Black and White Photos vs. Color Photos I

I do not usually shoot black and white photos but have begun converting some of my color shots into black and white. I find the images below to be more dramatic in black and white, although I like the color images because of the touch of color from the beech leaves.

I am currently using Photo Elements (I have Photoshop but find PE does just as well since I do not process my photos all that much) and the plug-in Viveza 2. I go to "Enhance" and then "Convert to black and white and use the RGB and contrast sliders to make adjustments. This is much better than simply removing all Saturation from the image.

So occasionally I will post color images with their black and white counterparts. Please feel free to leave a comment as to which you prefer. It will be interesting to know if there is a definite preference-- tell me why too!

Which do you prefer? Color or Black and White?

ONE

Fog Shrouded Forest-Morgan Monroe State Forest- Color 1                              www.flickr.com/photos/jonijames

Fog Shrouded Forest-Morgan-Monroe State Forest- Black and White 1                     www.flickr.com/photos/jonijames

TWO

Fog Shrouded Forest-Morgan-Monroe State Forest- Color 2                                         www.flickr.com/photos/jonijames

Fog Shrouded Forest-Morgan-Monroe State Forest- Black and White 2             www.flickr.com/photos/jonijames

THREE

Fog Shrouded Forest- Morgan-Monroe State Forest- Color 3                                     www.flickr.com/photos/jonijames

Fog Shrouded Forest-Morgan-Monroe State Forest- Black and White 3                www.flickr.com/photos/jonijames

Don't forget to leave a comment-- comments section is under this post.

River Otters: Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

I recently visited Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge at Seymour, Indiana. It is one of my favorite places to photograph and nature watch. On this trip in late October, I observed a River Otter playing/foraging a distance away. It was in a waterway along the auto tour searching for fish, amphibians, turtles, crayfish or small mammals. I pulled off and sneaked down to where I anticipated it would swim.

Trying to be small (getting low) and placing my tripod/camera in proper arrangement, I was suddenly surprised as the otter popped up several yards away from me. It immediately sensed my presence and rose out of the water looking at me (second image). It was wary yet curious. As it swam closer and eventually back and forth near me, it kept exhaling and making snuffling sounds-- likely a warning communication. 
To my disappointment, the vegetation along the levee was high and wide enough to be in the way of a clear photo. Soon several otters popped out of vegetation and slid down the side of the levee into the water.

By 1942, there were no breeding pairs of River Otters were left in Indiana. Between 1995 and 1999, more than 300 River Otters from Louisiana were transplanted into Muscatatuck, Patoka, south-central Ohio, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Upper Wabash waterways to help restore this species to the state. The project was so successful that in 2005 River Otters were de-listed as state endangered. They are now a species of special concern. This means that River Otters are no longer listed as in danger of disappearing from the state. Biologists will continue to monitor the species to ensure the population continues to grow. 

Otters are protected from both intentional and accidental trapping during the fur harvest season. It is illegal to take or possess the pelts of otters or of any other protected species.

The River Otter’s fur consists of two layers - a coarse, waterproof outer coat and a softer, finer layer that keeps the animal warm. When in the water air bubbles cling to the outer hairs, covering the otter in what appears to be a silvery sheen. Otters are part of the weasel family which includes minks, skunks and badgers. Although happy to play, river otters are solitary animals. Males do not associate with females until mating season. Only then will you see pairs chasing, diving and cork-screwing through the water as a sort of mating ritual. The otter loves to swim and can hold its breath for up to 8 minutes. Its eyes are even adapted for underwater vision, leaving them nearsighted when out of water. On land, otters rely on their sense of smell, hearing and touch to get around. River Otters are territorial and will mark their territory with feces (or spraint) as a warning to others. Length: 30-50 inches  Weight: 11-30 lbs. 

(The image below is the waterway where I found the otters.)

It is satisfying to know that River Otters are found in most of Indiana now, thanks to many people who had the foresight and made the efforts to re-establish this captivating mammal. Just another species who enriches the biodiversity of our ecosystems and our lives.
Visit Muscatatuck NWR and drive the auto tour loop or walk the trails--you are sure to see plenty of wildlife--plus they have the best nature bookstore!

Enough Said

Enough Said

I WALKED to the lake to photograph the brilliant autumn color. The landscape was on fire with color and I could smell it in the air. The air was clear, crisp, and the sun was yet to rise. I anticipated the revelation to come as the sun rose to begin the illumination. What color would the light be? Would clouds form? How would the leaves reflect the light? What reflections would be revealed? I love the quiet anticipation and the solitude.

   It was extraordinary. The sun began to light the northeastern edge of the lake. It spread an exquisite light, which crept across the tree line. The leaves became a luminous paint palette. And there in the reflection of the lake surface was a very unusual shade of salmon. The lake surface was glass. It mirrored the color of the trees hundreds of feet away. I noticed a spent lotus pad and stem bent in an arc on the water’s surface. I focused my lens and composed the shot. How could the beauty have been even more extraordinary in the viewfinder?

   I thought about what I had just viewed. I contemplated the question and began to realize the answer was that within the rectangular viewfinder, I was able to hold and, yes, possess that magnificent scene. The ephemeral beauty was mine. It would not last. It was fleeting. The color. The light. The stillness. The serenity. I could visually touch it through the viewfinder. It was my form of intimacy with beauty.

   I encountered another person. He was also present to photograph the autumn. We quietly spoke of lenses, tripods, and geese that flew back and forth across the lake. I do not know if he was aware of the remarkable color and scenes in the middle of the lake inlet. I pointed out several birds to him—the grebes, the red-breasted nuthatch call—and the clouds. However, I did not share the single lotus plant or the deep salmon light. These moments are sacred and they cannot be placed into words. The extraordinary cannot be explained by the ordinary.

   Soon the dialogue ceased. We enjoyed talking and sharing the same passion, but the solitude took over again. After all, that is why we had come here. We were both drawn to the quiet and the beauty. Enough said.

(Excerpt from my book: Dancing With Herons: Bearing Witness to Local Natural History)

Kodachrome 64 Series II

Observing the light. Observing the seasons. This is what a naturalist does. It is what a nature photographer must do.
A few images from Kodachrome days when I observed and photographed a tree on a lake point at Lake Edgewood. Recording the moods through light, season, sky, and wind. 
The tree no longer exists and the point is unrecognizable. Bearing witness to the beauty of local wildness--to that which no longer exists.

Lake Edgewood Lake Point          ©Joni L. James

Lake Edgewood Lake Point          ©Joni L. James

Lake Edgewood Lake Point          ©Joni L. James

Kodachrome 64 Series

 I revel in Nature. I revel in the beauty of Nature. To preserve the experience. To preserve that moment of beauty and bear witness to it,  is why I photograph. I hope if my image is seen by someone, they will experience that moment. Perhaps they will be grateful, inspired, more aware, more knowledgeable, or be in awe of the Earth.

At the very core of my nature photography and my study of Nature is my spirituality. It is my connection to  the Great Mystery. The vehicle to my deepest self. The manifestation of All That Is. It is a deep connection in which my Self cannot be separated.

Nature photography is what I do.I have photographed for 32 years. For the first 25 years, I shot Kodachrome 64 slide film with Pentax K1000, Pentax MX, and Pentax LX. I studied, I read, I photographed, and I experienced. In 2005, I switched to digital cameras.

So to pay homage to my early visions in nature photography, I will be sharing images from my early days before digital photography. They will be simply titled, Kodachrome 64 Series. Not many of my slides have been scanned to digital but they will appear in posts from time to time.

Grateful for where I have been and grateful for where I am. And always blessed by the beauty.

A Serendipitous Moment                                                        ©Joni L. James

Beginning Nature Photography Class Offered-Soon

Are you interested in learning more about photography and improving your nature images? I will be teaching a beginning nature photography class in about 3 weeks. 

I just completed teaching a course in May. Through a grant from the Community Foundation of Morgan County, the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District was able to sponsor a 5 night class with 2 field sessions this past May. We had a wonderful class and the participant's photographs are currently on display in the Morgan County Public Library after being on display in the County Administration Bldg..

The new class will meet Thursdays nights--September 27, October 4, and October 11, 2012 at 6:30-8:30 pm. The location will be the Sadler Room (first floor) in County Administration Building at 180 S. Main St. in Martinsville, Indiana. We will also have an optional field session to be scheduled once class meets. You should bring your camera manual and camera equipment with you to the classes.

The fee will be $45 per person for the three class nights and field session. There is an optional fee if you would like to participate in having one of your images (taken during these three weeks), on exhibit in the County Administration Bldg. The optional fee is $30 for the cost to cover the printing and mounting. You would receive the photograph at the end of the exhibition.

Whether you have a point and shoot camera or a DSLR, you will learn info and techniques to improve your photographic skills. We will touch upon taking people photos but not in depth.
You do NOT have to be a Morgan County resident!

Sign up soon! Please register by calling or emailing the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District:
765-349-2060 or sbarnett@morgancounty.in.gov. You can LIKE them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MorganCountySoilWaterConservationDistrict 

Check out my website at: www.jonijamesphotography.com 
Don't forget to LIKE my HeronWatch Nature Programs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeronwatchNaturePrograms  

Green Heron

At another location here in Morgan County, I have been "working" a Green Heron. This wetland allows me to pull up and use my car as a blind. I just have to hope the heron will forage along the southwestern edge of the shallow pond.

I enjoy watching these shorter legged birds hunt. They crouch and then wait and wait and wait. When they move, they either move incredibly slowly or will run to where they see potential food. 

I admire the heron and egret family for their amazing patience and ability to stand in one position for a very l-o-n-g time.

A few Green Heron (Butorides virescens) photos to share:

All photos ©Joni L. James

Winged Angels: Part III

This is Part III-- sharing another sampling of my photos from my divine experience with Great Egrets almost a week ago . . . and a juvenile Great Blue Heron. 

All photos © Joni L. James

Winged Angels 42 Part II

As I work my way through the images I captured the other evening, I will post them to share. The images will continue to tell the story of the Winged Angels 42.

(Remember you can go to my Flickr photostream via the link on the right side of the page).

                                                                           ©Joni L. James

                                                                            ©Joni L. James

                                                                          ©Joni L. James

                                                                            ©Joni L. James

                                                                           ©Joni L. James

                                                                           ©Joni L. James

Winged Angels 42

Imagine sitting among winged angels. That was my experience last night. 

After observing 42 Great Egrets for several days, I knew the time and exact site in the shallow lake to set up. I planned to photograph these beauties before they moved on. I know their patterns of feeding during the day and how they move as the sun drops lower in the sky. They typically feed at the ponds and then move to the shallow lake to forage until they gather at the back side for roosting. I had to set up at a south-southwest angle to keep them in the sweet light of the setting sun. 

                                                                         ©Joni L. James

 I loaded my photo vest with phone, notebook/pen, cushion, and clipped a five gallon bucket to the back. With my camera/200-500mm Tamron lens mounted to the tripod, and the hat blind strapped to the tripod leg, I headed out. I wore my NEOS boots (which are fabulous!) since I anticipated mud after the blessed heavy rains. After a long walk, I found my spot in the mud and made my nest. It was 6:15 pm.

                                                                              ©Joni L. James

My chair was the upside-down bucket with the hunting cushion. I splayed the legs of the tripod to the perfect arrangement for photographing and then put the blind over me and the equipment. I could not move or it would frighten the birds. So I waited and sat still.

Wood ducks flew in and out as well as several shorebirds. They were too far away for appropriate photos. About 6:45 pm, the first few egrets began flying into the lake. My heart raced as they began foraging within my view.

                                                                          ©Joni L. James

More and more began to fly into the pond as the sun made its way to the horizon. Excitement! What a satisfying feeling to have planned and set up properly so the birds would not recognize me as human and feel safe to be so close. 

                                                                          ©Joni L. James

Soon the area in front of me was filled with egrets.  The warm sunlight illuminated them against the rich green of the grasses. White birds are difficult to photograph in sunlight. I did not want to "blow out" the highlights yet underexposing could be tricky. I preferred shooting when their heads were turned to be bathed in light, but this did not always happen.

As the sun dipped below the dam, they took flight and wheeled above the lake to prepare for roosting through the night. Once they settled, I took a few more images then gingerly prepared to leave. I did not want to disturb them, but knew it was unavoidable. My body was cramped from sitting motionless for nearly three hours, but I slowly walked away.

                                                                            ©Joni L. James

What a satisfying evening. As they flew about and foraged on small fish, I was filled with  contentment. It was a privilege to be allowed into their world and to spend those hours together. Listening to their soft conversations with each other and watching their tussles for space, I was reminded again of how life plays out in all forms each day and night. We are a part of it. We share this space. As Henry Beston stated so eloquently in The Outermost House, "For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”

More to come.

Plenty of Activity!

There has certainly been plenty of activity in the last couple of months! None from me on my blog, but plenty from the flora & fauna around here.
Tree Swallows havebuilt nests, laid eggs, and are now raising nestlings in my plastic gourds. The Carolina Chickadees have nestlings in a box next to my house. 

I participate in the citizen science project from Cornell Lab of Ornithology called NestWatch. I place boxes and plastic gourds in my yard for cavity nesters and then monitor them. The data I collect is submitted online to the NestWatch website http://www.nestwatch.org/. I encourage you to visit the website, read about it, and then sign up.

I awaken every morning to dawn song by Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Baltimore Orioles, American Robins, Northern Cardinals, Song Sparrows, White-eyed Vireos, and Yellow-breasted Chats. The Chat sings during the night to accompany the many frogs and toads calling from the ponds.

I am busy teaching a nature photography class during the month of May and am enjoying it. It is a good group of people.

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring we are having-- that began in March!

Tree Swallow taking pine needles to build nest 
©Joni L. James

Carolina Chickadee guarding nest box  ©Joni L. James

Yellow-breasted Chat   ©Joni L. James