Airboat in the Everglades

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Airboat in the Everglades by Chip Bunnell Photography

The “River of Grass” is not as difficult to navigate as it may look. From the bank, it looks like an endless field of grass with unknown critters below the line. In reality, it is a very delicate ecosystem that serves as the home to many birds, alligators and other endangered species.  It is critical to travel through these protected waters in the least aggressive means possible.  One solution – the airboat.

Long ago, inhabitants realized the destructive nature of the traditional boat propeller system on the soft river bottom. By moving the propeller above the waterline, the possibility of prop damage was removed.  This giant fan was then mounted to a unique flat bottomed hull to allow the boat to glide over the grass and even muddy land with ease. The airboat was born!

Today, these boats are the primary way to explore deep in the “Glades” and observe this wonderful slice of nature. Not only is it a responsible way to view this National Park, but it is truly exhilarating to seemingly fly across winding canals in search of some of the most remote residents.

Photo Stuff: Single frame, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity
Fuji X-T1

www.ChipBunnell.com
©2015 All Rights Reserved

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