Kathleen Bowman Photography: Blog https://www.kb-photos.com/blog en-us (C) Kathleen Bowman [email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:47:00 GMT Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:47:00 GMT https://www.kb-photos.com/img/s/v-12/u628877418-o1026686749-50.jpg Kathleen Bowman Photography: Blog https://www.kb-photos.com/blog 120 69 Before and After-A Lantern Image https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/12/before-and-after-a-lantern-image We recently had our first trip to Nashville, TN.  My husband had some business meetings and I tagged along. We have some dear friends who live just outside of Nashville and I couldn't pass up the chance to visit with them.  It had been nearly two years since we had seen them.  I took this pictures on one of the days we were downtown in Nashville.  It was mid to late afternoon.  This building was in the shade, but I loved the blue color and the black lantern on it.  As we were walking, I stopped and quickly snapped this photo.  I knew it would need help in post.  My original idea was to turn it to black and white but when I did so, it just didn't look right.  For one thing, the light was still turned off. There's just something cold and sad about a light that's out. Bummer.  What to do...

Well, in post I cropped it and darkened the edges and then..."I turned on the light" using a brush tool.  I also added a radial filter so I could control the way the light was hitting the wall and also to warm up just the part of the wall where the yellow light was "shining" but leave the edges a cooler blue.  I like the way this image turned out.  It reminds me of how seeing our friends again, warmed my heart.  I think turning on the light made all the difference!  What do you think?  

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) before and after downtown Instagram lantern Lightroom Classic nashville post processing still life street photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/12/before-and-after-a-lantern-image Wed, 04 Dec 2019 18:51:14 GMT
I bought the book, Create-by Marc Silber https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/10/i-bought-the-book-create-by-marc-silber Marc Silber was recently on the show The Grid, a live webcast on Kelby One.  He talked about his new book, Create-Tools from Seriously Talented People to Unleash your Creative Life.  I was so excited to get this book and I have begun to read it. Just the quotes from this book are amazing and the feel of this book is wonderfully smooth! 

Below is the first page from my Create Notebook, suggested by the author.  I'm not much for sketching, but I do calligraphy and lettering. I'm grateful to Marc, that his book has already motivated me to return to this creative outlet again, as I haven't done it much lately.  I'm excited for the days ahead and how this book helps me unleash a more creative life.

 Though Marc is a photographer, the whole book isn't just aimed at photographers, but anyone...artists and non artists, even if you don't think you're creative. One thing I can say is that it is an interactive book, not a quick read.  I suppose you could do a quick read-through, but you'd have to go back and work through it for it to truly affect your life.  

I guess that's all I have to say so far, but hopefully I can give more updates in the weeks and months to come, as I work through this book.
I hope you get as much out of this book as I am hoping to.

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) artists books Create by Marc Silber creative creativity interactive notebook photographer tools https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/10/i-bought-the-book-create-by-marc-silber Thu, 03 Oct 2019 06:15:00 GMT
BTS-Still Life for Vintage Book Lovers https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/9/bts-still-life-for-book-lovers I thought I'd share a behind-the-scenes photo of part of a fall shoot I did recently.  I had picked up a vintage book of poetry from a library $1 sale and wanted to shoot it. I picked up the cool jar from the thrift store.  I loved the color and texture. I got the fall berry branches from Hobby Lobby and liked the look of them.  I decided to use the plain, green wall in our living room as the background because I liked the mood it provided and how it worked with the other natural colors in the scene. 

How did I shoot it? (scroll down if you don't want all the details)

For a main light, I used my Westcott Solix LED light at about a 90 degree angle to the left of the diffuser. (A 43", 5 in 1 reflector that I got free, with my education through New York Institute of Photography). Here's a link to a similar one, from Neewer.  I clamped some extra pergo planks I had, to a 2'x4' table.  I used some foam board on the right as a fill.

For this shoot, I used a Canon 70D because it has the articulating LCD screen (on which you can see the image as I had it framed up) and it makes it easier to see what I'm doing, especially if I am changing angles a lot or shooting from overhead, for a flat lay in stock images.  One of these days i'm going to shoot tethered.  I will probably love it.  I need to JUST DO IT!

*I took the BTS image with my iphone 8+

Below is the final image that I was taking in the BTS photo above. I love how this image came out!  

I post processed it in Lightroom and I warmed it up a bit, to accentuate the autumn vibe.

Below are a few images of the same book on an old wooden barrel, that I did using macro.  I used different lighting, but the same background.  The background looks black due to how I set up the lighting, though. 

There's just something about old books...the smell, the yellowed pages, the rugged edges, the worn covers. I love thinking about the story of the book's life.  Who may have held it and also read its pages?  Was it stored on a bookshelf, coffee table or stored in an old trunk?  Did its owner have a family? What kind of house might they have lived in, and where?  What type of life did they have?  So fun to imagine!

Do you love books?  Do you especially love old books?  If so, let me know in the comments!  I'd love to hear about it.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) autumn behind the scenes books BTS Canon fall library lighting macro objects old old books photography reading still life stock thrift store finds vintage vintage books Westcott worn https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/9/bts-still-life-for-book-lovers Wed, 25 Sep 2019 19:22:45 GMT
Never Forget! 911 (9-11-01) https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/9/never-forget-911-9-11-01  

May GOD BLESS the FAMILIES of those who LOST their LIVES due to the terrorist attacks on 9-11-01,

and may AMERICANS REMEMBER them and how UNITED we were the NEXT DAY. 
 

#unitedstatesofamerica #USA #neverforget #weremember #september11 #911memorial #twintowers #pentagon #shanksvillePA #american #americanflag #symboloffreedom #proudamerican #united #worldtradecenter #unitedwestand #fdny #nypd #911neverforget #remember911 #Godblessamerica #starsandstripes #americanpride #redwhiteandblue #USAstrong #freedom 
 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) #united 911 memorial 911 never forget American American flag American pride fdny flag freedom freedom" God bless America never forget nypd of pentagon proud american red white and blue remember 911 september 11 Shanksville PA stars and stripes symbol Towers" Twin United States of America united we stand USA world trade center https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/9/never-forget-911-9-11-01 Wed, 11 Sep 2019 17:00:00 GMT
Our Hike to Drift Creek Falls https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/9/our-amazing-hike-to-drift-creek-falls  

We got up early and went to the Pirate Coffee Company in Depoe Bay, Oregon, to get some yummy coffee before driving out to the trailhead for a hike on a crisp March morning .  It was my husband's birthday, (pictured below) and he got to choose what we would do.

He chose to hike to Drift Creek Falls, in the Siuslaw National Forest.  We knew from researching this location that it gets busy with people, so we got up early to hopefully avoid the crowds.  We were the first ones there, as you can see from the picture below.  Hooray!  It should be a nice quiet time out in nature, my favorite!  

There are pit toilets at the parking lot. With the coffee we had consumed on our drive to the trailhead, I was especially delighted to see them, even though they are not my favorite type of toilet to use.

I just love the sights, sounds and smells of a forest.  This one was no different, although there was a lack of bird noises on this day.

 This place is beautiful!  The trail was well maintained and the scenery was amazing.  I've mentioned some of my health issues in the past and I was interested to see how I would do on this 3 mile hike.  How would I do?  Would I be able to make it all the way there and back?  Time would tell.

Above is one of the seasonal springs that we saw along the way and a small creek, (part of Drift Creek?) we crossed.  

We made it!  The 1 and a half mile hike to the bridge was mostly downhill and I did pretty well.  This was our first glimpse of the Drift Creek Falls Suspension Bridge, a 240 foot long bridge that spans Drift Creek, over 100 feet above.  

The entrance was quite tall and impressive.
The bridge is even more impressive.  Wow!  A little intimidating, especially since I would be photographing from on top of it. The weather could have become an issue as it was getting breezy and drizzly by this time.

As we were about to step onto the bridge, I had to take another picture from this angle where the bridge disappears into the forest on the other side.

And, of course, I had to take one of the birthday boy on the bridge, too! :)

Below, is one of the photos of the falls, that I took from the bridge.  I had to wait at times, since there was a bit of wind, on and off, and I wanted to take a longer exposure to smooth out the water of the falls and it was shaking the bridge at times.  The overcast weather made it easier to expose the images I took today.

Once we were on the other side, we decided I was doing well enough to go the extra 1/2 mile to hike down to the creek; so I could take some pictures from the bottom. More gorgeous scenery on the way down.  

I'm wasn't sure what this overgrown hump-type thing along the trail was, but I found it interesting. I'm thinking it's probably an overgrown toppled tree trunk and roots. Below is an image of the falls from the creek.  This was the first time we heard voices and I had to shoot quickly before the people were on the bridge. The falls are less emphasized in these creek level images, (almost out of the frame) as is the bridge since it was now a half a mile away. One last image from the bottom, after waiting for the people to fully cross so they were off the bridge and wiping the drizzle from my lens again.  I loved the blue in the creek water.  So pretty!  

When I was taking the image below, there were people just around the rocks to the right of the creek, but I had gone down lower and managed to exclude them. The hike back up took longer and we had to stop a couple of times so I could rest, but we made it. Still few people on the trail so we beat the crowds or perhaps the rainy forecast kept them home. Whichever it was, the hike was a great victory for me and a great start to another birthday for my husband.  

The parting shot (below) was as we were driving out of the mountains and these elk were too tempting.  I just had to take one last image; from the car this time.


 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) architecture bridge Drift Creek Drift Creek Falls forest hiking images nature Oregon overcast Siuslaw national Forest spring suspension bridge water waterfalls weather https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/9/our-amazing-hike-to-drift-creek-falls Tue, 10 Sep 2019 17:15:00 GMT
Wildlife in their Natural Environments https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/4/wildlife-in-their-natural-environments  I love a good close-up or portrait as much as the next wildlife lover, but in this post, I just
thought I'd take a step back and show some wildlife in my area, in their natural environments.

A common sight on the Snake River Plains is the Townsend Ground Squirrel, pictured above on an outcropping of rocks. Many gulls fly around in the backdrop of this image, but what I wanted to show was this marmot.  I haven't seen a marmot in a field like this before.  

More Townsend Ground Squirrels, by their home.

The Curlew are just recently back in the area, the one above just kept flying around and didn't land while we were watching.

The Curlew above is one of several we saw on this particular day.  It's good to see them back.

Above is a Horned Lark, kind of huddled down.

I suppose this is actually a wild hare or something, but as we were driving I yelled, "A bunny!"  lol  I just think they're so cute!  They are much harder to find before the grass starts to green up.

More Curlew, a couple this time.

The Killdeer amaze me!  The camo God gave them, and so many other animals, is incredible!  You can see from this picture how well they blend in, even its legs blend in with the pattern of twigs sticking up out of the ground.  WOW!  

A final image from our relaxing drive looking for wildlife is of this Ring-necked Pheasant out in a farmers field, with fresh greens sprouting up.

What animals live in your "backyard"? Let me know in the comments!

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals birding birds Curlew environment horned Idaho images Killdeer landscapes lark marmot natural nature Pheasant rabbit Ring-necked scenic spring wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/4/wildlife-in-their-natural-environments Wed, 10 Apr 2019 18:39:30 GMT
Migrating Bald Eagles https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/1/coeur-dalene-migrating-bald-eagles I thought I'd share a few more of the images I took during those 2 days of shooting migrating Bald Eagles in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho over New Year's.  By now, the only Bald Eagles that are likely still left in Coeur d'Alene are the ones that are there year-round.

In this image of an eagle in flight, I took while on the Eagle Watching Cruise we took one afternoon, the catch was successful but hard to see in this image.  I was just happy to get a decent image from the boat.

Some of my favorite images are environmental ones of the eagles or any wildlife in their natural surroundings, whether temporary or permanent.  This one below wasn't such a challenge to capture; no moving boat or cold, shaking hands, no waiting for hours.  We were driving next to the lake and I saw this eagle perched on this branch.  We pulled over and I got out, shot a few frames and then moved on.  Simple, compared to the eagle fishing shots.  I love this image!

It was pretty cool seeing so many bald eagles at once.  As we looked around we would see trees like this with many eagles in them.  There are 7 in this image, including the 2 juveniles that aren't as obvious due to the fact that they don't have white heads or tails yet.  It takes 5 years for their heads and tails to become completely white. 

The image below was another pull over and shoot, shot.  What we like to refer to as drive-by shooting. lol  This eagle didn't mind my presence at all and just seemed to be so majestic.  They are majestic birds anyway, but this guy...up in the top of the tree staring at me and then all around was quite impressive.  It was a wet morning and you can tell by the way his feathers look.

What a wonderful time we had viewing and photographing these bald eagles.  Special shout out to my incredibly patient husband who waits with me for wildlife, even if sometimes it's in the car.  Thanks, honey!

Do you have Bald Eagles where you live?  Have you photographed them?  I'd love to hear your stories in the comments.  

For more Bald Eagle information CLICK HERE!

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) bald Beauty Bay birding birds Coeur d'Alene eagle watching cruise eagle with fish eagles fishing Idaho images migrating nature perched raptors trees wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/1/coeur-dalene-migrating-bald-eagles Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:55:00 GMT
Wildlife Photography is about waiting... https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/1/wildlife-photography-is-about-waiting Much of wildlife photography is about waiting, sometimes for hours, in the cold and wind or even bugs and heat.  (I'm more a fan of cold and wind than bugs and heat) As a photographer you must wait for the wildlife to show up, for them to be in the right light, at the right angle, with the right background, for them to catch that fish, be close enough for you to capture it. When those things happen, you have to have all of your settings right for correct exposure or be able to change it as your tracking your subject, freezing or blurring action, your lens on panning or static mode, be sure to get that eye in focus or it's a failed shot, and more.  So many things must fall into place for that "winning shot". This is not that shot as many of the things did not come together in this shot, however some of it did and he did catch the fish.

One thing I learned about photographing fishing birds in flight, after 2 days of standing in the cold and wind from sunup to sundown is that it's harder than it looks and I need a lot more practice.  This particular shot was taken from the boat of an eagle watching cruise out of Coeur d'Alene, hand held, so I'm happy to have it at all.  Standing on a moving boat in the cold and wind and sometimes freezing rain presents a whole other host of challenges.  Boy was it worth it though!  I hope I get to do it again next year.  In the meantime, I have a lot of practicing to do. LOL
 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) bald Beauty Bay birding birds Coeur d'Alene eagle watching cruise eagle with fish eagles fishing Idaho images migrating nature raptors wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2019/1/wildlife-photography-is-about-waiting Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:17:36 GMT
Signs of Autumn https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2018/9/signs-of-autumn  Autumn, fall, a season of change...yesterday, on my walk with my furry companion, Murray, I couldn't help but use my cell phone to take some pictures as I saw more signs of Autumn throughout the neighborhood.  It was perfect short sleeve weather! (at least in my opinion) 59 degrees, sunny, blue sky, slight breeze. Ahhh!!!!  Finally, some relief from the heat of summer and the smokey skies that accompanied it.  Autumn is my favorite season and I'm so excited it's just about here!

The signs of Autumn can be different for each person.  For some it's the beginning of a new school year, for others it's the need to put on a comfy sweatshirt and for others still, it's the addition of all things pumpkin or the first fire in the fireplace.  The signs are many and personal.  Won't you join me for a few of natures signs that I saw on my walk today...

The sunflowers are wilting as if to say goodbye for another year.  It is sad to see these beauties fade, but they have served their purpose for their season; supplying beauty for us and pollen for bees and even seeds for birds.  Their time will come again.

Leaves of red and gold are beginning to color the landscape with their beautiful color palette.

Wilting overgrown gardens, in need of pruning, offer hints of beauty as they wait.

Golden leaves had fluttered gently to the ground and I heard the crunch of fallen leaves under my feet as I walked on a leaf-strewn lawn.  

One neighbor welcomes guests, in fall fashion.

Some of the leaves on these trees are rushing ahead of the others, enthusiastically embracing the coming change of seasons.

Each leaf brings us closer to winter; but for now, I will behold the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp breeze as I anticipate the full glory of the autumn season ablaze with color in all of its beauty.  I thank God for autumn and the change of seasons.  

 

What are the signs of autumn for you?  Is it a certain smell, occasion, food or drink, somethings in nature?  Something else?  I'd love to know!  Tell me in the comments.  

Go to my Flowers and Foliage Gallery, my Landscapes Gallery or my Red Bubble Site to see and/or purchase products with some of my fall images on them.


"Let us know, let us pursue knowledge of the LORD; his coming is as certain as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the autumn and spring rains come on the earth." Hosea 6:3
  

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) autumn change fall Idaho iPhone neighborhood neighborhood walk seasons signs of autumn https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2018/9/signs-of-autumn Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:00:00 GMT
A Surprise at Jordanelle Wetlands, Utah! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2018/9/sand-hill-cranes-at-jordanelle-wetlands It was evening as we drove to the Jordanelle Wetlands, near Park City, Utah.  We looked out for wildlife as we always do.  On this night we saw what we were not expecting to see.  Sandhill Cranes!  It was funny as I told my husband, who was driving, "Watch out! Don't hit the...cranes in the road."  This first image is blurry because like I said, we were not expecting to see cranes in the road and my auto focus honed in behind them as I tried to shoot past my husband and truck mirror.  I wanted to show this anyway because it shows how close they really were.  I guess we shouldn't have been so surprised to see them since we were in their type of habitat, but it was still shocking to see them crossing the road.

The cranes were not bothered by how close we were as I continued to take pictures of them.  They were on their way to bed down for the night, and had crossed the road to do so, so I guess they were really focused. (or really used to people, since it's a popular place to walk.

I got out of the truck to get a better view, but stayed behind and shot from near the tailgate.  I didn't want to scare them.  They didn't seem to mind my presence at all.  After walking several feet, they looked at the fence and seemed to be getting ready to fly. 

Yep!  In mere moments, each one took its turn flying over the fence into the wetlands area for a safe place to sleep for the night.  (Fun fact: They sleep standing up in shallow water.)  It was so exciting!  This was by far the closest I've been to a Sandhill Crane in the wild.  What a thrill to watch these beautiful and amazing birds!  Below is the male bird as he began his landing.

This is one of the females as she flew over the fence.  So pretty!  Research I did says that Sandhill Cranes migrate south for the winter, so I'm assuming these guys were either passing through or nested here and haven't begun their migration yet.  There were only three of them.

It was getting darker so my ISO was pretty high and the images are kind of grainy and not as sharp as I would have liked, but it all happened so fast.  This was worsened by the fact that I have a new camera and several of the settings and buttons are new and/or in different places than I'm used to.  It's amazing how muscle memory works in the field, when you see that wildlife and your blood starts pumping and you kind of go on auto pilot and your hands tend to do what needs to be done.  That didn't happen this time.  I fumbled around and was happy to get any half-way decent images at all.  Well, lots more practice shooting with the new camera and my muscles will adapt to the new buttons and placements.  

 

Have you seen sandhill cranes in the wild?  I'd love to hear about your experience!  

If you are a photographer, can you relate to my frustration of having a new camera and all of the changes each time you upgrade?  

IF you are from this area, please let me know about the Sandhill Cranes.  Are they always in the area?  Did we just catch them passing through during migration?

 Let me know in the comments below.
 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) autumn birding birds fall images Jordanelle Wetlands nature Park City Prove River Restoration Project Sandhill Cranes Utah wetlands wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2018/9/sand-hill-cranes-at-jordanelle-wetlands Wed, 19 Sep 2018 19:22:44 GMT
Autumn Still Life https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2018/8/autumn-still-life Autumn scene with apple basket, decor pumpkin, and leaves on black backgroundAutumn scene with apple basket, decor pumpkin, and leaves on black backgroundAutumn scene with apple basket, decor pumpkin, and leaves on black background

 

It's been quite hot and smokey in SW Idaho, lately.  Since I don't do well in either and my creative side just needed to play; so last week, I decided to do some indoor photography.  

This is one of my first autumn images of the year.  There aren't any fresh pumpkins in the stores in our area as of the time this image was taken, so I used a decorative pumpkin instead.  I also got out some other fall decor I had at home and set up in my air-conditioned living room where it was nice and cool.

This image makes me think of fall, holidays and cooler weather.  I can't wait!  Fall is my favorite time of the year. 

How do you beat the heat?  Do you photograph outdoors when it's 100 degrees outside?  

Do you like this image?  If so, what do you like about it?  Let me know in the comments.  

This image is available for purchase on this website, as well as my Red Bubble site, where you can purchase it as art for your wall or as many other products such as phone cases, stationary, tote bags and more!

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) autumn basket color colorful decor decoration fall flowers grapes harvest holiday leaves still life still-life https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2018/8/autumn-still-life Wed, 29 Aug 2018 21:59:14 GMT
Night & Day-Image Comparison https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/11/night-day-what-a-difference I wanted to show the following two images in the same blog post to emphasize the difference that night and day and light and weather can make to an image.  I love the changes God makes in our light and in the weather!  I love the mood weather makes in an image, like: fog, dark storm clouds, mist on water, long shadows from early morning or late evening sun, raindrops, snowflakes, etc...

 

We were on a fall trip recently, when I took this image at dusk of Lake Cascade, in Idaho.  I hadn’t planned to photograph sunset on this particular night, since we wouldn’t arrive in Cascade until about the time I would’ve been setting up to do so, and we had to drive around some of the lake to see what campgrounds were still open.  When we finally found our campsite for the night, the sun had just set and we were hungry and ready to get some dinner.  The sky was so pretty though, I just had to grab my camera.  There was no time to set up my tripod, search for an ideal composition or fiddle with gear, as the colors would soon fade, so I did what I could with the scene in front of me.  I took the shot handheld, and in a hurry.  There sure was nice color in the sky and a beautiful reflection on the water.

 

The next morning, I looked outside and it was snowing!  It hadn’t been all that long since the beautiful sunset, and now I could barely see a hint of the lake and couldn’t see the sky much less reflections. I went outside and captured this image trying to match the composition of the sunset the night before.  I was a little off, but not too bad, considering I could no longer see the rest of the composition and was going from memory. (Which, if you know me is risky at times. Ha-ha)

 

Our RV is not set up for all season, so we headed for lower elevations and some more fall color.  We were just not ready for winter just yet.  After all, this was our fall trip!  :)

 

What moods do these pictures evoke for you?  I'd love to hear how they make you feel in the comments section below! 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) cascade color comparison dusk idaho images lake cascade reflections sky snow snowing sunset weather https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/11/night-day-what-a-difference Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:41:38 GMT
Morning Walk https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/9/morning-walk With all the smoke in the air in my little corner of southern Idaho lately, it's been too unhealthy for me (with my asthma) to exercise outside, so I thought I'd post some images that I took with my iPhone, on a walk I took previously, at this same time of year.  What a beautiful, clear, blue sky that we had that day, compared to this year.  Today is the first day I can really see much blue sky at all in a couple of weeks, at least.  There's a cold front on the way that should blow the smoke out of the valley, provide some rain and hopefully help put out the fires in the surrounding areas.  Prayers going out to all those living in all of the disaster areas right now, from the Texas flooding to the Hurricane Irma victims to all of the fires (in many states) and even earthquakes recently.  I hope you enjoy these images!

Beautiful sunflowers...

  Walk-Sept 10, 2014-1Walk-Sept 10, 2014-1 Walk-Sept 10, 2014-2Walk-Sept 10, 2014-2

Shadows and my little furry companion, Murray.

Walk-Sept 10, 2014-3Walk-Sept 10, 2014-3 Walk-Sept 10, 2014-4Walk-Sept 10, 2014-4

Patriotism and some more beautiful flowers...

Walk-Sept 10, 2014-5Walk-Sept 10, 2014-5 Walk-Sept 10, 2014-6Walk-Sept 10, 2014-6

Walk-Sept 10, 2014-7Walk-Sept 10, 2014-7   How about you?  How's the weather in your area?  Have you been out in your neighborhood or are you experiencing some weather related issues, as well?  Let me know in the comments below.  I hope you are all safe and sound.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) blue sky flowers idaho iphone photos neighborhood walk outdoor life walk https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/9/morning-walk Tue, 12 Sep 2017 17:47:33 GMT
Overcoming Obstacles, for the love of photography #1 https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/7/overcoming-obstacles-for-the-love-of-photography-1 I'm getting painfully real here today…I love photography, but there are times that getting out to photograph are especially difficult or not even doable for me.  If you are someone who deals with one or more health conditions that limit your activity, I’m sure you can relate.  I won’t list all of mine, but a major one is Hypothyroidism, with it’s many, sometimes debilitating, symptoms.  I began doing a lot with my diet last fall to help with this condition, through 316 Health Solutions, and many of my symptoms have improved or gone away.  I highly recommend checking out their website if you have thyroid and/or adrenal issues of any kind.  Dr. Bryon Coker and his wife are an amazing and caring Christian couple who love helping people on their healing journey.

I have trouble with extreme temperatures and have a very limited window of comfort where temperatures are concerned.  At times my legs feel so heavy and weak they feel like I have cement blocks attached to my feet, making a hike or even a 1-mile walk difficult, if not impossible.   Other times, my fatigue is such that I can only dream of going out to take pictures.

There's a saying I've been using lately that helps me put things into perspective and prioritize..."I can only do what I can when I can do it."  This phrase has helped me not beat myself up when I can't go capture a sunrise or sunset due to my symptoms at any given time. My health and getting enough sleep are high on that priority list for me, even higher than my photography business.  I know God wouldn't want my to get down on myself, so I just ask, "What can I do right now?  What's realistic?  What's best for my health?  How can I do enough, but not so much that I set my health back?  So, what do I do to overcome when these symptoms flare up?  I improvise.

I photograph the outdoors from inside my home. Any window in your home may have potential for this type of shooting.  Some things to consider are: the size, direction and quality of the light outside, functionality, (can it open? can you remove the screen?) and the view looking outside.  Some windows have an amazing view outside all the time, but sometimes it's the light and weather that makes the outside view amazing.

I took this image during this past winter of 2016/17, one of historic snowfall in much of the USA, my own town included.  On this day, I was up before sunrise, which is difficult enough for me, but it was also bitter cold out, as you can tell by the icicles.   I was too tired to bundle up and go out to take images, but my heart yearned to go out as the warm, morning light lit up the outdoors as seen from our master bathroom.  Determined to capture this beautiful morning, I decided to capture the scene from indoors, where it was nice and comfy warm.

Another place in my home from where I often photograph the outdoors is my laundry room.  I call it my “blind” because it’s on the second story and only has one fairly small window through which I can photograph things in our backyard, including the birds without bothering them.

To see some of the images taken from my “blind”, read my blog post, Frosty Morning, HERE.

Do you have a health condition?  Let me know how you overcome your obstacles and still continue to do what you love.  I’d love to hear about it!

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) fatigue health health conditions hypothyroidism indoors obstacles outdoors overcoming obstacles photography strategies https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/7/overcoming-obstacles-for-the-love-of-photography-1 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 20:46:47 GMT
11 Things I Learned While Photographing a Newborn & Siblings, on Location. https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/5/11-things-i-learned-while-photographing-a-newborn-siblings-on-location If you know me and are familiar with my work, you will know that people portraits are not my cup of tea.  Oh, I do them for family and sometimes for close friends, mainly for the experience and because I love them, but I am primarily a nature & landscape photographer.

Well, I recently took my first newborn (actually a one month old baby) portraits for a friend of mine.  I also took some of the baby with her older siblings. Boy do I have a lot to learn!  It was a humbling experience for me.  I didn’t feel as prepared as I’d hoped.  In fact, I was a little overwhelmed.  It didn’t help that during the shoot, we got news of a friend who had suddenly passed away.  That made the rest of the shoot a lot harder.

The siblings ended up being more of a candid shoot due to the younger one not being in the mood for pictures and me not being used to working with younger kids for portrait pictures.  I managed to get a couple cute shots with genuine happiness, though, so I consider my first attempt a success of sorts.

 Well, on to the photos...(scroll down to go straight to the 11 Things I Learned)

These are the precious children I was honored to be able to photograph. This is one of the more posed shots using a fluffy off-white piece of material draped over their couch, for a clean background

 We moved to the floor for this next shot.  The cutie on the left was not really in the mood for having her picture taken, so this idea was a last ditch effort to get some smiles out of her. "Hey, want to lay on the floor and take pictures?"  She went for it.  After throwing another blanket on the floor, I was able to get several happy/candid shots this way. When we were finished, I thanked them and gave them each a "big sister" gift which kept them quiet and busy for a bit while we photographed their baby sis.

The mother had some letters spelling out BABY, so I incorporated them into this image.

The mother's friend made this cute mermaid tail for the baby, so we were sure to use that.  I brought the props like the crate, fishing net and some shells to add to the scene and used different colored materials to suggest the water and a sandy beach.  As expected, (due to being a bit older for a newborn shoot) the baby didn’t stay in positions very well.  She kept flopping her arms straight out, but in the end, it did make her look very relaxed.  This is my favorite of the mermaid shots.

And now...11 Things I Learned While Photographing a Newborn & Siblings, on Location.

1. Try to visit the location ahead of time.  WHY? This will give you time to check out the location for lighting options, space and what props, backgrounds, etc… you may need to bring the day of the shoot. 

2. Plug in a space heater in the area where you’ll be photographing the baby, as soon as you arrive on location.  WHY? Baby will be more comfortable, especially if he/she isn’t wearing much clothing.  Be sure you wear light clothing so you aren’t too hot; especially if you’re prone to hot flashes. (I mean, personal summers, tee hee)

3. Don’t forget to have the parents fill out and sign the model release or releases before the shoot.   WHY?  This prevents you from having to go back or mail them in a stamp-addressed return envelope and waiting for them to be signed and returned.  Yep, I forgot this.  The animals and landscapes I usually shoot aren’t normally required to sign. lol

4. Go ahead and take the time to set up lighting if you brought it. (try to use them, even if the space is small, especially if there’s not much available light and/or you are used to using natural light rather than flash)  WHY? To help maintain faster shutter speeds with unpredictable and moving subjects, like children usually are.  Yep, I got a few images with motion blur at this shoot.

5. Set up a background stand, if there's room to eliminate the background of the environment, unless you’re intentionally including it, and simplify your shots. WHY?  When you decide you need it, you won’t have your assistant or worse, the children’s’ mother, (or both) holding up the material.  Nope, I didn't set one up, do to the small space we were working in.  Too bad I didn’t take a BTS (behind the scenes) picture of the situation, you’d get a good laugh. If I had to do it over again, I would have tried to make it work.

6. Take time to connect or reconnect with the children you’ll be taking images of, if you haven’t seen them in a while,.  Make them smile and laugh if you can.  Ask about their school, friends, favorite subject, favorite toy/doll, etc... Also, don't be afraid to act silly to get our of them what you need.  WHY? It should help them be more cooperative. I did this, but not as much as I should have.

7. Wait until your set is ready before adding the subjects.   WHY? Young children aren’t as patient.  They will most likely tire quickly and be ready to go play or do something else in a very short amount of time.

8. Have two separate times to photograph the newborn by himself/herself and another time to photograph the baby with siblings.   WHY? This will give more time to devote to each type of shoot, especially before baby gets hungry or needs a change.  It’s also less overwhelming, at least for me it would have been.  If you’re used to newborn and sibling photography, you may be fine doing them both at once, but then you probably aren’t reading this blog post.

9. Try to photograph the newborn within maybe 5-14 days and don’t do any post you don’t feel comfortable with.  WHY?  Baby is sleeping deeper and longer and is easier to pose (and keep in the pose) in those fetal positions that are so cute in newborn photographs.  There was a pose the mother wanted, but I/we were having trouble posing her and we didn’t push it, just to be sure we kept baby safe.  The pose may have worked fine a week or two before.

10.  Bring an assistant, or two, if you can.   WHY? Setting up and taking down all the equipment takes time and you don’t want to impose on the young family too long.  They can hold up the background if you didn’t have time or space to set up the stands, too. I took my husband, he’s a great assistant-but he was newer to this type of shooting than I was.  I suppose with practice, things could run like a well-oiled machine like I saw in some Youtube videos before the day of the shoot.  Speaking of Youtube videos…

11. Do your research. Learn all you can about photographing newborns and siblings before the big day.   WHY?  This can help prepare you for what you will be doing.  Although most of the videos did show that well-oiled machine of pros for whom this type of work is their bread and butter, it can still inspire you and give you ideas.

I took this last shot by putting the material over the front and shoulder of the mother and had her hold the baby.  An easy, no fuss, set up.

Are you new to newborn/sibling photography?  What have you learned that may help myself or others next time?  I'd love to hear about it!

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) babies children girls lighting location photography mermaid newborn photography on location one month old baby people photographing siblings portraits siblings sisters https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/5/11-things-i-learned-while-photographing-a-newborn-siblings-on-location Sat, 27 May 2017 16:10:03 GMT
The Unexpected https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/4/theunexpected Sometimes, in photography, you capture the unexpected; and sometimes, you miss it!  That's what happened last weekend when we (my hubby and I) were down at Swan Falls Dam.  

I was photographing this beautiful white pelican (in not so beautiful light) and a huge fish jumped straight up out of the water and down in again, in the background of my image.  I thought I may have captured it and was excited to check and see, but sadly, it was not there.  I did get the splash it made though, as you can see in this image.  That's the one that got away that day, both from myself and this pelican that was unaware the event even took place.  

I think these unpredictable moments are one thing that keeps me going back out in nature; being at the right time and in the right place to capture or yes perhaps, even miss capturing something spectacular.  A rainbow, an elusive animal or one you've never seen or photographed before, a bolt of lightening, etc...The fact that you get to see incredible things, whether you capture them or not is such a thrill!  Nature provides so many fun experiences and it always keeps me wanting to go back out for more of the unexpected...even if it gets away.

Have you had an unexpected moment you captured or even one that you missed?  I'd love to hear your story!  Tell me about it in the comments.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Idaho Snake River Swan Falls Dam animals birding birds fish nature splash water wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/4/theunexpected Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMT
Great Gray Owl https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/2/great-gray-owl It was my first time seeing and photographing this bird in the wild...This amazing bird, the Great Gray Owl, is a rare sighting in Boise, Idaho. In the past, we've spent hours driving and looking for them in their usual habitat without success. My husband got off work early to accompany me for a chance to see it in our own backyard. What a treat to park, walk a few minutes and see it there perched low on a fencepost. It was easy to spot because there were quite a few other photographers there with tripods, monopods and cameras & lenses of all sizes and brands...all capturing this largest of the North American Owls.

In my excitement, it was hard to keep my hands from shaking. It was cold when we arrived.  The heavy overcast made for higher ISO settings, introducing digital noise into the images.  Soon the others left; except for a retired man, Dave, whom we had just met.  Dave was nice enough to share some good, unobstructed vantage points with me, before he left.  Thanks, Dave!

Now, it was just me, my husband and the Great Gray Owl.  The bird was not bothered by us, but would take flight once in a while or just bristle when joggers and/or their dogs would run past. We changed our position accordingly, so as to get unobstructed views for images.  As the light changed, so did my settings as well as the white balance.  In the image below, the owl had flown from where it had been perched, as yet another dog came by, and it landed low and very close to the trail.

It was very difficult to capture this bird in flight with all of the trees in this area (and the overcast sky and resulting slower shutter speeds or higher ISO).  Here, it flew up the hill a ways where it was clearer, but it was flying low so I still didn't get it without any grasses in the foreground. The owl landed on a fencepost.  At first I was downhill a bit from him and I walked slowly up the trail so I could get the composition you see in the image below.  I wanted to get a little closer and to the right, so I could get his whole body in the picture without the post in the way but I didn't want to bother him.  I sat down for a few minutes just to watch and enjoy the moment; just myself, alone with the owl. (my hubby had stayed further down the trail)  As you can see, the bird is looking away at something. Another jogger soon ran past me and the bird again flew off to another perch.   It once again began to rain only now it was more like spitting snow and it was getting dark.  If you look carefully, you can see the rain/snow in the image below. We were both getting pretty cold so we decided to call it a day.  I feel privileged to have been able to witness this bird and grateful to have brought home a few decent photos.  Some are pretty noisy, but I did what I could in Lightroom to remove it without losing too much detail.  Have you ever seen or photographed a Great Gray Owl in the wild?  If so, I'd love to hear about it.  Post about it in the comments!

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Boise Great Gray Owls Idaho birding birds birds of prey nature owls raptors rare bird sighting wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2017/2/great-gray-owl Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:15:08 GMT
Frosty Morning https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/12/frosty-morning Well, the seasons have changed again in Idaho.  Winter is here!  I'm getting over an illness so when the snow fell recently I didn't get to go into the field.   What I did do though, was go upstairs and open our laundry room window (what I like to refer to as my blind) and take some pictures the window.  It was much warmer, even with the window open, than going outside with the temperature in the teens.

Frost was covering everything on this bitter cold morning.  I was able to isolate one single leaf against a backdrop of our backyard fence.  It helped the frosty edges stand out.

We had some wildlife out this morning.  A Northern Flicker was eating berries off our Virginia Creeper.  A squirrel was running up and down trees and across the fence.  He had snow on his whiskers...so cute!  We also had some finches, Juncos, sparrows and robins around.

The sun appeared as if to tease anyone hoping for warmth, but the cold is going nowhere today.

Well, I must scurry off for now.  Let me know in the comments what wildlife comes to your yard in the wintertime.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) BIRDS Idaho cold foliage frost leaves nature scenic snow trees winter https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/12/frosty-morning Thu, 08 Dec 2016 13:15:00 GMT
3 Glimpses of Idaho in the Fall https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/10/glimpses-of-fall-in-idaho Fall is my favorite season!  The colors of the changing leaves are amazing and are one of the things I love most about living in Idaho.  Last evening, my husband and I went for a short walk before sunset so we could enjoy some fresh air and I could get some fall shots.  We were a little later arriving than I was hoping, so some of the foliage was already beginning to be in the shade.  

 I think the image below is kind of cool looking with some leaves sharp and others out of focus.  This was taken with an aperture of f/2.8; which is how I got this effect.  

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As we walked along, I noticed this red leaf stuck in a tree.  It was originally facing the opposite direction, but I had my tall husband turn it around for me.  (Thank you, honey!)  I wanted the sun to be on the front rather than the underside of the leaf.  I usually like to take "found" shots, in other words to shoot things the way I found them, but sometimes I will push a weed out of the way if it's blocking a flower or something like that.  

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The sun was nearly down when I took the image below.  I like the color changes in this shot and the sun coming through the trees.  I used my monopod for the short walk and I used it to help with the weight of the lens I wanted to use.  I also wanted to get used to how the leg of my tripod (Three Legged Thingworks as a monopod since I haven't really used it that way. One of the legs unscrews and becomes a monopod.  Pretty cool, hu?

I used my 70-200mm lens so I could get more intimate images of the foliage rather than big landscapes.   I came away with a few shots I liked, but I will be going out again for sure.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Idaho Kuna autumn fall foliage greenbelt images nature scenic seasons https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/10/glimpses-of-fall-in-idaho Fri, 21 Oct 2016 02:31:27 GMT
Moose Adventure https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/9/moose-adventure Our recent trip to Colorado found us camping in State Forest State Park in an area whose claim to fame is the Moose. North Park is considered the moose viewing capital of Colorado, with over 600 moose to be observed year-round. At the Moose Visitor Center, we heard that a bull moose with two cows was seen up at Cameron pass, so we headed up.  I was so excited!  I’ve been wanting to photograph moose, especially a bull moose. We saw two moose in Glacier National Park, but they were pretty far off. We pulled into the parking lot at the top of Cameron Pass and it wasn't long before we saw the big Bull Moose.  I jumped out of the truck. It was raining on and off as I photographed the moose.

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This was my first time being fairly close to a moose and although he looks small compared to the huge trees, believe me, this Bull Moose was a formidable sight; especially when he turned towards me. I held my breath a little.

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He began to walk in my direction but turned and wandered off the other way. He went and laid down, and was mostly out of sight from our current vantage point, with his antlers blending in with the dead tree branches. We walked around to where we had a better view of him again and we watched and photographed him until the light was too dark to get decent pictures.  I was partly fighting with my new tripod, so the experience was a little frustrating, but still amazing. You would never have had a clue he was here if you were just driving by.  It makes me wonder just how many we drove by and didn't see as we were driving around the area.

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The next morning we drove back up to the area where the moose were frequenting.  As my husband parked the truck, I started down the path from the day before, looking for the moose.  Beautiful wildflowers, trees and tall grasses are in this area.  The image of the area is not the greatest since I wasn't really set up for landscape, but rather to get more pictures of the wildlife, (note the very shallow depth of field in the image) but I took this quick shot because it was just so beautiful there. 
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As I looked for the Bull Moose, I first spotted one of the cows. She was there grazing among the tall grasses very near where we'd first spotted the bull the day before.  She looked up at me and then continued grazing, as if I wasn’t there.  It was a little strange being around wildlife that wasn’t afraid of me.  Still, I kept my distance and enjoyed watching this wonderful creature.
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I must admit, as I wandered through the large trees and into the large fields of knee-deep, wet grass looking for the bull, I was nervous.  I don’t have much experience with moose, but I know they can charge if they feel threatened.  I knew they could be around any tree and I didn't want to come face to face with one.
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Suddenly, I spotted him. He was once again lying down.  This time among a patch of wildflowers.  It was chilly and my pants were soaked as I walked closer to him.  I stayed safely away from him and used my Canon 70-200mm lens and then even added my 2x extender to that to get a tighter shot.  My heart was pounding with excitement and it was hard to hold my heavy lens steady.  What an awesome experience! He could care less that I was there or that I was taking his picture. 
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I saw a cow not far from him and she eventually walked past him and continued grazing. 
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Moose have extremely long eyelashes.  Did you know that? I sure didn't. As I post-processed my images afterward it was really apparent. I could have stayed there all day, but unfortunately, this was the morning we had to head home.
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What about you, have you ever photographed a moose?  Tell me about your experience in the comments section. I'd love to hear about your adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Colorado Moose Rocky Mountains State Forest State Park United States Wildlife animals bull cow nature rainy day wildflowers https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/9/moose-adventure Mon, 12 Sep 2016 23:10:42 GMT
Abandoned Beauty https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/8/abandoned-beauty Rocky Mountain CabinRocky Mountain CabinAn abandoned log cabin is nestled against the mountainside, amongst the trees.
State Forest State Park, Colorado

It was raining on and off as the storms rolled through, the day I took this image.  I had seen this cabin the day before and knew i wanted to photograph it before we left the park.  This cabin sits among the tall evergreens, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains.  To be more specific, it's in State Forest State Park, near Walden, Colorado.  

A clearing in the storm allowed for some sunlight to peek through and add the needed light to the scene that I'd been hoping for.  Sometimes when you're out in the field you have plenty of time and energy to plan, wait and execute a perfect image where all of the variables line up just as you planned for them to.  Then there are occasions, like this, where your time is limited and you arrive at a location with the equipment, desire, skill and a prayer that all will work out to capture a lovely image.  

I love scenes like this, where you can try to imagine yourself living in another time.  What a difficult life it must have been, with the harsh winters and little creature comforts; without all of the conveniences of the lifestyle most have today: internet, Fast Food, Electricity, even indoor bathrooms.  Yep, I was feeling pretty spoiled after this shoot...and grateful.

I love the peaceful beauty of this image.  It just may have to grace a wall in my own home.  This image is available for purchase, if you're thinking the same thing!  Just click on the image to be taken to the shopping area for this image.

 

 

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Colorado North Park Rocky Mountains State Forest State Park Walden abandoned architecture cabin landscape log cabin mountains nature nostalgia old scenic trees https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/8/abandoned-beauty Thu, 18 Aug 2016 16:57:28 GMT
Robin Fledgling https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/6/robin-fledgling Immature RobinImmature Robin

It's always a joy to see the baby birds in our yard. This young robin was so cute and so cooperative as I took its picture.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) American Idaho Robin Wildlife a animals backyard birds fledgling immature nature on perched rock spring https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/6/robin-fledgling Fri, 03 Jun 2016 03:18:47 GMT
Cascade Rainbow https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/5/cascade-rainbow A wonderful and unexpected natural event happened as we were on our way home from camping in the mountains of our beautiful state of Idaho this past weekend. It was overcast and rainy as it had been on and off all weekend when, to the East, the clouds parted and the sun cast a warm glow on the spring grass of the fields.  We were pulling our 5th wheel trailer so there was nowhere to quickly pull over on the highway when a beautiful double rainbow appeared to the West.  It got brighter and brighter and my heart was pounding.  I knew I had to get a picture of this beautiful and brightest rainbow I have ever seen.  I could see the whole double rainbow from end to end. I told my husband, who was driving, that he better find a place to pull over because I was about to jump out of the truck. (Ok, I may not have actually jumped out of the truck, but my heart already had and you just never know.  We photographers are a crazy bunch. lol)

He found a place just big enough for our rig to be safely off the road and I jumped out to get the shot. In order to eliminate the power lines from my shot, I ran across the roadway in my raincoat with my camera gear still covered in a rain sleeve from other shooting I’d already been doing out in the elements.  I knew I didn’t have my polarizing filter on my lens, which would help the rainbow colors stand out even more, but I didn’t know how long the rainbow would be visible so I got the initial shot (which is customary when doing what we call “drive-by-shooting”) before heading back to the car for a wider lens and CP filter.  In my haste, I used a cloth that unbeknownst to me had something on it that smeared my CP filter rather than eliminating the dust that was there and I couldn’t get it clean.  My husband said he would get it clean for me so I ran back across the road with the other lens to take some wider shots.

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By this time, it was beginning to hail, but the rainbow was still visible so I kept shooting;  using different compositions.  If I’d known how much time I had, I would have set up my tripod.  A call from the truck sent me sprinting back to the truck to get my freshly cleaned filter and put it on while leaning into the window as hail continued to fall on my back. (My husband is my wonderful assistant when I’m out shooting!)  I hurriedly tried to get the whole rainbow in my frame, but even with my widest angle I failed to do so. I was just too close to the rainbow.  I then tried a vertical pano but by this time, the clouds were much lower and covered much of the upper part of the arch.  I got some wider and some tighter shots and included the barn that happened to be available for a nice addition to the scene. 

There are so many things to think about when shooting and it’s sometimes hard for me to think of everything as I’m in the midst of an event of such limited and unknown time. The 5 or 10 minutes or so that the rainbow was visible as I was shooting were exhilarating and one reason I love my job so much.  I just never know what wildlife or scene will next present itself around the next corner, behind the next tree or in the next minute. Below is a picture showing a portion of the double rainbow, I will leave it up to your imagination to complete the arch and scene in full. The clouds in this image above  had dropped and obscured part of the arch and the second rainbow was beginning to fade, but I like the added drama added by the clouds. The scene in front of me was quite large. When capturing an entire scene isn't possible, isolating a portion of it is a good alternative and may yield better results; although certain elements of the scene may be sacrificed, others will be emphasized.  See the image below for an even tighter image of the scene, making the barn a more important part of the image while elimination the second rainbow.

Blog-Cascade Rainbow0011Blog-Cascade Rainbow0011Bright rainbow leads near a barn in Cascade, Idaho.

This was a wonderful end to a weekend of time away in nature to rest and renew that we desperately needed, after an emotional few weeks following my father-in-law's passing.  I thank God for the time and for all the wildlife and nature he sent our way this weekend, including closing it out with the beautiful double rainbow and I thank God that my father-in-law is now safely home in heaven forever, though we miss him so.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple…the colors of the rainbow that are so familiar to us.  Rainbows are beautiful, colorful, mysterious and temporary.  But what is the significance of the rainbow?  What is its meaning? In Genesis 9:12-17, we find the answer…

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Cascade Idaho Landscape Valley County barn double rainbow fine art nature pictorial rainbow scenic season spring storm weather https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/5/cascade-rainbow Tue, 24 May 2016 19:57:24 GMT
High Desert Wagon https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/5/high-desert-wagon On a recent trip through the Sierra Nevada Mountains we were driving out of Bridgeport where we had stayed the night.  The four inches of snow we woke up to that morning was quickly melting.  When I saw this wagon, I knew right away I wanted to photograph it.  I love old buildings, barns, wagons, etc...  I'm not sure what the allure is for me. Perhaps it goes back to my years of watching Little House on the Prairie, with our girls when they were young, on our homeschool lunch break. Whatever the reason, I try not to miss an opportunity to photograph something from the past.  

High Desert Wagon in SnowHigh Desert Wagon in SnowAn old wagon sits alone in the high desert among the freshly fallen spring snow.
Near Bridgeport, California

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Bridgeport California Landscape Mono County North America Sierra Nevada Mountains United States clouds high desert mountains sagebrush scenic season sky snow spring wagon https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/5/high-desert-wagon Thu, 19 May 2016 13:00:00 GMT
Desert Landscape https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/5/desert-landscape Blog20160428Blog20160428

 

I captured this desert landscape in Mono County, California, along the E. Walker River while traveling to SoCal recently.  

I developed a single RAW file for this image, using an HDR-style of post-processing using Adobe Lightroom 5.

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) California Landscape Mono County North America United States clouds desert foliage nature rocks scenic spring travel https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/5/desert-landscape Mon, 16 May 2016 20:33:22 GMT
Bottles https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/4/bottles Bottles-Blog20160319Bottles-Blog20160319

 

Bottles. Still life of bottles with reflections and shadows on wooden surface.

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) art blue bottles life red still wall wood https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/4/bottles Thu, 07 Apr 2016 20:40:35 GMT
New birds to my yard? https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/2/new-birds-to-my-yard Last fall, we had our trees trimmed and we've either had birds that are new to our yard or we can finally see well enough, now that the overgrown trees are trimmed, that we are seeing birds we haven't seen before. This is the first Brown Creeper I've seen in our yard.

Brown Creeper-Blog20160205Brown Creeper-Blog20160205 I've only seen a Downy woodpecker in my yard a handful of times over the decade I've lived in my current home.  This is the first time I've captured an image of one though.  I'm excited to see what new birds spring brings this year!  What birds are in your yard? Let me know by leaving a comment. Downy-Blog20160228Downy-Blog20160228

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Brown Creeper Downy Woodpecker Idaho Kuna backyard birds birding birds images nature wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/2/new-birds-to-my-yard Mon, 29 Feb 2016 20:24:06 GMT
White Pelican at Swan Falls Dam https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/2/white-pelican-at-swan-falls-dam I saw this American White Pelican recently when I was down at Swan Falls Dam.  I think it's a cool looking bird and I was surprised to find it there.  I love how the early morning light cast a nice glow on the scene and the reflections.  I love reflections!  I like this close-up shot very much, but I think the ones with the dam in the background add a bit more interest.

American White PelicanAmerican White PelicanAn American White Pelican silently floats along on the reflecting waters of the Snake River near the Swan Falls Dam in Idaho.

In this second image, I included the dam in the background to get a sense of place and the environment where I found the bird.  I really like the compression of the environmental shot and the clarity of my subject in both shots that I got from my new lens.

American White Pelican at Swan Falls DamAmerican White Pelican at Swan Falls DamAn American White Pelican silently floats along on the reflecting waters of the Snake River with the Swan Falls Dam in the background; near Murphy, Idaho.

I added a filter in Adobe Lightroom 5 to this version of the image to add an erosion effect that makes the image seem much older than it is.  I also added a canvas-type textured look to the image.

White Pelican at Swan Falls Dam with filterWhite Pelican at Swan Falls Dam with filterAn American White Pelican silently floats along on the reflecting waters of the Snake River with the Swan Falls Dam in the background; near Murphy, Idaho. A filter was added to this image using Adobe Lightroom 5 for an erosion effect.

This last version of the image was converted to black and white.  It's hard for me to choose a favorite. 

White Pelican at Swan Falls Dam in B&WWhite Pelican at Swan Falls Dam in B&WAn American White Pelican silently floats along on the reflecting waters of the Snake River with the Swan Falls Dam in the background; near Murphy, Idaho. This image was converted to black and white.

Which version of this image do YOU like best?  I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. Please let me know in the comments.

 

 

  

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Adobe Lightroom 5 Canyon County Idaho North America Pelican Snake River Swan falls Dam United States White Pelican birding birds black and white filter horizontal landscape monochrome nature reflections season water wildlife winter https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/2/white-pelican-at-swan-falls-dam Tue, 09 Feb 2016 19:12:22 GMT
Great Blue Heron https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/great-blue-heron I captured this image of a Great Blue Heron in a field near my home recently, with my new Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II USM lens. I knelt down for this shot and was able to show the watering system in the background which gave more of a hint of the environment, which I really like.  I used a shallow DOF so as to throw that background out of focus and let the bird stand out, rather than blending into the field in which it was standing. (I also added a tad more blurring in Adobe Lightroom 5) Kneeling also got me down to the bird's level for a more intimate perspective. If you would like to order this image as a print or just see it larger in my online gallery, CLICK HERE! A single Great Blue Heron in a field during winter. Kuna, IdahoGreat Blue HeronA single Great Blue Heron in a field during winter. Kuna, Idaho The new lens is one of two new L series lenses I purchased recently.  I've been dreaming of owning this particular lens for quite some time.  I'm not a product reviewer, but I can tell you that there's a learning curve using this new lens, as it functions differently from the cheaper lenses and is much heavier for sure; I need to be lifting weights so I can use it with more ease. It has four settings on the side and when you zoom in, the lens doesn't change length; all of the zooming happens internally and I love that! I am enjoying it so far and I'm sure it will only become more and more my favorite lens as I continue to shoot with it.

Do any of you have this lens or have you had a chance to use one?  If so, what do or did you think of it? Please let me know in the comments.  

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Great Blue Heron Idaho Kuna animals birding birds field heron images nature wildlife winter https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/great-blue-heron Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:33:59 GMT
Photography Podcasts #1 https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/photography-podcasts-1 I love to listen to photography podcasts.  I thought I'd share one on my blog from time to time.  Here's the first one-Tips From The Top Floor with Chris Marquardt is one of the first photography podcasts to which I ever listened.  It's "The weekly show about all things photography."  I've learned a lot from the show and enjoy hearing about his travels.  Once day I hope to go on one of his photography workshops.  I hope you will go to the website and listen for yourself.  If you really like it too, subscribe to the podcast and listen regularly.  CLICK HERE to go there now. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite podcast? Share it in the comments below! If you listen to TFTTF, how did you like it?

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Chris Marquardt Tips from the Top Floor learning photography photography podcasts weekly podcast https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/photography-podcasts-1 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:27:43 GMT
7 Things I want to do to improve my photography in 2016 https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/7-things-i-want-to-do-to-improve-my-photography-in-2016  

  1. Choose a project for 2016 to challenge myself.

Last year, my goal in improving my photography was to finish my NYIP Complete Course in Professional Photography.  I completed that project.  What will I choose for my project in 2016?  I haven’t decided yet, but I’m leaning towards a weekly or monthly challenge.  There are many ideas from which to choose: PAD (photo-a-day) Challenge, 52 Week Challenge, 30 Day Challenge, there are even challenges for beginners.  A Google search will turned up many challenges.  (Search “2016 Photo challenges” if you want to choose a project for yourself) I want to choose what’s right for me; something that will challenge me, but not overwhelm me or cause me added stress.  Challenges should be fun and there’s enough stress in every day life!  If you feel you need it, join a social media group for a little bit more motivation.  It will also get your work out there being seen by others.

  1. Use the gear I currently have to its potential.

The allure of the latest and greatest is very real in our ever-changing industry of digital photography.  Sometimes, it’s good to just know the gear we currently own well enough to use it in the dark, if necessary.  I upgraded my Canon EOS 20D (to a Canon EOS 70D) in the last couple years, and there’s a lot to learn using today’s digital camera’s and all of their settings.  I’m still learning how to use it to it’s potential.  Though I will most likely upgrade to a faster lens this year, (a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 L series) I will stick with this camera for now and just learn to use it more efficiently to turn out the images I want to capture.

Warmth in the ColdWarmth in the ColdThe warm light of the sun shines on a snow-covered field in Southwestern, Idaho.

*I took this image on a VERY COLD day, recently.  I love how the sun warms even the color of the snow just before sundown.

  1. Get more of my work printed on a large scale.

I want to see more of my work…BIG and in print!  The tendency with digital, at least for me, is to let my work remain in a digital format.  After all, it’s cheaper that way, right? However, I love to see my work (and others’ work) in print.  It’s a good exercise to know the true quality of the work I’m turning out; it’s one thing to see an image on a computer screen and yet another on a piece of photo paper, canvas or metal surface.

  1. Continue to learn more about my craft.

Even though I’ve finished my schooling for photography, I want to keep learning.  As I mentioned in my last post, by studying the NYIP course, one of the things I have learned is that I have a lot to learn.  Continuing education is important, both in the essentials of photography as well as keeping up with knowing what’s going on in the constant changes and improvements in the photography industry.  There are many online photography workshops and courses, like NYIP, an excellent way to learn and improve on your photography.  (I had studied photography on my own for several years and I still learned so much from NYIP) There are many photography workshops you can take in person, as well, where you actually go into the field with a professional photographer for a guide and you can visit beautiful places in the U.S.A. or around the globe. Another thing I do is listen to a variety of podcasts on photography.  (Tips from the Top Floor, Martin Bailey, Tripod: the Nature Photography Show, Improve Photography to name just a few) I love to get the perspective of other photographers and learn from their knowledge and experiences, and yes, even or maybe especially their mistakes; I make enough of my own!  I also subscribe to several photography magazines and visit their sites online for more inspiration.  Photography blogs are another great way to learn more about photography.  I learn best by doing, so this year I am going to try more of the things I read about for myself so it will stick with me in the long run.  Perhaps this is from where my project prompts will come.

Fence and field during snow storm.During the Snow StormA field during a snow storm with fence in the foreground, Kuna, Idaho.

*I took this image during a recent snow storm.  It's tempting to stay inside when the weather is bad but you may miss some nice images as a result. Notice how this image has a very different, cool, color temperature compared to the previous shot.

 

  1. Practice an aspect of photography in which I feel I need to improve.

This point relates to the previous point.  Learning about photography doesn’t do much for you as a photographer without practice, just as your tools don’t do much for you if you haven’t learned how to use them.  Lights and a studio for portraiture are great, but if you have no knowledge of how to light or pose people for portraits, those things won’t do much to help you turn out pleasing, well-lit portraits.  You may have the most beautiful landscape in front of you, but if you don’t know how to compose or what camera settings to use, you will come away with a disappointing photo rather than a truly special scenic image. There’s always something to improve upon, and I hope to improve on several aspects of my photography this year.

  1. Continue to study and critique photographs that inspire me.

Another thing I will do to improve my photography is to study the works of those that have come before me, as well as those whose work I admire and respect which is an inspiration to me.  There’s even something to learn from critiquing the work of beginners.  In the past, I was the judge for a photography class at a private school, and that was a learning experience for me.  So don’t just ignore images from beginners or perhaps images that aren’t your style, that you don’t like or think aren’t technically perfect.  Study them and discover what it is you like or don’t like about the image.  What is right or wrong technically about the image?  What would you do differently to improve the image, if you had the chance to do so? What is the subject and how did the photographer draw attention to it? Where is the light coming from and what type of light is in the image?  Does it have enough DOF (depth of field) or is it shallow enough to deliver an emotional reaction?  Asking and answering these types of questions can teach you a lot. Studying photographs is another way to get ideas for images to take in the future.  Keep a list and use those in your project, if you want.

Off-SeasonOff-SeasonAn old boat rests between gate posts during an Idaho winter.

*I found this shot on one of my recent "free-style" drives.  You just never know what you will find.

  1. Shoot regularly!

A photographer’s eye can get rusty without regular use.  I’m going to shoot something every day, if possible.  It could be inside my home or outside. It’s a good idea to always carry a camera with you, whether it’s on your phone, a small point-and-shoot or a larger camera. Just knowing it’s with you can keep your eye sharp and ready to see images in a scene, whether you take the shot or not.  I do what I’ve dubbed drive-by-shooting or free styling.  To me, that means driving around and looking for shots to take that day or at another time, or taking found shots (images that your photographer’s eye sees and everything is already in place; you’ve not really thought about it before that moment).  It may be a bird perched in a tree, on a post or in flight. It may be a landscape, or something newsworthy that’s going on.  This is another way to get to know your camera settings and practice changing them for different scenarios.  In 2016, I want to shoot often and always be ready!

What things will YOU do this year to improve your photography?  Let me know in the comments. Happy New Year and keep on shooting!

 

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) 2016 Canon NYIP New York Institute of Photography PAD challenge digital photography goals landscape photography challenges practice https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/7-things-i-want-to-do-to-improve-my-photography-in-2016 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 18:30:00 GMT
5 Things I learned while studying my NYIP Professional Photography Course https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/5-things-i-learned-while-studying-my-nyip-professional-photography-course I did it!  I graduated from the New York Institute of Photography! I finished their Complete Course in Professional Photography in October of 2015 and received my certificate.  It’s been quite a journey, as I took longer than most students to accomplish this adventure.  I went nearly blind and had to discontinue my studies while I had two separate operations to transplant my diseased corneas and heal from each, along with several familial and personal losses in the past several years since receiving my NYIP materials.  But, I persevered and am proud to say I completed my course and am looking forward to where my business in photography takes me.  Below, I have shared some of the things I’ve learned about myself during the time of my NYIP course. I hope they will be helpful to you.  

NYIP CertificateNYIP CertificateNew York Institute of Photography Certificate

  1. I prefer natural light. Before NYIP, I had only used natural light and perhaps fill flash with a built-in or on camera flash.  I learned to use studio lighting and artificial lighting during the still life, advertising and portrait sections of the course, though I have yet to master it. It’s nice to know how to use artificial light, in the absence of quality natural light. It’s for this reason I’m happy I’ve learned how to use this type of light, but I still prefer natural light. I will most likely continue to use natural light 95% of the time. 

 

  1. I have a natural eye for composition.  On more than one occasion, I’ve been told this.  Though I learned more about the rules of composition through the course, I also learned that I was already doing much of what is taught about it, without having to stop and ask all the questions about the composition when I decide my framing. I am not saying I have a perfect eye or that all my compositions are by the book and I’m not sure how to explain it, but for some reason I can just feel the right composition when I see it in my viewfinder or on my LCD display.  I don’t always nail it and there are times when it is ok or even necessary to break those rules, but it’s been a good exercise to consciously ask myself questions like: What do I want to include in the frame? Why am I including one thing but excluding another? What is my subject? How do I draw attention to my subject? How much of what is in my frame do I want to be in critical focus and how much do I want to blur? etc… This exercise has taught me why I like or dislike images of my own or others’ when I see and contemplate them and that’s a good thing to learn, especially if I expect to improve my own images, teach others in the future and learn from studying other people’s images. So, for all of you who can relate to having a natural eye for composition, be sure to also learn how to decipher them so you know why a certain juxtaposition works or doesn’t work. Critique is a good skill to acquire and I’m still learning to do it better.
  1. I prefer wildlife and landscape photography. I would really just rather be out in nature photographing wildlife and scenery (with the occasional person included for perspective or scale now and then) than posing a person or group of them for portraits or rushing to the next news story. Part of my reason for taking this course was to fill in learning gaps and challenge myself to try all the different areas photography has to offer. I wanted to be able to do them all, even if I decided on just one type to focus on in the end.  Being previously self-taught, I knew I had purposely NOT learned or practiced certain aspects of photography that I didn’t think I liked. NYIP gives you a look at it all and, by trying each type of photography, you just may find something you like that may surprise you, or like myself, you will confirm what you already knew and will feel more confident in pursuing it.

 

  1. I need to practice more. Even with a natural eye, your photographer’s eye can get rusty if not used regularly. The NYIP course forced me to do more “practicing”, something I’m not very patient with because I just want to get to that perfect sunset spot and await the right light and get the awesome shot in the golden hour.  The NYIP course allowed me to slow down and think more, try shots I may not have tried before, use my camera settings in ways I haven’t before.  It kept me shooting and that’s a good thing. They say practice makes perfect and I think that can be true, but with regards to photography, I think practice makes you capable.  It takes more than being at the right place at the right time, with the right equipment…you also have to be skillful in how to set up a shot and how to use your camera in order to bring home the shot.

 

  1. I have a lot to learn! I think the biggest thing I’ve learned throughout this course is how much I still have left to learn.  The more I practice, the more I learn.  The more I shoot, the more I see the need to shoot.  Perhaps that’s a good place to be.  It will keep me doing what I love to do! So, I will continue to be a student of photography as well as a professional and I hope to capture more skillful images in 2016 than I did in 2015.  If I put into practice what I’ve learned through NYIP, I’m sure I can accomplish that goal. Thanks NYIP!

In the comments, please let me know what you learned about yourself in 2015, as it relates to photography.

NYIP

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) NYIP New York Institute of Photography distance learning photography courses photography student https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2016/1/5-things-i-learned-while-studying-my-nyip-professional-photography-course Thu, 31 Dec 2015 16:45:00 GMT
Evening Meal https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2015/5/evening-meal I recently captured this wren at Dedication Park, just south of Kuna, Idaho.  It's mate was waiting for supper and after I took this picture, this bird faithfully delivered the meal to its mate, which I assume was for some tiny family members since it quickly disappeared from view.  I love the way the light was causing a glow on the edges of the bird, rim lighting is one of my favorite types of light.

 

Rock Wren with InsectRock Wren with InsectIn the warm light just before sunset, a Rock Wren perches on a ledge, with an insect in its beak; South of Kuna, Idaho.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Birds Dedication Point Idaho animals birding grasshopper nature perching bird warm light wildlife wren https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2015/5/evening-meal Fri, 15 May 2015 16:36:36 GMT
"A Rare Sight" https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2015/4/-a-rare-sight In January my husband and I got to see a "life bird" for us; and in a place where they are rarely seen.  This photo was taken on our second time looking for it.  This Barred Owl was in Boise, Idaho in a subdivision by the river. 

 

After asking some binocular-carrying people for directions to its exact current location, we quietly approached with my camera shutter on quiet mode and marveled at this beautiful owl.  What a delight it was!  The patterns on it are so pretty!  It was perched in a backyard tree, not far from the sidewalk near the greenbelt.  There were several more people there admiring the owl, but it didn't seem to be bothered by us as is evidenced in the image I captured of it here.  In fact, I didn't get a photo with its eyes open due to it calmly snoozing the whole time we were there.  It was difficult to get shots of it without pieces of branches and twigs covering its face since it was back in the evergreen with behind some other bushes that were nearer to us, in the foreground.  It was a cold, winter day but it was well worth it.  I feel blessed to have gotten the chance to see this bird in the wild and so close to home!

 

What birds have YOU seen "out of place" lately?

 

For more information about the Barred Owl, click here.

 
Barred Owl (Strix varia)Barred Owl (Strix varia)Barred Owl, rare sighting for this area. Perched in a tree in a subdivision along the Boise River.
Boise, Idaho
1-4-2015
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Barred Owl Birds of Prey Boise Idaho birding birds images nature owls perched raptors tree wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2015/4/-a-rare-sight Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:38:52 GMT
Band of Brothers https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2015/1/band-of-brothers We were recently contacted by Rex Woodmore at Artists4Creation.  He was interested in adding us to his website, which is devoted to artists who share their faith and celebrate their Creator through their own creations.  It is quite an honor to be asked to participate as the first photographic artist.  Keep in mind that he is always looking to include more people and types of art.  When you get a chance, be sure to check out ALL of the artists featured there.

Rex is based out of Australia.  It is amazing to realize that, even from our little corner of the world here in Idaho, we can connect with and encourage fellow believers who live on the other side of the world...literally!  One of the truly wonderful things about the internet is the opportunity to interact with other countries and cultures, regardless of language barriers and time zones.  We pray that God blesses Rex in his efforts and that God's glory continues to be exalted!

Artists4Creation  

My page on Artists4Creation

 

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) art artist artists artists4creation creation creationist faith photographic https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2015/1/band-of-brothers Mon, 19 Jan 2015 16:46:36 GMT
Wally-Eurasian Eagle Owl takes flight! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/12/wally-eurasian-eagle-owl-takes-flight Meet Wally...a Eurasian Eagle Owl. He was one of the raptors we saw at the flight displays in October.  I loved the look of the black and white with just the amazing color of his eye in color. To learn more about this type of owl, CLICK HERE  

Stay tuned for more of Wally and more posts from the World Center for Birds of Prey!  Follow me on my FB page for updates on blog posts. An Eurasian Eagle, in duo-tone takes flight at The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.Taking flight 2This is Wally, a Eurasian Eagle Owl on take-off at the World Center for Birds of Prey during flight displays.
Boise, Idaho.-You can also see and order this bird in color in my Birds of Prey gallery.

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Bubo Bubo Eurasian Eagle Owl Idaho The Peregrine Fund United States Wally birding birds of prey digital art fine art owl raptors wall art world center for birds of prey https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/12/wally-eurasian-eagle-owl-takes-flight Wed, 10 Dec 2014 23:34:27 GMT
My Published Northern Saw-whet Owl image...Here it is! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/10/my-published-northern-saw-whet-owl-here-it-is Click here to purchase your own copy and support The Peregrine Fund, as well as enjoy 14 months of awesome raptor images! *Note: I receive no money from the sale of this calendar, it all goes to The Peregrine Fund.

My image is on the page for the month of December 2014, so order yours soon or you'll miss my month!

You can also click on the image to be taken to my online gallery where you can order just the image itself as a print, on canvas, get it framed and more!

 

My Northern Saw-whet Owl image, published in the 2015 Birds of Prey Calendar, put out by the Peregrine Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) 2015 Birds Boise Calendar Fund Idaho Peregrine Prey The birds calendar of published wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/10/my-published-northern-saw-whet-owl-here-it-is Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:53:35 GMT
Which came first? https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/8/which-came-first Color, close up, image of eggs in crate, with a feather stuck to one egg.Feathered Egg-color-1Color, close up, image of eggs in crate, with a feather stuck to one egg.

Remember the old saying, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"  Well, now we know!  haha  Seriously, though, here's the truth about the answer to that question.

I recently took this picture at a farm near where I live.  While meandering around taking pictures, the owner pulled up in his truck.  The tailgate was down, so I could see right into the bed. What my eyes beheld was no doubt mundane to this farmer, yet wondrous to me; stacks of primary colored crates containing freshly gathered eggs.  Some of the eggs had straw sticking to them or other (less desirable) residue; while still others, like this photo on the right, had feathers on them.  I knew at once that I wanted a tight shot of this egg with a single feather stuck to it.  I took several shots.  Some shots were zoomed out, showing the crates in full, while others were tight like this one.  I took both horizontal and vertical orientations since you never know what a customer may use it for.  I like the gentle look and repeating shapes of this image in color. 

You can read about The Anatomy of a Chicken Egg, here. They're actually pretty amazing. As far as taste and nutrition, there's no egg like fresh, egg.  If you're in my area, be sure to stop by Vogel Farms Country Market.  "Vogel Farms allows you to choose Fresh from the Farm, local all natural grass and Non GMO grain fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs and turkey. We have over 70 years experience to help deliver to you, what some say is the tastiest meat in the valley. The best part, all of our animals, and their feed are raised right here in Kuna, Idaho on Vogel Farms."   If you're not in my area, check out their website!   

 

Black and white image of eggs in a crate with feather.Chicken Eggs in crate with feather, in monochromeChicken eggs in a crate, with feather, in black and white  In addition to color, I also converted this image to black and white, as you can see at left.  I love black and white images.  The black and white image has more contrast.  The contrast between the light and shadow is one thing that makes this and other black and white images successful.  The feather really stands out in the black and white version; in fact, I'd say it's the star! The shapes are emphasized more in the black and white image, as well.  When you remove color from and image, it often becomes about shape and form, light and shadow.

Which one do you like best? The color version or the black and white?  Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.  Have an "egg-cellent" day!

 

 

 
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Country Market Idaho Kuna Vogel Farms black and white chicken close-up color eggs eggs in crate feather fine art images https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/8/which-came-first Thu, 21 Aug 2014 20:23:00 GMT
Saturday's Deal https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/8/saturdays-deal  

I adore books!  I also relish a good bargain.  So, when I stopped by a yard sale Saturday and found these older-ish photography books, from the 1970's, I had to buy them.  After all, they will fit in nicely among the other aged photography books gracing my shelf.  I believe this was the best deal I've ever discovered on used photography books.  They were just .10 cents a piece!

I'm sure much of the facts are irrelevant, but there's also still a fair amount of valid information in these somewhat antiquated books. Their faded covers and tired pages hold a certain charm for a book hound like myself, that cannot be ignored.  (My mind wonders...who owned this before?  Are they some famous photographer now?)  The key is knowing which information will always be pertinent.

My photography studies began in the film SLR age, so I never did my own developing. (Well, there was that one image at a photography workshop that came through Boise, several years ago.)  I simply took my film to the local camera store and waited for what seemed like forever to see my latest images.  Some of you have no idea what that's like, in this era of immediate gratification; waiting for as long as a week or more for film to be developed and made into prints.  It was pure torture for a shutterbug, like myself!  The result of having to wait so long to evaluate your latest attempts at proper exposure, composition, etc, was a much slower learning process.

 I don't want to forget the history of photography and the way things used to be;  in spite of my efforts and necessity, as a photographer, to keep up with the current photography trends, equipment and such.  Monthly magazines are invaluable, as is the web, in keeping up with the unending modifications.  Staying relevant takes a lot time and money in this digital age, but that's a topic for another post.
 
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) SLR bargain book hound books digital film history old photography yard sale https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/8/saturdays-deal Mon, 04 Aug 2014 20:53:59 GMT
Well, Owl be! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/7/well-owl-be I recently entered the Birds of Prey 2014 Photo Competition that was held by The Peregrine Fund.  There were a total of 318 photos entered.   I didn't win the popular vote by the general public, what I did win means much more to me.

First, one of my photos was chosen by The Peregrine Fund’s selection committee as one of 10 Honorable Mentions!  That prize includes: Free membership in The Peregrine Fund ($25 value). Receive the next Birds of Prey Calendar, 10% gift shop discount, and unlimited admission at the World Center for Birds of Prey for one year.

The best "prize" of all I found out about just today.  My Northern Saw-whet owl photo will be published in the 2015 Birds of Prey Calendar!  Woot! Woot! or should I say, Hoot! Hoot!? :)  This means I've met my "get published again" goal I had set for myself this year.  It's been a few years...since before my corneal transplants and such; so yes, I'm STOKED! 
 
Here is the photo that was chosen...
 
Saw-whet Owl perches in a conifer treeSaw-whet Owl perches in a conifer treeSaw-whet Owl in the wild. surrounded by tree branches.
Boise, Idaho Published September 2014 in the 2015 Birds of Prey Calendar.
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) "birds of prey" Birds Birds of Prey Idaho Northern Saw-whet The Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of Prey backyard birds birding birds fine art owl raptors wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/7/well-owl-be Sun, 13 Jul 2014 04:11:36 GMT
A new surprise visitor! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/6/a-new-surprise-visitor Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor)




I had a new surprise visitor to my backyard yesterday.  I love it when a bird visits my yard that's never done so before.

At first glance, with one of the boards on my trellis in the way, I thought it was a young robin (since we have a robin family with two newer fledglings right now).  When I could see the bird in the clearing, I realized it didn't look at all like a young robin.  The beak was SO small!  Then I notice all the other markings, like the  heavy horizontal bars on it's lower breast.  This was a bird I had read about in my bird books, but never actually seen.  The name, containing the word common, suggests that it is easy to find, right? Well, I've read that the numbers have declined overall, but I've heard from someone local, that they are coming back. 

Ironically, the Common Nighthawk is neither common, nor a hawk.  It does however become more active in the early morning and evening, so at least there's that part of it's name that rings true. :)  I have something in common with this bird.  As a photographer, when in the field, I too am most active in the early morning and early evening hours.  After all, that is when the lighting is best for gorgeous outdoor images.  In photography, this time period is know as the golden hour (sometimes known as the magic hour, especially in cinematography). It is a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer compared to when the sun is higher in the sky.

If you're a birder and have more than my limited knowledge as a beginner, please comment and tell me what you can about this bird and it's numbers here, in SW Idaho.  Whatever the numbers are, I sure enjoyed the time this bird spent in our yard and I hope to see more of them in the future.

Here is a list of the birds I observed and identified in my backyard yesterday, June 5th, 2014:
Common Nighthawk, European Starling, House Sparrow, American Robin, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Red-winged Black Bird, Hummingbirds. (at least Black-chinned, perhaps others)

For more information about this bird, CLICK HERE.

If you'd be so kind as to vote for my birds of prey images, you can find the info and links HERE, or just go to the previous post, 2014 Birds of Prey Photo Competition.  Thank you!
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals at rest backyard bird birding birds Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk declining numbers Idaho SW Idaho https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/6/a-new-surprise-visitor Fri, 06 Jun 2014 09:11:00 GMT
2014 Birds of Prey Photo Competition https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/6/2014-birds-of-prey-photo-competition 2014 Birds of Prey Photo Competition


It's been a while since I've posted. My bird blog has suffered in its ranking, as a result.  It couldn't be helped, though.  I had to have corneal transplants in both eyes in 2013.  As part of getting back into my photography, I've entered a photo competition and I need your help.  The prizes are awarded based on the most votes received by the public. Please vote once a day through June 13th.  

Please share this post with your FB friends and ask them to vote, too. My 5 images are all on pages 1-3, under "Newest" tab. Kathleen B is under each one, so they are easy to find. The links to the individual photos are below, if it will be easier for you to find my images.To see what images are ahead of mine in votes, go to "Most Popular". If you think any of my images are worthy of being pushed up in the ranks, please do what you can to help them get there.  Feel free to vote for other worthy images you like, as well.  There are some great images in the running.


 

Thank you! 


Golden Eagle  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136817


 
Northern Saw-whet Owl  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136803
 
Sleepy Burrowing Owl  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136801
 
Osprey in Flight  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136721
 
Short-eared Owl  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136715
 
  • PRIZES
  •  
    GRAND PRIZE:
    Vortex Optics has generously donated a RAZOR HD 16-48X65 spotting scope. Its sophisticated triplet apochromatic lens system delivers high-definition views across the entire field of view—no color fringing, degradation of resolution or dilution of color fidelity at longer viewing distances. Retail value: $1200.
     
    2ND PRIZE: 
    $100 credit at The Peregrine Fund gift shop, either online or at our visitor's center in Boise, Idaho.
     
    3RD PRIZE: 
    $50 credit at The Peregrine Fund gift shop, either online or at our visitor's center in Boise, Idaho.
     
    10 HONORABLE MENTION PRIZES: 
    Free membership in The Peregrine Fund ($25 value). Receive the next Birds of Prey Calendar, 10% gift shop discount, and unlimited admission at the World Center for Birds of Prey for one year.
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) "Peregrine Fund" "birds of prey" 2014 Birds of Prey Photo Competition Northern Saw-whet Owl contest photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2014/6/2014-birds-of-prey-photo-competition Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:56:00 GMT
Boise Peregrine Chicks Have Hatched-Watch Live Feed! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2013/5/boise-peregrine-chicks-have-hatched Watch the live feed of the Boise Falconcam.  The chicks have hatched.  Warning: Feeding time can be gross!

http://www.peregrinefund.org/webcam-peregrine


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2013/5/boise-peregrine-chicks-have-hatched Thu, 23 May 2013 07:58:00 GMT
Cape Blanco Lighthouse https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/11/cape-blanco-lighthouse Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Landscapes-Pictorial  Cape Blanco Lighthouse
A few months ago, we went to a family reunion on the Oregon Coast. At the end of the reunion, we still had another week of vacation, so we headed south along the coast down to Cape Blanco State Park. Besides the fact that the campground was beautiful, sitting atop a bluff overlooking the ocean, we also were just a stone's throw away from Cape Blanco Lighthouse. The first night at the state park, we drove down to the overlook. The wind must have been blowing around 25-30 mph. Somehow, Kathleen was able to get this picture, in spite of the wind, just as the big Fresnel lens rotated around, shining its light right at us. The next day, we actually went on a tour inside the lighthouse and got to stand right next to that big lens, but more on that in my next post...

Like a lot of life situations, it caused my mind to start spinning on some of the spiritual parallels. Lighthouses were created to fill a need. In some areas, they warn of the danger of shallow waters or rocks. Other locations use them to guide boats and ships to the safety of a harbor or cove. When you face danger or uncertain times, to where do you look? When you do not know where to go or what to do, to whom do you turn for advice? Maybe you are like I was two years ago. I was relying on myself, my own intellect, my own abilities, my own reasoning to find what I was looking for or what I thought I needed. In reality, I needed to stop looking at myself and start looking at the Light.

John 1:4-5 say of Jesus: "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." You can spend all of your time looking in other directions, but all you will see is darkness. A lot of people are perfectly content with the darkness. It is what they know. It is familiar to them. But when the storms of life blow and unseen dangers lie ahead, darkness offers no help, no hope, no solace, no peace. What Jesus offers is so much more: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Are you looking to the Light? Can't you see it? Shining in the darkness?
- The Scribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) beach Cape Blanco landscapes lighthouse Oregon pictorial scenic https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/11/cape-blanco-lighthouse Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:36:00 GMT
Burrowing Owl https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/9/burrowing-owl Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Birds of Prey  Burrowing Owl 
     These little burrowing owls always make me smile!  We often see them just south of Kuna.  For their small size, they sure seem to have a truck-load of attitude.  On one stretch of road we use to often see three or even four nesting pairs.  For some reason, there have been NONE so far this year.  Maybe they felt it was time to move on.  Maybe the nearby dairy farm drove them away due to the smell.  Maybe they decided to look for a larger burrow.  Only God knows the reason why they are not there this year.
      Isn't that just like God, though?  Things happen, prospects change, people move, circumstances fluctuate - and our questions cast Heavenward seem to get no response.  And yet, someway, somehow, God has all of these things orchestrated into a grand dance that, to us, seems like chaos or happenstance.  But He, like a masterful conductor, just smiles, because He understands the music to which we move.
-  The Scribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) birds of prey burrowing owls fine art Kuna Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/9/burrowing-owl Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:59:00 GMT
Shining Through https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/9/shining-through Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: My Backyard Birds  Backlit Hummingbird
I think this is the first time I have seen a hummingbird picture quite like this one.  This little one (I believe it is a black-chinned hummingbird) was feeding on the Wisteria blossoms hanging from the trellis in our backyard.  The green you see through it's wing is actually part of the Wisteria plant.  My wife has some MAD skills!
We have seen a lot of hummingbirds this year in our neighborhood.  Every time one comes to the feeder hanging from our kitchen window, whoever is nearby will stop and just watch for a while.  They truly are amazing.  They are so small, with their hearts beating at about 1200 beats per minute.  And they flit around our yard with such acrobatic zeal that you cannot help but smile.
- TheScribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds fine art hummingbirds Idaho Kuna Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/9/shining-through Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:45:00 GMT
A Sunday Surprise! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/a-sunday-surprise Note: This post was written by my husband and new author to my blog, The Scribe. (aka: Paul)  I'm excited to let him share his perspective, since he is at most of my shoots in the field.  He's also been writing for my Shots n' Thoughts blog.  CHECK IT OUT!
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk 
So, after church last Sunday, we needed to drive to the store in downtown Kuna to get a couple of things, and we spot this Swainson's hawk on top of a light pole by the intersection of Avalon and Swan Falls Road, right above a grassy field.  We pull a U-turn (something we often have to do when birding) and stop at the side of the road.
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
Lo and behold, there are also two fledgling Swainson's on the ground, too.  One was obviously younger than the other.  They were making quite a ruckus and seemed to be finding something yummy to eat in the grass at the bottom of the light pole.  I really don't want to guess what it might have been, but I do know that they like insects and mice and the like.
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
Meanwhile, we spot a dark morph Swainson's flying around overhead.  Now, keep in mind, this is all in downtown Kuna on a Sunday afternoon, cars whizzing by, sun blazing.  A bit of God's awesome creation showcased right before our eyes!
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
I don't know exactly how long the fledglings stayed there in the grass, but the younger one didn't seem like he wanted to go anywhere.  The older one took off and flew toward a tree not too far from where we were parked.  His inexperience at tree landings resulted in him picking too thin of a branch and falling out of the tree.  He recovered from his fall and flew RIGHT over us!  I could have reached up and grabbed him! Kathleen ducked and didn't get a shot off.  I guess she was more concerned about the bird than getting a picture.
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
After the near collision with our vehicle, he flew over and landed on the fence, right next to the road and about 10 yards from the younger fledgling.  It was all quite unexpected and quite a treat!  It just goes to show you that you never know when or where God will reveal His glory!
-  The Scribe







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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) birding Birds of Prey birds of prey area hawks Idaho Kuna Swainson's https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/a-sunday-surprise Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:19:00 GMT
Mountain Bluebird https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/mountain-bluebird Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Birds  Mountain Bluebird
We were camping at Craters of the Moon National Park earlier this year (the end of April, I believe) when this picture was taken.  We had been hiking around on different trails, getting more and more tired as the day wore on.  Kathleen had been complaining that she wasn't getting any good bird shots and how stupid it all was.  Yea...she was tired!
 So I prayed that Almighty God would show my lovely albeit tired wife His glory.  Within minutes, this beautiful male Mountain Bluebird came by, posing within reach of her long zoom lens.  Kathleen practically bounced back to the truck!  Isn't that just like God?  We can start to get frustrated, tired, grumpy, whatever.  But then He pulls back the veil just a little and reveals His wondrous creativity and glory to us.  And we are changed as a result.
-  The Scribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) birds fine art Idaho Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/mountain-bluebird Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:20:00 GMT
Psalm 139:1-2 https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/psalm-1391-2

Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Inspirational  Ps. 139:1-2 

The ironic thing about this wonderful inspirational picture and verse is that I was in a horrible spiritual place at the time it was taken.  And yet, through all my wanderings, God knew what I was doing, how detestable I was inside, exactly what was going through my mind...and He loved me anyways!

Oh how far God has brought me in the past year and a half!  If I were to sit in the same spot on top of Kuna Butte, it would be like a completely different person observing God's handiwork.  He has given me new eyes to see and new ears to hear.  He truly is a God of Wonders!  And even though He knows all about me, He still sent His Son to die for me.  Praise the Lord!
- The Scribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Ada County; Idaho; landscape dusk fine art God inspirational landscapes Shekinah Photography sunset https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/psalm-1391-2 Sun, 19 Aug 2012 14:47:00 GMT
Rufous Hummingbird https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/rufous-hummingbird

The past few days we've been having a bit of an uproar in our backyard.  This adorable little female Rufous hummingbird is the  reason.  She was perched on my window feeder this morning and is still there now, several hours later.  I was able to get several good shots of her, including this one.  

Even when she was perfectly still, I could tell her heart was beating fiercely.  Hummingbirds are some of my favorite birds and one of God's magnificent creations.  So delicate and yet it can migrate to Mexico and back each year.  Amazing!

She's successfully chased off the larger Black-chinned hummingbirds, so I guess I need to move my other feeder out of sight of her favorite feeder.  

I haven't yet seen a male, but I'm hoping to because I have never seen one nor have I photographed one.  I would love to!

To see or purchase this image or more of my Bird images,
  Click Here.  For birds of prey, Click Here 
or, just browse through my birding galleries!

You can read more about the Rufous Hummingbird, HERE.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds birding birds female hummingbirds Idaho Rufous wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/rufous-hummingbird Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:41:00 GMT
Prairie Shed https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/prairie-shed Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Landscapes-Pictorial  Prairie Shed

We had taken a "photo excursion" over to the Little Camas Prairie near Fairfield, Idaho, to catch some of the Camas lilies blooming.  Driving around the area, we also spied a number of old buildings.  While Kathleen takes pictures, I will often sit in the truck and read.  I barely remember this building, but I certainly don't remember being all that impressed with the view.
Somehow, my wife is able to look at a run-down old building, frame it with the right amount of foreground, tweak the camera settings and come out with this absolutely charming scene - Award-winning, as a matter of fact!  (1st Place - 2010 Western Idaho Fair)  I believe God looks at us the same way.  What may appear to be an ordinary person on the outside becomes something wonderful when framed with the right background and tweaked by the work of the Holy Spirit.  Whether you want to accept it or not, God considers YOU Award-winning!
-  The Scribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Camas Prairie fine art flowers Idaho landscape lilies pictorial scenic shed Shekinah Photography travel https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/prairie-shed Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:27:00 GMT
Pittsburg Landing https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/pittsburg-landing-cool-air-of
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Black & White  Desert Trees
The cool air of the morning had begun to give way to the warmth of a sunny April day by the time we arrived at Pittsburg Landing.  This is one of the few places where you can drive right into Hell’s Canyon.  I was glad we were here in April and not in July or August, when the heat can be suffocating.  The high, thin clouds gave a surreal backdrop to this unique location.  We had just come through a mountain saddle, lush and green with trees and grass, only to drop down into a deep gash in the land highlighted by the Snake River coursing along the bottom.
The camera shutter was clicking away as we walked around the parking and picnic areas.  The tree that is the subject of this photo was nothing special, being so similar to all the other trees that lined the canyon bottom.  And yet, through my wife’s God-given talent, she transformed the ordinary into something of beauty.
This reminds me so much of what God does in our lives.  He takes the ordinary, the plain, and the seemingly useless things of our lives and turns them into works of art.  Only the Creator of the Universe could work such magic.  As we deal with the hurts, pains, and humiliation of our past, it can be difficult to see the potential for the wondrous which God recognizes as existing inside you and me.  After all, we are created in His image!  Every spring, God takes the dry, brown and dead plants and trees and paints amazingly brilliant colors with His heavenly palette.  If our God can transform the world every spring, then He certainly has the power to transform you and me.
Another story also comes to mind as I recall Pittsburg Landing: the story of a prince who didn’t want to accept the truth of who he was, so he ran away to a desert place, hoping to escape his own doubts, fears and failures.  Moses herded sheep for 40 years in a place similar to this.  The loneliness and solitude, I’m sure, must have been overpowering at times.  And yet, God used the time in Midian to mold and train Moses for his future, his destiny.  Maybe the burning bush was a tree like this one: ordinary and plain until it was useful to God for His purposes.  And the world has never been the same since!
Are you struggling in your own desert place?  Is your life ordinary, plain, nothing special?  Remember, the verdant green valleys are not far away.  Will you allow God to lead you there, to restore your soul, and to work magic in your heart?
-  The Scribe
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) fine art hell's canyon Idaho Pittsburgh Landing Shekinah Photography travel https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/8/pittsburg-landing-cool-air-of Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:15:00 GMT
Mountain Bluebird https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/6/mountain-bluebird Mountain Bluebird
 (Sialia arctcia)


The Mountain Bluebird is the state bird of Idaho.  I captured this male Mountain Bluebird in late April, during our first camping trip of the season, at  Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.  He was such a beautiful, striking blue!  I was just amazed at seeing him.  We've lived in Idaho for a while and I've never gotten close enough for a decent photo of one of these birds and I've usually only seen the female.  We were walking on a nature trail when I spotted him.  I saw his mate, too.  The female is more of a gray with blue on it's wings and tail.
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) birds Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Idaho Mountain Bluebird nature Shekinah Photography wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/6/mountain-bluebird Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT
Spring, Obstacles and a Request https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/3/spring-obstacles-and-request Spring is upon us once again. I am so glad to see the grass beginning to green up and show signs of renewal. I always look forward to the colors of spring after a long winter.

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted here. Below is some explanation of why it's been so long, or at least part of why.


I haven't mentioned this before on this blog, but I have an eye disease that is slowly causing blindness. You can't tell by looking at me that I have this disease, nor can you tell how the world looks to me. If you'd like to see examples of how I see and more about this disease, CLICK HERE. These examples are not exactly how I see. Some are far worse and some are better or just different. That's the nature of this disease. The symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

As you can imagine, seeing like this is causing quite a number of difficulties with my photography, which is much of the reason I've not been updating my blogs or facebook page much in the past year or so and have had to turn down jobs. As my symptoms have progressed especially in the past year or so, I've severely decreased my time in the field taking new images. It's so frustrating when I can't tell if the image is in sharp focus, has enough contrast or saturation, etc...and it's very difficult to shoot outdoors due to the glare issues this disease has caused me.

Upgrading my equipment would help with the capturing side of the images as I would have a larger LCD display, more auto focusing points and such, but I may still need to find someone to post-process or tell me how my adjustments look as I do them.

Surgery will alleviate many of these problems, but it will take time. I will get each eye done one eye at a time, when the disease has progressed enough for the surgery, and it will take time for them to heal and all. There are risks and no guarantee my sight will be what I need even afterwards or that my body won't reject the donor tissue.

I am not telling you this to get sympathy or pity. I know God will get me through this just as He has every other trial and obstacle in my life, but I do have a request...

Would you all consider telling your friends and family about my images that are for sale? Share the link to my blog or website on your Facebook or Twitter? Would you consider purchasing one of my fine art images or some of my greeting cards? All orders are much appreciated, as I try to raise the funds for the aforementioned camera upgrades, and I am honored by all who deem my images worthy of purchase for display or gifts for family and friends. Your prayers are also greatly appreciated if you are so inclined.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) disease eye flowers Fuch's Dystrophy images Iris obstacles photography renewal Shekinah Photography spring surgery https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/3/spring-obstacles-and-request Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:18:00 GMT
Adult Cooper's Hawk-who feeds the birds? https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/2/adult-coopers-hawk-who-feeds-birds
Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

In years past, I've had several different raptors hunting in my yard, from American Kestrels to Sharp-shinned hawks. All of them have been immature; until this winter. This winter I've seen two Adult Cooper's Hawks hunting in my yard. It's pretty amazing to watch the adults hunt after watching so many immature ones. What a difference. The immature ones will often miss their attempt to catch a bird from the feeders and then continue to sit perched for quite some time, waiting for movement, even if the backyard birds are chirping. The young hunter will sit and look around and will often fail at their attempts to catch prey once they are hidden within the bushes.

Adult Cooper's Hawk, hunting in my backyard bush.

On the contrary, the adults I've seen come into my yard will fly around from my vines to the fence to the bushes, quickly determining where the birds are hiding, this is providing he missed his fly by attack at the feeders upon arrival in my yard. The first adult I saw in my yard did this and then proceeded to listen for the direction of the chirping birds and went straight away into the bush, looked around for a minute, fly into the bush and came out with it's prey in his talons. (That's him pictured above, just before catching his prey) He landed on the ground, something the immature birds don't seem as comfortable with. I couldn't see the bird he caught, but I could see the hunter kind of bouncing up and down and adjusting himself under the squirming of the little bird. After several seconds of this, he then proceeded to start plucking out the feathers while the little thing continued to squawk. It wasn't long before all was silent, for which I was grateful. All of this was quite unsettling, but it is nature in it's truest form, as God intended. I'm just glad I'm not privy to the behavior of wild animals on a regular basis. It's certainly not a pretty sight. I have pictures of what I described here, but am not posting them here. I'm so glad God provides food for all the animals, I just wish there was a less barbaric way of doing so. He knows best, though. I suppose the world would be taken over by all of the animals if there were no natural way of weeding some out.


Adult Cooper's Hawk on my backyard vines.

I guess I could feel bad that by providing food in my feeders for the sparrows, finches, etc...I am in a sense also feeding these raptors. I don't though, because I know that if humans didn't put feeders out, God would still provide food for the birds; seeds, fruit, and yes, even other birds, insects and animals. Feeders make it easier for birds to find sustenance in the winter and bring them in closer for me to observe and appreciate, as well as marvel at their Creator. Happy Birding!

To see more of my Backyard birds CLICK HERE. To see my Birding Galleries, CLICK HERE. To purchase greeting cards with my bird images CLICK HERE. To purchase prints of my bird images, CLICK HERE.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds birding Birds of Prey birds of the air cooper's hawk greeting cards hunting raptors Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2012/2/adult-coopers-hawk-who-feeds-birds Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:49:00 GMT
Sunday Afternoon Captures...Northern Saw-whet Owl https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2011/3/sunday-afternoon-capturesnorthern-saw
A tip, along with some whitewash & pellets on the sidewalk, helped me locate this adorable little owl. He/she was pretty low in the branches overhanging the sidewalk, so I was able to get some pretty close shots. It's obvious this little cutie wasn't at all threatened by my presence. I knew these were small owls, but I was unprepared for just how small they are. I assume this is a male because he was on the lower side of the size scale. (Size: Length 17 to 21.9cm (6.7-8.6") Wingspan 45.9 to 56.3cm (18.1-22.2")Weight 75-110g (2.6-3.9oz) - Females are slightly larger than males.) He was so cute, I could hardly stand it! This was my first encounter with one of these owls and it was very exciting.

I hope you enjoy this image. To see more of the images I took, please CLICK HERE to see them in their gallery. You can see them larger there, too. If you want to order prints, check out my Birds of Prey gallery in my Print Galleries. For more information on the Northern Saw-whet owl, CLICK HERE.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals birds Birds of Prey Idaho nature owls Saw-whet owl wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2011/3/sunday-afternoon-capturesnorthern-saw Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:56:00 GMT
Woodpecker Design Examined https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2011/2/woodpecker-design-examined The woodpecker is a fantastic testament to the proof of an amazing Creator. This article I found, from the Institute for Creation Research, explains how...

"When boring into wood in search of food, a woodpecker exerts so much force with each strike that its beak should crumble, its skull should crack, and its brain should be reduced to mush. However, a suite of design features absorbs the shock and ensures that these tragedies do not happen. How are these features able to provide such effective protection?"

To read the rest of the article CLICK HERE.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals birds creation Creator downy woodpecker Institute for Creation Research science woodpecker https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2011/2/woodpecker-design-examined Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:29:00 GMT
Sharpie-On the Hunt https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2011/1/sharpie-on-hunt This is not the greatest quality shot by any means, since I took it hand-held through my living room window, but I still like it. There have been many sharp-shinned and cooper's hawks hunting in our yard this winter. A couple of American Kestrels, too. One day there was a hawk in the yard nearly the whole day. It's a lot of fun to watch and a challenge to capture with my camera...

I have more images for viewing and purchase, in my Birding Galleries and Print Galleries.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals backyard birds Birds of Prey hawks hunting Idaho images sharp-shinned hawk sharpie Shekinah Photography wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2011/1/sharpie-on-hunt Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:06:00 GMT
A Day in the Mountains https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/12/day-in-mountains This past weekend, my husband and I went up to our local mountains to see some beautiful scenery and snow. We just wanted to get away, alone, for a while and enjoy each other's company in God's beautiful creation. God blessed us with falling snow for much of our day. I didn't take nearly the pictures that I usually do, and most of the ones we took were with our little family point & shoot camera. What a special time we had together! I'm so thankful.

My husband and I, enjoying each other, and the falling snow; not to mention the beautiful scenery.

This is a little place in town, where we stopped for lunch. I highly recommend them. We were going to rent one of their cabins for our upcoming, extended get-away but decided to go to Oregon to an old historic hotel instead. I can't wait!

This is the little town on Idaho City, in black & white.

Here I am moving my gear so I can get another shot of Grimes Creek.

For more & larger images from this trip, CLICK HERE!
Follow my adventures on my Facebook Fanpage!
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Idaho City Idaho; mountains landscape snow https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/12/day-in-mountains Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:13:00 GMT
Artistic Bird Landscape-your impression/thoughts? https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/12/artistic-bird-landscape-your
I love how this image has such an artistic look to it. I've added a slight vignette to it. I took this one during one of our beautiful Idaho snow storms. I'm so blessed to live in this gorgeous state.

Your comments are welcomed. I would love to hear some other impressions or thoughts about this one...you may click on the title of this post to see it larger.




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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals birding birds Birds of Prey landscape scenic Shekinah Photography wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/12/artistic-bird-landscape-your Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:35:00 GMT
Today's Chilling Image https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/12/todays-chilling-image Comments welcomed...





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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) close up frozen ice icicles images Shekinah Photography snow winter https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/12/todays-chilling-image Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:21:00 GMT
Idaho Rainbow https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/11/idaho-rainbow
There have been some awesome rainbows in Idaho this fall. I took this one near the end of the season, just before the weather turned colder and the snow started flying. The colors are so brilliant! I added scripture to this one.

You can order this image as a quality print (matted & framed or just the print), canvas or gallery wrap at my main website, or as a greeting card! Just go to the Inspirational Gallery on either site. There is a discount for greeting card orders in quantities of 8 or 16!

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Ada County; Idaho; landscape inspirational landscape nature rainbows scripture https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/11/idaho-rainbow Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:23:00 GMT
Hawk in my backyard (FOY) https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/11/hawk-in-my-backyard-foy Two days ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the first of the year (season) hawk in my backyard. They are so cool! He watched our bushes for a bit and then flew off to a neighbor's fence and continued looking for food. I just love the birds of prey! Welcome back!

Enjoy...

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) "birds of prey" backyard birds birding birds hawks Idaho https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/11/hawk-in-my-backyard-foy Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:25:00 GMT
Gray Jay https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/10/gray-jay This inquisitive bird landed in a tree near where we stopped for a picnic lunch, while recently at Jenny Lake, in Grand Teton N.P. in Wyoming. (USA)


Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals birds Grand Teton National Park gray jay Jenny Lake Wyoming https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/10/gray-jay Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:31:00 GMT
Jim Richardson on Travel Photography, Travel Photo Tips -- National Geographic https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/9/jim-richardson-on-travel-photography

Jim Richardson on Travel Photography, Travel Photo Tips -- National Geographic]]>
[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/9/jim-richardson-on-travel-photography Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:54:00 GMT
Lightning Storm https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/8/lightning-storm We had a fantastic lighting storm last night. We drove out to get a good view to take some pictures and we ended up having the storm pass right over us. I've never heard lightning so close and so loud! My heart was pounding and I was thinking, "I'm still alive and nothing hurts. That was awesome!" After that loud bold of lightning, the wind and rain hit. The car was shaking from the wind and the rain was a real downpour! By the time it quit raining enough to open the window and take a picture, the lightning was pretty far off in the distance. I never even got a chance to get my tripod out so all the photos I took were hand-held. Below is one that was acceptable to share with you all, but not what I was hoping to capture. Maybe next time, though! You just never know...

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) lightning storm weather https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/8/lightning-storm Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:13:00 GMT
Snatching Insects https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/8/snatching-insects This year I have really enjoyed watching the hummingbirds in our backyard. We have two feeders out and several hummers come to them, as well as to the flowers in our yard. We've had mostly females and young ones, making it quite hard to identify what kind they are. I know we've had some Black-chinned hummingbirds because of their distinctive habit of pumping their tails.

The bird in this image was snatching tiny insects out of mid-air, allowing me to capture it in full light. My feeders are in the shade so they're usually backlit and if I don't use a flash, good luck getting a good image. I added a filter in Adobe Lightroom 3 to this image and although the colors are not true, I love the golden look it has given this image.

If you can identify what kind of hummingbird is in this picture, feel free to leave it in a comment.





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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds birding hummingbirds Idaho images Kathleen Bowman nature Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/8/snatching-insects Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:46:00 GMT
In the Meantime https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/7/in-meantime I haven't posted lately. I've been on vacation, planning 11th grade courses for my homeschooled teen, having computer problems that proclude me from editing and uploading images, but hope to have some newer images up soon! Looking at getting a Macbook Pro. I hate change, but I may have to bite the bullet. In the meantime, I'm sharing this little vignetted image is of a young chipping sparrow that I took in the spring. Rather than remove the distracting elements in Photoshop, I added the vignette. I love the look of this image, how it looks like a painting.
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds birds Idaho images sparrow vingette https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/7/in-meantime Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:13:00 GMT
On My Own-An Independent Film https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/on-my-own-independent-film-1
 
 
I took the stills for this independent film, last summer. The movie is by AKB Productions and premieres on August 21, 2010, in Boise, Idaho. This is the movie poster for promotion of the film. (The graphics were done by Media Ghost Productions.) Click here for more about On My Own, and to see the movie trailers.
 

For more about the film company or to see other films they've done, CLICK HERE.
 

If you are interested on working on their next full-length film, A Sweeter Song, click here for more info.
 
 

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) akb productions films independent film movie shekinah photography stills https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/on-my-own-independent-film-1 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:24:00 GMT
On My Own-An Independent Film https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/on-my-own-independent-film I took the stills for this independent film, last summer. The movie is by AKB Productions and premieres on August 21, 2010, in Boise, Idaho. This is the movie poster for promotion of the film. (The graphics were done by Media Ghost Productions.) Click here for more about On My Own, and to see the movie trailers.

For more about the film company or to see other films they've done, CLICK HERE.

If you are interested on working on their next full-length film, A Sweeter Song, click here for more info.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) AKB Productions film-making films independent films movies https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/on-my-own-independent-film Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:07:00 GMT
Little Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh, WMA https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/little-camas-prairie-centennial-marsh Last weekend I went up to the Little Camas Prairie, near Fairfield, Idaho. I am posting a few of the images I took at the Little Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh, WMA. These are some of the images with birds in them.
From what I've read, there are hundreds of birds there, in the early morning this time of year. I didn't get there quite early enough to catch the many many shorebirds and sandhill cranes, but still saw several and even a few of the cranes before we entered this WMA. The area had plenty of yellow-headed blackbirds! I hope to stay in the area overnight sometime to be there for the hours of great light, too.


A yellow-headed blackbird stands out amongst a field of camas lilies in bloom.
Camas County, Idaho.


Yellow-headed blackbird on fencepost in wetlands area.
More images from this shoot, HERE.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) birding birds Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Fairfield Idaho images wetlands wildlife WMA https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/little-camas-prairie-centennial-marsh Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:39:00 GMT
Burrowing Owl Babies https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/burrowing-owl-babies For the past several months we've been making drive-bys, taking pictures of burrowing owls and hoping to eventually see some young burrowing owls, in the wild. Tonight we finally saw them! The grasses in the fields have grown so high, but I could just see their fuzzy little heads down in the the grass. I stood on the runner of our trooper to get up high enough to see these guys enough to get a photo. They were so cute and their parents were very diligent about watching over them. The most I counted was 7, but there are most likely more that were out of sight behind the bush, in the right side of the frame, where the entrance to their burrow is. It's my pleasure to finally be able to share these little guys with you all.




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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals birds Birds of Prey burrowing owl Idaho images young https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/burrowing-owl-babies Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:45:00 GMT
My image=Honorable Mention https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/my-imagehonorable-mention
Judges Comments: "This is the kind of image I would see in National Geographic. The first thing that strikes me is the eyes of the owl that captures the viewer and holds them. It is an intense stare and you get a connection to the owl because of this. I like the way the creator of this image simplified the background through shallow depth of field, the background is completely indistinct and just becomes a lovely green backdrop to this image. I like the rim light that really make the bird stand out from the background, and the fact there is enough shadow detail for those eyes to grab you. I think the only thing I find myself wanting is a little more intensity in the eyes...not too much. That might be accomplished through a low-power fill in flash or perhaps some mild post-process. All in all, a great image."


I really enjoyed getting the judges' comments on my own image, as well as the others, as they help me improve as a photographer.

I knew when I saw the winning image that it would probably take first, and I agree with the judges' 1st. place pick. Personally, I would have liked to see a little bit more light on the eyes, though. See it here.]]>
[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) burrowing owl competition contest honorable mention Idaho Camera photos Shekinah Photography spring https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/6/my-imagehonorable-mention Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:46:00 GMT
American Avocet-Camas County, Idaho https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/american-avocet-camas-county-idaho Saw my first American Avocet, at least since I've been trying to find and identify birds, a couple of days ago. It was at the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh, in the central region of southern Idaho. I was actually there to see if the camas lilies were blooming yet, but there were very few just beginning to bloom. I guess I'll have to go back in a few weeks. Yay!

This Avocet is wearing its breeding plumage. They don't have the rusty red color in the winter or when they are not breeding. It's pretty cool the way they dress to impress! LOL

I don't know much about these long legged birds, but I think they are quite pretty. According to the "Birds of Idaho Field Guide", they sweep their bills back and forth to find insects in the mud in shallow water. They migrate to Mexico and they nest in southern Idaho. They are also one of the few long-legged shore birds in Idaho.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) American Avocet birding birds Idaho images photos Shekinah Photography shorebirds wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/american-avocet-camas-county-idaho Mon, 31 May 2010 19:29:00 GMT
HDR-style editing technique https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/hdr-style-editing-technique If you are into photography at all, you've surely heard of HDR images. For those of you who haven't heard of it, HDR stands for high dynamic range. Usually, you would take 5 or more images at different exposures and combine them in a software program. The idea is to bring out more detail in an image, especially in the shadow areas, while not clipping the highlights. There's a lot more to it, but I won't go into all that here.


I have been hesitant to delve into this area of photography because as far as art goes, I am a bit of a purist. I once took a watercolor painting class and did poorly because I like pure color and the opacity of the medium eluded me in practice, no matter how much I tried to keep a light hand. In photography, for the most part, I like images that look as real and natural as possible.


HDR can look very natural or very un-natural. HDR has the ability to enhance an image in a way that will enable it to look more like the scene looked to the human eye sees, but when overdone/over processed it just looks hokey to me. If you're going for hokey, or even artsy then I'm okay with that; but when it's supposed to be a photograph, it should be done with extreme caution so as not to overdo it and take the realism out of the image. I do believe there is a place for both.


So, this is one of my first images that I have edited this way. It was actually done in Lightroom 2, from a single RAW file. I learned the technique from a post at Digital Photography School's site. I'm pretty pleased with the way it came out. You can view it larger in my "Artistic" gallery, if you want to see it larger. Let me know what you think...does it look realistic enough? Is it too cartoony? Not cartoony enough for you?

Update: Here's another...

...and, one more...


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) artistic Camas County; Idaho; landscape Camas Prairie editing HDR photography shed Shekinah Photography style techniques https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/hdr-style-editing-technique Sun, 30 May 2010 15:34:00 GMT
How cute is this? https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/how-cute-is-this This cute little owl is a juvenile short-eared owl. Since I'm new to birding and am not really confident with some ID's, a birder friend helped me ID it.

We were driving home and saw this little guy by the side of the road and partially in it. We slowed and he flew and landed right in the middle of the road in front of us. The sun was just about down and I still had my polarizing filter on my lens causing a further loss of light, so it's a bit blurry. It was also taken through the windshield so that adds to the lack of clarity, but at least I got a photo that was good enough for ID purposes. He looked so lonely, I hope his family was close by. I'm not sure how old it is, but it is a young one.

This is the first time I've seen a SE owl in the wild, so it was quite exciting! I will add it to my life list. I've not gotten so in to birding that I'm competing with my lists; they are just for my own enjoyment and purposes at this point. My kids already jokingly or maybe not so jokingly call me the "Crazy Bird Lady". Oh well, they could be calling me worse, I suppose. haha Maybe I'm still more of a bird-watcher than a birder. Maybe one of you true birders can help me out with that one. :D
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) animals Canyon County Idaho juvenile owl short-eared owl wildlife https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/how-cute-is-this Tue, 25 May 2010 12:57:00 GMT
Falcon Cam Update-chicks have hatched! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/ive-been-lagging-bit-on-falcon-updates
I've been lagging a bit on the falcon updates. I've been too busy schooling my daughter, and watching and shooting birds to be on the computer much lately. Here's a quote from the Boise, Idaho Peregrine Falconcam website,

5/25/10: "Hatching has begun! Two chicks could be seen in the nest early this morning. The tiny birds are covered with white downy feathers. They are unable to regulate their body temperatures for up to two weeks, so they will stay under the adults for warmth. See our Facebook page for pictures of the chicks."

These birds are so gorgeous and it's such a great privilege to be able to view into this nest and watch what goes on and see the chicks. Fun stuff! Make sure you tune in to see the chicks and maybe even see an egg hatch!
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) chicks falcons Peregrine Falcon webcam https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/ive-been-lagging-bit-on-falcon-updates Tue, 25 May 2010 11:45:00 GMT
Backyard Birds in the Rain https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/backyard-birds-in-rain Today was an unusually rainy, cool day for this time of the year, in my neck of the woods. The birds didn't seem to mind too much, though. They were going about their winging, fledging, feeding, flitting, and generally seemed to be enjoying the spring rain. I thought I'd share a few of the photos I took today.
A young dove, on my patio.

These newly fledged house finches enjoyed hanging out on and around the feeding station.

A young female goldfinch endured the rain falling on her head.

More finches on the feeding station.

A male goldfinch awaits his turn at the feeder.

Mourning dove, hanging out on the trellis.

This Eurasian Collared Dove found a lovely perch in one of the trees.



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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds birds doves finches goldfinches sparrows spring https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/backyard-birds-in-rain Sat, 22 May 2010 21:37:00 GMT
Free Wallpaper Download-Broken Fence https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/free-wallpaper-download-broken-fence I know there are no birds in this image, but I just love old barns, old structures and old fences, so I decided to offer this fence image as my latest free wallpaper download. This image was taken in Gem County, Idaho.

By downloading this file, you are agreeing to certain license usage terms. If you do not agree to the terms, please do NOT download the file.

If you would like to use this image as your computer background,
Please CLICK HERE and follow download instructions. Please also leave a comment.

*If you know someone who would like this download, use the share button; please DO NOT send them the file yourself.

ENJOY!

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) background download fence free Idaho landscape scenic wallpaper https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/free-wallpaper-download-broken-fence Sun, 16 May 2010 19:40:00 GMT
Broken Fence-Free Wallpaper Download! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/broken-fence-free-wallpaper-download I just love old barns, old structures and old fences so I decided to offer this image as my latest free wallpaper download. This image was taken in Gem County, Idaho.

By downloading this file, you are agreeing to certain license usage terms. If you do not agree to the terms, please do NOT download the file.

If you would like to use this image as your computer background,
Please CLICK HERE and follow download instructions. Please also leave a comment.

*If you know someone who would like this download, use the share button; please DO NOT send them the file yourself.

ENJOY!

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backgrounds download; scenic fence free downloads Idaho; landscape https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/broken-fence-free-wallpaper-download Sun, 16 May 2010 19:25:00 GMT
Snake River Birds of Prey Festival https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/snake-river-birds-of-prey-festival Snake River Birds of Prey Festival, and it's coming up again! It will be held May 14-16 in Kuna, Idaho. It offers tours, lectures, and children's activities.

The lectures are very interesting and informative. There are falconers on site with live raptors as part of some of the lectures and in the vending hall. You can view them up close and ask questions about them.


I went on one of the tours last year. It was the Burrowing Owl Tour and it was an awesome experience! Below is one of the pictures of the owlets, just over a week old, I took on that tour. Click here to see more of the photos and read about my experience.

This year I plan to attend again, and I hope you will, too! Next year I will probably be a vendor there, but in the meantime, you may purchase my photography as fine art prints, framed or unframed, as well as greeting cards.]]>
[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) "birds of prey" Ada County; Idaho; landscape events fine art Shekinah Photography Snake River Birds of Prey Festival https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/5/snake-river-birds-of-prey-festival Mon, 03 May 2010 20:41:00 GMT
Owyhee Reservoir https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/3/owyhee-reservoir SIBA, over to Malheur County, Oregon. After lunch, we split from the group since we had a previous committment back in Idaho, and I was getting exhausted from my back pain. Before we headed home, I took some scenic shots at the Owyhee Reservoir. This landscape show's a view from above the Owyhee Dam, with the Mullein plants as forground elements. Some storm clouds were closing in again, making this shot somewhat moody.

I have posted some close up images of a downy woodpecker on the Mullein plants, on my bird blog, that I took in the same area.


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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) desert download; scenic fine art Kathlen Bowman landscape Malheur County Oregon Owyhee Reservoir SIBA water https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/3/owyhee-reservoir Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 GMT
Free Wallpaper Download! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/1/free-wallpaper-download Brighten your cold, winter days and liven up your computer screen, with this beautiful monarch butterfly!
Get your FREE wallpaper download of this beautiful monarch butterfly, HERE! Limited time only!




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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) butterfly digital downloads download; scenic free; wallpaper Kathleen Bowman monarch nature Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/1/free-wallpaper-download Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:47:00 GMT
New Wide Images https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/1/new-wide-images New wide images are now available for purchase through my website:
Shekinah Photography
I only have a few so far, but will be adding more, so keep checking back.

This image was taken last spring near Stanley, Idaho.
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Idaho; mountains images panorama Salmon river scenic wide https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/1/new-wide-images Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:50:00 GMT
Divine Desolation https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/1/divine-desolation My most recent time in the field yielded this image of the Spring Shores Marina, at Lucky Peak Reservior in Boise, Idaho. This is one of several landscape shots I took, in addition to some soaring bald eagles.
This image paints a much different picture from the one seen in the summer months, when the area is alive with a flurry of activity. A time when the docks are floating, the weather is pleasant and people are out on their boats and on the shores, enjoying the tepid summer sun.
This place holds a strange attraction for me in the winter months; one of forsaken charm. The weather is harsh and the beaches are vacant, barring the occasional fisherman. The unrelenting wind blows over the frozen terrain and the clouds roll in. It is the birth of another winter night and I'm thankful I can be there to capture the quiet beauty of the moments before the sun begins to vanish on the horizon and darkness invades the fleeting light.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) Ada County; Idaho; landscape Lucky Peak Reservoir seasons spring Shores marina https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2010/1/divine-desolation Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:36:00 GMT
Renewal & Healing https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/12/renewal-healing As the first blanket of snow now covers the fallen leaves and autumn turns to winter, I'm once again reminded of the change of seasons. I'm so grateful for the change of seasons and what each one brings, both literally and metaphorically speaking. Right now I'm going through a change of sorts. As I give in to those changes, which include waiting for the next season, I'm sometimes impatient. "Hurry spring, I'm ready."

I'm looking forward to that new season, but just as the fallen leaves still lie frozen beneath the new snow, some of that old season continues to remain in me. Though the winter may be long and arduous and limbs may freeze and crack, it will go; and when it does, it will bring with it...spring. Tender sprouts will bravely burst out in the glory of their Maker with new life and purpose." However long the winter, renewal and new life will come. I'm anticipating that time for myself.

The most important renewal one can have is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord Savior and receive the New and Eternal Life that only Salvation brings. I've already done that, so I'm speaking now about physical and even emotional renewal. A physical and emotional winter can bring harsh blows. Blows that can only be somewhat healed and forgotten with the coming of spring's fresh rain and warm sunshine. Just as with God's other creations, my own change of seasons can only come with the help of God's power.

This song by Nichole Nordeman really should be my theme song. The words are behind all that motivates my own life and photography. God's creations, His wonderful change of seasons, and all that has been made by His loving hands and in fact the very voice of God himself. He is in, and in fact is, every season. I hope you will find renewal as you listen to this song and watch this gorgeous video.



"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
1 Corinthians 5:17
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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) autumn change hope inspirational Nichole Nordeman renewal salvation seasons spring https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/12/renewal-healing Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:52:00 GMT
Check out my new bird blog! https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/10/check-out-my-new-bird-blog
Check it out and don't forget to FOLLOW ME on my new blog! CLICK HERE to go there now.]]>
[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) backyard birds bird birding birds of prey Idaho; raptors https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/10/check-out-my-new-bird-blog Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:23:00 GMT
Autumn Bridge https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/10/autumn-bridge
I so enjoy the fall; and photographing it is always such a peaceful, enjoyable, even worshipful time for me. I am glad God created the season of fall, with all of it's beauty and wonder. I have so many images from the weekend that I want to process and share, but this one will have to do for now. I took this image in Payette, Idaho, this past weekend. I almost got run over by some locals taking this one.

Enjoy the fall colors. If you want to see more of my fall images, CLICK HERE.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) autumn bridge fall fall foliage fine art images leaves Scentsy seasons Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/10/autumn-bridge Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:05:00 GMT
What's that sound? https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/10/whats-that-sound
Upon looking out, I didn't see anything and all was quiet. Our yard is usually filled with backyard birds, so I was unsettled as I continued to finish my cereal. I was still bothered by what I heard, so I decided to go look through my bird blind (my upstairs window in our laundry room, now covered with dark material) When I looked out, there was a juvenile sharp-shinned hawk (aka sharpie) finishing its own meal. Upon seeing this, I realized that what I heard was the kill. The small bird it was finishing up, was one of my very own backyard birds. Thought it saddened me, I know its just "nature's way" to quote Steve Irwin.

I took some images from upstairs and then when it flew down to the fence from up on my trellis, I took more of it on the fence as it proceeded to clean his beak by rubbing it on the fence; a behavior I realized I hadn't seen before.

There are probably more images in this sequence than most people care to look at, but I know there are those that will appreciate the sequence. I hope you enjoy looking at the images, whether you view 1 or all of them.

I have more birding and raptor images on my website. If you want to go there, just hover over the slideshow and click on Visit Gallery. From there you can go to my home page. There are birds in my Portfolio and View Only Galleries.

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[email protected] (Kathleen Bowman Photography) "birds of prey" "Sharp-shinned Hawk" birding fall fine art hawks images nature raptors Shekinah Photography https://www.kb-photos.com/blog/2009/10/whats-that-sound Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:07:00 GMT