Every so often when I was out creating sunrises or sunsets, I would vary from my normal subject, which is nature.  Having nature as my subject satisfies the naturalist in me as well as the spiritual person.  It feeds from the curious child I have inside.  Occasionally using subjects that are man-made is something that I have found to be good for the photographer in me.  I have mentioned in previous posts that I do believe that a photographer will often be driven to create pictures of whatever we find photogenic.  In the case of silhouettes, it is often shapes that entice us to make a picture.

Special Morning.  Take two fisherman, four Canada Geese, Lake Michigan and a colorful sunrise and the photographer inside of  you will be awakened.I did have a secondary subject and that is human history.  In particular I photographed Old Spanish Missions, Indian Ruins, petroglyphs, and abandon ranches in the southwest.  While historic lighthouses are often considered clichés, that makes little difference to me. They are interesting in the daytime but they also have a great shape for silhouettes.  This 19th century lighthouse is Wind Point (originally North Point) Light in Racine, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Frequently non-nature subjects make for strong abstract photos.  This one was created at a boat marina and has a somewhat oriental feel to it.

I found the dew covered flowers you see below at Bong State Rec. Area, Wisconsin, in 2003.  I believe they are called Blue Trumpet Flowers.

I must admit that I do not know where I made the picture below.  What’s more I know not what it is.  It was made in 2007 and I was surprised to find that the photo was made in May, rather than say…October.

The next photo is that of a Western Painted Turtle.  Many turtles tuck their head and sometimes their legs into their shell if they are landlocked and feel threatened.  Others show no concern what so ever. This is the only turtle that I have ever seen tuck in its legs, and leave its head out completely.

The Clarke’s Nutcracker is related to jays, crows, magpies and ravens.   They are a high country bird and like most enterprising scavengers, they are usually doing something interesting.  This one was resting in the Colorado Rockies.