The Travis Audubon Society has just named the Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) its 2026 Bird of the Year. This small and mighty backyard bird, weighing barely as much as two small, empty soda cans, shows a rich cinnamon plumage. Its … Read More

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

Lens-Artists Challenge #380: What’s Around the Corner Anne’s Lens-Artists’ Challenge this week gets us to think about her “theory that there is always something to photograph.” I agree with that wholeheartedly. All it takes is for us to look around … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #374: On the Move! Being so close to the Austin metro area, the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) Lake Bastrop South Shore is a hidden gem. Many people confuse it with the more popular Bastrop State Park. The … Read More

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

One element that always adds drama to photos is the presence of clouds. This monochrome post shows three examples of Texas parks with clouds enhancing the Lone Star’s landscape. Full disclosure: these are not long-exposure photos. I edited the original … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #319 – Setting a Mood Nature has her way of creating the right mood, whether for landscape photos or loving relationships. In my hometown of Fortaleza (Brazil), it is a daily favorite activity to go somewhere along the … Read More

Who is not enamored by bridges? I cannot resist seeing a bridge without stopping to photograph it. There is something more about bridges than just connecting two points. The Pecos River Bridge in West Texas is a feat of engineering. … Read More

In a recent conversation with a friend, I was asked where I felt more comfortable, whether on the beach or in the mountains. My answer came out without any hesitation: both. I can enjoy myself on a sunny beach just … Read More

— Lake Bastrop South Shore Park is a stunning natural retreat located near Bastrop, Texas. Offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this scenic park sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Bastrop. Visitors can … Read More