Paddletramp Photography

Who doesn't love a pretty flower?!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:47:49 -0800

I love how this flower photo turned out. I used close-up lenses screwed onto the front of my lens, and also shaded part of the flower from the sun with a big piece of paper (it was a very hot sunny day). The close-up lenses gave a really nice shallow depth of field, which makes most of the photo look kind of painterly to me. It took me more than an hour on the internet to find the name of this flower. And I decided I really don't like the name at all. It is called a Large Flowered Beardtongue. An unattractive name for a beautiful flower.

Welcome to the World

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:14:33 -0800

How do you get a photo of a baby bird coming out of it's shell? You guess what day the egg will hatch... and then you keep checking the nest every half hour til you see it start to crack. Then you run like hell to get your camera.

Quetico Beaver

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:02:21 -0800

A busy beaver making eye contact with me while paddling in the Quetico Wilderness in Canada.

Glowing From Within

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 09:11:24 -0800

The light that is lighting up the inside of this baby red cardinal is the sunlight shining through leaves of the tree directly into his mouth. The bit of sunlight shining through the leaves created a spotlight effect that I couldn't have planned better myself. I am constantly amazed at my friend Mother Nature.

3 baby cardinals

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 09:06:03 -0800

Sleeping Red Cardinals

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 17:38:39 -0800

My friend Brenda has a nest of baby red cardinals in her backyard. She was nice enough to let me photograph them today. I will post my favorites the next few days.

Eagle In Flight

Sat, 23 May 2009 20:34:50 -0800

This Eagle had a nest built on a big rock in the middle of the lake in the Quetico. We had no idea there was a nest there until we canoed closer, and boy were we surprised! None of us had ever seen an eagle build a nest on a low space before. It was a great start to our canoeing trip!

Once Upon a Time...

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:06:49 -0800

A story of the birth and growing up of 6 Finches... in 16 photos.

First Born

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:05:15 -0800

This first born baby bird is 4 hours old!

Waiting For Another Brother

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:04:22 -0800

Long Neck

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:03:02 -0800

Sweet Dreams 1

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:01:35 -0800

Stretching

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:00:28 -0800

Sweet Dreams 2

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:58:59 -0800

Waiting For the Mama

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:57:54 -0800

Sweet Dreams 3

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:56:40 -0800

Brotherly Love 1

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:55:22 -0800

Brotherly Love 2

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:54:30 -0800

A Nest Full of Love

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:53:27 -0800

The Hungry One

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:52:07 -0800

Growing Up

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:51:01 -0800

The Eye

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:49:21 -0800

Last Day Together

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:48:08 -0800

This was their last family portrait. The bird on the right flew away right after this photo was taken. Bye bye birdies... good luck on your travels!

Gentle Hands with Grasshopper

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:06:55 -0800

Sun-Kissed Bubbles

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:04:15 -0800

Kids and bubbles... always brings a smile to my face!

Mannequin Escapes to Wilderness

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:44:54 -0800

My question is: How does she paddle with no arms?

You can see another photo of this classy lady here: Paddletramp Photography | PhotoBlog | Sunlight during a passing storm

Frozen In Time

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:06:56 -0800

This is a combination of two images I took on the same day... one of the brown flower and one of the ice. I am extremely pleased with this image.

Fire and Full Moon

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:56:05 -0800

Camping in the Boundary Waters. If you can make it past the peak mosquito time, you are rewarded with evenings such as this.

Minnesota River

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:32:38 -0800

I went for a winter hike with a friend last weekend along the Minnesota River. It was good to get out and get some fresh air and exercise in nature.

The Hungry Beaver

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:39:51 -0800

We watched this beaver gnaw off all the bark off this long piece of wood in about 30 minutes. I love his red tongue in this photo. This was observed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We ended up at this location by following a Wild Turkey in the woods. Ended up with a Beaver. Go Figure.

Not all pets are cute

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:17:58 -0800

This is one of our 6 pets at the preschool I teach at. It is a Hermit Crab. Just completely strange looking...and usually pretty elusive...which makes him very intriguing for the children. This particular day I was ready with my little camera when he decided to come out of his shell. I stuck the camera right down into his cage and kept snapping until I captured him looking directly at me.

Dinner time

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 17:17:10 -0800

This blue heron was searching diligently for dinner.

Two young loons

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:04:01 -0800

Two young loons going for a Sunday afternoon paddle.

You talkin' to me?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:58:02 -0800

Two more Blue Herons from my Mississippi River series.

Hoover Dam Under Construction

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 20:25:41 -0800

There are many, many reasons why I am in love with photography... but this photo is an example of one of them. I stood in front of this Hoover Dam a few months ago, took a photograph then gazed out upon the scene and in my imagination a completely different picture composed itself in my mind. It was a black and white dramatic scene...this resulting photograph. It is so exciting to me, that I can sit in front of my computer and take a photo and use computer tools coupled with my vivid imagination to create a new photograph that expresses what I saw in my mind. This is the Hoover Dam in Nevada which is currently under construction as engineers build a bridge across the Colorado River to help alleviate the 2 hour morning commute of community residents. Just seeing the scaffolding involved is a pure marvel of engineering. I turned this photo black and white, darkened the entire photo and "painted back light" on key elements in the scene, and added storm clouds that had passed through my neighborhood this summer. "Making Art"... that is how I spent the first day of this year...a good sign for the year to come!

Winter Birch

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:30:46 -0800

From my hike in the woods during the snow storm last weekend. I was experimenting with the technique Sven from F r o m 1 0 t o 3 0 0 m m | Home mentioned on his photoblog and text-blog. So thank you Sven... for getting me to try new things when it was 20 degree below wind chill. Wait... do I really want to thank you? Well, actually yes. But while I was trying this new technique, I did question my sanity.

Mid-Winter Dreaming

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:50:24 -0800

Winter. If you can't beat it join it.

Winter Soldier

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:41:49 -0800

I captured this photo today while taking a 3 hour hike in a winter storm.

Flying Ducks

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:10:09 -0800

This photograph has always been one of my favorite. It is from the days of film... I took it about 10 years ago when camping up north. I remember it was a cloudy, rainy fall day and I went outside with my camera anyway and also took my fishing pole to fish in the rain. One of my casts spooked these ducks but I had my camera around my neck and ready. I just love the painterly effect the blur had on this image. I scanned in the photo, got rid of some dust and darkened the image a bit because my scan was a bit light. I am happy to now have it in digital form!

Do Not Get On This Train!

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 16:50:34 -0800

Believe me... it just isn't safe....

Snail Shell on Snail Lake

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:15:21 -0800

I went for my first cold weather walk yesterday to a local lake named Snail Lake. I thought this was an appropriate cold weather tribute to the lakes namesake.

Reflections Under Bridge

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:47:26 -0800

I just love this photo. Sometimes I can't describe why...

Goodbye Goose

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:09:56 -0800

I have always wanted to capture a photo of a canadian goose flying away...I love that white stripe on the back of their behinds. One day I would like to make an image where I am right behind the goose...for this one I am a little off to the right. But a gal can dream right...?

Beautiful Hand-Blown Glass

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 19:46:31 -0800

When you walk into the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, you will be greeted by 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers from their spectacular ceiling stage. It is a truly beautiful work of art. The name of the glass artist is Dale Chihuly.

Grand Canyon

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 17:58:34 -0800

The view of the Grand Canyon from the raft.

Step Up

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:21:57 -0800

Wooden step I climbed up to get to the cave in the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Waterfall

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:20:50 -0800

Yesterday I posted a photo of a cave in the Grand Canyon. When I turned around from looking out the cave, this is the waterfall I saw.

Grand Canyon Cave

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:58:31 -0800

I just got back from a Las Vegas vacation where I went White Water Rafting in the Grand Canyon. We stopped at a cave with a beautiful waterfall inside. This shot was taken looking back out the cave. I was in heaven being here.

Rock Cairn at Lake Superior

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:15:29 -0800

A simple scene as I hiked on the rocks along Lake Superior.

Magical Moment

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:14:26 -0800

This was one of the most magical photographic moments of my life.

I always make it a practice to thank nature or wildlife after it allows me to photograph it... and after this photo I thanked the deer over and over again.

Lake Superior Waves

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:13:45 -0800

Today the greatest thing happened. I went to my nephew's soccer game, and afterwards decided to randomly drive around and observe the beautiful fall colors that were everywhere. I headed north, and just kept driving and driving and driving.... next thing I know, I realize I am not going to stop until I get to the north shore of Lake Superior. I kept driving for 3 hours. My destination was worth every single minute of the drive.

I originally had a color version of this photo posted here, but agreed with some other pixy photographers that the b/w was nicer!

Blue Heron Hiding in Tree

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 16:04:18 -0800

I almost missed this guy while paddling by. I am sure I have paddled by hundreds of them because they hide so well in the trees. But it was nice to actually see one and have my camera handy. Never easy to be paddling and photographing... which pleases me even more when my subject actually ends up in focus. I really, really love these birds!

Hello Deer 2

Sat, 4 Oct 2008 16:48:11 -0800

Wilderness Space

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:34:59 -0800

I like so many things about the Boundary Waters, but I gotta wonder if the immense spaciousness of it is the most alluring quality of all.

Modern Pteradactyl

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:50:27 -0800

Went up north to my parents land this weekend. Absolutely the best weather for the last weekend of summer. I went canoeing a couple times and will post my photo findings in my next few posts. Here is one of my favorite birds. A Great Blue Heron. And in the case of this particular photo... A Great Black and White Photoshop Heron.

Over the last summer, I have tried to figure out how to get the greatest amount of success from the photos that I capture from the seat of my canoe. This is what I have figured out so far: A higher ISO because I am shooting in such a wide variety of light and have to be ready at a seconds notice, a higher shutter speed to capture motion (and offset the motion of the canoe), multi-segmented metering to try to catch the birds that are suddenly flying past me and last, but not least, auto focus. I still have a great number of photos that are blurry or not exposed correctly...but if I use the aforementioned settings, it heightens my chance of successful capture.

Oh, and add to those: First, I have to get in my canoe and be there...second, I have to be adept at paddling and balancing a camera in my lap or on my camera bag in front of me... third, I have to be very, very, very patient... and fourth, it helps to have a tasty Mountain Dew along.

Swimming in the rain

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:53:10 -0800

I was scouting some new areas last weekend for some potential fall fishing, when I came across this scene. I want to take my canoe back to this spot and go paddle around this cool looking building that is surrounded by water. This particular day though it was POURING out. So I took this photo from inside my car. I opened the windows and kept trying to get into position for when this canadian goose would swim into the scene. He finally did, and I think he completes the scene.

A Slice of the Sunset

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:10:31 -0800

One of the prettier sunsets I have experienced in the boundary waters.

Please put me back in the grass

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 17:01:08 -0800

So my daycare kids and I are constantly searching for "bugs" outside and today they found this cool grasshopper. We put it in our "bug catcher" and brought it inside. I thought it had an intriguing face, so I asked the kids if I could bring it home to photograph it. So here it is, looking right at me and asking politely if I would please put him back outside. So I did. And he is free. But captured permanently on my computer.

Rock Sprouts

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 15:02:34 -0800

I love it how plant life can grow right out of a crack in a rock...and I have such a hard time keeping my house plants alive. This is why Mother Nature is a Master Gardener!

Goodnight Sunlight

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:20:48 -0800

In the boundary waters you have to read maps to find your campsite...every campsite is different. This is the closest our tent has ever been to the water. I am telling ya...there is nothing like waking up in the morning, sitting straight up and seeing water so close. This was a pretty sunset one night.

A stopping point for lunch

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:24:29 -0800

One of our stopping points for a little lunch in the boundary waters. No matter what direction you look there is a great view.

Boy Meets Bird

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:26:43 -0800

So I was down by the lake and I hear my friend call, "Deb, come here and grab your camera!" There was her son Nick holding out crackers and this Gray Jay was landing on his hand and taking a cracker, flying to a tree to hide the cracker, then coming back for more. Simply amazing. I had been to the Boundary Waters for 20 years and never had this happen, Nick had this amazing thing happen on his first trip ever. The nickname of the Gray Jay is "camp robber", as they like to feed on the scraps left behind by campers. But to have one land on your hand time after time...pretty darn cool!

My morning paddling companions

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:44:35 -0800

Couldn't sleep...got up early (early for me anyway...I like to sleep in on the weekends). So up I was at 6:30 a.m. and went for a paddle on a local lake. This daddy loon and child loon accompanied me for part of my journey. I floated on the peaceful lake while consuming my morning Mountain Dew...and all was well with the world. A great way to start the day!

My what Big Eyes you have...

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 11:03:54 -0800

I was on this big rock in the boundary waters that I nicknamed Frog Island (maybe it was toad island??) because there was always at least a couple of these little guys sunbathing on this rock. I had to take care as to not step on them as it is much more fun to photograph them than to squish them.

Paddletramp. The Original.

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 18:22:30 -0800

Ya know what cracks me up? The fact that the name "Paddletramp" started out as a joke. But then I realized the name made most people smile and some people chuckle. And since I am all about making people smile, I realized that the name Paddletramp was going to stick. Now I use it for my email address, my photoblog, my business cards and my stationary. And it all started with a dear friend Maria who gave me this bright yellow t-shirt...because she was very attuned into my passion of canoeing. Thank you Maria, for paying attention!

As a side note, this is me last week during my 21st year spent in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. My favorite place in the world.

A Passing Pelican

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:16:33 -0800

Aerodynamics in Nature

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:42:06 -0800

I mentioned not long ago that I was waiting for the time that an egret or heron flew directly overhead of me. Well, here he is. On a beautiful day in beautiful sunlight. And very streamlined! I love these birds!

That's One Ugly Bird My Friend

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:22:32 -0800

I keep trying to find my kinder softer side when dealing with this bird. Come on, I will say to myself, he is a creature of the world, just like you and your friends. Then I take another look at him, and do find some compassion, but mostly I think, "Boy he is ugly." Especially when gnawing on a Catfish as he was just before taking this photo. Pretty gross I will tell you, pretty gross. If anyone can find an Uglier Bird, please email it to me. Because I am pretty sure this is the Ugliest. By the way, he is a Turkey Vulture, preying on dead fish he finds on the Mississippi River.

Goodbye Young Heron

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:53:38 -0800

Here I am at my favorite Heron Rookery located at the Mississippi River. I will be posting some of my favorite Blue Heron and White Egret photos from this paddle. This photo of a young Blue Heron flying away is my favorite. I just find something so comical about it. This Heron is only about 2 months old. He stuck around for quite a while while I photographed him from my canoe, then decided he had enough of me and my camera. Bye, bye.

Young Eagle in Tree

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:34:46 -0800

Young Mississippi River Eagle

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:30:02 -0800

Now that I paddled past the barges...I am in the land of the birds...my original destination! My next posts will be photographs of the beautiful birds I encountered.

Like a barge out of water...

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:02:52 -0800

And then there was this barge in the air. What the heck?

Sunken Barge

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:28:41 -0800

This was a strange thing to come upon. After I had paddled past all the cool working barges that are used regularly, I came upon this sunken barge. I think this will be here for a long, long time to come.

BargeLand

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 18:11:03 -0800

I canoed on the Mississippi River this weekend to one of my favorite spots, which is a Heron Rookery. On the way to my destination I paddle through what I affectionately call "BargeLand". There are barges lining both sides of a channel. Pretty cool to canoe through. I must look like a tiny red dot paddling past these huge boats.

Loon times two

Sat, 5 Jul 2008 20:09:41 -0800

Paddling on a Sunny Day

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 19:25:20 -0800

Turtle

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:33:18 -0800

So this weekend I was being a PeddleTramp instead of a PaddleTramp. I was biking along the Mississippi River with my bright yellow bike, my headphones, my smile and of course my camera. I was biking on this sandy path and I came across a lady that said, "Turtle on the path ahead." This is when my smile got just a little bit brighter and I soon found myself belly down in sand bonding with my new little prehistoric looking friend.

Family Portrait

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:14:06 -0800

This is my last photo in what I will dub as my Great Finch Project. I was excited when all 5 mouths started opening, the 6th bird had no interest in my photographics and is pretty much hidden off to camera left, except for a few tufts of hair behind one of his brothers. About 2 minutes after this photo, the bird on camera right flew off to independence. Each day there-after a bird left...and I am now suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome. I hear from the neighbors that they are doing well, contributing in a positive way to society and using their manners when feeding off of new feeders. I would like to think I raised them right and hopefully they will come back to help take care of me when I am an elderly lady and need a few strong men around to help me with the chores.

Staring Contest

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:13:38 -0800

Another finch photo in my latest project. Every day I photographed these birds, hoping one would look at me in the eye. It was not easy in a nest of 6 babies, but finally one day a curious bird stared at me for a long time. Maybe he was wondering why the front of my long beak was made of round glass. Or maybe he could see his reflection in my lens and was admiring his new self.

Floating Flower

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:46:06 -0800

One of the beautiful floating lily pad flowers I came across on my paddle yesterday. It is always a fun challenge to photograph these flowers while trying not to tip the canoe over.

Feed Me!

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:04:22 -0800

6 days old and hungry! I have taken photographs of these birds every single day since they were born. There are 6 baby birds in all....I will actually kind of miss them when they fly away. I was hoping to get a direct into the mouth shot...my patience paid off. It is fun to look at animals in a new way. Heightens my appreciation for them.

Siloutte of Canoeing Friends

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:56:28 -0800

Boundary Waters fellow canoers.

Mom and Two Babies

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 06:56:38 -0800

Goodbye Baby Bird

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 17:50:50 -0800

Hey, come back here little bird...I am not done taking pictures of you. What do you mean you are done with me, what do you mean you have given me enough of your time. Well, fine. I will come back and visit. You have not seen the last of me little bird. One day I will be back to take portraits of your children.

2 baby Killdeer

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 17:11:40 -0800

Eagle Family

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:13:19 -0800

Here is mom and dad eagle and baby eagle in the nest. Thirty minutes before I took this photo last weekend, these eagles had been pelted by a terrible hailstorm and very high winds. That storm turned into 2 tornados as it headed toward my home-town. Instead of driving home directly into the storm, I instead spent a leisurely time at this wildlife refuge. Because the storm had just ripped through, I had the entire refuge to myself. Well, except for the wildlife of course. I have a previous posting of this same location of eagles from last summer. Different arrangement of the eagles, but the same trees and nest.

Here is that link:

Paddletramp Photography | PhotoBlog | mom and dad eagle

Baby goose portrait

Sat, 31 May 2008 15:39:06 -0800

This baby Canadian Goose kindly stopped to get his portrait taken, then gently went on his merry way.

Two Loon Eggs

Tue, 27 May 2008 17:23:11 -0800

While the Loons are away...the photographers will play....

Loon keeping her eye on me

Sun, 25 May 2008 20:37:46 -0800

The canoe and camera gave me some gifts this weekend. I will be posting those gifts during the next few weeks.

Four birds and One Branch

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:33:55 -0800

These cute little birds were flying around the wildlife refuge last weekend. I am not sure what kind of bird they are...if someone knows their name, feel free to let me know. It is always fun when I am able to catch a bird in flight.

Running Flower

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:14:03 -0800

This is one of those photos that just keeps bringing me back to it. I took it while paddling in the boundary waters.

It reminds me of a lady flower running away. I did not notice this while photographing this flower. I was in awe of the

shape and colors.

But do you see the feet that look like slippers and the rest that looks like the lady's body?

For my Friend Brenda

Tue, 13 May 2008 20:37:52 -0800

The sole purpose of todays photo is to dedicate it to my closest friend Brenda. Her family has suffered a very tragic and sudden loss this week...a man who was close to them all...a man who I thoroughly enjoyed his company whenever I had the opportunity to see him. The after effects of this loss will go on for a long time...but for now...I will extend my friendship to help whenever and wherever it is needed. Since I often express myself through photographs...I looked through my photos and tried to find the prettiest flower photo that I have taken. This is the one I found...Brenda and I have often talked about our love of Tulips since they mark the true presence of Spring. I am sending out all the love I have with this photo.

The Forest in my Dreams

Sat, 10 May 2008 21:10:53 -0800

This is one of my favorite places to visit. Lots of rocks...lots of trees...lots of cool green moss.

Your One Big Bird Mr. Sandhill Crane

Wed, 7 May 2008 18:06:19 -0800

This weekend I went on a trek to Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge. It will certainly be one of my new destinations when I feel like being out in Nature. I am so thankful for pieces of land put aside for nothing more than the enjoyment of wildlife and nature. This Sandhill Crane flew by me and I got a couple o.k. shots of him. I personally have not seen too many of these big birds and it is always a treat to witness something new!

Speed Graphic Camera

Sun, 4 May 2008 06:20:47 -0800

I did some rare indoor photography today, using some wonderful natural light that was streaming in through a large sliding glass door. This is my favorite old camera that I display on a shelf in my living room. I am in the process of making a large print using my 5 favorite images that I shot today. This was my 6th favorite image, so it did not make it into the collage. I have a few other old cameras I would like to photograph up close also, I just think cameras are such works of art...old ones and new ones alike. I will post the print with the 5 images when I am finished with it.

Spring is Finally Here in Minnesota

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:36:29 -0800

Blue Heron 2

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:23:13 -0800

I just love herons and egrets. I am really looking forward to another season of photographing them!

Lots of Yellow Lady Slippers

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:21:16 -0800

I am a big fan of Big Birds....but I am almost as big of a fan of Yellow Flowers.

Well Hello Deer

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:56:44 -0800

Spring Flower

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:11:25 -0800

It is snowing here in Minnesota today...yes, it is April 12th and the ground is white.

Winter refuses to acknowledge the fact that it has overstayed it's welcome.

I am dreaming of Spring with this photo.