The above title seemed fitting for today’s imagery. That may be the case for the entirety of today’s blog.
Al a photographer, I love storms. Especially when they are far enough away to photograph and stay dry.
The hardest part of making the image below is arriving at an exposure which leaves some detail in the sky, including the rays of light, and also the lake, while keeping the dark ominous feeling in the clouds. Of course some of that can be accomplished in the editing process, but the details that you capture at the click of the shutter, will dictate what you can do at home.
I balanced some spot meter readings at the scene, and added a small amount of contrast at home.

This next one has somewhat of a soft feeling to it. My point was to create a painterly image. One that did not have the feeling of a photograph. The circumstances of moving clouds and light and dark provided the scenario to make it happen.

Up close and filled with detail!!.
The fabulous Luna Moth you see below was photographed on the side of a building on the Mississippi River. No matter where you go and what your objectives are, keep looking and you will “see”!

Black-crowned Night Heron. What a cool name for a cool bird!

Screech Owl
This one is in its nesting hole right outside the entrance to a YMCA. The baby (s), which you do not see here, certainly grew up being used to people.

A male Northern Harrier with a vole. Never disregard shots from the rear They get published as well. Behavior is important and action is always wanted.

American Bittern, hiking the marsh.

Out of place.
A crowd of American Coots, with one lone White Egret.

A male Baltimore Oriole going after some nectar. Feeding is behavior. Tell the story of your subject in every way possible.
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This Muskrat is actually on ice. It almost seems to be floating on top of the water.
Mirror images, always produce nice photos.

Pronghorn. I have forgotten whether this critter which is often called antelope, was captured (photographically of course) in Colorado or Wyoming. I doubt whether it cared so neither will I.

On to other things.
I have always been sort of a walking, talking dichotomy. A living contradiction.
Maybe you too?
I have always loved rodeo, especially bull riding. I was for a long time, a fan of professional boxing, and I was an auto racing photographer for decades.
Yet, I enjoy the poetry of Emily Dickinson, and the ballet as well.
Variety has often been the spice in my life. Unless of course I did not want to do that or go there, in which case you can take your variety and keep it. Ha, ha!
It seems to me there needs to be a consistency in our patterns and lives. Especially when we share our thoughts with others, on say a blog. That covers about 99% of the world today because of social media. Anger is the word of this time we live I.
Politics and religion both bring out similar passions and emotions. The question is, should they?
The political thoughts which I have shared here are indeed often born of my anger and frustration.
At times recently, my religious/Christian writings have had a bit too much of the sharpness and take no prisoners attitude which often accompany my political writing.
I offer no excuse, but I do know my reason.
The world politics of today, are part and parcel to Biblical prophesy. It is often called “end times prophecy” These times will of course end. That does not mean all times will not end.
My religious writings can be terse and to the point, when maybe some form of softening needs to be used.
I admit that I have the least amount of patience with those who proclaim one sort of Christianity or another, while they preach everything but what is really happening in the world today. In other words pastors and such, need to address being a Christian in today’s world not yesterday’s.
Where we are, and what the Bible tells us about it, is what all Christians need to understand.
I guess, I am impatient. Maybe because I myself am growing older and I seem to want people to “get with it”, and realize the unique and perilous time we are in.
When the times change dramatically, and there is a great book that tells us about it, read it and use it to help explain. It is called the Bible.
I speak about Christian born religions and/or denominations who are more concerned with what we eat or how we perform church traditions than the Biblical foundation for what we should be learning for the times we are in.
I am at a loss to speak (or write) when I see that happen over and over. So I force myself. When we force ourselves, the result is often undesirable.
I will attempt to at least search for gentler, more understanding ways of expressing what I have to say about religion.
Passion is a difficult thing to calm, but one person’s passion is another’s anger.
May God Bless,
Wayne