Swamp landscape photography 101, don’t shoot wide. Close focus subjects only. Too much clutter and scenery competing for your eye.
That said here I publish some wide cypress and swamp images. Standing there you are convinced the perfect photo is right there.
The locations are beautiful.
I keep trying because some people (like me until I moved) will never see anything like this. And…it may be gone forever…
The Spoonbills are working their way back. January and February they move a little further south.
Above is about dawn in the marshes. I was getting Ibis silhouettes when this bird turned. A single Spoonbill.
Before light he was gone. But it’s great to have them moving back in.
I was sitting, not looking at anything in particular when this Swan swam by at full speed.
I’m not sure why but he stopped and turned to check me out…close inspection.
I was of no importance because just as quick as he arrived, he left.
Most of the old statues I photograph are not maintained, or just buried in the swamp growth. This one is from a well manicured, and large, garden.
Gardens of Middleton Plantation, Charleston.
Of all the branches available in nearby woods, he brings this.
An almost landscape, but a bird in flight. The type of shot I appreciate. The location, or at least position, was planned based on the light.
Shadows had fallen over most of the swamp, except for one corner. Birds were active there. Set up the shot, and wait. Of course most times that’s all you do…wait.
Once I would stress about getting the shots, the in-flights, right angle, blah, blah. But really, I can try tomorrow or whenever. Makes it much easier.
I would call this a general interest type shot. This is the Ashley River, just outside Charleston. The angle was right to catch the old log, and all the locals hanging around it.
I didn’t even see the Great Blue Heron and White Ibis in the back when shooting this. I was paying more attention to all the others.
Turtles, dozens of turtles. One climbed up, another fell off.
The Double-crested Cormorants were drying off on any spot they could cling to. Funny thing about Cormorants, you will see them sitting like this all the time, it’s not easy for them. Unlike other birds their feet are huge, webbed, and no real claws to grab with. Half the time they fall off into the water. Very funny when a big wind comes along.
I thought it was an image worth taking a few minutes to look at. Not something you see everyday.
Click the image above to view full screen.
Again, a few photographs that typically are not published here. However…a line from Bob Dylan, but it was true.
I know nothing about farms and the critters that live there. Obviously it can put me at a disadvantage. The sheep above was ‘plotting’ against me.
Turning to look around, they were circling. Notice I’m not exaggerating, they are watching me.
Finally it was time for them to go into action. One moved right up in my face.
Saved !!! Someone who works there chased them away. Why?
I was standing by the gate. It turns out they were ready, and would, make a break the minute I started to go through. Which I was.
It works too. More than one person has started to walk away, and…
My wife had a camera ready and would not hesitate to document my demise, for the sake of her art of course.
