a great deal in the late spring. Both the inside and the outside of Rissy's dress needed a once-over with a lint remover (mom's job)! All things considered, it was a lot of fun, but how could I go wrong? Two cute, agreeable kids, a handsome gentle horse (and some handling help) and a bright but overcast sky. Can't wait to do another one!

The Elusive Photo - Hummingbirds

     These little buggers drive me crazy. I love 'em - they're beautiful - they're enchanting - but they are a huge challenge to photograph. For years, I have tried with no real success; the rapidly beating wings and constant flitting defeated me every time, precluding a crisp, clear image. (My goal as always is the use of natural light and background, and no photoshop filters or effects.) This morning, I took my coffee and my camera outside, sat on a porch step behind a patio chair and took aim. After waiting patiently, I was rewarded with a visit from this guy. He didn't stick around long but I got about twenty  quick shots, holding my breath the entire time. These two photos were the best of the lot - not very good but still better than any taken previously. 

I am still on a mission...I am determined to conquer this challenge!

Sunflower Field at Columbia Bottoms

     A reprieve from the sultry weather of July prompted a trip to Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area, which is just a sixteen minute drive from home. It is remarkable because it was created to maintain and view the bottom land plains, forests and waterways that subsist at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. There are 4,318 acres, including riverfront and an island - which boast a variety of wildlife - especially during migration times. But on this cool morning, the sun was rising on a perfectly clear sky, so it was the sunflower fields that were the main attraction. Planted by a Missouri Department of Conservation team, the field beckons photographers and bees. It was such fun to capture these images and share the time with other photographers. The low sun, the blue sky and the brilliant yellow flowers combined to make an exceptional opportunity for some creative images.

Chipping Sparrow's BIG Baby

     For a couple of days, we've been watching this busy little duo from the patio. This morning I had time to snap a few photos and identify the species. The mother was so tiny and sprightly that I had assumed she was a wren when in fact, she was a chipping sparrow, but the baby was a puzzle - he was way too big to be hers! So I did some investigating and found that brown-headed cowbirds are brood parasites, laying their eggs in other bird's nests. The chicks monopolize the parent's feeding and grow faster than their nestmates. I'm pretty sure that's the scenario we have here.

November's Crescent Moon

     A full moon is fun to photograph but I've never really tried to capture a crescent moon. Last week  when a beautiful waning phase presented itself in a clear sky just before sunrise, I took a few shots but didn't have a chance to look at them until today. Only one was decent - not good -just decent. I did, however, like the dark branches that frame the foreground and the very faint outline of the moon's sphere. One more chapter in my moon photo quest...

The Color of October

     Autumn brings a riot of color. After the lush but constant greens of summer, the profusion of hues during harvest season is so welcome. There are several farmer's markets in our metro area, but on this day we chose to visit Kirkwood, southward bound from home. We bought apples, cider, and sweet potatoes but we also enjoyed the sight of jumbled piles of pumpkins and squash, in a number of colors and varieties.

 

     Afterwards, a stop at the grocery store was in order, and again the trappings of autumn enchanted us. The seasonal arrangement in the floral department was ablaze with accessories and decorations in a vignette that just begged for a photograph. Yep, I took a photo of a grocery store display - what can I say? I love October!

An October Harvest Moon

     The full harvest moon usually occurs in late September but this year it was expected in October. Anticipating its arrival, I was disappointed that the forecast called for rain and clouds most of the evening. However, at one point the clouds abated long enough to get a good photograph. Instead of partially obscuring the view, the tree branches seem to embrace the glow, so I was quite pleased with this shot. After all, isn't October the time for eeriness and mystery?

Harvest Moon 2016

     This celestial body known as earth's moon is intriguing. The prodigy of night that subtly morphs over the months - waxing and waning between new, first quarter, full and last quarter,  can be a photographic challenge.  However I overcame that challenge this September with a beautiful rendering, which surprised me with its beauty.

    

     When Karuna, a friend from India, told me about her culture's association of the moon and the pearl, I was fascinated, because I always felt an emanation of peacefulness and strength from the orb of night but dismissed it as fairy tale stuff . Karuna told me that a pearl draws energy from the moon, therefore it is beneficial to wear a ring that allows that gemstone to touch the skin. 

     A little research into the effect of gems on the subtle energy of the human being proved interesting. The moon has long been considered feministic in  nature and also denotes tenderness and beauty. There is a continuous vibrating power from the moon that can be absorbed by the individual and this aura can protect one from external negativity. The wearer of a pearl may feel confidence, energy, and strengthened will power. ("Shrivinayaka Astrology" by Dev Kaushik)

     I feel an affinity with the moon - I think I need a pearl ring.

Daniel Boone's Home and Village - Defiance, Missouri

Because these historic buildings are remarkably preserved AND beautiful...

The Art of Dance

     Rissy was born with a natural grace and has become a most beautiful dancer. During her performances at a recent recital, it was vexatious not to have my DSLR and a tripod but I struggled through with my compact Coolpix. Of course, the action shots were blurry but a few of the others emerged acceptable, especially with some Photoshop help. Four of the best shots were combined in the montage below for the my office desktop. My favorite of those is the candid pre-recital shot of the ballerina wearing mismatched dark socks and rumpled tulle. 

     Photoshop is also responsible for the allure of the photo at right. I extracted Rissy from the background and the other jazz dancers, and applied a painting filter. She loved the effect (even though she did NOT like the costume because, "It makes my belly look fat!")

Hang On, Kids!

     Back in November, I asked my grandchildren to strike an unusual pose. Both hams, they complied with no problem and were content with my non-explanation,  "No questions before Christmas!"  Later I printed the photos, applied clear adhesive laminate and a twine loop. Although the project had been described as bookmarks, I used mine (yes, I made two sets!) for tree ornaments. The other set was a gift to their parents and I hope they treasure the suspended kids as much as I do!

In January, I used the same photos in a birthday card for Vince, only this time I photoshopped the kids onto another pic of a ceiling fan. Swing around, fun time!

Scant Snowfall = Exquisite Photo Ops

     In mid-November, an early front brought a morning of flying snow flakes. When the flurries ended with just a scant accumulation,  I stepped outside with my camera, not really expecting any outstanding photographic opportunities. However, I wandered around the back yard and took a few shots, which, when viewed later inside on an HD monitor,  were very pleasing. Instead of conventional winter scenery, I had chosen to take close-up shots. Since it was early in the winter (or technically, late in the fall!), several types of foliage still lingered on trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses and these had captured the snowflakes in quite an appealing manner. The varied textures were fascinating and the flora's earthy hues highlighted the pristine white of the tiny drifts. I was enchanted with effect.

Blue Barn with Quilt Block

     On a road trip that took us through Franklin County, Missouri, we passed this interesting barn on Highway 100. Pop has become accustomed to my penchant for photography, and immediately turned around and pulled off the road. I was intrigued with the overcast sky and the weathered gray and blue siding which served to highlight the brightly painted quilt star high above the barn doors. And I am glad Pop is so well-trained.

Vineyard of Dreams

     I think I would like to own a vineyard. Despite the constant worries about rainfall, weather extremes and wildlife, there has to be great satisfaction in the growing and harvesting process. And mostly I just love the appearance of an established vineyard on a gently sloping hillside - the neat rows and the uniformity of the vertical trellising. In this photo taken recently in Hermann, Missouri, the symmetry of the field of grapevines is a beautiful contrast to the brushy thicket of trees in the background.

March Horses

     It was late March, the landscape was subdued into shades of gray by a long hard winter and the sky was completely overcast. Into this muted scene, two young friends walked through a pasture gate, calling for the small herd. They were rewarded with a hearty greeting as three horses galloped up the hill for a friendly pat and maybe a treat. At that moment the clouds thinned a bit and the congenial group acquired a slight illumination from a weak ray of sun. In retrospect it was a perfect photo opportunity and perhaps, my favorite of the day!

Below, the equine trio has tired of socializing and begins the short trek to the barn for a bite of carrot, following close behind their benefactors.

Friends Forever

     Despite a slight age difference, these two have been friends since they were toddlers. Hopefully they will go hand-in-hand through the rest of their lives as well.