Stephen B. Photography

Anole!

2009-12-19T11:49:00.002-06:00

Sounds like a fiesta!

Waiting For Christmas!

2009-12-19T10:50:00.002-06:00

Shopping Time

2009-12-19T10:44:00.000-06:00

Okay, a week before Christmas. Time to get shopping!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:21:00.002-06:00

I have so much to be grateful for today. I having a loving and supportive wife, four great ambitious children, two grandchildren, and loads of friends and family. Thank you all for being who you are and for making my life course worth traveling.

New Website

2009-11-21T05:51:00.003-06:00

I'm very excited about unveiling my new website. It should open up today or tomorrow. Been very busy selecting the pix, music, etc. for it and stayed up late way too much lately doing it. I hope you enjoy it.

www.stephenbennettphotography.com

Wood Stork

2009-10-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

Violet Saberwing

2009-10-13T21:53:00.000-05:00

Spider Monkey Baby

2009-10-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

Spider Monkey

2009-10-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

Scarlett Macaws

2009-10-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

Iguana on Palm

2009-10-13T21:47:00.001-05:00

Clouded Leopard

2009-10-13T21:45:00.000-05:00

Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar

2009-10-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

Howler Monkey

2009-10-13T21:40:00.000-05:00

Groove-Billed Ani

2009-10-13T21:39:00.000-05:00

Turquoise Browed Motmot

2009-10-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

Day 3 - Butterfly Flower

2009-09-01T21:38:00.002-05:00

Days 3 of the 365.

Day 2 - Cicada Skin

2009-09-01T21:35:00.002-05:00

Day two of the 365 Nature/Landscape project.

Day 1 - Nature/Landscape Project 365

2009-08-30T13:07:00.002-05:00

I have decided to embark on what may promise to be an impossible task for me, to take a nature or landscape photograph daily for 365 days and to post the results. I hope to use it to hone my skills, make me search for the unusual in the mundane, and to keep me out of trouble! I hope you enjoy my journey, as I hope to.

This is Day 1, Great Blue Heron, Brazos Bend State Park, Texas

Bellagio, Italy

2009-08-27T17:46:00.002-05:00

Bellagio, Italy

Swiss Scout

2009-08-27T17:32:00.003-05:00

This boy reminded me a bit of a Norman Rockwell painting. Appenzell, Switzerland

St. Goar, Germany Grapevine

2009-08-26T21:47:00.002-05:00

Grapevines are used all over Europe in decorative ways as swags around doorway.

Backstreet Boy

2009-08-18T07:16:00.001-05:00

This is a back street in Luxembourg. Lots of little details and tones of grays.

Visiting

2009-08-14T17:20:00.002-05:00

Lucerne, Switzerland

Shedding Hohenschwangau

2009-08-13T18:05:00.002-05:00

This caught my eye in the nooks of Hohenschwangau.

Gleaning Wisdom

2009-08-12T21:23:00.001-05:00

Gleaning wisdom in the Hofbrau Haus, Munich

Mums the Word

2009-08-12T21:05:00.000-05:00

Goat Raspberries

2009-08-12T20:57:00.001-05:00

Sometimes they just don't want their pictures taken!

Salzburg Buggy Driver

2009-08-08T18:47:00.003-05:00

They were all lined up with no where to go... I usually don't like to center a subject, but with the antiques look, I thought it worked.

Living on the Edge

2009-08-07T13:03:00.002-05:00

What can I say? Saw these two hikers along this trail looking straight down the cliff edge.

Kandersteg, Switzerland Church

2009-08-07T12:44:00.002-05:00

This is a little church on the main street in Kandersteg, Switzerland. It is a ski town during the season, but probably best known as the home of the International Scout Camp.

Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany

2009-08-06T19:21:00.002-05:00

This is the Castle Hohenschwangau, built by Bavarian King Ludwig I. It is now Germany. Beautiful view of the castle and landscape in the background.

Varenna, Italy Pearl of Lake Como

2009-08-06T18:39:00.003-05:00

It is interesting, but every city located on the beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy proclaims themselves the Pearl of Lake Como. They all seem to have a lot of character. Bellagio is probably the most well known, because of its namesake in Las Vegas. George Clooney recently became a resident of the fair city.

Old Timer

2009-08-06T06:27:00.002-05:00

Old timer swimming in lake near Bellagio, Italy

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria

2009-08-06T06:10:00.002-05:00

This is a photo of the altar in the church in Mondsee, Austria, made famous by the wedding scene in "The Sound of Music".

Munich Steeples

2009-08-06T06:02:00.002-05:00

Being at the right place at the right time is always good for a photographer. This was taken from our hotel room in Munich at sundown, just as we returned from a day of shooting.

Legs to Die For

2009-07-01T19:22:00.002-05:00

We All Could Use a Little Hopi

2009-07-01T15:46:00.003-05:00

This is a Hopi Chipmunk which perched itself on a beautiful cedar. I had scared it off on my hike through "The Neck" area of Canyonlands National Park, but figured if I sat down out of it's sight line, it might pop up to see what was going on. I wanted it to get on this tree, so moved to where it was positioned between where I saw the little critter disappear last. Sure enough, it ran up the tree and have me a quick few seconds. I love the intricate shapes the tree offers, and the bonus of the tiny Chippy there for perspective.

What Up?

2009-07-01T13:11:00.001-05:00

This is a Whiptail Lizard found during my trip to Arches NP.

A Little Prickle

2009-06-29T16:25:00.002-05:00

Prickly Pear in the high desert, Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Seeing Beyond My Veil

2009-06-28T17:29:00.003-05:00

I'm quickly learning that no matter how well planned a trip to get exceptional wildlife and landscape photos, God and His creation control it all. I believe He reveals to us what He wants us to see. We control the technical instruments to catch a glimpse, but He exhibits what we see in front of the lens. The more I see, and the more awed I become, the more He allows me to add to my understanding. My portfolio is only a microcosm of His. I am very thankful of the opportunities He affords me, though I am unworthy in so many ways.

Delicate Rainbows

2009-06-28T12:08:00.003-05:00

Storms gathered while I sat waiting for the sun to set to get the bright shots. The clouds never really broke for the great shots of the full Delicate Arch, but as all of the other people began to leave, the rainbows popped. What a beautiful sight to see.

Timpanogas Cave Drapery

2009-06-27T23:00:00.003-05:00

This is a mineral deposit structure called "drapery" located in Timpanogas Cave in American Fork Canyon, Utah. It has taken thousands of years for this beautiful art of God to form.

Delicate Arch Light Painting

2009-06-27T16:34:00.005-05:00

I was getting a bit nervous when the sun went down and the crowds left and I was the last one at the famous Delicate Arch. I had good reason. I had three light sources on me when I began the journey down. I got out my headlamp to use on the hike down. Dead batteries. No problem, I had an LED flashlight. Too dim. My last and greatest resource, the Q-Beam I used for light painting was in my day pack. It was great. It lit up have the county, until the battery pack fell out of the back of the light and hit the ground. My stomach fell when it happened. Not a good omen. I could not get it to turn back on, so had to revert to my little LED flashlight. Long story short, I lost the rock cairn trail and after crisscrossing several times and getting to within an 80 ft cliff drop, decided I was lost and made preparations to hunker down for the night until I could see well enough to find the path down. It's a 1.5 mile hike to Delicate Arch. I had a poncho and used it to create a makeshift tent with my tripod. I had a short sleeve shirt on, but had plastic lens rain covers for my telephoto lens, which I used to cover my arms and tightened them with drawstrings. I used my day pack as a pillow and wide brimmed hat to cover my head. My main discomfort level was that I knew enough about cougars to know that they are always very aware of where you are, so I kept one eye open all night hoping I wouldn't hear any growling in my ear. I kept my head tucked under the tripod tent as much possible, since cougars make kills at the head and neck. I figured it that wasn't visible, it would help the cause. After shivering in 50 degree weather and watching stars have the night, the sun finally rose enough for me to see my surroundings and I was able to rediscover the lost path a few hundred yards away. The lessons we always teach our Boy Scouts paid off for me. That evening, though I ended up wasting a paid night at a much more comfortable location. This picture will always remind me of that special evening.

Light Painting of Balance Rock

2009-06-27T16:32:00.003-05:00

Update: This was a June top pick by Art Wolfe on his monthly photo contest. I'm very happy about it.

This was my first foray into light painting and I can tell I'll be hooked. It gives you a perspective not many others get to see and is a heck of a lot of fun.

Turret Arch from North Window

2009-06-27T16:28:00.003-05:00

This is a shot of Turret Arch through North Window Arch. You have to rock scramble to a pretty precarious peak to get this shot. I was there long before sunup and fended off the spot from a couple of other photographers.

Sunrise from Balance Rock

2009-06-27T15:37:00.002-05:00

As I worked on my light painting at Balance Rock, the sun began to rise and my attention shifted to the west. I had a very striking silhouette emerge. I used a red filtered Q-Beam to barely light the front edges and the tree you see in the lower left corner.

Sunset at the Three Gossips

2009-06-26T17:30:00.002-05:00

This is a shot at the Three Gossips in Arches National Park. I was taking shots and the Park Ranger drove up. He was also there to take it all in.

Mesa Arch

2009-06-26T17:00:00.001-05:00

This is Mesa Arch, located in Canyonlands National Park. I was here fairly early and had the spot all to myself. What a beautiful way to begin one's morning.

Dead Horse Point

2009-06-26T16:37:00.003-05:00

This is a shot from Dead Horse Point State Park in Southern Utah. The clouds never parted, as I had hoped, but give give a smattering of rays which framed the canyon nicely. It is an awe inspiring view.

Arches NP Landscape

2009-06-25T22:28:00.003-05:00

I just returned from visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Dead Horse Point State Park in Southern Utah. What a beautiful harsh landscape one finds when arriving. When the sun dims, the landscape sparkles. I'll definitely be back with more pointed goals. This is a landscape shot at dusk from the Delicate Arch area.

Curiosity

2009-06-12T14:08:00.002-05:00

This little one came right up to me on the bank. Very unusual for one, so young especially, to be so bold. He seemed friendly enough, though.

Lotus Serve You

2009-06-07T18:55:00.002-05:00

I have fallen in love with Lotus blossoms. I have been watching them get ready to bloom for thes past several weeks and they haven't disappointed. I hope you enjoy.

Steve

Hog Wild

2009-06-07T18:35:00.002-05:00

Saw this wild hog today while driving through the park. Not real excited about the exposure. It made for a grainy pic, but I wanted to share it anyway. It was one of three adult hogs which had with them 5 or 6 piglets. They are cute (kinda), but cause a lot of damage all across southeastern Texas and are becoming a major problem. Can anyone say "hamhocks"?

Steve

Ahh, the Crawdaddy!

2009-06-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

Got a little "hair" light with this Yellow Crowned Night Heron chomping a Crawdad (Crawfish for you Northerners).

Pond Homey

2009-05-26T15:58:00.003-05:00

Not sure what type of water plant this is. I need to do some research. It was at the edge of a slough, most of the plant in the water. I liked the textures and colors.

update: It goes by a few different common names; Water Canna, Powdery Thalia, or Alligator Flag

Spring Sunning

2009-05-26T08:26:00.002-05:00

Ever wonder what it would be like to be in a gators gullet? This little guy was actually sunning himself in the morning sun, not trying to be menacing.

Filtered Little Blue

2009-05-25T16:36:00.002-05:00

I really like the filtered light I get in the swamps. On the shot of the Little Blue Heron, I waited to see if I could get a shot of head and body both dipping into the light. I think I worked out well and I was pleased to have the bird do what it was told....

Going Bananas

2009-05-25T15:53:00.002-05:00

This is fairly small Banana Spider. They can get as large as your hand.

Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

2009-05-25T13:24:00.003-05:00

I was able to see and hear Yellow-Billed Cuckoos this morning at Brazos Bend State Park. It was nice to get the opportunity. I haven't seen them in awhile.

Senor Frog

2009-05-21T06:30:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to get some bullfrog pix for awhile now with no luck. This is the first decent shot I've been able to get.

Mexican Hat

2009-05-03T21:16:00.001-05:00

This Texas Wildflower is a Mexican Hat.

Coneflower

2009-05-03T21:06:00.002-05:00

This is a Coneflower, found in Brazos Bend State Park

Home Alone?

2009-05-03T20:53:00.001-05:00

This is a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck, one of three North American species which will use nest boxes.

Portrait of a Stalwart Gentleman

2009-05-03T20:37:00.000-05:00

He was sleeping like a baby, so....

Leaves and Logs

2009-05-03T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things just stick out when you walk by and you have to back and snap them.

Chickadee

2009-05-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

Great little birds to see and photography. The Chickadee is a tough little bird to be able to get still long enough for a shot.

Rough Green Snake

2009-05-03T18:08:00.000-05:00

This is the first time I've ever seen a Rough Green Snake. Beautiful little non venomous snake. It was on a trail I was hiking this morning at about 11:45 a.m., Brazos Bend State Park, near Houston, Texas

Another Squirrelly Pic

2009-04-29T14:38:00.001-05:00

She let me get close...

Going Yard

2009-04-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

This little girl was stealing birdseed from my feeders this morning, so I thought I'd take something back from her...

Moon/Venus Convergence

2009-04-24T19:13:00.000-05:00

This is the Moon and Venus Convergence seen in the Texas skies early Wednesday morning, April 22.

Blue Cormorants

2009-04-16T06:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the blue version of the cormorant photo

Hey vato, look, I got nothing!

2009-04-13T15:56:00.000-05:00

I came across this Yellow-Crowned Night Heron drying it's wings in the morning sunshine. I couldn't resist....

Steve

Purple Sensation

2009-04-13T15:18:00.000-05:00

This is another shot from this morning. I am finally starting to see Purple Gallinules this Spring....

Steve

Little Yella Fella

2009-04-13T15:15:00.000-05:00

This is a Prothonotary Warbler I was able to capture this morning. They are some of my favorites. Hope you like...

Steve

How To Capture A Critter (in pixels)

2009-03-21T10:07:00.000-05:00

I'm often asked how I'm able to capture animals in different behaviors, which is great, because that is my goal. Too many times we see nice photographs of different bird species, or mammals in side profiles, looking rather flat. The pictures don't evoke any kind of emotion from the viewer. These pix are great if you are trying to make identification catalogs, or if you are creating a pictoral bird life list.
My goal, as a wildlife photographer, is to make you feel something compelling when you view the photo. It may not be a thousand words the story of the photo tells, but it should move you in some way.
My best advice is to shoot, shoot, shoot. To really get good results you have to be around your subjects a lot and know what to expect. Learn how they commonly behave in their environments. When you get to a point when you can half-way figure out what they will do next, you'll be able to be prepared for that money shot.
Much of the time, I find a location where birds or other animals are active, and settle in. I may sit for an hour to get the critter used to my presence. I make no quick movements and pretend not to notice them and they seem to become less wary and go about their business. Once they have accepted the fact that you are not a threat, you will get much better results.
As you are beginning, go to parks, zoos, and places where animals are used to human presence. They almost become tame, at least enough for you to get close. This is great practice for the beginner, or even if you just feel that need to get out and shoot, and can get some absolutely stunning pictures. Even squirrels in your back yard are fair game. And they are some of the most photogenic animals around.
When you go to more remote areas to find subjects, you really have to put in your peepers. Don't pass by potential masterpieces. Walk slowly and look around you everywhere. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten a really nice picture of something 20 people have just passed by, not even realizing what they've missed. To see an American Bittern, you have to be very attentive. They blend in and stay very still.
One last thing. There is no shame in noticing what other photographers are looking at. And I've never met one yet (I'm sure I will someday) who has not been pleasant, informative and even helpful in getting me in positions for nice shots. If you strike up a conversation, you may even be able to find out where other great opportunities exist. Many times I will be told where such and such is located this morning. Networking is a beautiful thing.
You may also opt to use blinds and baits to attract subject to you. I don't use those methods. I have enough gear to carry and really want to feel like I've made a legit capture. There are some very nice pictures obtained in this way, however. Never say never.
Until next time.

Carolina Wren

2009-03-20T20:26:00.000-05:00

This little guy was singing away in a woodland area of Brazos Bend State Park, near Houston , Texas