Highlights of 2012

Welcoming the New Year 

The past year has been both exciting with new opportunities and disappointing with the loss of more art shows.

 Early in the year a notice came out that the Purple Summer Festival at Lavender Ridge during Reno's Artown would not be held again this year.  Over the past four years the Purple Summer Festival has become one of Reno's largest art festivals with three days of family fun, music and culinary delights. 

The opportunities that came through this year also gave me a chance to début several of my new photographs.

An exciting start to the New Year began when I received an invitation to join Reno's art touring group, Reno Open Studios.  It's quite an honor to be among the 40 artists who promote their art in exhibits in the Reno area and open their studios for the public during September.

During my open studio, I exhibited my new collection of photographs, "Solar Temenos" that were taken during the Venus Transit across the sun. I demonstrated the process of making a Baader Solar Filter and adapting it to the Nikon 500mm 4.0 lens that was mounted to my digital camera.   For more information on the Solar Temenos, please follow the link at the end of the post.

In early June, I was very fortunate to have my Nevada photographs selected for exhibit and purchase at the 49th. International Photo Fair in Bièvres, France.

Among the photos selected was a new work entitled, "Fall Equinox Moon".

Culminating my exhibits for the 2012 season and opening November 22nd. through December 13th., I was honored to be included with six photographers from different parts of the world to exhibit in "November Montmartre" at the L'Atelier des Artistes Montmartre in  Paris, France.

The photographs selected were images of fall scenes in the southwestern U.S., including one of my latest works, "Silver City, Nevada”.

My favorite photo shoots during the year:

 Americana Music Festival in Virginia City, Nevada on July 14th.

Fall adventures in Yosemite National Park through Tioga Pass.

It has been an exciting year, I welcome the New Year and wish everyone a happy 2013! 

For more information:

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/08/reno-open-studios.html

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/06/transit-of-venus-from-walker-lake.html

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/06/49th-international-photo-fair.html

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/11/bonnie-rannalds-photographic.html

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Celebrating the Season

 Special Time for Embracing Nature

As the countdown begins toward that big time of festivities and traditions on Christmas Day, I look out my office window at the trees shuttering in the cold wind and am reminded of how I love to celebrate this special day.

 With all the rush and frenzy to buy the right gift, plus the hours in preparation for the holiday feast, there is nothing more pleasing than taking a quiet walk in nature.

  I suppose my desire to spend time in nature was developed by my dad when he took interesting drives after our big noon-time meal on the back roads in Georgia.

Christmas Day to me is a time to embrace and celebrate peace and to reflect back on treasured moments with loves ones.

 What better way to celebrate the peace than a picnic on leftovers with some hot spiced tea, surrounded by the wonders of nature.

As I reflect back over special times and cherished  memories of Christmases past, I wish to you a peaceful and joyous Holiday Season.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Winter Solstice, a Time for Reflection

Welcome to 2012 Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice, a period of so much darkness, to me is a time to turn inward. A time for quiet reflection and as the earth slumbers, inner peace is restored.  The video, “Winter Solstice” is my reflections of special moments over the past year.

Winter Solstice 2012

 

Winter solstice occurs on December 21st.
When the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn.

  The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, 

marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
  The word solstice from Latin, solstitium, sol, sun.  

  A balance between the forces of day and night.
 Nature's reprieve from summer follies,

when nature lies dormant all around us and stillness settles over the land.
  A time for quiet reflection, to reflect on the passing year.
 The longest night surrenders, the light shines on a new day, 

renewing our inner light, and focus for a new year.

 

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Photographing Wildlife in Snowstorms and Freezing Fog

 

Winter Weather Adventures makes for Challenging Photography

The challenge of nature photography is greatest in winter when I have to protect my equipment and my body from the elements.  However, if the snow is falling animals tend to hanker down to conserve energy and avoid being attacked by predators.  By dressing in neutral colors and approaching quietly, I have been able to go unnoticed and catch some rare moments with wildlife.

Early one cold December morning after a snow storm at Walker Lake, Nevada  I happened upon  this large group of Desert Bighorn Sheep.  They were nestled down in a canyon, waiting for the storm to clear.  With my telephoto lens, I was able to get as many photos as I wanted and they were not even aware of my presence.
 

Several years ago in Southern Nevada, a cold front moved in bringing snow to the Mojave Desert. While I was driving through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, I spotted these 3 wild horses. I pulled off to the roadside.  They looked up just as I snapped the shutter but then continued to graze  through the fresh fallen snow.

Over the years Asian Doves have taken up residence at Walker Lake.  One snowy winter morning when I looked out my kitchen window, I noticed a dole of doves finding shelter in my neighbor's peppercorn tree.  Using my long Nikon 500mm lens, I was able to capture this special moment.

Eagles are definitely fair weather fowl and most often will remain perched high in the trees waiting for the skies to clear.  On a cold morning in Mount Carmel, Utah  I saw this Bald Eagle in the distance perched on a limb.  As I was focusing on the eagle, it spotted some prey and took off.  I was lucky to have my camera on autofocus for this rare shot.

Fog mixed with snow can present some challenging opportunities for wildlife photography.   On this cold and dark day, I noticed the outline of several large shapes up ahead in the desert. I wasn't sure what I might be coming upon and if I should turn back. Finally I realized this was a herd of horses.  I set my camera to under expose and silhouette the horses against the dreary background.  And then I quietly turned around and made my departure.

The weather phenomenon of freezing fog or Pogonip occurs in the Great Basin Desert on very cold mornings. On  this morning I traveled to the Stillwater Wildlife Refuge in hopes of getting some interesting photos. I was walking toward an ice covered stream when the crunch of my boots on the frosty grass spooked a pair of Red-tailed Hawks.  As fast as possible I pressed the shutter that was on continuous servo in hopes of getting the scene in focus. I was honored with a Third Place award of this photo, Quiet Retreat,  at the Opening of Umeå 2014 European Capital of Culture, Expo d'été à Paris.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Winter Storm Accents Flowers

Diffused Lighting, Snowflakes and Flowers

The autumn of 2012 in Northern Nevada has been anything but typical with warm sunny days and mild nights.  As all good things must eventually come to an end, on the morning of November 10th. a cold front passed through the area covering the landscape in a blanket of snow.

Once the storm passed, the sky remained overcast which created nice, even soft lighting.  A walk through the yard found the flowers decorated with snow that were still in bloom.

The diffused lighting without the harsh shadows and contrast from direct sunlight allowed the colors of the flowers to appear more saturated, as with the red filaments on the bird of paradise bush.

A pink petunia nestled in the snow might make an attractive Christmas card.

The additional moisture accented the plants, creating interesting patterns with water droplets.

The thorn on the branch of a purple robe locus trees stands out in sharp contrast against the light background, the near freezing temperature suspends a water drop that is too frigid to fall.

 

A stalk of Russian Sage wears a frosty hat.

The scattered light passing through the clouds creates a surreal, dreamy effect on the pampas grass.

 

Finding the conditions completely favorable in nature photography is often a huge challenge.  However, when things are just right it is a fun and rewarding experience to be out there and in the moment. 

Great news,  "November Montmartre", an exhibition of photographers from around the world has been extended through December 13th.  For mor information, please follow the link:

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/11/bonnie-rannalds-photographic.html

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Autumn Highlights the Afternoon

Analogous Colors of Fall

An autumn afternoon when the sun's rays begin to shorten is so inviting to take a stroll  with the camera. Analogous colors of orange, yellow-orange and yellow produce a most aesthetic feeling especially when being accented by the sunlight against a clear blue sky.

Just the right camera angle catches draping branches with delicate leaves, glowing against the dark background.

Going down to ground level, a dandelion peeks out from a canopy of fallen leaves.

As I walk past my red truck, my eye catches a single leaf reflecting on the shiny surface.  Moving the camera slightly to the side, the leaves over-head create accents of pleasing color, analogous colors that are closely related and next to each other on the color wheel.

Great news,  "November Montmartre", an exhibition of photographers from around the world has been extended through December 13th.  For mor information, please follow the link:

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/11/bonnie-rannalds-photographic.html

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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 Bonnie Rannald's PhotoGraphic Expressions
is honored to announce:

 "November Montmartre"

Montmartre, Paris, France

            12 Rue Pierre Picard               

 Metro Line 2 (Antwerp or Barbes)

The workshop of artists Montmartre and LyzaS Photography will be pleased to present an exhibition of photographers from the four corners of the world: Aaron Jemeljanovs (Australia), Bonnie Rannald (United States), Quan Deslouis (France), Martin Fransson & Mattias Ormestad (Sweden)

Lyza Sahertian, artiste - photographe aura le plaisir de présenter une

 Exposition Collective de photographes des quatre coins du monde :

Aaron Jemeljanovs (Australie) , Bonnie Rannald (Etats-Unis), 

Quan Desloui (France ), Martin Fransson & Mattias Ormestad (Suède)

"November  Montmarte" 

 Quand l'Automne, abrégeant les jours qu'elle dévore,
Éteint leurs soirs de flamme et glace leur aurore,
Quand Novembre de brume inonde le ciel bleu,
Que le bois tourbillonne et qu'il neige des feuilles,
Ô ma muse ! en mon âme alors tu te recueilles,
Comme un enfant transi qui s'approche du feu....

When autumn, shortening the days she devours, 

off their evening of flame and ice their Aurora, 

when November's fog floods the blue sky,

 wood swirls and snowing leaves,

 O my muse! in my soul then you you collected,

 like a bashful child approaching fire...

 

"Autumn Pond"

Golden Cottonwoods reflect in a still pond, Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Nevada

Framed 30x40 cm

"Court of Patriarchs"

 Autumn colors accent the Virgin River at the base of the
Court of Patriarchs in Zion National Park, Utah

Framed 30x40 cm

 "Changing Seasons, Lundy Lake, California"

Seasons change from fall to winter at the alpine lake.

 Framed 20x30 cm

"Silver City, Nevada"

A lone wagon wheel stands out as a symbol of the west. 
Framed 20x30 cm

"Watchman's Moon"

A autumn moon shines over Watchman's Mountain in Zion National Park, Utah.
 Framed 30x40 cm

 http://negatifplus.com/evenements

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmartre

L'Atelier des Artistes

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Chasing the Sunrise

 Morning Walk

There is something so peaceful and inspiring about getting up early and watching the earth come alive from the night's slumber.  I guess in a way it has become an obsession because I never tire of watching the sun come over the Gillis Mountains on the east side of Walker Lake. 

When there are interesting clouds, I grab my camera and tripod to rush out with coffee in hand for an early morning walk.  If I time it just right, sometimes I catch the transition just as dawn rolls back the curtain of night.  It is a wonderful feeling, almost like witnessing the earth's creation.

As dawn begins to light the eastern sky, the stars are still visible over the silhouetted tall elm trees.

 

Silence fills the earth as the early rays of sun begin to warm the still lake; the first inland gull begins its morning quest.

The sun ascends; a star-studded sky is now an artist's pallet of color.

A lone owl watches and waits for an early morning snack.

Standing quietly on the bank's edge, the camera catches a falcon flying overhead.

Mr. Robin warms overhead as the sunlight breaks through a dense layer of cloud.

A flock of inland gulls scurry with wings warmed by the morning sun.

A contrail appears to shoot from the sunlight blushed moon as it descends, giving way to the start of a new day.

  

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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