Field Work days in Dupius Wildlife Managed Area

I hitched a ride out to Dupius Wildlife Area managed by South Florida Water Management. Great access roads and tons of areas to explore. Hunting season is on right now-so there are some time restrictions.
Special thanks to my friend Chris, his intern-Katey, and Jim Chutte for listening to my rambling questions and constant whoah's. Here are some images from the adventure of exploring the edge of the Everglades,where Lake Okeechobee once met land flowing easterly. Yes, we did discuss the different theories of the Evergaldes orig. hydrology and flow. Between looking at land scars via google earth and tramping through dry slough beds, I know we all had a great time.

Edge of the Everglades (Eastern most portion)

Rare Florida Iris (Lucky Find)

Deer Skeleton 

Jim and the Roots 

Ritta Island, Lake Okeechobee: prepping for field work

Ritta Island, Lake Okeechobee-all that remains of the Pond Apple Forest Belt that once ran from Port Mayaca to Clewiston (almost 2.5-3 miles of forest on the southern area of the Lake that was destroyed during the 1940's)



Since I am heading out for some field work next week, my mind has been pre-visualizing some of the photographs I know that are important scientifically and personally. I find I get so excited once I am emerged in the natural landscape that I need to bring a small list with me. I just tuck it in my pocket and am sure to write with a ball point pen or sharpie (both water proof). I also review the edited images from previous trips as a reminder of things I missed or technical settings I want to experiment with. Sounds like a little work? Don't let the ease of point and shoot cameras or even moderate DSLR's fool you. Preparing for field work is extremely important not only to ensure you have charged batteries and CF cards, but also to mentally prepare for any lighting/weather situation, animal encounter, and have a good list as previously mentioned.
The digital technology has eased almost anyone into photography. To be a pro, one needs to have the photography skills, confidence, and vision on a consistent basis with images that are dynamic. As I have stated before, we are lucky to have Photoshop, but in camera is where I make my decisions. The software is just there for white point balancing, curve adjustments, and sharpening. These are all basic overall corrections. When I make my prints, (yes, I still do my own, but that is soapbox I'll save for another blog) I still examine and correct as I did in the wet darkroom with burning and dodging using the history brush. I choose this method of workflow to maintain the integrity of my pixels and not destroy what's there.
More to come on workflow....

Moonvine Flower

Here's a Moonvine Blossom. Only a few were just getting ready to open. 

I hope the next time I am out on Lake O, the flower will still be open. 

The Studio is back to normal today. We enjoyed the preparations for the exhibit, and a couple days of some well deserved R&R. 

Gallery Opening a Great Success!

My gallery opening was a great success! Thank you to my friends and family for all their help. I had wonderful feedback and was so glad to meet some new friends.
I wanted to say a special thank you to Chris Davenport and Boots Boyer for going with me into the interior and sharing the wonders of Lake Okeechobee. I certainly could not have done the work without you both!

And here are the gallery views: Remember the show is up until the end of April at Pine Jog Envt Center off Summit Blvd in WPB.

Almost time for the Opening of Wilds of My Home

This Friday is March 4th! From 5:30 to 7:30, join us a Pine Jog Environmental Center off Summit and Jog (http://www.pinejog.org/ContactUs/directions.aspx)in West Palm Beach. I will have a collection of color and BW work that is both landscapes and conservation work. Since I will not be showing any alligator images, I had to share this one.

Baby Gators Swimming Lessons-Pahokee, Fla   by Sarah Brown

Out on the Lake

I spent a blissful morning air boat riding on Lake Okeechobee this week. The cloud cover kept until around 11am, and the sugar cane fields were still being burned. My buddies, Chris and Boots, were entertaining as always. I love hearing their stories of the Lake, especially when Boots has a childhood memory. When I think back on my childhood, I can remember gators coming in to the ponds in our planned community. I rarely went as west as Hwy 441. I marvel at the development stretching west meeting the Everglades at her door. A day on the Lake is as much a personal day as it is a field work day.

Enough said!

Baby Gators

Okeechobee Gourd

Colleagues: Boots (center) and Chris (in the background)
on Ritta Island, Lake O

March Exhibit at Pine Jog

Please join me in the opening of my photography show at Pine Jog Environmental Center in West Palm Beach. I am excited to share my ongoing nature photography of Lake Okeechobee and the SE portions of the Everglades. I will be sure to share my message of water conservation and the Lake, as well as, challenge viewers to make a small daily change for Florida's future.

Here is the link for directions: www.pinejog.org/ContactUs/directions.aspx