Beings

Beautiful Blue on the Beach - Lover's Key, Florida - USA

Blue herons are breathtaking creatures. Majestic, graceful, and commanding of our attention. I had just recently encountered one up close for the first time in the Everglades of Florida, where they were found abundantly. I had a few attempts in the Everglades at capturing their elegant beauty, but wasn't entirely pleased with the results. While exploring the barrier island of Lover's Key, Florida, I was thrilled to spot one standing about 15 feet away, on the beach, with a lovely sand & ocean colored backdrop. I reached for the camera, a bit frantically, not wanting to miss the opportunity and assuming I had a limited time before he flew away! Quite surprisingly, he wasn't phased by my presence, as calm as the ocean breeze. I relaxed and calmed down as well, taking my time framing and capturing him in a way that conveyed the feeling of joy & excitement his presence provided.

Unusually Beautiful - Roswell, New Mexico - USA

Unusual often equals beautiful. This is an albino peacock. Not quite what we're accustomed to, but splendidly beautiful in it's own way. I came across this stunningly pleasant surprise at the zoo of Roswell, New Mexico. Not the only unusual findings in Roswell!

Pollinated Poppy

I was so happy to capture this guy doused in pollen, and carrying a large load, working on some California Poppies! There was a whole swarm of bees at work here, and I fired away at full auto, determined to capture something interesting. I couldn't have been happier! I didn't realize until after the fact in reviewing the photos that he was complete covered in pollen. I also highlighted the subtle variance in hues that you see in the Poppy. The grey in the background is from the surrounding rocks.

Gulf Coast Enchantment - Clearwater, Florida - USA

While exploring this beautiful beach town, I was treated to this enchanting and magnificent sunset, exemplary of W. Florida. While strolling the shoreline, I noticed the pelican perched on this no swimming sign. Filled with excitement, I moved quickly, getting into position to capture it, feeling it would be the perfect signature for this In the Moment capture. Thankfully he hung around for a minute while I fired away. The subtlety of the bird captured in the background was a pleasant, surprise addition.

Unexpected Beauty - Temecula, California - USA

"Life is all about perspective, and how we choose to see it. As we more consciously choose to see the good, and the beauty in the world, it begins to appear in unexpected places." - BBB This is a special piece to me, as I captured it in my very own backyard, on the day that my first DSLR arrived in the mail. Having hardly an idea of what I was doing with the camera, I stepped into the backyard to find this guy camping out, and chose to see beauty in a place that most would not. It's been commented more than once that it looks like I photoshopped the spider into this shot, and that is certainly not the case!

Electric Ripples - Plymouth, Massachusetts - USA

After a full day of touristy, pilgrimmy things, this was a refreshing, spontaneous stop on my way out of Plymouth. Found on the small inlet of Plymouth Long Beach. Strolling and observing, I became fascinated by these rippled, wavy reflections of light. The shell is submerged in the water, allowing it's brilliant colors to shine. Thousands, if not millions of crushed up seashell bits can also be seen here. The black in the sand is from the proximity to the road, and accumulated dirt & debris.

Co-Existence - Lover's Key, FL

Another distinguishing feature of Lover's Key State Park is the incredible abundance and variety of birds. Over 125 species have been confirmed at the park, including a fantastic variety of shorebirds. I initially captured three times the birds seen here in this scene, but cropped it tighter. Several species can be seen mingling and co-existing in this capture. A few pelicans were hanging behind me as well.