Over the past few weeks, I've kept my portrait shooting light so I could spend some time shooting and enjoying the great nature and wildlife Florida has to offer. I love Florida this time of year. While everyone else is shoveling snow, we get to wear shorts, aren't bothered by biting insects (mostly) and can enjoy, rather than flee the outdoors.

One of my favorite places is the Hillsboro River, just on the outskirts of Tampa. The landscape and wildlife always provide great photo subjects.

In this first image, an Anhinga has just found his dinner.

The soft light at dusk that filters through the canopy of the Cypress trees creates a mysterious and relaxing environment.

It wouldn't be a trip on the Hillsboro without seeing at least one Alligator. We actually saw four but this one was my favorite. To get this shot, I had to lean out of the canoe and get my head, and my camera close to the water to avoid an overhanging branch that was obscuring my view. I was wondering if the Alligator might be thinking his dinner was about to be served.

Towards the end of our trip down the river, the light was quite dim. It was almost too dim to keep shooting. I started stowing my gear when this Great Blue Heron, that seemed to be following us, decided to fly right in front of the canoe, as if leading us home. The blur is caused by a relatively slow shutter speed. I was pleased with the way the blurred wings and the way the light illuminated the individual wing feathers conveyed the sense of motion.

I have some more photos from recent visits to several Florida rivers and springs. I hope to have those posted soon so please check back.

Also, I was honored to be inverviewd by Shutterbug Magazine Radio on Friday. The interview, a podcast should be available on Monday. In addition to the interview, they'll be posting a small gallrey of my images that correspond to the interview. I'll post a link as soon as it's available.