For this collection, I chose to utilize the copious amount of nature we have all around us here in the beautiful state of Florida. "Nature in Florida" is my theme for this collection. Each photo resembles different animals, plants, and even insects, all of which can be found naturally in the state. There are many different state parks that we have throughout the state that display the wondrous aspects of Florida. I can't wait to share what I've captured with you!
In Search of Dinner
Above, I captured a gorgeous Roseate spoonbill that I spotted at Myakka State Park. These birds can be found in Southern Florida and other states and even countries. Usually found in marsh-like environments such as the mangroves we have here in southern Florida. In this scene, there is so much going on in the background. However, I did an excellent job centralizing and focusing on the spoonbill. Even as alligators swam through the waters behind the bird, it remained calm and collected as it searched for the food itself. As is the circle of life. Hunt or be hunted. Even when we mind our own business, there are always predators lurking around, waiting to stumble upon the perfect prey.
An Evening Rest by the Pond
I captured Florida's notorious and fierce American alligator for my second picture at Myakka State Park. In this shot, my light source was quickly vanishing. However, a quick adjustment of my aperture and shutter speed allowed me to capture this big boy! Calm and observant, this gator lay on the side of the road sitting ever so still, allowing me to grab my shots. I feel the vegetation on top of the gator adds character and contrasts nicely with the gator's skin. The back portion is slightly blurred out, bringing your attention to the forefront of the picture towards the gator's eyes and snout. This blurriness helps the viewer centralize their focus to one area of importance.
Gopher Tortoise Burrow
Above I captured one of Florida's protected species. The Gopher Tortise is a protected species in the state of Florida; harming them is a felony of the third degree. Found at the Charlotte Harbor Nature Preserve are this tortoise and a couple others! To ensure I didn't get in the tortoise's space or burrow, I had to find just the right angle through the brush and vegetation. Within this photo, I centralized the tortoise to bring it to the center of attention; however, I also adjusted the aperture to help blur the image's foreground.
It's Christmas in Florida
My next subject of interest in this collection was Schinus terebinthifolia. Commonly known as Brazilian Peppertree or Florida Holly. Found at the Charlotte Harbor Nature Preserve in this particular image, I played with the angle of my light source to give the background blur a little more pop! Most of the background was dark and dim due to an abundance of shade, but the littlest sunshine helped brighten the shot up. The blurring of the background brought the berries and leaves to the forefront of the photo. This gave a more intimate look at the plant itself.
Once Upon a Florida
For my last photo in this collection, I went with this shot I got early one morning at Myakka State Park on the way to the Deep Hole. This picture captures the true essence of Florida. Once upon a time, this is what most of Florida looked like. I chose this photo for the many photogenic aspects, such as the placement of trees in the background with three colorful green tops. Three separate trees centralize this photo, the standalone foreground tree, the bright tops in the background, and the dead standalone that sits in front and to the right of the colorful tree. The sequence of three's is repeated many times in this photo. Can you find any more?
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