Tag Archives: not

Landscape Not-Photography

It is no secret that I’m pretty serious about my landscape photography. I spend a lot of time going to interesting places, searching out subjects, and making photographs. In fact, this activity is undoubtedly the single biggest influence on the nature of my outdoor experiences.

Subalpine Meadow, Summer
Midday summer sky reflected in a subalpine tarn, Yosemite National Park

I embrace this effect and regard it as highly positive. I’m convinced that photography deepens my appreciation and understanding of these places and subjects. Like every photographer I know who shares my passion for these subjects, entering the natural world to make photographs focuses my perceptions in powerful ways. I slow down. I stop. I look. I ponder. I wonder. I indulge my curiosity and I see things that I would otherwise miss. I’m intensely aware of light, color, atmosphere, form, and subject.

But sometimes the photography gets in the way… Continue reading Landscape Not-Photography

About plant identification…

In case it isn’t already obvious, I’m a complete non-expert at this task. It seems that I have completely (or, “totally,” as my botanist sister writes… ;-) misidentified the plant in today’s photo.

When it comes to plant identification, I’ll readily admit that I’m far, far, oh so far, from being an expert. In one sense I know a lot – I can often recognize a plant or flower from many previous encounters. I often know exactly when and where it will grow and when it blooms, and I know where to find certain odd and unusual plants.

But when it comes to naming them, I’m often at a loss. Best case, I remember the common names of some that I’ve gotten to know over the years. More typically, I know the plant as “the one with the long stem, pointy leaves, and yellow flowers.” Worst case, I make a wild guess. As I did with the “cattail” photos.

If anyone can give me an accurate identification of this plant, I’ll be very grateful. Scientific names are fine, but common names are also great.