Photographing the Solar Eclipse, August 21, 2017

Being in the moment with nature as the sun grows darker

On the morning of August 21st. I was packed and ready to photograph the solar eclipse.  What a beautiful morning, the sky was almost completely clear of clouds with just a little haze  hanging on the mountains from all the summer wildfires. 

I chose an area with a view of the lake but off the beaten trail.  I was hoping to be away from civilization and just alone with the natural environment.    

 
After setting up my camera, 500mm lens, Baader Solar Filter on my heaviest tripod, I took a test photo of the sun before the eclipse started.  The Baader Solar Filter is very dark but allows the natural color of the sun, which is white on the photograph.   

 Before starting to photograph, I checked out the special solar viewing glasses.

At approximate 08:53 PDT, I noticed the dark area beginning to appear on the top of the sun.  The solar eclipse was starting.  The dark spots on the face of the Sun are sun spots.   

Continuing to photograph the eclipsing Sun every few minutes as the moon advanced across its face, I bracketed my exposure from 1/125 second up to 1/1000 second.  The camera was set on manual mode, at f/8 and 100 ISO.

 When the Sun began to grow darker, I noticed how quiet and still everything seemed to be.  All of a sudden, the wings of a golden eagle caught my eye as it headed back toward the canyon.  This was a very special moment, almost like a totem was there.  

The landscape was getting darker with each advance of the eclipsing Sun and the early  morning heat was beginning to cool down.  A slight breeze moved the still air.   

Around 10:14 PDT it appeared that the Sun had reached the total point of eclipse for this area in Nevada.

I paused from my photography to notice my surroundings, the dark shadows, cool breeze and stillness with any wildlife.  Shortly afterward, the surface of the sun began to lighten and the morning heat returned.  I heard birds chirping in the canyon and saw a few flying toward the sage brush. 

What an experience this was, it was a thrill to try and photograph the Sun but even more meaningful  to become one with nature and just be in the moment. 

 
I took the artistic creativity to work this image in Photoshop to bring out the colors surrounding the Sun through the Baader Solar Filter. 

Follow my blog and check back to see where my next photo-adventures will take me.   

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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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Environmental Photographs Highlight 2015

 Themes and Issues during my photo-explorations

At the year’s end, I usually write about the highlights of my travels or adventures.  However for the finality of 2015 and following the Paris Climate Summit, I have been compelled to feature a photo for each month that has an environmental theme. These photos are from scenes that I have come across during my photo-explorations of the past year, from water issues to weather extremes and compromised ecosystems. The following photographs were taken within a 100 mile radius around Walker Lake, Nevada and in the Great Basin Desert.

Clouds form over Mono Lake, California, moving eastward from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The receding shore line and lack of snow on the mountains for the month of January are indicators of the drought that continues to plague the western U.S.

Late January and early February, a large number of waterfowl were infected with Avian cholera at Walker Lake, Nevada. 

The bodies of American Coots lay tangled in tumble weeds that were blown to the water’s edge by the wind.

A dust storm churned up by the strong winds of March on east side of Walker Lake, Nevada. 

A desolate location for Lee Hot Springs with a capped off well and volcanic rocks, however the mountains in the background show lack of snowpack after a dry winter on an early spring day in April. 

 On a hillside in the Gabbs Valley Range, in May, the top of a purple bottle stands out.  A closer look reveals a piñon pine root that has been growing through the bottle’s neck for no telling how many years.

A hot June morning and cumulonimbus clouds build over the Garfield Flats Range.  I barely made it out of the wash before the clouds produced a F1 Category Tornado that touched down in Hawthorne, Nevada. 

With the heat index reaching over the century mark in July at Walker Lake, ecosystems grow out of balance at the water’s edge as numerous damselfly larvae are caught in the huge orb-weaver spider webs that cover most of the shore.

The receding shore at Soda Lake in August, tufa mounds grow along the edge of the water.  Soda Lake was formed inside the collapsed cone of a basaltic maar volcano by irrigation for agriculture which increased the groundwater.

A tunnel by the highway to Yerington, Nevada in September.  Rainfall from fast moving summer monsoons produced flash floods that cut deep washes through the dry desert.  

An October photo-trip to the Wild Burro Range at Marietta, Nevada.  The frame of a windsock stands as a reminder of the harsh winds and extreme weather in the Great Basin Desert. 

Strong winds in November blow the thin snow pack across the peaks at Mount Grant, Nevada.  

A winter storm in December brings in much needed moisture; however it will take so much more to offset the receding north shore at Walker Lake, Nevada.  

The year of 2015 has seen interesting weather patterns with a warmer winter and rising heat index for the summer.  When El Niño comes for the winter, I will be ready with my Nikon to record any interesting trends, so follow my blog and check back often for the new posts.

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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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Sharp-shinned Hawk on Southward Migration

   

Taking time out to pose for my camera!

Late one autumn afternoon after sundown I noticed a small raptor from my office window.  The hawk had landed on a wooden box and at first sight I thought it had sustained an injury to its beak.  After grabbing my camera and quietly slipping outside, I discovered that the hawk must have recently finished dinner and still had some left-overs clinging to its beak.  

When I brought the photos up on my monitor, I found that this hawk was a Sharp-shinned, which is one of the smallest hawks in North America.  Males are smaller that females, so at first I thought this bird might be a male migrating southward for winter.  However, as I looked closer, I decided that the hawk was an immature bird since it was mostly brown with vertical streaks on its white under-parts.  Adult birds are blue-gray above with narrow, horizontal red-orange bars on the breast. 

Backyard bird feeders tend to attract Sharp-shinned hawks and that is one reason why I prefer not to use the seed feeders.  Instead, I grow plants and shrubs that produce seeds and berries, allowing the birds to forage. The shrubs provide cover where the songbirds and sparrows can retreat when predators are in the area.  It is amazing to watch these small birds head for cover, almost like they are being vacuumed in. 

The small hawk must have been  traveling through for I did not notice him around the next day.  It was a nice suprise to be rewarded with a short visit and a few photos.

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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 Comet Lovejoy over Walker Lake

Stargazing in the the not so dark skies

After several failed attempts chasing around the night sky looking for Comet Lovejoy with my Nikon 500mm lens, I was finally able to catch the tiny green fuzzy image before it became too faint to recognize.   The New Year's comet or Comet C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy is named for the Australian comet-hunter Terry Lovejoy who first spotted it on August 17, 2014.  Passing closest to Earth on January 7, 2015, the comet was reported to be at its brightest on this evening and easily visible before moonrise.

Several years ago, the dark night skies over Walker Lake were outstanding as they glittered with stars. At this time, I would walk outside to watch the Milkey Way overhead which seemed so close that I could almost reach up and touch the stars.  Now days, people seem to need more artificial light and the wondrous stars no longer  stand out against the dark sky.  Hoping for darker skies, I went over to the camping area at Sportsman's Beach to try and catch a photo of the comet.  Unfortunately as far as I was from artificial lights, the sky that had once brought stargazers to Walker Lake was not that dark anymore. 

Carefully looking through my lens, I was finally able to catch a faint glimpse of Comet Lovejoy in the upper right quadrant of the sky, high above the Constellation Orion. 

Although I did not get the hoped for clear photo of Comet Lovejoy, the evening's photography wasn't a total wash.  Soon the sky over the Gillis Mountain Range began to lighten as the remainder of January's full moon started to ascend in the east sky. 

Changing over to my Nikon 35-70mm lens, I caught the mountains reflecting in the calm water with the stars shining in the distance.

Just before the moon peeked over the mountain, I focused in on Jupiter shining brightly and glowing in the lake. 

 Maybe if there is another clear, calm night in January, I might try my luck on an old mining trail road and see if the skies are any darker from that location. 

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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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Painted Lady Butterflies in December

Butterflies in place of snowflakes for Northern Nevada!

What can be more amazing in early December than seeing an influx of Painted Lady butterflies fluttering around my yard?  So far the temperatures for Northwestern Nevada have been mild and averaging around 60 °f (15.55 c) during the day and not dropping much below the freezing point at night. 

I would assume that all these Vanessa cardui butterflies are on migration and seeking warmer climates for winter. 

There is not much nectar available for them at this time of year, other than some flowering rosemary and orange colored mallows.  

They seem very attracted to my Arborvitae shrub that is facing south and gets sun most of the day. 

Butterflies not only feed on nectar but also on tree sap, dung, pollen and rotting fruit.  They receive minerals and especially sodium that is vital to reproduction from wet areas on leaves, plants and the ground.  I try and provide shallow, wet areas on the patio rocks and ground when I notice butterflies in the area.   

This winter, I will not disturb any leaves that have fallen to the ground just in case they might have butterfly eggs.  A female butterfly will lay her eggs on milkweed, mallow or any leaf that will serve as a food source for the caterpillar.  Come spring, it will be interesting to note if I find any of the small bristled caterpillars that will accent my yard as Painted Lady butterflies.

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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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Freezing Fog Creates Artistic Impressions

Pogonip on a Cold Winter Morning

In the higher elevations of the Great Basin Desert during winter when cool air passes over the warm, moist ground, you can expect to see the occurrence of freezing fog or "Pogonip".  The term Pogonip is from the Shoshone word: paγinappih meaning cloud. 

Early settlers called the pogonip "White Death" because it was believed that if  ice crystals were breathed in to the lungs, it could result in death.  I'm not sure about the ice crystals causing death since I have been out breathing them numerous times, however when the fog is so thick you can become disoriented and possibly freeze to death.  

As the freezing fog settles in, tiny droplets cling to surfaces, creating an artistic wonderland.

A desert willow branch with summer's seed pods appears elegantly in the subtle lighting.

A water droplet lies suspended just before it begins to drop from a frost covered pod.  

The end of a bamboo stick is textured with rim ice.

Semi-diffused light behind a garden shade creates a glittered tapestry accented with frozen ice particles.

Muted colors and diffused light highlight a frost covered chicken wire fence, giving it aesthetic appeal. 

 

The fog begins to thicken, dropping the temperature. It's time to go back inside to clear the ice particles from my nose with something hot to drink. 

If any of my readers know of legends of the "White Death", would you please share them in the comment section?

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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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Highlighs of 2013

 Awards, Events and Photos

The highlights of my photography adventures for 2013 began with a late start in May.  Most of my time through January to May was spent in physical therapy twice a week to regain the use of my left arm from an accident that shattered the shoulder joint.  Fortunately with excellent medical treatment and hours of exercise, I am back in full stride carrying my camera, lens and tripod.

One of my high points during the spring was a presentation in April to students from West Tech High School, Las Vegas, Nevada about Walker Lake.  What an impressive group and did they ever have some interesting questions about the biology and geology of Nevada's unique natural desert lake.

A big surprise in May was having my photography featured by Francesco Russo in Chair Mazagine, "La natura incantata di Bonnie Rannald".  http://chairmag.it/2013/05/la-natura-incantata-di-bonnie-rannald/ 

June turned out to be a busy month, starting on the 2nd with 95th. Annual Photo Fair in Bièvres, France, where I was again honored to have a selection of photographs on exhibit and for purchase.

On the 19th, I enjoyed the closing reception following our preview exhibit for Reno Open Studios at the Truckee Meadows Community College Main Art Gallery.  Furthermore, during the last week of the month on the 23rd, I was out chasing the Supermoon as it appeared over Walker Lake.

 July in Reno is an exciting time for celebrating the arts with the event, Artown. This year, I was thrilled to participate on the 20th. through the Arts in Bloom Art and Wine Festival held at Victorian Square.

 July brought some of the hottest, longest record breaking temperatures to Nevada and with the heat were also noticeable changes to the ecosystems at Walker Lake.  A walk along the shore finds the sandy areas covered in damselfly bodies that after emerging from the water were caught in numerous orb weaver spider webs.   

The month concluded with one of my photos, "Quiet Retreat" taking third place in the international competition project “Together IN Harmony”, developed by Ambassador Lyza Sahertian for the European Capitol of Culture--Umeå2014,. The winners, including my photograph in the mediums of Photography, Painting, Illustration and Sculpture exhibited from July 22nd through August 3rd at the Galerie du Columbier, Paris, France.

August turned out to be a strange and trying month with the Rim Fire at Yosemite National Park which brought poor air and smoke to most of Reno, including Walker Lake.

 Any hope for a return visit via Tioga Pass was extinguished due in part to our government shut down, so I spent a day enjoying the scenery at Sand Mountain.

September began with Art Touring from the 6th. through 8th. at Reno Open Studios  where I shared studio space with sculptor Mike Smith.

Toward the month's end, I explored a volcanic rim at Fallon's Soda Lake.

In the early part of December with temperatures unseasonably mild, I took a journey back in to Nevada's geological past exploring ancient lava flows and strange rock outcroppings at Garfield Flats, near Hawthorne, Nevada.   More blog posts will follow from these interesting outings!

As I wish you a very happy and safe New Year, I also want to thank everyone for their support and patronage over the Holiday Season.  For a 2014 New Year's promotion, I will be offering a discount coupon of 10% off toward purchases on my website, excluding shipping and taxes.  A printable PDF coupon with the promo code is available as a download at http://www.bonnierannald.com/coupon.htm  

The coupon is yours to keep or give as a gift. 

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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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Visit our website at: http://www.bonnierannald.com/

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