2006/01/23
Wet And Exhausted
When I entered the cave my eyes took their while to adapt to the much darker ambient light.
And there she was, right next to me sitting on a rock.
Honestly, I did not see her at all while being in a crouch, discovering the nicest and most greenest moss coverings I've ever seen. Only because the poor thing started flapping its wings I've noticed her finally.
I think it is a Cape Dove I've found in Guano Cave. She did not even bother to escape with her wings so soaked and totally exhausted.
2006/01/23
Sunken In Thoughts
Instead of a dove, I got my sister in 2006 to be my "cave mate".
Light conditions like this you do not get the opportunity to make use of every day. Unlike in the studio, the photographer has to shift and/or replace model, camera and himself in the attempt to "set up" lightning.
I actually caught her like this, her mind being busy to settle and accepting natures wonderful surroundings - if you know what I mean being said by a "City Man".
I also posted this image in
OutdoorPhoto and
PhotoSig as a couple of viewers honestly assumed I was using a studio rim light while taking the shot.
2006/01/23
Family Protection
And there was something else in Guano Cave.
Bats were hanging from the ceiling crowded in packets with their young. As wet and relatively cold in there it was, it took some effort from our side to get some action. I literally was shooting in the dark, guessing distance and aiming. After three machine gun series I got this.
I don't know if bats do that, but it looks like as if the little one is travelling back-pack on mummies back.
Caution hikers: The floor rocks are covered with the stuff, the cave's name is derived from. Better be careful it is very slippery, especially when paired with a misty or rainy day.
23-JAN-2006
Mastering Profile
Every now and then, the trail takes you right along the coast, but on a rather rugged terrain over the rocks. Not always pleasant to go, since it requires concentration and good balance abilities. Once you twist one of your ankle here, the dream would be over.
Even in this seemingly desolate surrounding you'll find somehting wonderful to explore. Many of the rocks and even tree trunks are covered with lichens, ranging from vivid yellow over a satured orange down to lush leave green, finally fading into a "friendly" black.
Until now I did not know that I actually was looking at one of nature's successful symbiosis of two organisms, a fungus and a lichen. I think the color determing part here is the fungus. If the mutually nurishing pair lacks water or moisture, the color turns black, but they'll survive.
2006/01/23
Turkoise Glitter
This almost looks like if the image was taken on some kind of glacier tounge. The water color at least looks alike. I was looking for something else intersting when a little breeze came up and gave this rather puddle-like surface its glittering appearance.
Not much of a shot, but an interesting detail which can fill an appreciating viewers eye with joy.
2006/01/23
Blue Splash
Everybody was strolling arround in the attempt to find the perfect position and timing to pull this one off, e.g. make it immortal by freezing on chip or film.
But I think sister's done a nice job with daddy's Olympus.
2006/01/23
Curiosity
Each day, the Otter Trail is used by about 60 people when fully booked.
These guys here I think getting used to human presence and have developed already a healthy curiosity. Sadly this growing kind of relationship is supported by clutter and remains from the not so considered type of hikers, especially the day trippers from Storms River Mouth.
Before dunking in the pond for a swim, make sure your eatables are safely secured in a closed backpack. If not, you might find open food bags and stolen goods.