Tag: photos

The Aurora

Standing out here under a starry, Minnesota-dark sky, I can understand why some of my ancestors thought the aurora borealis, like the rainbow, was a bridge leading from Midgard (earth) to Asgard (home of the gods). Although the northern lights are often swirling and dancing across the ebon stage, sometimes they are still, like a ghostly, glowing bridge to the heavens. I get it.

are the northern lights

but a restless, emerald

stairway to heaven?

–Photos by me

A Lensman’s Lament

Despite the assuming title here, I’m not any kind of photographer–but I sure do like taking pictures! There’s nothing like getting out there in nature early in the morning, when my camera and I are both fully charged. However, if you’ve ever snapped a few yourself, you know about the disappointments and failures of the endeavor. Here are four examples of things that make me go grrr when taking wildlife pics:

The subjects won’t cooperate. No matter how hard you try to get a group of anything to conform to the shot, there’s always that one screwing it up at the last second.

Animal butts. I swear that three-quarters of my wildlife photos are of their back ends as they flee. In their defense, some butts are almost cute, or at least interesting like this mama lynx’s. It looks somewhat like a lions–who’s she trying to kid?

Too damn ugly! Some creatures, like these vultures, just aren’t picturesque no matter what filters or settings I use. People don’t like to look at them.

Out of focus. There’s nothing worse than when you think you’ve captured a great moment in nature only to get home and find that your photo is useless garbage.

In truth, these are all minor annoyances for the most part, and are nothing compared to the joy and peace of mind I get by just being out in the woods with my camera.

–Photos by me