Lately I’ve been trying various photo software combinations. The Egret here was completely finished using DxO SilverEfex. Nothing revolutionary here, I think the majority of B&W photographers use SilverEfex.
Great Egret, Monochrome
It seems there are some known issues with Windows 11 and Lightroom Classic. Speed and image stability the main problem.
After finding out it wasn’t just me, and I had done all the things I could do to compensate, it makes sense to review what systems I use and how I use them. Having an IT background doesn’t make it any less painful though.
A month ago this was jammed full of reeds and thick cattails. This swamp was losing what it had been for hundreds of years. An old pipe that helped move water finally clogged, it was plantation era though.
At what I’m sure was a significant cost a dredging project cleared the vegetation and returned this swamp to where it could again support water flow and wildlife.
The land is part of the old Magnolia Plantation properties and still family owned. Plantation grounds, further down a dirt road is open to the public. The swamp is not as big a tourist attraction, but this location was once a large rookery. Photographers are around here of course.
The land is referred to as the ‘Audubon’ swamp, and for a good reason. John J. Audubon was related to the family and visited this swamp, filled with Great Egrets, multiple times.
Swamp, Dark, Damp Morning
I walked a back trail here the other morning hoping to get some bright sun rise reflections on the newly open areas. These photos show how not so bright the morning was.
Swamp, Dark, Damp Morning
Even in the dull light this is still an incredible place to visit. It was empty except for me and few over head birds from another rookery down the road.
Swamp, Dark, Damp Morning
Several years ago this was a busy small heron rookery. I’m hoping they will return soon.
