Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : Umeå 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Umeå 2014 European Capital of Culture

Opening Weekend for Umeå 2014

January 31, 2014 marks the opening weekend for Umeå 2014 European Capital of Culture. Umeå, Sweden is the most northerly Capital of Culture and was so appointed with the objective to promote human growth, strengthen the role of culture as a driving force for sustainable development of society, and reinforce cultural life’s international relations and dimensions.

Umeå, located on the Ume Rivera is a university town and one of Sweden's fastest growing cities.
In becoming the European Capital of Culture, Umeå strives to encourage new forms of cultural expression by highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures. Umeå 2014 goes by the motto of Curiosity and Passion - the art of co-creation. The vision of The Culturized City, the mission to Stay Cool, and the Open Source strategy form the main theme of the program.

Europe's Capital of Culture is part of Umeå's long-term development strategy up to 2050. The award will accelerate investment and growth. Culture and sport will have new opportunities for development in cooperation with the rest of Europe and the world. Umeå will be more attractive to students, people who move here, entrepreneurs, creators and investors. Young Umeå will be the most northerly capital of culture ever. Umeå 2014 will be realized in collaboration with many municipalities, cultural institutions, associations and companies in Västerbotten, Norrbotten, Västernorrland and Jämtland, and will contribute to co-operation and development throughout the northern region.http://umea2014.se/en/

I am honored at this year's Umeå 2014 opening to have my PhotoGraphic Expressions selected as one of the sponsors for this outstanding cultural event. Congratulations to Umeå, a big (tack) thank you to Ambassador Lyza Sahertian for sharing the opening events: http://umea2014.se/en/opening-weekend/. To everyone with Umeå 2014, "Jag önskar er lycka till"!!!

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.

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.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

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.