If you can’t make it to the reception, the exhibit will be up from February 2nd through March 31st.  Stop by and support the artists and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Here are the photos I’ll be exhibiting.

Fog-Fisheating Creek

Little Blue Heron

Here’s an article about the exhibit  in Life in Naples magazine.

Audubon’s approximately 13,000 acre Corkscrew Swamp Preserve, near Naples is an absolutely amazing place.   The preserve is home to the largest remaining old growth Bald Cypress stand in North America.  It also hosts the largest nesting colony of Wood Storks in the US.  The benefits of the preserve certainly don’t stop at it’s boundaries.  The preserve is a critical connection for the flow of water to coastal habitats as well as a corridor for the movement of wildlife such as the Florida Panther and the Florida Black Bear.

A 2 and 1/4 mile boardwalk trail will take visitors through Pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh, and the spectacular Bald Cypress Swamp.   In the swamp,  the variety and sheer density of ferns, bromeliads, and even orchids is breathtaking.

Corkscrew Swamp Boardwalk

Early morning light illuminates Royal Ferns, Strap Ferns, Leather Ferns, etc.

The lobby of the Blair Audubon Center was displaying photographs from the 2009 Florida Forever Calendar, published by LINC to promote awareness of the Florida Forever land acquisition program.  It was great seeing all the photographs presented in this larger format.

Not far from Corkscrew is Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.  The strand, running north to south, is  about 20 miles long and five miles wide.  It includes swamp, prairies, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine rock lands, and native groves of Royal Palms, all connected by a slow moving, shallow slough.  It’s the main drainage slough for SW Florida’s Big Cypress Swamp.  At it’s southern end is one of the world’s most productive estuarine ecosystems.  One of the most exciting things about visiting Fakahatchee Strand is the possibility of seeing Florida Panthers or Florida Black Bears.  It’s the only place I’ve ever personally seen a Florida Black Bear in the wild.  Other endangered animal species that might be seen here include Indigo Snakes, Everglades Mink, and Diamondback Terrapins.  I don’t doubt the State Park brochure that boasts 44 native orchid species and 14 native bromeliad species.   For those that don’t want to brave the heat, the biting insects, or the wet terrain, Janes Scenic Drive, an 11 mile road (unpaved) provides easy access for viewing some of the marvels of Fakahatchee Strand.  Tram roads from the area’s logging days provide relatively easy hiking (and even biking) for a more up close and personal view of the strand.  For the adventurer, not afraid to get a little wet, a swamp walk is probably the best way to experience this magical place.  If you only have a little time,  there’s a boardwalk into Fakahatchee Strand off of Tamiami Trail.

One of my favorite sights-canoe, bikes, time for outdoor adventure!

Janes Scenic Drive

Ludwigia submerged under flowing water

More Florida fall colors. This might be my favorite photo from the trip.

Red Shouldered Hawk

A rather smug looking Alligator.

Driving out of Fakahatchee, just as it was getting dark, we came across two snakes crossing the limestone road.  The snake on the left is clearly a Water Moccasin (Cotton Mouth).   I’m not 100% certain but I think the snake on the right is a Mangrove Salt Marsh Snake.  The color and markings of this snake are incredibly variable making it tough to make a definitive ID.  If any of my herp friends can verify this snake’s ID from my technically poor photograph (using a weak flashlight as a light source), I’d be grateful.

Water Moccasin (Cotton Mouth) - Mangrove Salt Marsh snake (?)

For the end of our trip, we decided to head over to the east coast and paddle the Loxahatchee River.  This was our first time on this river and we weren’t disappointed.  The river is a Federally designated “Wild and Scenic River”.  It starts out as meandering fresh water creeks and as it gets closer to the Atlantic it transitions to a tidal brackish estuary before ultimately flowing into the bay and the Atlantic.  We didn’t have the luxury of a shuttle service for our trip so we did an out and back paddle, launching from Riverbend Park.

Cypress and Palms along the banks of the river

Stangler Fig encircles a Cypress trunk

This is the second of two blog entries from our recent South Florida trip.  The first entry is here

Now more than ever, I’m compelled to spend as much time as possible exploring these wonderful places.  Beyond my vote and my voice on political issues affecting the environment, the best thing I can do is to share what I find so special about these places with other people.  Since I think I can say more with photos than I can with words, I’ll let the photos do most of the talking.

Here is a sampling of the photos I recently made while visiting Big Cypress National Preserve.

A white bird convention along Tamiami Trail (Mostly Wood Storks and Great Egrets, a few Snowy Egrets and Ibis in the mix too.)

View from Tamiami Trail

Florida fall color along the canal that parallels Turner River road.

American Alligator

An impressive set of pearly whites!

Cypress

Little Blue Heron

Morning light on the grasses

Cabbage Palms in late day light

This was our first time paddling on Turner River.  For me, the highlight of this trip was the Mangrove tunnels.  The prop roots covered in epiphytes (air plants) were amazing.  We were the first canoe on the river that day and had it to ourselves for most of the trip.  It made for a very peaceful experience.  The downside to being first and being in the front of the canoe was basically clearing all the spiderwebs with my face as we moved through the tight tunnels.  I’ m not talking a web here and there, I’m talking one right after another, the entire way.  Had I gathered all the fibers from my face and hat, I think it would have been enough to weave a blanket.  Still, a small price to pay for such a beautiful trip.  I was just grateful the biting insects were minimal.

When we started out, it was fairly cool and the sun was just rising.  As we were finishing our trip, the sun was high and the day was warming up.  This is when the Alligators start to come out to bask.  This little one found a perfect spot on a fallen log extending out over the river.  I was surprised he stayed put while we maneuvered the canoe into a position where I could get an unobstructed photo.  Typically these baby gators are more shy.

A youngster basking on a fallen log.

Whenever visiting Big Cypress, I make it a point to visit Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery.  This trip was no exception.  Not only can you see his wonderful work, you can walk a beautiful  little nature trail behind the gallery.  I highly recommend a visit.

Next up will be photos from Corkscrew Swamp and Fakahatchee Strand, two of my all-time favorite places.

One of the most popular photo spots along the Big Sur coast is McWay Falls. It's out of the frame to the left. I preferred the pattern of the foam in the surf. If you want to see McWay Falls, Google it. You'll see a ton of images made from nearly the same spot where this photo was made.

The setting sun turned the shorline a wonderful golden hue.

Of course, I had to shoot some wave photos while I was there. It wasn't quite the same as photographing the gentle Gulf surf I'm so familiar with.

These colorful snails seemed to stick together on a few select rocks near tidal pools.

Patterns in the sand are refreshed with each receding wave.

There are just some photos that need to be done in black and white. This Kelp and Sand photo is one of them.

On an early morning hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, My eye was caught by the fall colors seen through the tree branches.

On our last morning, as we were leaving the Big Sur coast, we stopped at several overlooks. Each one was beautiful. I loved the colorful plant communities that make their home on the steep rocky cliffs.

Big Sur is another place I’ll have to visit again.

Some relatively small Sequoias. The sun pushed through the overcast skies at just the right moment to highlight the red trunks of these wonderful trees.

I managed only a frame or two of this little meadow before a heavy rain started.

There were no beaches here but I did manage some "wave" photos along the Kings River

One of nine Black Bears we saw in Sequoia. This one was wanting to join our picnic.

A lovely spot along Stony Creek

I came across this lovely view during a short mid-day hike through Kings Canyon.

The setting sun turned sky into orange kool-aid and highlighted the high Sierra peaks.

There were beautiful sights around every bend of the road through the canyon.

I wish I had more time in this area.  It’s a place I’ll need to revisit.  Next time, the stay will be much longer.

Next up will be a blog entry or two with some pet photos.  I’ve had the pleasure of photographing some wonderful dogs and cats lately!

Here’s the dilemma I recently faced when visiting Yosemite National Park.  What does a photographer do when she has only a few short days to visit and make photographs in what is arguably the most beautiful location on Earth.  As a photographer, I’m familiar with all the cliché images made in Yosemite.  Most are made from the most heavily visited vantage points in the park, which makes sense.  Just Google Yosemite photos and you’ll see exactly what I mean.  Now don’t get me wrong.  These cliché images are beautiful (when made by a competent photographer).  They are made from the vantage points and at the time of day that takes best advantage of the natural beauty of the area.  As a matter of fact, there are numerous sites on the Internet as well as books that will tell a photographer exactly where to be and at what time of day to be there to get the iconic (ie: cliché ) images.  I bet Ansel Adams had no idea what he started!

So, here’s the internal battle I went through.  I didn’t want to make cliché images.  I didn’t want to make the same images that have been made a million times.  There’s no satisfaction (as a photographer) in setting up in well-worn tripod holes, following a formula.  At the same time, I wanted to see these incredible scenes from the best vantage points under the most beautiful light possible, not to make photographs but to experience the view, soak it in, burn the sights, sounds, and smells into my memory.  In other words, be a tourist, not a photographer.  However, how could I, as a photographer, be in front of such wondrous scenes, with a camera available, and not make photographs?  That would be like putting triple chocolate fudge (anything) in front of me and thinking I wouldn’t take a bite.  I couldn’t help myself.

So yes, I made the cliché images.  I was helped along by some stormy late afternoon skies that at least made my clichés slightly less cliché.  I also managed a few images that don’t scream Yosemite icon.  I did what I could to find a balance between photographer and tourist.  The same challenge came into play to a lesser degree in Kings Canyon/Sequoia and out at Big Sur, which we also visited during this California trip (more blog entries to come!).

Valley View-This popular view was a convenient spot to shoot as we headed out of the valley at last light, on our way back to our hotel in El Portal. This photo was made just shortly after we arrived at the park.

This photo was made from the same spot, the next night. It's hard to make a bad photo from this location. That's probably why so many photos are made from here!

This cliche photo was made from Olmsted Point. It's not exactly the iconic shot seem so frequently from this location. However, that tree and rock sure seem to show up in a lot of them. The other popular view from this location includes Half Dome in the background. I made some less cliche photos from this same general area (as recommended by William Neill-see below) but haven't had a close look at those yet.

This photograph made along the Tuolumne River is one I can call my own.

A light dusting of snow covers peaks seen from Tioga Road.

Like clockwork, thunderstorms started building over the Sierras every afternoon we were there.

Mornings were always clear...too clear. Without some interesting texture in the sky, I wasn't inspired to make too many photos of Yosemite Falls. Instead, I played with the lovely warm color reflected in stream at the base of the falls.

Shooting from a popular spot, Washburn Point, I got lucky with some lightening.

Another view from Washburn Point with a nice thunderstorm to add some interest About a minute after this photo was made, I was chased back to the car by the rains and wind.

Tunnel View is probably the most popular spot in the park for photography. If not for the heavy rain just prior to making this photograph, I would have been shoulder to shoulder with a crowd of photographers jockeying for position to shoot the light of a setting sun as it spills into the valley. On this evening, as if on cue, the rain stopped and the light appeared for about two minutes.

Just strolling around the valley floor on our last morning in the park, this scene caught my eye.

The morning fog coupled with the rising sunlight wedging it's way through the narrow valley opening was a treat and a great way to end this trip to Yosemite.

A side note:  On our way from King’s Canyon to Yosemite, I met for lunch with William Neill who lives near Yosemite.  He has lived in the area for over thirty years, worked at the Ansel Adams gallery while Ansel was still alive, writes a regular column for Outdoor Photographer and also happens to teach an online Portfolio course I took about six years ago.  We have stayed in touch over the years and it was great to meet him in person.  His work in and around the Yosemite area is anything but cliché.  Click here to see his website.

I normally make these photographs at the end of the day as the sun drops in the sky.  The light skims across the surface of the water and changes by the second.  While I’m waiting for the light to be just right, I might photograph some shore birds or just enjoy wading in the warm surf.

Skimmer chicks begging for food from one of their parents (who doesn't seem to have anything to offer at the moment)

A Great Blue Heron shares my spot on the beach.

An extremely calm surf as I make my way out to start shooting.

A warm sky and a calm warm surf

Just after an afternoon thunderstorm, a gentle wave rolls in.

I'm usually very good at timing the waves but this wave got the best of me, smacking me in the face about the time I released the shutter button. I'm not sure how I managed to keep my camera (relatively) dry.

The textures of the sky and the angry surf got my attention on this day.

One of the best things about photographing this series is I never know what visual treat will be served up by the light and the waves.  It’s always different.  At the same time,  no matter the conditions, calm, angry, colorful, overcast, or even stormy,  the connection for me is always the same.  It’s home.

Friday morning, despite the threat of rain, was spent paddling on the Weeki Wachee River.  This spring fed river begins at Weeki Wachee Springs.  Some may know of this spring for it’s Mermaid attraction and water park (Buccaneer Bay).  Here’s some history and information on the spring, which is now a State Park (and still has a mermaid show) http://www.weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html

Of course, we weren’t there for the mermaids or the water park.  We were there to experience the section of river that’s still undeveloped.  The river is gorgeous with it’s 72 degree turquoise water.  It’s an easy paddle with the current provided by the first magnitude spring.  Just a little steering is all that’s needed.   I just wish the last section of our paddle wasn’t so developed.  The seawalls and manicured lawns are a jolt. It’s a great example of how human presence can destroy the very thing that attracted us in the first place.

Spring Fed Weeki Wachee River and my husband David who did most of the paddling (as usual)

After our paddle, we met up with my brother for some lunch and some time indoors due to a torrential down pour.  When the skies cleared, we headed over to Homosassa Wildlife Management Area to scout the area for some hiking this fall when the temperatures, humidity, and biting insects are a little more forgiving.  This time, we just did a short hike (on the wrong trail).  My brother nearly stepped on a Water Moccasin.  I’m not sure who jumped faster, the snake or my brother.  The snake high tailed it into a thicket and my brother realized the importance of sticking to the trail and watching his step. When we were returning from our hike, the snake was right back in the same spot, sunning.

A Banded Watersnake seen on the Weeki Wachee / The Water Moccasin that was nearly stepped on by my brother

My brother took us for a late day boat ride through the north portion of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.  The 31,000 acre refuge is made up of saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and even hardwood swamps.  It was established in 1943, mostly to provide habitat for waterfowl.  However, it’s also very important for Manatees who hang out in the tidal bays, creeks, and rivers.  The whole area is simply beautiful!

My brother David and his wonderful wife Debbie. They live just on the edge of the refuge.

Of course, Mare (David and Debbie's dog) came along for the ride!

Chassahowitzka NWR-A beautiful summer sky between storms

Chassahowitzka NWR

Chassahowitzka NWR, viewed from viewing platform recently installed. Also the start of a canoe/kayak trail.

Saturday was spent scalloping in the sea grass beds several miles out in the Gulf.  I wish I had some photos to share but I had technical difficulties with the waterproof enclosure I used for my husband’s point and shoot camera.  The camera stayed dry but the enclosure rendered the metering system useless.  Next time, I’ll just take the Nikonos loaded with film.  Regardless, we had a great time.  It was a beautiful day.

On Sunday, after a lazy morning and lunch at Riverside (where my nephew was working), we did the loop drive at Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, again to scope out the area for some future hikes.  The loop road takes you through upland pinelands, hardwood swamps, sandhill, and scrub.  It’s really amazing how just a few feet change in elevation can lead to such starkly different plant communities.

Varied plant communities in Chassahowitzka WMA- A curious Barred Owl

There are several roads leading off the main loop.  One, marked only by a faded 10×10 inch dive symbol leads to Eagles Nest Sink.  What appears to be nothing but a small pond is a destination for divers from all over the world.  We spoke with one couple that just finished their dive.  They were there on their wedding anniversary.  Deep in the cave, the husband presented his wife an anniversary gift of gems.  I thought that was very sweet.  This same couple told us about a spring in the Wildlife Management Area that’s not marked on the map.  I can’t wait to find it the next time we’re there!

Eagles Nest Sink

Friday evening was spent waist deep in the warm surf photographing waves.  The overcast, mostly gray skies offered cool muted blue green tones.

Saturday was my productive day.  I completed several print orders, finally got some retouching done on some portraits I shot months ago, and started assembling a magazine submission.  I wanted to get all of this out of the way because I had a full day of fun planned for Sunday.  The plan was to spend time on the beach in the morning (not making photographs, just lounging on the beach and swimming).  After that,  I was going to visit the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa to view an Ansel Adams exhibit and listen to a lecture given by Clyde Butcher.  I had been looking forward to this for well over a month.

Well…Sunday morning arrives and it’s raining.  No beach for me.  No big deal.  We still had the exhibit and lecture.  We drove over to Tampa, arriving about half an hour early in hopes of beating the crowd.  That didn’t work out so well for us either.  While I’m absolutely thrilled for the museum and for Clyde Butcher, I wasn’t thrilled to find out the museum was already at maximum capacity and no one else was being let in.  As disappointed as I was at missing the lecture and the exhibit, a part of me was also glad to see so much interest in a photography exhibit and in Clyde Butcher.  Clyde is a Florida treasure, not only as a photographer but also as an advocate for the environment.  Seeing the tremendous turnout gives me hope at a time when environmental policy is taking a beating in our state.

So now what?  We’re over in Tampa with time to kill.  We decided to go to Dead River Park for a little afternoon hike.   It was nearly perfect (for a hot summer day).  The earlier rain kept everyone away.  We had the place to ourselves.  The overcast conditions kept the temperatures bearable.  I can’t explain why there were no mosquitoes but I certainly didn’t miss them.  We had a lovely hike.

After our hike at Dead River Park, we were going to go to Hillsboro River State Park.  The overcast conditions were nearly perfect for photographing the river.  There’s a section of Cypress I’ve been wanting to photograph.  However,  just as we finished our hike, the sun busted through the clouds.  The light was now harsh with too much contrast for photography.  Instead, we headed home.

While we were driving over the bridge from Tampa to St. Petersburg, I could see the clouds to the west were doing some interesting things.  I decided I’d hit the beach again for some late day shooting.  After a quick snack and some time with the dogs, I grabbed my camera pack  and headed to the beach at Redington Shores.  When I got there, I came upon an area cordoned off to protect nesting Skimmers.  The new hatchlings were adorable.  I was amazed how well camoflauged they were against the sand.

I spent a little time photographing the birds but knew the heavy overcast conditions weren’t ideal.  I needed a little kick of light from a low angled sun to add some sparkle to the eyes.  Still, it was great seeing them.  I  enjoyed meeting several other photographers who were there (also wishing for better light).  Unlike them, I live only a mile away from this spot and can easily return when the light is cooperating.

After watching the birds, I turned my attention to some wave photos.  Just as I began my weekend standing in the waves,  I would end it that way too.  When the sun hit the horizon, it managed to break through and up-light the thick clouds.  The result was downright gaudy.  I’m not usually into kool-aid colored sunsets.  However, I was there, the color was there, the wave was coming, it had to be photographed.

Florida Scrub Jay-Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve

This one was wearing some jewelry.  Actually, most of the birds here were banded.

Florida Scrub Jay, Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve

Florida Scrub Jay-Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve

Cedar Key is a mecca for fisherman.  I’m more interested in exploring the Salt Marshes by canoe.  Next visit for sure!

I’m pretty sure the many chigger bites are the result of making a series of photos from this location.

Salt Marsh Near Cedar Key

Another highlight was a drive through Goethe State Forest.  It was a beautiful weekend day with perfect weather.  We practically had the place to ourselves.  I’m still not sure why there weren’t more people there enjoying this beautiful forest.  We will certainly be planning more visits to this place!

Goethe State Forest-Pine Flatwoods

Goethe State Forest-boardwalk to 900+ year old Cypress Tree (It's huge!)

There was a small water-filled sink hole just off one of the forest roads.  This 7.5 ft American Alligator was hanging out in it.  When I approached the edge of the sink, the gator swam right up to me.  I’m guessing someone has been feeding him.

American Alligator

Despite living in Florida my entire life,  I keep finding new and wonderful places to explore.  Each one reinforces my commitment to document and share what natural Florida has to offer in the hope that others will see their value and join the fight to protect them for future generations.