Everglades in Monochrome

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Everglades in Black and White by Chip Bunnell Photography

The Everglades is truly a wonder of nature. Often, when the name is heard, alligators and some interesting characters that drive air boats come to mind. In reality, there are several very different parts of this giant National Park, each as equally distinctive as the others.

This image depicts the largest portion of the 2 million acre wetland ecosystem, the sawgrass marshes.  Dubbed the “River of Grass”, a shallow, slow moving river meanders through the tall grass as it makes its way south to Florida Bay and the Florida Keys.  Numerous species of birds call this area home.  Native palm trees can be seen in the distance.  Massive spring clouds add interest as they seem to glide just above the tree line. As this is the end of our annual dry season, the grass is brown, just waiting for the summer rains to return them to their lush green appearance.

Deep in the Everglades, along the historic Tamiami Trail, Clyde Butcher, one of my favorite photographers has his gallery and former home.  After enjoying his truly spectacular monochromatic work, I was inspired to process this frame as a black and white.

For the last week I have been working exclusively with a Fuji X-T1 system.  I do love my full Canon system, but I am enjoying the lighter weight of the mirrorless design.  More details on this to follow….

Photo Stuff:  Single image with a Fuji X-T1, Processed in LR and Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

www.ChipBunnell.com
©2015 All Rights Reserved

 

Yoga Backbend at Sunrise

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Backbend at Sunrise by Chip Bunnell Photography

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I learned long ago an important truth: Each new sunrise brings new opportunities and possibilities.  Often, these opportunities come as a joyful surprise.  On a particularly gray morning in March, this was once again proven through the lens of my camera.

The sky was covered with thick, low clouds; a heavy fog blanketed the beach.  I ventured into the pre-dawn darkness, in hopes of capturing a moody image of a commercial fishing pier.  Even though I have photographed this location countless times, I had a new image in mind.  As I ventured to the beach, I made my previously-visioned images, moving from side to side under the massive structure.  It was then I noticed a new and unexpected sight – a beautiful woman performing a variety of yoga poses in the early morning light.  After introducing myself, I asked if I could make some quick images of her doing various yoga positions.  She smiled and agreed.

My willing subject was Susie, a Professional Yoga and Pilates instructor.  Her strength and control over her poses more than validated her credentials.  After several poses on the beach, she agreed to again assume her handstand backbend that originally caught my eye.  Hard edges of the pier structure were softened by the gentle curve she provided.  The soft morning light added a natural warmth and a natural glow to her skin.

For professional Yoga or Pilates instruction, contact Susie to schedule an appointment.  Be sure to check out her website:  www.YogaSusie.com  You will enjoy her friendly manner as well as her knowledge of how to strengthen the human body.

Photo Stuff:  Single frame, natural light.  Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com
© 2015 All Rights Reserved