I have to imagine that Northeastern PA black bears are laying in their dens asking this same question. Those of us who live in the Endless Mountains were treated to anywhere from 4.5 inches to 14 inches of snow this past week (many people still do not have power in my region), thanks to some cruel, late April fool's joke cast on us by Mother Nature.
And, just like those bears, I have been lazy and slacking in keeping everyone up to date on happenings in and around the studio. Hopefully, I can fix all that in this one blog post, play catch up, and move back into my regularly scheduled programming.
Technology Break
Everyone needs a break from technology now and then, so I took a week to chill out WITHOUT looking at an editing screen. This of course, was in preparation for a month-long, daily routine of working on print competition images, and attending various continuing education conferencing. There was even a speaking engagement thrown in that mix.
During that time, I have not been blogging, as I just could not put another thing on the schedule. Plus, there is the client thing.....ya know.
So, here without further ado, are the sure signs of Spring for me, even if Mother Nature isn't cooperating.
5 Signs of Spring in the Endless Mountains
1. Conferencing and Print Competition
And, just like those bears, I have been lazy and slacking in keeping everyone up to date on happenings in and around the studio. Hopefully, I can fix all that in this one blog post, play catch up, and move back into my regularly scheduled programming.
Technology Break
Everyone needs a break from technology now and then, so I took a week to chill out WITHOUT looking at an editing screen. This of course, was in preparation for a month-long, daily routine of working on print competition images, and attending various continuing education conferencing. There was even a speaking engagement thrown in that mix.
During that time, I have not been blogging, as I just could not put another thing on the schedule. Plus, there is the client thing.....ya know.
So, here without further ado, are the sure signs of Spring for me, even if Mother Nature isn't cooperating.
5 Signs of Spring in the Endless Mountains
1. Conferencing and Print Competition
Yep, that's me speaking at the NPPPA Winter Conference in March.
I was happy to talk about all things PET PHOTOGRAPHY at NPPPA's Winter Conference held in March. I am never at a loss for words about this happy life revolving around pets and their people. I have received great feedback on the presentation, and will be doing it again for the Finger Lakes Professional Photographers monthly meeting in May.
Also at the NPPPA conference:
Also at the NPPPA conference:
I attended the Professional Photographers of PA's Inspire Conference in earlier in March, where I had two blue ribbon images (merited) and received an award for Best Wildlife Image. The wildlife image is now being moved onward to Professional Photographers of America's District Competition, after being reworked a bit per judges' suggestions.
In April, I participated in the Animal Image Makers print competition (virtually) and came away with three images which merited.
I am now submitting to PPA's District competition in two categories: Photographic Open and (for the first time ever) Artist (because I like to work outside my comfort zone). Judging is in mid-May, and none of the images can be shared until September, after International competition. If I am lucky, maybe some of my images will make it that far.
2. Geese
A big sign of Spring in my area is the return of all the geese at various nesting ponds. I always keep a watch for the same couple which arrive every year at a pond not too far from where I live. This year, I think they had no idea what they bargained for, and may postpone next year's arrival a bit due to snow conditions.
I am now submitting to PPA's District competition in two categories: Photographic Open and (for the first time ever) Artist (because I like to work outside my comfort zone). Judging is in mid-May, and none of the images can be shared until September, after International competition. If I am lucky, maybe some of my images will make it that far.
2. Geese
A big sign of Spring in my area is the return of all the geese at various nesting ponds. I always keep a watch for the same couple which arrive every year at a pond not too far from where I live. This year, I think they had no idea what they bargained for, and may postpone next year's arrival a bit due to snow conditions.
Goose preening on bank of local pond.
3. Harry the Cat
Our cat Harry is a sure sign of Spring. As the days get warmer and the sun sets later, he can be found sitting on our rock walls staring intently at some location where I am sure he has seen a field mouse or chipmunk (I am often rescuing these two animals). All the other bad weather days, Harry is asleep on a dog bed, with or without a dog. He honestly is not angry in this photo. The sun was in his eyes a bit when I took the picture, and he was bothered that I interrupted his steely gaze at a certain location.
Our cat Harry is a sure sign of Spring. As the days get warmer and the sun sets later, he can be found sitting on our rock walls staring intently at some location where I am sure he has seen a field mouse or chipmunk (I am often rescuing these two animals). All the other bad weather days, Harry is asleep on a dog bed, with or without a dog. He honestly is not angry in this photo. The sun was in his eyes a bit when I took the picture, and he was bothered that I interrupted his steely gaze at a certain location.
Harry the orange cat sits on a rock wall watching for critters.
4. The Finch Family Returns
Not only does the Finch Family return, but they invite and bring all their friends to crash the feeder parties, which are held long into the early evening hours.
We get to see many different varieties of finches (I especially love the purple and house finches), but the golden finches are in abundance. Every once in a while, one of them cooperates and let's me get close enough for a photo opportunity. Most of them are used to me, just not my camera.
Not only does the Finch Family return, but they invite and bring all their friends to crash the feeder parties, which are held long into the early evening hours.
We get to see many different varieties of finches (I especially love the purple and house finches), but the golden finches are in abundance. Every once in a while, one of them cooperates and let's me get close enough for a photo opportunity. Most of them are used to me, just not my camera.
American Goldfinch sitting on a branch.
5. Red and Orange Sunsets Begin Again
I don't know what it is about our weather in the Spring, but it often looks like our woods are on fire. The sunsets are pretty spectacular, and even the best cameras can't seem to actually capture what you see when you look at them in person.
I wait for the first ones in Spring, because they make the grass look much greener than it is, and it's always nice to find some flora and fauna that match them for a pet session.
I don't know what it is about our weather in the Spring, but it often looks like our woods are on fire. The sunsets are pretty spectacular, and even the best cameras can't seem to actually capture what you see when you look at them in person.
I wait for the first ones in Spring, because they make the grass look much greener than it is, and it's always nice to find some flora and fauna that match them for a pet session.
I guess I really have to admit that it is Spring, since the 5 signs of spring in my area are in place. But, boy, mother nature needs to get her bathing suit out and send some rays our way.
Otherwise, I am now in the season of "change-the-client-session-due-to-rain" which is never welcome here.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, who is celebrating spring in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex with bluebonnet pictures. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Otherwise, I am now in the season of "change-the-client-session-due-to-rain" which is never welcome here.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, who is celebrating spring in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex with bluebonnet pictures. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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