Out and about

[Steve Foss]

Well, it got to be a long, long day, but there were a few that I liked when it all got downloaded and looked at.

Fly on Susan

Big enough to RUN!

Another return to the Enchanted Forest

Dewdrop under rose hip

Why do you suppose they call it a hawkeye?

[captainshane]

All are great shots. The dew drop is really cool!!!!!

[Canon Guy]

That's a killer dew shot!

[MuleShack]

So why did the Hen cross the road?

Nice shot with the dew drop, that is really cool.

[harvey lee]

Great stuff Steve.

[Birdsong]

With all of the shots of the enchanted forest, for some reason this is my favorite. If I could just fill the whole computer screen with it, I think I could feel as if I were there. I like the dew drop, were you in your enchanted forest at the time?

[Steve Foss]

Thanks, all. Sarah, the dewdrop was not in the enchanted forest, but is a reflection of the edge of that location. Too much shade in the forest for roses.

The level of detail from front to back of the image is crying out for a really large print. I shot this one with the Canon 24 f1.4L in dead calm at f22 with a 30 second exposure.

Likely by this time next summer, I'll have an autumn, winter, and spring image from this spot. Ideally I'd print this summer one truly large, like 30x40ish and frame it as the central piece, adding the other three seasons as smaller images framed and in a row below or above it.

It's the kind of place that makes you want to keep going back.

So I will. And I reckon Ken will, too.

[S.D. Ice Angular]

Nice Shots!!

I like the fly shot.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Dude, the dew drop is Killer!!!!!

[MN Shutterbug]

Dew drop for me too.

[Steve Foss]

Anyone else think the dew drop comp looks a bit like the eye/cheek of a red and green snake, or am I taking too many hallucinogenic drugs?

[wishing for walleyes]

They are all very nice shots...But that dewdrop is wowwwwwww.Good job.

[Jim Almquist]

You really get some great looking colors from your shots at the enchanted Forest and the that shot of the Rose Hip when blown up should be a show piece. The expression on the hawks face is just too funny.

[Birdsong]

Anyone else think the dew drop comp looks a bit like the eye/cheek of a red and green snake, or am I taking too many hallucinogenic drugs?

Is it a bad thing that I can see that, too? Especially if you squint a little. I was surprised by the red ring that surrounds the drop. Does that usually happen with a dew drop macro? Haven't noticed it before. Being on a strong color would probably bring it out.

If you possibly can, try getting the enchanted forest immediately after a rain when the sun is streaming down through the trees. I had an opportunity last summer in Washington, but I was new to DSLR and new to using creative settings. The only one that began to catch the magic was shot in black and white. The forest was hauntingly similar to yours.

[HawgMan]

Great Pic's Steve!!

The dew drop's a dandy!!

[bassNspear]

whew, that drop is awesome. You are the bomb!

[Yellowhead]

Steve, You should think about documenting the "enchanted forest" through an entire year. A series of 12 great photos woul make one unstanding calendar.

[buzzsaw]

Your Enchanted Forest image is very nice and would look great on metallic paper.

[ShawnZ]

Sweet variety! Great to see that grouse bookin it like that, what a strange look it gives the bird with it's neck all stretched out like that. I also REALLY enjoy the hawk image, the lighting on the bird is sweet and it is giving something a serious look, I think it's great that it's not looking at you.

[Steve Foss]

Thanks so much, everyone, for looking and commenting.

Buzzy, I hadn't thought of metallic paper for that one. Thanks! One print coming up!

Yellowhead, I don't think there'd be enough variety throughout the year to get 12 uniquely monthly images from the location. How to differentiate July from August or December from January, for example. I think the four key seasons, however, will have a lot to offer. Ken (finnbay) and I already have made plans.

[ShawnZ]

With your eye for macro compositions, I doubt you would have difficulty coming up with twelve compositions from the "enchanted forest".

[JayinMN]

Great series but did you scare the tail right of that grouse.... The grouse population really seems to be booming this year, young ones are all over on the back roads.

I really enjoy the enchanted forest shots too.

[Steve Foss]

Shawn, I don't doubt you are correct. There are tons of wonderful images to be made over there. We'll continue to see how it goes.

Jason, the grouse was an immature bird, part of a covey I busted along the road. There rest flew away, but this one apparently felt like exercising leg instead of wing muscles.