The guy behind the lens

Friday, December 31, 2010

Photo of the Year 2010 (Part 2)

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Today I reveal the runner up to the 2010 Photo of the Year at Blue Lion Photos. This photo of a Eurasian Kestrel comes from the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, South Carolina. This individual was being held by its trainer and was clearly eager to fly. I am fond of the depth in this image as you really get a feeling for the leading edge of the wings and how they create lift when the bird flaps its wings.

Eurasian KestrelCenter for Birds of Prey, Awendaw, South Carolina

This image has the distinction of being my first front page photograph as it was featured on the front page of the Moultrie (South Carolina)News in order to promote the visit of Jack Hanna to the Center for Birds of Prey.




In addition, the this image was used by the Visit South website to promote the Center for Birds of Prey. The link to their page is HERE.


Come back tomorrow for the announcement of the 2010 Photo of the Year!

I wish all of you a safe and joyful New Year's Eve celebration!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Photo of the Year 2010 (Part 1)

Welcome to the final days of 2010! I have just gone through the statistics from the past year and compiled a list of the top 4 photos on www.Blue Lion Photos from January 1st until today, December 30th. Tonight I shall reveal the 3rd & 4th place finishers. Tomorrow I shall reveal the runner up for 2010 and on New Year's Day 2011, I will share the Photo of the Year for 2010.

The 4th place finisher is one of my US Flag composites that I first created in February for President's Day. It is called "Eagle Pride" and has been a popular choice for folks wanting to give a gift to young men they know who are earning their Eagle scout honor in the Boy Scouts of America.

Click in the image to see it in the original gallery


The 3rd place finisher is probably the photo I have talked about more than any other one I have taken. I titled this one "Three of a Kind". These three bunnies were found on the campus of the school where I teach during a construction project. Students brought them to me and another teacher with a great degree of concern. Later that day Mama rabbit was located and the whole family was relocated to an East Texas ranch. This is a popular choice as a card and sells well at craft fairs as it has a wide appeal and high "cute" factor.  

Three of a Kind
Click in the image to see it in the original gallery

Stay tuned for the runner up which I will post tomorrow!

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Photo of the Week December 12, 2010

The photo(s) of the week in this post are a reflection of the season. As autumn fades away and winter prepares to envelop us in longer nights and frosty temperatures, we all prepare for the holidays that celebrate the value of light in our lives. As I look toward the (slim) chances of snow here in North Texas this coming winter, I share these images of the aftermath of a dense fog bank that rolled through near the town of Twizel in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island during the winter of 2009. After we emerged from the bank of frozen fog, we found the landscape to be encrusted with a beautiful coating of hoarfrost on all surfaces.




Click on the images to see larger versions from Bluelionphotos.com

As you go about finishing your holiday preparations, I hope these images bring you a sense of peace and tranquility amid the hectic nature of the modern holiday season.

Cheers & Warmest Wishes!
John