A close-up, low-angle shot of bright orange-red, tubular Flame Acanthus flowers reaching upward toward the sunlight, surrounded by soft-focus green foliage.

Busy Bee: A Midsummer Pollinator Story

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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

A dramatic view of Cinco Tinajas canyon, showing a small pool of water at the bottom of steep, dark rock walls under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

Shadows and Silhouettes of Big Bend Ranch

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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

Cute as a Button

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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

Seeing Differently

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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

The Tiny Crowns of Spring

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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

Blue Pea

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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

Mexican Hat

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I have lived in Austin for many years and have hiked the Bull Creek Preserve area several times. Bull Creek is a very popular area, but I had never explored two trails right by the busy Capital of Texas Highway … Read More

Buzzin’ Around

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I used to go to a neighborhood nature trail near our old home. There was always something to photograph there. It was my playground for macro and also where I’d test a new lens or camera. The Copperfield Nature Trail … Read More

Unfurling of a Dream

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I do not remember when we got this Amaryllis, but I know that every winter it blooms briefly and beautifully. An online search led to the symbolism of this flower. Amaryllis is associated with strength, beauty, and determination. It stands … Read More

The Beauty of the Void

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Lens-Artists Challenge #381: Minimalism inBlack-and-White Photography Ritva is the host for this week’s challenge. She wrote, “The stark contrasts and the interplay of light and shadows in black and white can evoke a range of emotions, allowing the essence of … Read More

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