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There is a specific kind of magic that happens in the high desert of Big Bend Ranch State Park when winter’s grip begins to loosen. It’s a landscape defined by its “hardness”—rugged volcanic rock, heat-shimmering horizons, and plants that have … Read More

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when the sun hits the water at just the right angle, turning a river into a basin of liquid gold. It’s in these quiet, shimmering moments that the Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) … Read More

This shot captures the “flame” in Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii). Before the pollinators arrive, the plant stands out with its architectural, fire-colored blooms. The narrow, tubular shape of these flowers is a neon sign for hummingbirds and long-tongued … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #387: Shadowed Instead of diving into my archives for John’s creative Shadowed challenge, I am using photos I captured just last week while visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park (not to be confused with Big Bend National Park). … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #386: The Power of Juxtaposition Portugal is a place where time doesn’t move in a straight line; it stacks and juxtaposes. In the streets of Lisbon and along the Tagus’s riverbanks, the 16th century doesn’t just haunt the … Read More

The saying may not come from this perennial shrub, but I can certainly see that it would apply to a Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) shrub. Even though this shrub may look a bit like a weed for some people, the round … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #385: Unusual Crop Photography rules can help create a balanced photo. However, the old saying that rules are written to be broken should be kept in mind if a photographer wants to blur the lines and show creativity. … Read More

In mid-January 2025, I went hiking with a couple of friends at Williamson County’s largest park. River Ranch County Park opened to the public in July 2023. Its website says the park has “1,354 acres of meadowlands, woodlands, hills and … Read More

Just ten days after our three-day freeze, I was walking along the Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock when my eyes caught the beautiful sight of Henbit Deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule) flowers. These tiny wonders did not seem affected … Read More

In mid-November 2025, I paid a visit to the Sunken Garden at the San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas. Although small, the garden is known for its vibrant array of colors. In this particular visit, one flower caught my eye. … Read More