LHR Images BLOG

Had a nice nap, ate supper, then headed out in the canoe once more. Gloria and Dave, neighbors of the resort, were kind enough to let me photograph some more Showy Lady Slippers on their property.

After several shots, I headed back out on the lake in the canoe. I came across 2 very laid back loons in a sheltered bay. Another reason to stop and take photos.

One of the loons actually slept most of the time I was there.

I managed to get among my best loon shots ever.

I then quietly paddled away, leaving them to hang out in their protected bay.

Not far away, I spotted a Great Blue Heron. He was obscured by some grass but I could see that he was carrying something, presumably a fish, in his beak. I observed and photographed from a distance, not wanting to disturb his meal. Photos were tough to get thanks to the grass. It wasn’t until I was processing this photo that I found out he didn’t have a fish! It was some kind of rodent in his mouth. I did watch as he swallowed it whole.

Once again, I find myself up way too late blogging. I want to get an early start in the morning. My plans include a trip to Lake Bimidji State Park where, a friend assures me, I’ll find plenty of Lady Slippers and oher flowers to photograph. I’m also going to try to find time to visit Itasca State Park.

The 5:00 alarm was just too early — I’d been up way too late blogging the night before. I nestled down in the covers, John Shaw’s mantra running through my head… “Don’t be late for work!”. Well, John, this nature photographer was going to be late this morning. Finally managing to roll out of bed, I had a quick breakfast and got my gear down to the beach. No mist, no clouds, still quite a breeze and a chop on the lake. It was shortly after 6 when I pushed my canoe from shore. Later than I’d planned but I was still the only person in sight.

Several loons dotted the surface of the lake, most staying top-side, only occasionally diving. A couple let me get within photographic range, one even sitting up on tail, flapping wings.

While another bobbed in the water close by.

After taking several photos, I left the loons in peace and cruised the shoreline of the narrow lake. I saw several deer, including this spike buck.

Irises growing on shore were beautifully reflected in the lake, among the lily pads.

An old, photogenic boat was pulled up in the weeds.

I also spotted more herons including this one who was more interested in fishing than in what I was doing.

I missed the lunge for the fish. But caught the ruffled feathers after he shook the water off.

So-so pose, great background.

Nicer, more active pose, not so good background.

Another loon popped up very close to my canoe — with the sun behind him though! I moved the canoe around to get better lighting but he was further away

A couple of views of the resort from the lake.

It’s mid-day now so the lighting’s not very good (and the wind is stronger). I’m going to nap for awhile. I’ll be doing more shooting towards evening, when the light is better. Sure hope the wind dies then too.

Wow! It’s been way too long since I posted on my blog. Obviously, a lot has happened since the last post. Rather than try to fill the reader in, I’ll just write about today — and, hopefully, be more diligent about keeping the blog going from now on.

Today, I drove up to Sleeping Fawn Resort and Campground (http://www.sleepingfawnresort.com) for a 4 day stay. I met the resort owner, Joe, at a sports show in Rochester, MN back in February — he had the neighboring booth. He invited me up to take photos in the area — hopefully, photos that he’ll be able to use in his advertising and gift store. So, here I am.

Within an hour of my arrival, I was out on the lake in my canoe, despite a strong wind. I found a relatively cooperative Great Blue Heron who posed long enough for me to get several shots.

He eventually flew and landed on a dock. Not as interesting a perch but the distant shore created a much better background.

We timed my visit to correspond with the blooming of the Showy Lady Slippers. After I returned to the cabin, I changed lenses and went out looking for some decent ones to photograph.

Columbines are also blooming. These were much more difficult to photograph given the windy conditions.

I’m hoping for calmer conditions tomorrow. If it is calmer, I’ll definitely reshoot the Columbine. I also know where there are more Lady Slippers so I’ll photograph more of them as well.

Note that these photos were processed on my laptop. When I get back home, I’ll reprocess them on my desktop computer — which has better photo editing tools and a better monitor.

All the photos were taken with a Nikon D200. I used a Nikkor 80-400mm VR lens for the heron photos. I used a Nikkor 70-300mm with No. 5T closeup for the lady slipper and columbine.

My wife took Pip to be groomed today. It looks like she left him there and brought home this puppy instead!

The haircut sure took a lot of size — and age — off of him!

Smile for the camera!

Did someone say “cheese”? Sam had to get in on the action.

And, I had to take some photos of Rosie as well.

She’s going to have to go in for a serious trim soon too!

Worn out from his busy day, Pip settled down for a nap.

I’m pleased to announce that the Tamarack Keeshonden website is now up and running. There is still a little construction going on — some of the links have no content yet — but, it’s open for public viewing.