Hey Look!! A fresh post!

Okay people...I apologize for not being on top of my game posting this blog, but a girl gets busy! I will try to do better!

We've had lots of opportunity to shoot this summer in between work and other obligations. It's been a cool summer and lots of rain. Very different for an Arkansas summer. While I look forward to shooting this fall, I enjoyed shooting this summer more that usual, taking in some hikes and trips here and there. Here's a few shots of what I've been up to.

CSNP Gathering...Northwest Arkansas

My husband and I went to a gathering of nature photographers from the central states nature photographers forum, a group we are involved with. The gathering was in Northwest Arkansas in Newton County. Although the meeting went on all weekend, we were only there for one day. It was one good day though! The weather was very cooperative. We were able to take lots of waterfall shots and not have to worry about the sun since it was overcast. What a great bunch of people. It's great to be surrounded by people who "get" you. Also, it was a privilage to be in the company of such great talent...Here are a few shots from the day we were there...Enjoy!

Arkansas State Capitol

The Arkansas State Capitol is a site to behold at Christmas time. Mike and I finally made enough time this past Chirstmas to go shoot the Capitol. It's something you must purpose to do. I don't find myself in the vicinity of the Capitol very often, so it was a real treat to be able to take in the lights and take a few pictures along the way. The weather aided in my endevour, having rained shortly before our arrival, it made for some great reflection of the light on the sidewalks. The inside was adorned with grand ornaments lining all the banisters and the state Christmas tree with every county represented by their own ornament decorated by artist from that area. It's definitely worth seeing if you ever happen to be in the area...

Exploring Has It's Consequence....I'm not home!

Okay people.....I'm in trouble....I haven't blogged it out in about 3 months! Exploring has it's consequence...I can't be at the computer if I'm out and about! Face it, most of us have real jobs during the week and posting to the blog falls way down on the priority list. That said, I'm back! I figure I better get caught up before the spring season arrives!

Winter in Arkansas can be as fun as you make it. It is actually a great season...Occasional snow, sudden spring days, spectacular sunsets and being able to see a lot more during leaf off. Sure it may seam a little dull to the average person...no color, gray... but for a photographer, it offers lots to do...The season draws my mind to things I would normally not shoot during the Spring, Summer and Fall. I have run the gamut this winter, shooting the state capitol, the swans at Heber Springs, the Buffalo River valley, old buildings, family and friends, elk,long night exposures,waterfalls...I could go on and on...Anyway...Here's a few shots to get things hopping again! Hope you enjoy!...These beautiful swans were at Magness Lake outside of Heber Springs. If you have never been, you should. It is one of the most amazing and magical places in Arkansas. I could watch them for hours.

To view the swans, drive east on Arkansas Highway 110 from its intersection with Arkansas highways 5 and 25 just east of Heber Springs. Go 3.9 miles from the intersection to Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, marked with a white sign. Turn left on paved Hays Road; the road sign is very small. (from Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce)

The Parker-Hickman Homestead is located in the Buffalo River Wilderness Area. It is 1 mile west of Erbie Campground. It is very excessible, but is a dirt road. There are some low-water "bridges" to cross, so during high water, it would be hard to get to from the Erbie Campground site. This is a fascinating place to visit and gives a real slice of what life was like back in the homesteading time. The buildings are all open to walk through. The shot here is of the barn. If you want to get deep in to Arkansas, go here...