About my images and subjects
I just love to take pictures.  When I'm out specifically to photograph, my mind switches over to a very wonderful and open place as I walk around and really see what is around me.  When that happens, there is almost always something worth capturing in just about everything.  Animals and insects can be challenging though.  Whenever I see a critter, I always say "Can I take your picture?"  Sometimes they are more than happy to oblige, and others will let me know immediately to get lost.

I have also started doing digital art and design and now find there just are not enough hours in a day.  My creative possibilities are now unlimited.  I am delighted to have galleries at
Zazzle and Printfection where my images and work can be enjoyed on a wide range of products. 

                                         

This cute little guy was very happy to oblige.  I spotted him busily on his mission and asked if he'd like his picture taken.  This was taken with a macro lens, so I was right in his face.  He just sat there while I took several different shots, and when I was done, I thanked him and he continued on his journey.




                                       
This friendly fellow was hopping around in the backyard.  Again, I asked if he'd like his picture taken.  He quietly stayed there, but he was in the grass and I couldn't get a good shot, so I asked if he'd mind if I placed him on a nearby rock.  He let me pick him up and place him on the rock, and then again patiently posed while I took several shots.  After I said Thank You, he continued on his way.




                                       
I don't know what kind of insect this is, but even though he is scary and ugly looking, the colors and patterns on his body are beautiful.  I came across him floundering around on his back.  I took a stick and turned him upright and wanted a picture of him.  Again, I had the macro lens on, and even though I was afraid to get that close to him, I wanted the picture.  He just kept staring at me and marching directly at me, which was totally freaking me out, and right after I shot this, he flew right at my face and then away.  I can tell you I danced around a bit totally grossed out, but I did get a great shot of him.


                                        
 

I was way out walking down a dirt road and all of a sudden this family of wild Canadian geese came out.  We both surprised each other, and at first we both just stood and stared at each other, not quite knowing what to do.  Then they started walking straight toward me.  I didn't know what they were doing, but I started snapping pictures, because I wasn't afraid of them.




                                         

 They suddenly veered off and I realized this was their path to the swamp, and that's where they were headed.  During this entire event I was only several feet away from them, and it was such a magical moment.  I felt honored that they understood I would not harm them and just proceeded about their business.




                                        


I watched them one by one enter the swamp and peacefully start gliding away.






                                        

This lovely little lady seemed as fascinated with me and what I was doing, as I was with her.  I was photographing the sedum and was startled to see her there watching me.






                                        

Dragonflies are one of my favorite creatures.  Many of them enjoy being photographed, to the point of flying around and landing in front of me until I take their picture.  This friendly red dragonfly happily posed until I got just the shot I wanted.





                                        

This handsome fellow was having a crowing match with another rooster on the farm.  He wanted it made very clear he was the king there.  He allowed me to take several pictures, but was a little annoyed as he was quite busy at the time.





                                        

This absolute cutey is a baby fledgling yellow cedar waxwing that I had the greatest privilege to spend some time with until he learned to fly.  He was just too cute and sweet for words, all I wanted to do was keep him forever.





                                        

Butterflies are difficult to shoot.  Most of them tease me with their beauty and refuse to stay still long enough to photograph.  However, this lovely Monarch totally cooperated and even put his feet up on the leaf for a better picture.


                  


                      

Bumble bees are a little easier to photograph.  Many times they are just so busy gathering pollen they don't even know I'm there.  However, many times they have also let me know they are annoyed with my camera so close to them.  All in all, though, they are very pleasant creatures.


                              

          

I also see things that just strike me a certain way.  I just loved this shopping cart full of pumpkins at a farm stand.  Now, that's some serious pumpkin shopping.



                        


               

I was driving by this reservoir and the scene was just awesome.  Several large flocks of wild Canadian geese were stopped over and swimming around in the reflection of the gorgeous autumn leaves.





                                       


I am totally fascinated with mushrooms.  I was so excited to come across these gorgeous Indian Pipes in the woods.  





                                       

I discovered these wonderful orange red mushrooms quite by accident one day.  I was drawn off the path by something entirely different and stumbled upon an entire area of these beauties.  I never did photograph what I had originally started out to.


                


                       

Another favorite subject of mine is fresh vegetables and fruit, especially still on the vine or tree.  I think it might be the wannabe vegetarian in me calling out.






                                       

This is a breathtaking abandoned rock quarry.  The colors and formations from the blasted rock surrounding a pool of water filled with cattails and frogs in total peace and quiet just automatically sends you into a meditative state.





                                       


Macro flower photography is probably my favorite subject.  I just can't get enough of flowers.  This is a gorgeous purple japanese iris in full bloom.





                                       


And then I really enjoy playing around with the images in my photo program to digitally enhance them and create some wonderful pictures.





                                       


Here's another purple japanese iris that I slightly digitally altered for a much more dramatic image.





                                        


Here I was drawn to the softness and tenderness of the light blue hydrangea just beginning to bloom.





I do hope you enjoy my images and designs as much as I enjoy creating them.