Tennessee Fall

Stillwater Medical Center Foundation Photo Contest

The Stillwater Medical Center Foundation held its first photo contest, entitled “Healing Through Art,” earlier this month.  The goal of the contest was to receive beautiful images which could be displayed throughout the hospital in hopes of not only adding color and interest, but also to improve the healing process by positively affecting moods of patients and visitors.  Over 40 photographers entered the contest with 98 images submitted in total.

A few days ago I was excited to hear that one of my entries had won second place, the People’s Choice award!  The photo above is my winning entry.  It was taken this last fall in the Great Smoky Mountains area of Tennessee, near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  The Foundation was very kind to offer generous cash prizes to the four winners and I was happily surprised.

Buckeye Butterfly

Buckeye Butterfly

I’ve been visiting the Stillwater Botanic Garden quite a bit lately because it’s been a great place for macro photography of flowers and butterflies.  Yesterday I stopped by again to see what had changed since I last visited to take pics of the squirrels.  This time around there were many new blooming flowers and plenty of butterflies.  I love the photo of the above butterfly, but had no idea exactly what it was until a friend mentioned it was a a Buckeye.  I posted a few more shots of Buckeye and Sulphur butterflies in the Stillwater Botanic Garden photo gallery.

Squirrel

Curious Squirrels

I stopped by the Stillwater Botanic Garden yesterday, but unfortunately there were very few flowers planted or blooming.  On my way out I noticed three squirrels lounging in a tree about 6-7 feet above the ground.  The adult was stretched out, relaxing on a thick branch.  Two young squirrels were peeking in and out of their home – a hole in the same tree just under the branch.  I sat on a nearby bench about 12 feet away to watch.  They were just as curious as me, but still a little cautious.  I slowly moved closer and closer over time and was eventually able to stand about 2-3 feet away, snapping pictures.  As other people would pass by, the little ones would perk up  to see what the commotion was, and they seemed particularly interested and active when there was conversation.  I think this is the closest I’ve ever been able to get to a family of squirrels.

Nikon

What’s In The Bag

I finally decided to put together a gear list of items I use or have used in the past for my photography.  My collection has really grown over the years, and of course I don’t carry all this stuff with me everywhere I go.  Some odds & ends aren’t on the list, but it’s a good overview of the items I use.  The My Gear link on the menu will take you to the page with the all the details.

Duck

Ducks at Theta Pond

View Ducks at Theta Pond Gallery

Some days are just too nice to stay inside.  Sunday was one of those days, with cool weather in the 60′s and partly cloudy, crisp blue skies.  The sun would weave in and out of the clouds, leaving a perfect balance between hard and soft lighting for most of the day.  It’s the light I love for outdoor photography – not to harsh and not too soft.

I decided to stop by Theta pond and take a few photos of the ducks and geese. They’re so used to being fed by people that they quickly swarm to anyone who approaches the pond edge. They posed and gathered all around me for at least 30 minutes before finally coming to the realization that my camera was not a large, oddly shaped piece of food. I think I owe them something next time.

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