2 New Notecard Sets Added to the LHR Images Store

June 7th, 2010

I’ve just added 2 new notecard sets; “American Black Bears” and “American Wildlife” to the LHR Images Store. Click the link to view — and order — these plus existing sets and a whole lot more!.

Wildlife Notecard set -- Click on photo for larger view
Bears Notecard set -- Click on photo for larger view

Do you have any suggestion for other sets you’d like to see?

Fine Art America Categories with My Photos

June 4th, 2010

Here’s a way to get to some of my photos on Fine Art America quickly w/o having to do a tedious search. Click on the appropriate category below and you’ll see artwork in that category from various artists but, some of mine should appear on page one.

american bald eagle photos

nature photos

landscape photos

minnesota photos

wildlife photos

waterfall photos

yellowstone national park photos

canoe photos

boundary waters photos

swan photos

waterfowl photos

badlands photos

black hills photos

wyoming photos

wildflower photos

snow photos

water photos

grand teton national park photos

barn photos

sunset photos

There and Back Again - Day Trip to Beaver Creek Valley SP

May 23rd, 2010

With a stretch of good weather, I had to get out and do some photography. But where to? On Tuesday, May 18, I headed out to the southeast of home, towards the “driftless” area of Minnesota, the region the glaciers didn’t reach, an area of hills, valleys and rivers. A beautiful corner of the state. Surely I’d find something to point my lens at there.

With no specific destination in mind, I headed out, searching out the less traveled roads. I was anticipating landscapes but, the sky was hazy… on photographs, it would come out as a bland, uninteresting gray. Not so good for expansive landscapes, I’d have to find something else.

A few months back, a would-be customer asked if I had any photos of barns. I kept a lookout for any interesting barns and other rural buildings that I might drive by.

Eventually, I found myself near Beaver Creek Valley State Park and decided to spend a few hours there, hiking and photographing.

On my way back, I continued my search for barns… and the haze cleared some providing for better landscape photography.

Here are some of the photos I found that day:

In a park on the outskirts of Rushford, MN, there was a large bur oak. A sign claimed it was between 175 and 200 years old and that it is the 5th largest tree in Minnesota. It was very photogenic.

Old Oak Tree, Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view
Old Oak Tree, Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view
Old Oak Tree, Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view

I converted the above photo to black & white. I’m not sure which version I like best!

Old Oak Tree, Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view

The park is situated on top of a huge bluff. There were great views from up there.

View from the bluff, Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view

On the other side of Rushford, I found an interesting old barn.

Interesting old barn near Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view

Near the barn, was this structure, in ruins. Not sure if it’s another barn or an old house.

Old building near Rushford -- Click on photo for larger view

I soon decided, since I was in the area, to visit Beaver Creek Valley State Park. I’m sure glad I did. I’d been there before but had mostly forgot how beautiful the park is… and how seldom it’s visited.

This is a view from the park road — where it first fords the creek.

E. Beaver Creek -- Click on photo for larger view

Wildflowers, including these wild geraniums, lined the banks.

Wild Geraniums -- Click on photo for larger view

While walking one of the trails, this moss covered log caught my attention.

Mossy Log -- Click on photo for larger view
Mossy Log -- Click on photo for larger view

Other wildflowers I found included these phlox

Phlox -- Click on photo for larger view

I walked all the way to where an old trestle bridge crosses the creek.

Old Trestle Bridge -- Click on photo for larger view

On my way back, I noticed these trees, sporting their spring green colors, on a hillside.

Trees on a hillside -- Click on photo for larger view

I found more geraniums in the woods.

Geraniums -- Click on photo for larger view

More trees sporting spring green leaves

Trees -- Click on photo for larger view

After leaving the park, conditions had improved and I went searching for more barns.

Red Barn with cupola -- Click on photo for larger view
2 barns in a row -- Click on photo for larger view

I also stopped for photos of the Root River.

Root River -- Click on photo for larger view

All in all, a very fun and productive drive around S.E. Minnesota

Updated Store

May 19th, 2010

Just in time for Father’s Day and Graduations, I have completely revamped my “online store“, making it possible to shop for books, prints, notecards, mousepads, and now even notecard sets! in one place rather than being scattered all over my site. I’ve also incorporated the Fine Art America shopping cart! You should be able to find the perfect gift for that Dad or Grad who likes the outdoors (especially the Boundary Waters) and/or photography!

I still have some fine tuning to do but the store is completely functional. Comments appreciated. Orders GREATLY appreciated!

Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010

May 12th, 2010

We had a break in a rainy weather pattern, plus it warmed up a bit for Mother’s Day this year. Mostly sunny skies with temps around 60°F. We decided to visit Whitewater State Park. This was our first time back after the floods of 2007 and, I’m happy to say, the park has recovered well.

Here are some photos from our visit…

The Whitewater River close to the swimming beach.

Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view

Some rapids along the Whitewater River. We could get close to the river here and all 3 dogs plunged in. Sam and Pip wanted to drink. Rosie wanted to play.

Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view

Another view of the river — a calmer stretch.

Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view

The bridge and dam just below the swimming area.

Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view

Still damp after her swim, a very grubby Rosie posed for the camera.

Rosie -- Click on photo for larger view

Another view of the bridge and dam.

Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view

There were lots of wildflowers out. I managed to frame the dam and bridge with some of them.

Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view
Whitewater River -- Click on photo for larger view