Nature – Page 13 – tim mcmurdo

the journey

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

We began the journey on the Great Lake in the morning fog. We had far to go and the early start would mean we would arrive at the camp before sunset.

Along the way, the lakes shore was clouded in the dense mist. Occasionally we would see a bird or a fish feeding in the coolness of the morning.

The lake was dotted with small islets and presented a spectacular view.

As we passed close to some of the islets, we could see that each was its own world, complete with birds and other wild life

What seemed like hours later, we had crossed the Great Lake and entered the mouth of the river that would lead us to camp. After the expanse of the lake, the river's banks felt confining. As they closed in around us, we left the lake behind.

Up river two hours, we pulled the boat onto the banks. With our packs loaded onto our backs, we headed inland. As the forrest began to swallow us whole, I turned for one last look at the river and we disappeared into the dense growth.

digitus volucris

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

His name is Eric. I know it is not a great image, but Eric is cute… and single, for all you lady bugs out there. Eric is a very friendly finger bug. He is gainfully employed, has his own place as well as a healthy relationship with his mother. Eric likes short walks on blades of grass and long flights during sunset. The only thing that is missing in Eric's life is a lady companion to share his world.

Do you know a nice girl bug for Eric? If you do, please let me know. Together we can make a difference in Eric's short life.

Come on, hook a bug up!

flower’s point of view

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

This is not my best image by any means. However, I liked the warmth of the image and the point of view enough to share it with you. Normally, I rely on depth of field and focus to draw the viewer's eye. In this image, I relied on negative space. The blue area in the upper right of the image brings your eye up and out of the flowers and into the sky. At least, that is the idea. What do you think? A nice surprise in this image was the insect flying in the upper left corner.

Exposure	0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture	f/11.0
Focal Length	20 mm
ISO Speed	100

My post processing included color balance, contrast, black point and saturation in Aperture.

river reflections

Posted on June 11, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

Exposure	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture	f/9.0
Focal Length	55 mm
ISO Speed	100
Exposure Bias	-0.7 EV

If you have been following my photographic journey, then you probably know that I really like reflections on water. Hence, today's post. Normally midday is not the a good time to be out shooting. However, the day was overcast and I decided to visit the river. There is always an image to capture at the river.

Even with the overcast sky, I had to stop down the exposure 2/3 of a stop to eliminate the blown out highlights.

Exposure	0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture	f/5.6
Focal Length	55 mm
ISO Speed	125

In this second image, I could leave the exposure as is because I was shooting under deep shadows created by the bushes overhanging the river. I saw a mallard swimming over and waited until it entered my field of view and snapped the shot. Patience pays off.

Yes, shooting on a bright afternoon is not preferable, but you can always find conditions that will allow you to shoot successfully (look for cloudy skies, shade, and use your histogram). If you can, shoot in the morning or evening light. However, if the timing is bad, go ahead and make the best of it, you will be surprised at the results you can get.

asters

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

This is one of those grab shots that pop out at you when you don't expect it. I was wandering around the farm today when I came upon these white Asters in the rose garden. I liked the white flowers that stood out in the sea of green.

Exposure	0.001 sec (1/2000)
Aperture	f/5.0
Focal Length	35 mm
ISO Speed	100

Flocked

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

For some unknown reason, sheep like to put their heads in a corner…en mass. I've asked a few people about this bizarre habit. Even the farmer has no answer as to why they act this way. On very hot day, they will often huddle in the sunniest corner and pant in the heat. After speaking with the farmer, I walked away with the opinion that sheep might not be the smartest critter on the farm. If you know why sheep do this, let me know. Even if you make up an answer that just sounds good, I will believe every word you say.

Exposure	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture	f/4.0
Focal Length	26 mm
ISO Speed	100

red lilly bloom

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

The lilies are beginning to bloom and this red specimen has been calling my name for a couple days now. The deep saturated color is spectacular and the shape is perfect. I think it would be impossible to take a bad image of it.

Exposure	0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture	f/5.6
Focal Length	55 mm
ISO Speed	640

To shoot the bloom, I waited until I could work in the morning's golden hour. I already had an early appointment today and so, I set my alarm a little early. On hands and knees (photography can get dirty if you are willing to go for the shot) I looked for a good angle and recorded several images. This is my favorite of the lot. I hope you enjoy it as well.

these roses are not so red

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

Next to our garage, we have this huge bush of roses that towers over my head. It must be seven or eight feet tall. They are like no roses I have ever seen. There are thousands of blooms covering the entire bush. Thorns? Oh yeah, there are thousands of those too.

Exposure	0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture	f/4.5
Focal Length	26 mm
ISO Speed	100

To get the shot, I got down low and focused on the leading flowers. I then offset the camera to get the nice bokeh in the background. The round bokeh is formed by the morning light filtering through the trees behind.

cotton wood fluff

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

Our yard looks like a five ton plush animal exploded, leaving it's stuffing behind. In actuality, the white stuff is the fluffy seeds of the humbled cotton wood tree. We have several in the area and their seeds float through the air where ever the winds take them. Unfortunately, we get much of it in our yard.

Maybe I should collect it all and make a cotton wood seed pillow. I wonder if that has ever been done?

Exposure	0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture	f/5.6
Focal Length	55 mm
ISO Speed	100

actius luna

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

I came across this beautiful lunar moth (actius luna) while doing my morning chores in the yard. The day promises to be in the 90's and I wanted to get the work done early, before the heat hit hard. The moth was perched on the leg of a chair, in the bright sun, too bright for a good image. I gingerly moved the chair into the shade to get better natural lighting. Lucky for me, the move did not disturb the moth at all. Otherwise, I would have had to chase it around the yard until it landed again.

Exposure	0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture	f/5.6
Focal Length	55 mm
ISO Speed	160

The white around the neck (do moths have necks?) is a little blown out. Otherwise, I am very happy with the image.

I then returned and re-shot the image after making some adjustments to properly expose for the white. The result is this darker image that I also think works pretty well.

Exposure	0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture	f/5.6
Focal Length	55 mm
ISO Speed	100
Exposure Bias	-2 EV

One of my regular readers (my Uncle Eddy) asked if I had any images showing the rest of the moth. Here you go John Edward. I present to you, the entire moth!

The moth is approximately 6 inches in length and close to 4 1/2 or 5 inches across. Pretty good sized specimen.