NATURE :: Stormy Days at the Pier

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Lake Worth PierSouth Florida is known world-wide for it’s incredible beaches, tan bodies and exciting water sports.  The only catch is the past two weeks, the “Sunshine State” has been, well, less than sunny.  Tis the season for rain to make our palm trees grow and the lawns green.  We appreciate it, but perhaps two solid weeks of this is a bit much.  I created this image to reflect the less than sunny days of late, while still depicting the interesting sites we have in our very own backyard.

Several days ago I walked along the beach at the Lake Worth Pier during sunrise.  While the thick, low cloud blanket kept any interesting light from the human eye, this allowed me to focus on the waves rolling on the beach and crashing against the solid pier legs.  There were no major storms – just the usual ebb and flow on a typical day, except there were no other distractions to pull focus from the wave subject.  Even though the ocean was relatively calm on this particular morning, she unleashed just a small sample of her true power each time a simple, relatively small column from the pier stood in her path.  Appropriate respect is deserved, indeed.

3 Frame hand-held HDR, Processed in Photomatix Pro, LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com

NATURE :: Japanese Falls of Boca Raton

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Chip Bunnell Photography Waterfalls Boca Raton FloridaSeveral weeks ago we were able to spend a special day with my mother. Being an avid plant lover, the perfect activity for her was an afternoon at the Morikami Japanese Gardens. She enjoyed seeing the various species and how they were arranged in traditional garden designs throughout the centuries. While I do not share the same level of interest in our plant friends, it was truly interesting to see the varieties and the meaning in their arrangements. Of course sharing the experience with my mother and wife was the true gem to me.

As we returned to the entrance, we were treated to a special site – a beautiful waterfall, right in the heart of the flat lands of S Florida. Water in an important element in the Asian culture. It is also the element that helps ground me. While our time in this particular spot was brief, I was able to take in the powerful sound of the water falling upon strategically placed rocks below. A calm pond formed in front with thick foliage surrounding. This image is a snapshot in time of that special moment.

3 Frame hand-held HDR, Processed in Photomatix Pro and LR

www.ChipBunnell.com