16 Oct2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Birds, Blog
I spent several days guiding photographers this week, two days on the Jones Alta Vista Ranch and two at the Laguna Seca Ranch. I’ll be sharing what I think are unusual photos from both places, but today I’m starting with two photos I took of a Green Jay at the Laguna Seca.
I clipped and set up a native vegetation perch I thought would attract Green Jays and other local birds. As the sun sank lower into the sky, the grassy field in the far background behind the perch glowed shades of light gold and green.
The bird appeared out of the brush and jumped down onto the perch, facing away from us. Excited about the photo opportunity but not thrilled with the bird facing away, I made a few images. Suddenly, the jay seemed to notice the sound of the shutters and it cast a glance our way. The magic happened and the composition came to life.
My only real challenge is deciding which photos I liked best. Here are my two favorites; let me know which you like best and why. Remember to click on the images to see the full version of the photos!
A Green Jay looks back over its shoulder toward the photographers.
A Green Jay faces away from the photographers, showing the color of its head.
02 Sep2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Back to School, Birds, Blog, Classes, Education
September has arrived and the kids are back in school. Why don’t you consider coming to my classroom this month for some Basic Nature Photography lessons, or learn Lightroom software for importing, organizing, editing and sharing your photos?
“Basic Nature Photography” is on Wednesdays in Weslaco at the Valley Nature Center (Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7). “Learn Lightroom” is on Monday and Tuesday evenings in McAllen in my studio at the Incubator (Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5, 6).
Contact me directly for more information via my website.
Be sure to click the photo to see the full version of this Green Jay!
A Green Jay fluffs its feathers in order to appear larger, as it notices a potential enemy in the deep south Texas thorn scrub.
03 Jul2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Blog, Camp, Classes, People
If you know any youths looking for something fun to do this summer, suggest Ruth’s Nature Photo Camp for Kids! The camp is conducted every summer at the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, Texas! See the attached photo and contact the VNC at (956) 969-2475 to register. Cameras and experience are not necessary! This camp is fun for youngsters interested in learning about nature and photography. Be sure to click on the image below to see the entire photo.
Valley Nature Center’s 2015 nature photo camp flyer
27 Jun2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Architecture, Blog, Cityscape
I am attending the annual conference of the OWAA (Outdoor Writers Association of America). This year’s conference is in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, at the city’s convention center.
Although cities are not my “norm” as places to spend much time, I took a walk and found a pleasing view of the Knoxville Sun Sphere. I’m enjoying myself, meeting new people, learning a lot, getting ideas and looking forward to tomorrow’s talks and outdoor activities.
Be sure to click on the image for a full-size view.
Pictured is the Knoxville Sun Sphere with a frame of pink blooming bushes near the amphitheater.
16 Jun2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Blog, Botanical
It’s late, the evening of June 15th, National Nature Photography Day! I went out awhile ago with my iPhone 6+ and was delighted to discover one of the first Night-blooming Cactus of the season. It was only 8:45pm, but it was in full bloom! I’m attaching a photo I took of it, hand-held, with my phone camera. It’s somewhat noisy and I could probably do a better job with my DSLR, but I wanted to enjoy the moment of discovery more than I wanted another photograph of a night-bloomer. I’ve got a yard full of these cacti and look forward to seeing them bloom the next several weeks!
NOTE: Be sure to click on the image to see the full-sized view of the photo.
Night-blooming Cactus Blossom
