Sheldon Reynolds at Ricketts Glen

This is one of the many shots that was taken at Ricketts Glen during the 4th of July weekend, in between the days spent in Harrisburg at the American Music Fest. For those that are not familar with Ricketts Glen, it is a PA state park and has 22 named water falls. It is located about 30 miles north of Bloomsburg. We spent quite a few hours there and got lots of exercise. Sheldon Reynolds is a bridal falls and has a drop of about 36'. It is the 2nd falls as one hikes the trail from the Route 118 parking area. If you ever get the chance its well worth the day hiking amidst the flowing waters.

Perfect Landing

Well, as usual, I've been pretty busy this week. But, I still wanted to get something posted. I have been prepping pictures for uploading to the blog but I've run into a dilemma. I wanted this site to reflect some of the wonders of God's creation as the title expresses, "Allinsixdays". Some of my photography has taken a side trip and even though it still technically falls within it, it doesn't have the same flavor as initially intended. Like the steeplechase pics, they were interesting and the hats were a fun subject to shoot. They really don't fall in the nature, wildlife aspect. So I've decided to spin off a new blog which will share the images I shoot at events like the steeplechase, shows like the American Music Fest, and other events that I've shot or will be shooting. Soon I imagine I will be pushed into a web site, but for now I'll work from blogs. So that should allow me to showcase new and different photographic skills as they are honed and broadened.
As for the current posted image, I shot this this week while waiting for a dock door in State College. I can see why most everyone that has this lense likes it. The 100mm macro is one from which I'm sure I'll get a lot of mileage.
I'll be back soon to post here and to reveal the link to my sister blog. I know some bands from the American Music Fest are anxiously waiting to see what I captured.

Recent Portaits

Here are some animal portraits I shot a few weeks ago at Zoo America at Hershey Park, Hershey,PA. The Red Tail Hawk was not in his cage for this shot. I was able to play with one of my newest lenses, the 100mm macro. I've been shooting bugs and very small things and very close. I think, from the subject to the camera sensor, the minimum distance is a little less than a foot. (bugs,flowers,etc.)

Red Tail Hawk

During the week, I was sharing with a few people how with the right position of the subject, in these pictures the cats away from the fence and the camera located as close to the fence as possible, the fence will nearly be eliminated from the image. So, here are two shots where the fence is all but eliminated from the image.

Lynx

Mountain Lion

Also,I decided to crop a portion of the last posted image because I wasn't sure how well you were able to see the intricate tangled mess of this creature. As I said in the previous post, this is the way you would find it during the day.

Why Night Dives?

Well, here it is again, almost another month since my last post. But today I mailed out two cd's containing over 200 images which were taken at my family reunion last July. Much of my spare time was spent making minor adjustments and some cropping. As I understand, they will be used for a slide show at this years reunion. Hence the need to only spend time working on them and nothing else. However, I haven't stopped shooting during this last month. Besides the usual Amish/Menonite pictures, landscapes, flowers, birds, I've taken a fair amount of shots at the Heritage Days in Carlisle, Shakespeare in the Park in Harrisburg, Arts Fest in Harrisburg, Zoo America and the Park at Hershey, Founders Day in Boiling Springs and I'm sure I'm leaving something out. Maybe some of them will find there way on here in the future, maybe.
Recently I had a discussion with a certified diver, that has yet to do a night dive and she seemed leary of attempting one. Then I began explaining the unique experience which I will share with you as well. Just as we have animals that are nocturnal, so it is with the sea. Other than in pictures , the only way you would be able to see these creatures is to do a night dive.
One of the examples I used to explain the difference in behaviors from day to night, was a Basket Star. Looking at the top center of the posted picture, you will see a jumbled mess in a ball shape. This is generally what you would see during the day. You may see them affixed to a sea fan or some soft corals with a nearly choke hold on its host. Now look below that jumble in the picture to the opened Basket Star which has extended its arms out in the current in order to feed. I have seen them in a variety of colors and size.

Basket Star

Another example is the Orange Cup corals. During the day, they have the appearance of cut off thumbs, short and stubby. But the inward tucked tenacles unfold and extend themselves up and out in to the currents as you can see from the pictures previously posted in March. "The Wall at Rappel" that was posted on 3/28, depicts the Orange Cups during the day. The earlier post on 3/21 shows them extended and feeding. These are just a couple of simple examples among many that make night diving so interesting. Also dives during the transitions, from day to night and night to day, are are also something to see. During these times, you see the most activity. The fish from the day are hiding themselves in the crevices from those that are waking up and heading out to hunt. Also, the other behaviors that can be seen are the pairing of fish for courting. The morning transition isn't as dramatic, but is still interesting, that's just my opinion. Maybe that's because in doing a before breakfast dawn dive, I'm still waking up!

More Jumping!

Star Spangled Banner and the Main Events!

And More!

And if you didn't have a hat and felt the need to have a hat, there were vendors to help supply you with a hat.

This image is one of my most favorite of the day. I think it is just a bit mysterious and I like the shallow depth-of-field.




I love the capture of her just eyeing up the rest of her cookie!