The Hidden Little Kitten
While out at the local park shooting images of ducks, geese, and pigeons, I decided to venture off into the woods to shoot a few landscapes.
Upon entering a heavily wooded area this little kitten immediately noticed me. There were actually 2 kittens. One was all black with striking yellow eyes, but was extremely shy so he ran off the moment he spotted me. This colorful kitten was far more curious. He watched me as much as I watched him. He allowed me to get a little closer to snap a series of shots before becoming cautious of the clicks from my camera and running off. I was pleasantly surprised to find these 2 kittens living in plain view among so many different birds. They seemed to coexist in total peace. A family of ducks crossed the path directly in front of these cats without any incidents. I figured maybe the cats have lived there for a while and the birds are accustomed to having them around? Whatever the case, after my initial shots the brave little kitten would never allow me to get close enough for more in depth images again. Both he and his partner kept their distance from me no matter what trick I tried to employ.
I did manage however to capture a few images that I liked, but this particular shot stood out so I’d like to share it now. I’ll be sure to look out for this little guy and his friend the next time that I visit the park.
(Please click for a larger view)
Reflecting On 2015
As this year closes I’ve been spending more quiet time alone reflecting on my past and what lies ahead in my immediate future. I’m a very introspective person so as the end of each year approaches it’s common for me to assess the totality of my collective 12 months. I’ve analyzed all of my accomplishments, failures, set new goals, and compiled a mental list of ways to improve upon myself.
I, like most people, like the security of a regular routine, but it can create complacency so I have to frequently break free from my comfort zone and do things I’m not accustom to doing. This regimen has effected the way I view change. Being a creative individual it’s very easy for me to become bored extremely quickly, so forcing myself to sometimes be uncomfortable has presented an interesting challenge for me to overcome. It is this challenge that makes me look forward to change. Over time I’ve learned to embrace it more and more. For instance, 2015 has been an absolute blur! I sometimes find it hard to differentiate 2014 from 2015 because, in my mind they feel almost concurrent. I’ve made so many changes and adjustments in the past 24 months that I literally lose track of time!
With all that said, I am happy with the direction I’ve been taking with my work lately, and I’m always looking forward to progressing even further. I’m also very enthusiastic about the prospect of acquiring more knowledge to further enhance my mind and my skills. God willing, I will spend the last days of this year in preparation for the impending change. I welcome change at it’s own pace so there’s no need for me to make resolutions. I’d much rather make realistic declarations! I declare that as long as I’m able, I will continue to work just as hard next year as I did this year to achieve what I believe in. I see you coming 2016…I’m making room for you right now!
Weekend Walk
I went out for a brief walk downtown last Sunday on an unseasonably warm day and I was fortunate enough to come home with a few photos that I’d like to share with you now. Enjoy!
(Please click on the photos for a larger view)
Halloween 2015 Continued
After re-reviewing my Halloween folder I decided to add a few more images that I actually like that I completely overlooked the first time around. Seeing this new set of images made me really wish I had tried harder to take more shots that day. Now I have to wait until next year…
(Please click on each image for a larger view)
Trying To Rest
I caught this little duck cautiously peeking at me while trying to rest, probably wondering what I’m doing?
Las Vegas Aquarium Part #2
It’s hard to believe it’s already December?! It seems as though this year has gone by entirely too fast! This time last year I was back home in Illinois roaming the streets of downtown Chicago enjoying every second of the freezing Midwestern winter air. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s been a full year! I’ve done so many cool things, and taken so many cool pictures since then. It’s been a fun 12 months, but in my mind I could always be doing much more! Anyway, today I’d like to share more images from The Shark Reef in Las Vegas, Nevada. While editing these pictures I realized just how many I had actually taken, so it’s been very difficult to decide which ones to post?! It’s so much that I could do a part 3, but I seriously doubt I’m actually going to? This has been more than enough work, believe me!
Once again, if you’re a lover of the sea, if you’re curious about underwater wildlife, and if you’re ever in Vegas, please go check this place out with your kids or your family. I’m sure you’ll have a great time, you’ll learn some interesting facts and hopefully come away with some great pictures.
(Please click on each image for a larger view)
The Calm Of The Desert
Despite being mostly barren, I find that there is a stillness, a peaceful feeling of calm in the desert. This is the perfect time of the year to explore because, the temperatures are moderate to very cool. I was shocked to learn how cold it can actually get in the desert at night. While there isn’t an abundance of photo opps around every corner, there is still plenty of interesting sights to keep one occupied both as a photographer and as a curious human.
In the photograph below I happened upon a makeshift memorial for some unfortunate soul that lost their life in this exact spot. I can only assume it was from a traffic related accident? In the distance you can see how modern development has started to change the overall appearance of the scenery. In the far background lies beautiful outstretched mountains that I await to explore to uncover the potential mysteries I’m certain they’re hiding within. I’m really hoping to witness some of the native wildlife of this particular area.
I’m finding that it’s extremely cool to learn that there is more to Las Vegas than just casinos.
(Please click on the image for a larger view)
Versatility By RNJ 