I can’t think of a better way to spend a spring Saturday morning than to get up at o’dark thirty, make the hour plus drive south to see, if just maybe, I might be blessed to see some prairie chickens fly onto a pasture (Lek) as the sky begins to show signs of day break. The images of them booming are just part of the story - watching them interact with one another and the sounds they make are truly amazing.
The Massey’s have made it possible for hundreds of folks to experience these sights and sounds at their ranch in Dexter Kansas as well as allowing biologist to continue the study of this diminishing species.
What better way to get out to the blind than a wagon ride!
Photos captured by a Nikon D3, 600f4.0/TC14C on Lexar UDMA digital film
This morning while waiting for the sun to rise at Dead Horse Point I found this nice silhouette. After working it for a short while, and being the impatient person that I am, a single SB800 with a warming gel added the dramatic lighting effect I was looking for.
Many thanks to Brad Moore for being an outstanding PLS (portable light stand) and to Joe McNally for his encouragement to use my SB800’s:)
This was the beginning of the last day of the Moab DLWS, it’s been a great week!
Photo captured by a Nikon D3, 14-24 AFS, SU800/SB800 on Lexar UDMA digital film
This mornings shoot with the DLWS folks was spectacular! Watching the rocks start to glow as the sun crested the horizon was a sight to behold. I’m looking forward to this afternoon.
More to come ……..
Photo captured by a Nikon D3, 14-24AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
This was our first full day of DLWS Arches and we had a very full day. It was a great day - thanks Moose!
Photo captured by a Nikon D3, 17-24AFS / 70-200AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
The DLWS staff was on the trail early scouting out locations for the week. First stop of the morning was Cisco, an old railroading town. As we watched the moon disappear on the horizon, we found a multitude of objects to photograph. We easily could have spent a day out there but by mid morning the decision was unanimous, it was go-eat time:). We will be coming back to this location.
Photo captured by a Nikon D3, 200-400AFS / 70-200AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
My first morning here in Arches National Park! Quiet, cool and cloudless but none the less … very spectacular. This is my first time visiting Arches and I’m excited as I walk down this path exploring the many wonders surrounding me. It’s going to be a great week here at DLWS - Arches National Park.
Photo captured by a Nikon D3, 14-24AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
The Greater Prairie Chicken.
Not being from the mid-west I had never run across them until I moved to Kansas. Now, every spring, I go out in search of a blind where I can watch, listen and photograph these amazing animals during their breeding ritual as they struggle to survive.
Survival is tough for the Prairie Chickens. The weather can be brutal, they are low on the biological food chain and the grasslands critical for their survival are quickly diminishing. But, there are some special folks like Bob and Margaret Massey of Dexter Kansas, who give them a chance. For years they have not farmed land were the chickens have established a lek that they return to in the spring.
If you’re interested in spending a morning watching the Prairie Chickens, give Margaret a call at 620-876-5700.
Photos captured by Nikon D2X, 600f4 AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
Today was a great day. I spent the afternoon printing some images from my recent Yellowstone trip. I sometimes forget the simple joy I find in seeing one of those slices of time I’ve captured come out of the printer.The trip is nothing more than a memory now but looking at these prints takes me back to that moment instantly. This is defiantly the next best thing than being out in the field:)
Photo captured by Nikon D3, 14-24/200-400 AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
Despite an overcast sky and very cold snowy conditions this morning, the DLWS group set out for the Lower Geyser Basin. The weather lifted and we were treated to a great morning of photography.
Photo captured by Nikon D3, 14-24 AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
It was another great day in the park. We got off to an early start and spent the day making our way down to Old Faithful and back to West Yellowstone. What a wonderful place to experience in the winter.
Photo captured by Nikon D3, 14-24 AFS / 200-400 AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film