Stephen Kirkpatrick

Monday, December 24, 2012

Regifting

An article in today's Clarion Ledger provided scientific proof of something many of us have already known for years.

Titled "Study: Spending Time in Nature Helps Creativity," the article recapped the results of a scientific study by psychologists at the University of Utah and University of Kansas. The study showed that people who spent time in nature, disconnected from all of their electronic devices, scored 50 percent higher on creativity tests. The article went on to explain that the negative effects of "being in front of a computer all day, every day can be offset by spending time in nature."

If too much time spent on your computer, in front of the TV, or staring at your iPad has left you feeling a little drained and weary, give yourself an extra gift this holiday season. Spend some time outdoors.

I hope the photos below will remind you what's out there waiting if you'll take the time to enjoy it.  

Merry Christmas.


Gray Squirrel



Green-winged Teal

Sunrise and Decoys

White-tailed Deer



Mallard Landing



Ring-necked Ducks Passing



White-tailed Deer


Wood Duck in Flight

Wood Ducks at Sunrise



Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Goosed


Last week I was in Stuttgart, AR for the 77th World Championship Duck Calling contest. Even though most of my time was spent with Muddy Water Camo promotion, I just had to get out and shoot since so many geese were arriving early. Here are a select few.

Enjoy!


























Friday, November 9, 2012

Odd Man Out


I received a call yesterday from a man who asked if I would be interested in photographing a piebald deer. He explained that he’d seen it a few times on his game cam and invited me to come to his place and see if the deer showed up. I often get calls from people who want me to come capture a “special” shot or animal on their property. Most of the time the only thing I find is a goose – as in, “wild goose chase.” But this time, I had a good feeling, the weather was perfect, and a piebald deer is rare, so I decided to head out. 

We met yesterday and scoped out the area. I found a great place to set up a ground blind, settled in, and began the wait. At 4:20, a large doe walked out. Then, right behind her, came two 2012 offspring, including the striking piebald. Both young deer were bucks. I’m already excited about next year, when I might get to photograph a piebald with antlers.



Twin Bucks (four months old)



Two Families Together



Doe and Two Fawns (on right)
Doe and Two Yearlings (on left)



Flags Up



Outta Here







Friday, November 2, 2012

A Weeks Worth

This past week has provided some interesting photographic opportunities. The last couple of posts have shown some of them and here are 10 more.

Enjoy!



Teal & Gadwall in Flight




Black & Yellow Argiope Spider & Webs




Great Blue Heron Preening




Tupelo Gum in Fog




Canada Geese in Flight




Great Blue Heron in Cypress Tree




Great Egret in Flight




Bur-marigold & Cypress in Fog




Marbled Orb Weaver in Cypress Swamp




Great Egret Catching Shad





Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Well Groomed

Watching this great egret preen was very enjoyable, it went on for at least five minutes. He obviously was very intent on being well groomed, giving both sides of his anatomy the feathery attention needed.

Enjoy!










Friday, October 26, 2012

Dawnburst

Yesterday was a good day for On A Roll. The sunrise was one of "those" that constantly changed and amazed for over an hour. Choosing that "right" moment was hard but I went with this one early, I like the color mix.

Spending the last several days shooting gave me some good info on where I needed to be for the best shot. I got a number of other shots that I really enjoyed composing, just not On A Roll. Man I love this job.

Enjoy!




18)  Riverbend Sunrise --- Dawnburst
        Madison County, MS
October  25, 2012 - 6:47 am
Partly Cloudy, 63 degrees
17-35mm, 1.3 sec.@f4




19)  Leaves in Swamp --- Ghostly Reflections
        Madison County, MS
October 25, 2012 - 8:16 am
Fog, 61 degrees
17-35mm, 1/10@f8






Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Evening Walk


Went out on Monday to try to find #18 On A Roll. Nothing turned up that I found interesting enough to capture, but as always nature provides those moments of calm and wonder. 




Doe and Fawn at Dusk



Stormy Skies and Goldenrod



Canada Geese Headed Out at Dusk





Thursday, September 20, 2012

Take A Gander

#17 On A Roll - and a wonderful, chilly morning.








17)  Canada Geese in Flight --- Take A Gander
 Madison County, MS
September 20, 2012 - 6:45 am
Clear w/fog, 48 degrees
500mm, 1/50@f4



























Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Things Are Looking Up

Got #16 On A Roll yesterday, this guy was MAD. He attacked a couple of times and finally held this position only for a moment. It was fun! I also took shot #15 On A Roll a couple of days ago but was unable to get another shot for publication here, it happened too fast. But things are looking up as far as moving on with this project. On A Roll has become a very important part of my life, always dominating my thoughts and plans.



Water Moccasin Watching 


16)  Water Moccasin --- Things Are Looking Up

 Madison County, MS
September 11, 2012 - 4:52 pm
Partly Cloudy, 84 degrees
180mm, 1/200@6.3



15)  Nursing Fawns --- Got Milk 
 Madison County, MS
September 1, 2012 - 4:54 pm
Partly Cloudy, 88 degrees
500mm, 1/15@f4, Tripod






Friday, September 7, 2012

Speaking Engagement


I will be speaking tomorrow night and showing Creation Calls, a very moving visual and musical journey through the natural world. Featuring photography of the underwater realm, earthscapes, light, dew & animals.


View a short teaser of Creation Calls below.





CREATION CALLS
   September 8, 2012    
Great Outdoor Expo - 6:30 pm
Elizabethtown BIC Church
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania  
 717-367-2651
www.etownbic.org












Friday, August 31, 2012

Depth Of Field

For all of my friends that deal with understanding the "apertures" function in changing depth of field, this might help. It is not a perfect illustration, but you get the idea.






Monday, August 27, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Web Of Confusion


Finally...#14  On A Roll.

When I spotted this scene I knew instantly it was On A Roll material. The spider legs wrapping around the captured butterfly from behind and the repeated orange color were awesome.






14)  Red-spotted Purple (Basilarchia astyanax) caught by Golden Silk Spider (Nephila clavipes
Madison County, MS
August 21, 2012 - 5:01 pm
Overcast, 81 degrees
180mm w/ext tube, 1/30@f8, Tripod




Below is an example of a concept I emphasize in workshops. If possible, take a look at the other side of a subject that you find interesting. There might be another photo waiting there, too.


Golden Silk Spider (Nephila clavipes








Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Personality Paint


PimpYourCam puts the fun back in photography


“Life is colorful…Photography is having fun…PimpYourCam!” touts the team behind the new way to customize your camera bodies and lenses. Choose from several designs by the Berlin airbrush artist, or get a more customized design by filling out their “pimp-configuration” form (though beware it’s all in German!). Here are a few of my favorites: