Morning Glow

Prairie color is getting scarce and the morning sun is now giving the best color. It can be rare to see, given recent overcast mornings and high temperatures. I closely watch the forecast and head out for ground fog and golden light if the dew point and morning temperatures are the same. If the wind is quiet an added benefit is dew covered spider webs.

Shadow Grass

Winter shadows can be more interesting than the colorless plants that form them. As in all prairie photography the challenge is isolating them. 

Hanging On

September is my month to photograph dragonflies.  The dew covered wings glow when back lt by the rising sun making them easy to find. It's then a matter of getting the wings as sharp as possible while keeping the background from competing with the delicate wings.

Prairie Sunrise

I've rediscovered my prairie roots while doing an assignment to capture the essence several southern MN prairies this week. My first love is the prairie and after a hiatus of several years it is good to once again feel the wind and smell its fragrance.

Prairie Wind

I got a little fresh air yesterday afternoon (90 degrees, 20 MPH wind) and explored Red Rock Prairie managed by the Nature Conservancy.  This large prairie which is primarily grass and named for the exposed rock outcroppings. Few wildflowers were visible and those that were seen were bent in the wind. Technical: 2 stop split ND filter using Lightroom, 1/10 sec., f25

Bluestem Diamond

Dew will soon turn to frost and this scene will be a pleasant memory.  Grass has been a frequent subject during the last couple months, only because I have noticed it this year.  I usually go out early and wander, hoping to see something that will look good.  Who knows what will catch my attention this fall?  Ah, the magic of nature photography!

Grama Grass

Side Oats Grama

Hairy Grama

Not much to look at but impressive when you consider they were an important source of food for bison.  I'm always interested in how a plant was named.  These were named by two Spanish botanists, grama is a derivation of the Spanish word for grass. Photographed at Sheep Berry Fen, Pope Co., managed by the TNC of Minnesota.

Prairie Blazing Star

Blazing stars seem early this year although I have been away from the tall grass prairie for a few summers and this may not be the case.  Taken at Schaefer Prairie, McLeod County, managed by the Nature Conservancy of Minnesota.