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

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Flowering Prickly Pear

Jewel of the Lowland Cacti

May of 2012 the temperatures have been so warm, creating a profusion of blooms with the Prickly Pear Cactus. The Prickly Pear or Opuntia is a member of the Cactaceae family. It is the most cold-tolerant and wide spread of the lowland cacti, with the genus name derived from the ancient Greek city of Opus.

Growing in dense clusters, the flower blooms from the tip of the cactus nodule, which will ripen into a delicious red fruit called "tuna". Care must be taken to harvest the fruit because the Prickly Pear has two defense systems: long sharp spines and smaller hair like projections, "glochids” which stick to anything that comes near.

The beautiful two inch, 5 cm, flowers of the Prickly Pear are short lived and only last for one day.

For more information on the Prickly Pear:
http://www.desertusa.com/magoct97/oct_pear.html http://www.desertusa.com/magoct97/oct_pear.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.

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, May 22, 2012

The 2012 Solar Eclipse from Walker Lake, Nevada

Playing Hide and Seek with the Sun

On Sunday, May 20, 2012 around 17:30 or 5:30 PDT the moon was to be passing between the Earth and the Sun, creating an annular solar eclipse. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the smaller moon blocks out most of the sun's light, creating an annulus ring or Ring of Fire.

Not having the proper solar filter did not dissuade me from trying to capture a photo of this rare event. I stacked several filters on my 35-70mm 2.8 Nikon lens including a Tiffen Neutral Density #3, a Nikon Circular Polarizer and a Heliopan Split Neutral Density. With camera on tripod and electronic cable release attached, I ventured out to get the photos without looking at the eclipsing sun. Contrary to some myths, it is not safe to look at the sun even though it is 99 percent covered by the moon. That one percent is still bright enough to cause eye damage.

What I was hoping to get would have been something like this:

However, nature was up to playing hide and seek with the sun as a layer of clouds moved in right over the Wassuk Mountains where the sun would be setting. Since I was set up, I took some exposures of the sun behind the clouds on manual setting at f/22 with the shutter speed at 1/4000 second. Some interesting results were produced from lens flare.

After processing the RAW photos in Lightroom, I noticed the reflection of the eclipsing sun down below.

Around 18:22 or 6:22 PDT the clouds were hanging close, but it was fun to just watch the earth grow dark with a calm stillness everywhere. Even the noisy birds grew quiet.

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, May 15, 2012

Supermoon of 2012

Moon Glow at Walker Lake

On the evening of May 5, 2012, at 8:34 p.m. the biggest and brightest full moon of the year shined across Walker Lake. Called the Supermoon due its elliptical orbit passing closer to Earth, our celestial neighbor was 15,300 miles closer and appeared to look much bigger especially when it was low to the horizon.

A shutter speed of 1/4000 second and spot metering brought out the details in the bright moon and also the stars in the background.

As the Supermoon reaches higher in the sky, it becomes brighter since the sun light has less atmosphere to travel through.

The red or yellow coloring of the moon is caused from the amount of dust or haze in the air. The weather in Northern Nevada has been so dry and windy that our Supermoon appeared with a gold cast.

Getting photographs of the full moon when it appears in the dark sky is difficult due to the difference in lighting between the bright moon and the dark landscape. Exposure and fill light were adjusted in Lightroom to bring out the details in the water with this photo.

The morning after, the Supermoon shines bright in the west sky as it sets over the Wassuk Mountain Range.

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.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Mother's Day Gift

In Appreciation of Mother's Day

As a first time promo with my newly revised website shopping cart, I am offering a free digital download in celebration of Mother's Day. The high resolution 4"x 6", signed photograph of a hummingbird sipping nectar from a lily flower is available to everyone for just creating a new account with Bonnie Rannald's PhotoGraphic Expressions. The photo may be printed or used as a screen saver.

UPDATE: The Free Download time has expired however, to see what image was used, please follow the link below:

Click here to view or purchase download

Check back for more exciting offers that are coming in the near future, like my free e-book and informative videos on YouTube.

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, April 19, 2012

In Celebration of Earth Day

Senator Gaylord Nelsen's Idea Realized

On April 22nd. people across the world join together and participate in Earth Day to share in their appreciation for our planet. It is a time for us with different beliefs and cultures to stand united with one common goal, the protection of our home, the Earth.

Earth Day evolved over 40 years ago and was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelsen, under the administration of President Kennedy for the purpose of getting the environment in to the political agenda. Since 1962, Senator Nelsen's idea has grown in to a world wide event. In 2014, it is even timelier with the significance on coming together for our sustainable future. http://earthday.envirolink.org/history.html

In my appreciation of Earth Day 2014, I would like to take a look at a few of my favorite places that might not be preserved as they are today had it not been for the efforts of conservationists like Senator Nelsen.

White Sands National Monument is located in south central New Mexico. Standing at an elevation of 4235 feet (1291 m) the white gypsum crystal sand dunes comprise an area of approximately 275-mi²(710-km² ) that is also shared with the White Sands Missile Range. White Sands National Monument preserves the terrain and inhabitants that have adapted to this ever changing environment in the world's largest gypsum dune field.

Death Valley National Park, located in the states of California and Nevada is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and had been declared an International Biosphere Reserve, with 95% of the park designated as a wilderness area.

International Biosphere Reserves are areas that are forecast to have the most difficult challenges with maintaining and conserving the diversity of the ecosystem while at the same time meeting the material needs of the growing population. Known for its extremes, Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the summer with an elevation that ranges from the saltpan at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level to the sub-alpine conditions found on the summit of Telescope Peak, which rises to 11,049 feet (3,368 m).

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located the Mojave Desert and is approximately 15 miles (24 km) west of the sprawling city of Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1990, special legislation changed the status of the Red Rock Recreation Lands to a National Conservation Area, which provides funds to maintain and protect the 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) as a National Conservation Area. A one-way 13 mile (21 km) long paved loop road provides access to the colorful topography of large red rock formations and sandstone peaks that make up the 3,000 feet (910 m) high canyon walls.

With the growing world wide population, as we use more and more of our natural resources, I believe the responsibility for our sustainable future must come from all of the Earth's citizens. Not only are we responsible for handing down a legacy of natural wonders to future generations but also for nurturing our planet in order that it will sustain us for generations to come.

http://www.earthday.org/2012

http://www.nature.org/earthday/index.htm?src=CPC.sgoogle.CE3.AG269.CC71.CL2.MT3.KW2520&gclid=CL3w7_-Mwa8CFRJlhwodqSlzvw

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.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Newberry Rescue Farm

Bringing People and Wildlife Together

Being a wildlife photographer, nothing thrills me as much as seeing animals out in their natural habitat. However for those who do not have this opportunity, the next best thing is to visit a rescue facility where animals are given proper treatment and a new chance for survival. I have visited several of these facilities where I have had some great photo opportunities and learned about different types of wildlife.

Sally Newberry is working on such a project to turn her Sally's Rescue in Washington State into the Newberry Rescue Farm. Her dream is to enlarge her present facility through grants, donations and sponsors into an educational arena where children, adults and the disabled can come, see, touch, and have close encounters with wildlife of different types, including: llamas, goats, dogs, cats, peacocks, rabbits and guinea fowl.

As a former teacher, I know the benefits from experiencing a close relationship with nature that teaches understanding and respect. As a child, I was fortunate to grow up spending so much time in nature and around animals on my uncle's farm in Georgia. For these reasons, I would like to introduce the public to Sally Newberry and her "I Have a Dream".

If anyone has information on grants and funding or would like to sponsor an animal for a small fee of $12.00 a month, please contact Sally through the following link:

http://dog.chipin.com/rescue-farm

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, April 5, 2012

Sophie's Easter Basket

Easter Tail or Two

Early on Easter morning, Sophie found some eggs that were left by the Easter Bunny

She decides to gather all the eggs for a special Easter treat.

Being such a social kitty, Sophie is going to have a Easter party.

Sophie begins the task of decorating her Easter basket. Reaching up high, she breaks twigs from the mulberry tree which she carefully chews down to the perfect size and later adds grass for a more natural look.

Sophie carefully arranges each egg to be placed in the best order. She takes a close look, inspecting her creative endeavors.

Sophie then calls Sasha over to join in the Easter fun and help hunt for the eggs.

After a fun day, Sophie relaxes in her garden, enjoying her basket of eggs.

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.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui

Spring Migration, 2012

Over the week of March 25--30, 2012, I have been noticing a large number of Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies in my yard at Walker Lake, Nevada. For this time of year, the temperatures have been very mild, ranging from the high 60's (15.6 c) during the day and only dropping to the 40's (4.4c) at night. Walker Lake is located in Northern Nevada, in the Great Basin Desert, 38.71N and 118.72W at an elevation of approximately 4,300 feet (1310.64m).

The Painted Ladies are migratory, beginning their northern trek from Baja California up through the northwestern states in the early spring, when the temperatures warm and wildflowers become abundant. Their numbers appear to increase every four, five or six years when there has been a good breeding season which is contingent on the rainfall and available food source.

During migration the Painted Ladies do not stop along the way, flying at night, in straight lines over obstacles and not around them, burning their larval fat as an energy source. Neither battered nor torn wings keep these amazing creatures from fulfilling their destiny within their two week lifespan.

The Painted Lady has two eyes that are composed of 10,000 lenses.

The proboscis or tongue is used for drinking nectar; however the Painted Lady tastes thought its feet.

Although the Painted Lady butterfly is the most widespread butterfly in the world, its numbers are decreasing in the United States due to loss of habitat and climate changes.

For more information on the Painted Lady, please visit the following links:

http://butterfly.ucdavis.edu/node/446
http://www.gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk/Article/painted-lady-butterfly

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, March 10, 2012

Photography in Weather Extremes

Worse Weather Makes for Good Photographs

I was commenting on a photo that I recently saw on Facebook where the wind was blowing so hard that the photographer had to take the photo from inside her car. The photo was a scene of a beach on the east coast that was accented with snow, waves were crashing to shore and dark clouds hung overhead. This gave me inspiration for a new blog topic, since a number of my most popular photos were taken during some of the worse weather.

I have always been a weather watcher and growing up in the southern U.S., I've seen my share of interesting types. The trick with photography is to use adverse weather to enhance the scene while keeping yourself and the camera safe and out of harm's way.

One of my first adverse weather photos was "Snow Tree at La Madre Springs". It was during Thanksgiving weekend and a major winter storm brought cold temperatures, rain and snow to the Las Vegas Valley. I ventured out to the Red Rock Canyon Conservation area for photos. When I turned on the La Madre trail to get some macro photos of cacti in the snow, I noticed the trunk of a bare tree standing out in the distance. I decided to take my chances with the macro lens and managed to get two exposures before the low clouds covered the outline of the tree. My shutter speed just happened to be fast enough to catch the falling snow and create a Monet effect.

Cold weather can be a very harsh extreme for photography and so can the heat. I was at White Sands National Monument in June to get a sunrise and even in the early morning hours there was no relief from the blistering heat. Hiking up and down on the white sand dunes became a major chore, but when I noticed the pyramid shaped dune with the setting moon I had to get closer for a better camera angle. My effort was rewarded with one of my most popular photographs, the "Morning Moon".

I love the rain and enjoy being out in it, however moisture is not good for the camera. For this reason, I always carry plastic bags to protect my equipment. During one of my autumn photo shoots in Zion National Park, I noticed the trees in the picnic area with the leaves covering the ground. There was a mist in the air and I had just taken a few exposures when the rain started pouring down. Grabbing my camera and tripod, I managed to get back to my truck without getting soaked!

Lightning has always fascinated me and even more so when it occurs in the desert. When I saw thunder cells develop over the near by Spring Mountains in the early evening, I decided to go out and take my chances on filming some strikes. I positioned the camera and tripod next to my truck door just in case I needed to quickly jump in. Luck was with me when I got a two minute exposure in the photo titled "Summer Storm", right before the storm moved in my direction.

El Nino can bring a lot of rain to the southwestern desert. That January, the weather had been exceptionally cold and wet. One morning, I received an early call from the ranger station in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation area that there was a huge waterfall flowing at Lost Creek Canyon from the rain and snow melt and they did not know how long it would last. Rushing out with camera in tow, I made the 400 meter hike, scrambling over the rocks and cold frosty trail as fast as possible. Setting my camera and tripod in the water at a low angle, I was able to slow the fast moving "Waterfall at Lost Creek" to a gentle flowing stream.

As soon as I heard that the last full moon of the 20th Century would also fall on the Winter Solstice, I knew that I had to get photos. Since Red Rock Canyon has always been one of my favorite places for the full moon, this was where I decided to do the photography. Well, the best laid plans are always conginent on the fate of the weather and on this special night the winds were forecast to be very strong! For a low light photo, my shutter speed was going to be slow and more susceptible to camera shake. After finding the right location, I positioned my truck to block some of the wind while trying to time my shutter release in between the gusts.

Maybe it's my sense of adventure or love for a challenge, but being out in the elements and getting that once in a lifetime photo makes the effort even more rewarding.

If you are interested in reading about more of my adventures in weather photography, please check the links below.

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

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2010/11/cold-weather-photography.html

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2009/10/national-weather-service-weather.html

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2009/03/chasing-rainbows.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.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Flowering Prickly Pear

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The 2012 Solar Eclipse from Walker Lake, Nevada

Playing Hide and Seek with the Sun

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Supermoon of 2012

Friday, May 4, 2012

Mother's Day Gift

Thursday, April 19, 2012

In Celebration of Earth Day

Monday, April 16, 2012

Newberry Rescue Farm

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Sophie's Easter Basket

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Photography in Weather Extremes

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