In my last post, I talked about luck (right place, right time, right settings) and the importance of being prepared. In the last month, I’ve discovered another ingredient that I feel is key to the creative photography process – inspiration!
Inspiration comes in many forms and governs everything. For example, I have to be inspired to go out with a camera, inspired to stop and make an image, inspired to spend time processing an image, and then be inspired to share the image. In the last month, my inspiration (and sometimes lack of inspiration) has been all over the map. I’ve been excited to fire up the PHOTORANGER and go looking for subjects. I’ve just stayed home because I just wasn’t ‘feeling it’ that day. I’ve pulled over for something I liked, and often driven on and sometimes missed a shot. When I’m back home and downloading images from the day, I’ve said ‘yuck’ to everything (you don’t see those!) and resolved to correct technical errors or find better subjects, and resolved to get out there again. And then a whole month passes between posts (I really need to work on that). You know how the inspiration roller coaster works.
In the last week, the inspiration peaks and valleys have become less extreme – returning to almost normal, in fact. Subjects have been plentiful and my settings have been good, improving my images and increasing my inspiration. Here’s some images from the last few weeks. I hope you enjoy and are inspired by them!
Enjoy – PHOTOROGR
Every winter, the eagles visit the Carson Valley for calving season. I found this Bald Eagle along US 395 a couple days ago. Eagles & Agriculture is only 3 weeks away!
This Bald Eagle was hunting along Foothill Road, on the west side of the Carson Valley. Not sure he knew about his ‘shadow.’
This juvenile Bald Eagle was in the southwest part of the Carson Valley.
I’m not sure what these two were discussing, but they sat for pictures for quite a while.
I found the Carson River Road turkeys in the trees a few weeks ago.
Remember that ‘right place right time’ discussion.
These two are part of another turkey flock, generally found just over the California line.
I’ve seen this nest many times, but didn’t see an occupant until the last couple days. I’ll watch and see what develops.
This little fella’ flew from fence post to sign to sign while I followed and took pictures. I’m not sure if he’s sending a message here…
Remember that ‘right place right time’ discussion? I forgot the ‘right settings’ piece, as I was zoomed in too close when this Hawk took flight…
…but I got this Red-Tailed Hawk just fine.
This Blue Heron was focused on his next meal and didn’t worry about me as I got closer and closer…
While he looks unconcerned, he never took his eyes off me.
I don’t normally take pictures of geese, but I was inspired when their flight path brought them close to me. Jake’s Wetlands, Minden NV.
This is KC. His mares are known as the Sunshine Band.
One of the Sunshine Band. I like this composition.
Peeking through the trees…
Next to an eagle shot, new foals are great inspiration. This little one is about a week old, but has not been named as the Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates are waiting for confirmation of the sex. That’s Mom on the left.
New foal staying close to Mom, Suzie Q!
And Suzie Q making sure I wasn’t too close.
This family portrait shows Shorty, the sire, keeping a close eye on me while the foal nuzzles Mom. This picture has gone viral on Facebook! Thanks everyone!
It’s hard to top the ‘family portrait,’ but I wanted to share this panorama of Jobs Peak (second peak in from right). It’s a little different view of the Sierras.
The PHOTOROGR Project 