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

Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts

Monday, December 24, 2012

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.

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.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

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

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.

"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.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Story behind the Camera

Snow Tree at La Madre Springs

During the month of June, 2012, Reno Open Studios is featuring a preview of the 2012 visual artists with an exhibit at the Truckee Meadows Community College Main Art Gallery beginning on June 1st, through June 25th. The art work that I selected for the exhibit is entitled "Snow Tree at La Madre Springs". Since I have been asked many times how I got this photo, I decided to give some background information in this blog post.

The weather always seems to take a turn for the worst over Thanksgiving weekend out here in the Southwestern U.S. And this was sure the case when I happened upon the image that I named the Snow Tree at La Madre Springs. I was living on the west side of Las Vegas which was just a quick drive from the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area when I noticed dark, moisture laden clouds moving in over the Spring Mountains. I grabbed my camera gear and rushed out for possible photos.

It had been snowing at the higher elevations of Red Rock Canyon and the patterns on the cacti made for nice macro photos. I was using a Nikon 50mm macro lens when I saw the outline of the bare trunk of an old dead piñon pine in the distance. A number of factors were involved which forced my decision to take the landscape scene with the macro lens. Heavy, dark clouds were moving in fast, it was snowing harder and I had wandered a good distance from my other camera gear in the Jeep. Realizing that I had just seconds to capture the image, I clicked the shutter with an aperture of f/5.6. I was allowed just two frames before it became so dark I could hardly find my way back to the safety of my vehicle.

When the film was processed and I saw the one frame that turned out well, I was both delighted and surprised at the outcome. The snow was accenting the outline of the tree and the shutter speed just happened to be fast enough to freeze the action of the falling snow but also create a blurred, Monet effect.

For more information on Reno Open Studios Preview Exhibit:

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/06/tmcc-main-art-gallery-reception-for.html

"Snow Tree at La Madre Springs" is available for purchase, please visit my website:

http://www.bonnierannald.com/CUSTOM/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_10_11&products_id=85

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.

"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.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

TMCC Main Art Gallery Reception for Reno Open Studios

Meet the Artists at the Preview Exhibit

The art season in Reno is just about ready to move in to high gear and to kick start the events Reno Open Studios is featuring a preview of the 2012 visual artists with an exhibit at the Truckee Meadows Community College Main Art Gallery beginning on June 1st, through June 25th. There will be an open reception on June 20th. from 5 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited!

"Snow Tree at La Madre Springs" is my selection for the exhibit at the TMCC Main Art Gallery: The 18"X24" limited edition Ilford Colorluxe Photographic Print is framed with Fleckstone finish, picture quality glass, multi-layer matte, gray suede wrap, and wood fillet. Asking price as shown, $775.00.

Reno Open Studios, aligned with Art Touring, is comprised of the top visual artists from Northwestern Nevada who open their studios on September 7-9th to the public for demonstrations and educational opportunities about their various creative processes, including ceramics, glass blowing, gourd art, jewelry, painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, weaving, and wood turning. The most exciting part is that original art is available for purchase right from each individual artist.

Along with promoting the artists, Reno Open Studios also provides a college scholarship through a raffle of donated original art works by the 45 participating artists. More information will be posted featuring my donated photograph with additional information in a later blog.

For additional information on Reno Open Studios:

www.RenoOpenStudios.com.

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.

"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.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Cedar Breaks, Utah

A Happy Thanksgiving With Fond Memories

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I'm reminiscing about one the favorite places where I have enjoyed spending the Thanksgiving weekend and that is Cedar Breaks, Utah. Cedar Breaks is located 23 miles (37.01 km) from Cedar City and standing at 10,000 feet (3048 m) elevation is known as a miniature Bryce Canyon.

During a mild autumn, when the short days are not too cold, Cedar Breaks can be one of the best places in the Southwestern U.S. to catch the splendor of fall colors.

Brilliant aspens growing throughout the landscape and along the roadside are accented against tall evergreens.

Getting off the main road on to any of the numerous dirt trails, an entire day can be spent admiring the analogous colors of leaves that drape across the path.

Looking out across the colorful canyon through a knot in the trunk of a Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest living trees in North America.

After a long day's hike, it's fun to relax and have a picnic by one of numerous streams that flow throughout the area.

At this time of year, it's always wise to keep a careful watch on the weather. Sudden storms can move in with harsh winds, cold temperatures and even snow.

Just come prepared, for Cedar Breaks all covered in snow takes on a difference appearance as a winter wonderland.

No trip to Cedar Breaks is complete without a visit to Navaho Lake. Formed by an ancient lava flow, it was originally named "Pa-Cu-Ay" by the Paiute which means Cloud Lake. This high mountain lake was well named because it does appear to be in the clouds and on top of the world.

For more information:

http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/recreation_areas/navajolake.shtml

http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/cedar_breaks.htm

Photographs Make Great Gifts

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.

"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.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Mount Grant, Nevada

One of Nevada's Tallest Peaks

Towering as a back drop to Walker Lake on the southwestern side, Mount Grant stands at an elevation of 11,270' (3435.096 m) and is one of the 25 tallest peaks in Nevada.

Located in west-central Nevada, the picturesque Mount Grant is the highest point on the Wassuk Range. After 9/11, access to the public was restricted and Mount Grant has been used predominately for military operations.

Standing above piñon treeline, the higher elevations of Mount Grant are covered in snow during the winter months and support various high altitude conifers.

During the short summers, native grass and wildflowers thrive in the various micro-climates along the slopes and in the meadows.

With its abundant water sources, Mount Grant is home to a number of wildlife including the Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Cougar and Black Bear.

On a clear day at Mount Grant, you can see for approximately 130 miles. However the weather can be subject to violent and fast changes with systems moving in from the east, north and west. Strong winds, reaching gale force are as common as the clear blue skies.

Walker Lake lies on the lee side of Mount Grant and covers approximately 50.3 mi² (130 km²). Walker Lake is a natural high desert lake, fed by the Walker River and was once a remnant of the prehistoric Lake Lahontan that covered most of the western U.S. during the Ice Age.

The summit of Mount Grant is a sharp ridge of 3rd. Class talus, stretching for several hundred meters.

Mount Grant with its natural streams, cottonwoods, plentiful vegetation and wildlife is a sacred area to the Walker River Paiute Tribe.

For additional information:

http://www.walkerlakenv.ogr

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.

"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.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Nevada, Land of Snow Capped Mountains

From deserts to the alpine forests,

Nevada lives up to its Spanish name of "snow fall"

I have mentioned my adopted state of Nevada so often when posting photographs that I thought it might be interesting to provide some background information on Nevada. The local pronunciation for Nevada is with a short "a", like in cat and never with the long "a" Ne-vah-da, that is often heard on TV or in the movies. Nevada is referred to as the "Silver State" because one of the largest silver lodes in the world was found at the Comstock Mine in Virginia City. It is also know as the "Battle Born State", which is proudly displayed on the deep blue state flag from achieving statehood in 1864 during the Civil War.

The word Nevada is Spanish, meaning snow fall. The name came from the Spanish explorers after they saw the many tall snowcapped mountains that include 172 summits with 2,000 feet (610m) of prominence, making Nevada the most mountainous state in the U.S. Many of the mountain peaks are above 13,000 feet (4,000m), with the valleys no lower in elevation than 3,000 feet (910m).

The Spring Mountains are the largest mountain range in Southern Nevada and lie west of Las Vegas in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, which is in the Mojave Desert.

With the summer temperatures in Southern Nevada reaching well over 100°f (37.7°c), the winters can be cold and bring snow to the higher elevations and even the desert floor. The Aztec Sandstone of Calico Hills stands out against the occasional winter snow storm in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. No matter what the weather, the 10,000 acre (4,000 ha) Red Rock Conservation Area is a must see when visiting Las Vegas. The one-way 13 mile (21 km) paved loop is open during day light hours, providing vehicle access to hiking and interpretive trails.

In Northern Nevada, the Sierra Nevada Mountains run for 400 miles (640 km) north to south, through Nevada and California, and are around 70 miles (110 km) across, east to west. The highest peak of the Sierras is Mount Humphreys near Bishop, California and stands at almost 14,000 feet (4,300 km).

Lake Tahoe is set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is the largest alpine lake in North America. Located along the border of California and Nevada, Tahoe has a surface elevation of 6,225 feet (1,897m) and a depth of 1,645 feet (591m), making it the second deepest lake in the U.S. after Oregon's Crater Lake.

Nevada is certainly a state of contrast with its 110,561 sq miles reaching from parts of Death Valley to the Alpine Lake Tahoe. With a population of 2.7 million, the 7th. largest state is only the 35th most populous state. With so much open space and a warm temperate climate, the State of Nevada is a place for adventure with a lot of nature to explore.

Follow my blog and check back often to see where my next photo-adventure takes me!

For more information on the State of Nevada:

http://travelnevada.com/

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

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2009/07/weather-tales-of-alpine-lake.html

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.

"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.

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

Monday, December 24, 2012

Celebrating the Season

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Winter Solstice, a Time for Reflection

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Photographing Wildlife in Snowstorms and Freezing Fog

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Winter Storm Accents Flowers

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Story behind the Camera

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

TMCC Main Art Gallery Reception for Reno Open Studios

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Cedar Breaks, Utah

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Mount Grant, Nevada

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Nevada, Land of Snow Capped Mountains

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