Eagles in Fog

Whenever we have fog, I get a little excited because I know that fog can produce some great special effects in photography. Down the road from us on County Road E there is a field that has recently been cleared. Someone had hit a deer and left it in the field where wild animals could enjoy their lunch. This morning there were several black birds and 2 eagles picking the flesh off the bones. I got out of the car to see how close I could get to them before they flew off. I was able to get within 10 - 15 feet of one of the eagles before it decided that I was too close. Photos of the eagles in the fog, gave them a surreal look. I only had to sharpen the photos a little bit in PaintShop Pro. Every time I see these beautiful creatures I stand amazed at God's wonderful creation. My personal favorite is the 3rd one. Which one do you like?

windmill sunset

Just before sunset, I was going by the Spooner Ag Station, where they have a beautiful garden and a small windmill. The blades of the windmill were still and the sun was in perfect alignment for a great photo. I am always amazed when things work out perfectly for a shot. God's hand and timing is even in this. Another time everything was perfect was a couple of weeks ago when I was traveling on County Road "A" near Stone Lake. At just the right time, an eagle landed on a branch spreading his wings. He was keeping his eye on some road prey. He sat there for a couple of minutes, which in photography time is a life time. It just so happened that I had the camera on, the right lens on and the right setting on the camera. That does not always happen. I will post that picture at a later time. God's timing in indeed perfect!

Lessons learned too late...

What does it take for lessons to sink in and take effect in our lives? Some lessons we learn almost instantly and others take a few times to get through our thick head. Today God taught me a lesson that I think finally sunk in. Linda and I were traveling through the Michigan Up and stopped at Manistique to take a few photos of the lighthouse. Last year when I was shooting the lighthouse the wind and waves were quite high and I got soaked while taking photos. It was worth it, because the photos turned out great with a lot of drama of the waves. Again today, the waves and wind was strong and I got as close as I could to take a few shots. I decided to take a few steps closer to the edge of the wall so I could get a shot of the waves breaking over the wall. As I was shooting away, all of a sudden a big wave came over the wall and before I knew it I was soaked from head to foot. Praise the Lord my camera case was latched and things inside were safe. My camera did get a bath, but I think it is all right. My wonderful wife did not say a word, but I think I know what she was thinking. We headed for Hardees where I changed clothes and then we continued on our trip. Lesson Learned??? Hopefully! Notice the first photo. That was taken just before the big wave. the second photo was taken as the wave hit.

Labor Day Trip.

This past Friday one of the men of our church passed away and is now in God's presence in Heaven. Dale was not just a man who attended our church, he was a good friend and someone I really enjoyed visiting with. I really praise God that I had a good visit with him and his wife this past Wednesday. I did not realize how much this was affecting me until I got home last night after a long day at church and with Dale's family. My heart was heavy and I was exhausted. Today I decided to take some time to get away and spend time in prayer and take some pictures. There was no better place to go than Wisconsin Point and take pictures of the lighthouse. Every time I am there I try to take photos from a different perspective. I took some photos from the shore and then climbed up on the rocks and got a little closer. As I was shooting away, suddenly I noticed that just on the other side of the lighthouse a large barge was coming. It was perfect timing and a great setting. I only took about 220 pictures in just a few minutes. Over all it was a good day and I feel a little more refreshed and encouraged after spending time in prayer.
   I really like the third photo, which I have called "Infinity". You can hardly see the lighthouse, because it seems so far away, but the rocks lead up to it. It is not just about the lighthouse, but the whole scene, sky and all.

BackYard Flowers

Yesterday, I spent some time with one of the families from our church in Barron. I always enjoy visiting and spending time with them. My goal is always to encourage them, but I end up being the one encouraged. They always have a variety of birds in front of their house, which is a treasure to take pictures of. They also grow a variety of beautiful flowers on all sides of their house. After spending time with them in the house, I took some time to take pictures of their flowers. Just when I thought I was almost done, she pointed to other flowers she had and telling me what each one was called. What an amazing God we have to make such a beautiful display!

Lazy Day Off

Today, I did something that I have not done in quite awhile. I took most of the day off to travel and take photos. Even though I traveled over 120 miles, I really did not take many photos. From Trego, I took highway 63 north to Cable, Wisconsin. From there I took County Road M to Clam Lake. The Namekagan River travels along Cnty Rd. M, along with several lakes. It is a beautiful route well worth the trip. I especially like getting off the beaten path and take roads less traveled. As I was traveling, I couldn't help but praise God for His great creation and the wonders of nature. Man can make the roads, but he can't make the lakes and trees. There are a few of the photos I took of the trees and lakes. God is the artist. I am just the person who takes the photos.

Sunflower addiction

I have to admit it I am addicted to sunflowers (or should I say taking pictures of them). Down the road less than 2 miles away there is a new field of sunflowers that have been coming alive a little bit more each day. Tonight we passed the field when we came back from town and I knew that I "had" to go back and shoot a few more pictures of these majestic flowers. In less than 15 minutes I took over 100 pictures. That really is not something to brag about. A good photographer takes his time and takes just the right shots. He specializes in taking less shots, but better photos. If it wasn't for the bugs, I probably would have done the same. I love shooting them just because they are so beautiful and yet such a "humble" plant. Another reason to take their photos is so I can make a few photo note cards that I can sell. My goal is not to get rich, but use them as a means of serving the Lord and encouraging others. If you want a set of 15 cards, plus envelopes, they will be $8.00 per set. Drop me a line at Fdistad@Gmail.com or send me a Facebook message. Meanwhile you can enjoy these shots I took tonight. Yes, I am addicted and I hope you will be too!