North America’s Premier Insectivore
Every summer, the skies in Round Rock witness hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins (Progne subis) gathering in parking lots. These birds create a massive, swirling roost every evening around sunset. People flock to see these wonderful birds as they … Read More
The Art of Creating Visual Flow
Lens-Artists Challenge #359: Tools of Photo Composition: Lines, Colors, and Patterns How do you make your photos more appealing to viewers? Whether you are a professional or hobbyist photographer, knowing some of the basic tools of photo composition can help … Read More
World Nature Conservation Day
Since 1972, World Nature Conservation Day has been celebrated on July 28. This day recognizes the importance of protecting nature and our natural wonders. More than ever, we need to step up and prevent unscrupulous businesses and politicians from destroying … Read More
Experimentation and Patience: A Winning Combination
Lens-Artists Challenge #358: Live and Learn You have probably heard someone say that Latin people are hot-tempered. Well, I will not endeavor to change or confirm your beliefs. However, I do find that being hot-tempered and impatient can go hand … Read More
Exploring Nature’s Monochromatic Magic
Most people tend to think of monochrome photography as black and white. However, there are several other types of monochromatic images. For example, sepia, infrared, and selenium tones can also produce monochromatic photos. I also want to add the monochrome … Read More
Home Feathered Friends
Summer has been busy on the deck and backyard. To attract Painted Buntings, I purchased a new bird feeder and food that the store clerk assured me was suitable for buntings. Well, so far, I have not seen one here, … Read More
First Freeze
Texas is truly a mixed bag when it comes to weather. One day we’re in shorts and T-shirts, and the next day we experience a freeze. For example, that was the case for the first couple of days in January … Read More
Wild Bergamot
This week, I decided to do a little experiment at home using my Samsung S23 and a macro adapter I had purchased around 2019. The particular adapter came with two lenses: a wide-angle and a macro lens. It is merely … Read More
Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into the Woods
In May 2025, I briefly mentioned the Japanese expression shinrin-yoku in a post about national forests. Shinrin-yoku is a concept that was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a form of natural therapy and stress relief. In English, it … Read More
Lake Georgetown
After the heavy rains on July 4 through July 6, Lake Georgetown rose 26 ft (8 m) according to The Sun, Williamson County’s newspaper. Eight days after that report, I captured these photos at Overlook Park in Lake Georgetown. Again, … Read More

























