There are hundreds of alligators and birds in the preserve. Preserve is not open until 08:00 AM. More scenic after rains as the alligators will be more visible on the bank due to a higher water table; too low and the dike reveals more alligators but with a muddy backdrop.
Big Shoals State Park
Hike about 1 1/2 miles along the “Palmetto Trail” that runs about 15 feet above river (at least this day). The Suwannee River is on the left, and there are several spots along this trail where you can descend the bank to get to the river bed.
Travel Photography in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia is a fantastic country to visit and take pictures of people and landscapes. There are many street photography opportunities in Addis Ababa, with people, cars and buildings creating great opportunities for unique photographs. People are very friendly here and the food is amazing. The below images were taken during my trip to Addis Ababa:
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way 11-mile drive on narrow former farm roads built on top of levees. This is amazing habitat in restoration along the North shore of Lake Apopka. “In restoration” does not convey the fantastic breadth of wildlife, especially birds, you will see here. There can be anything from a River Otter to giant alligator awaiting you on this tour. There are birds galore as the Audubon’s groups come to count the various birds.
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is a former royal forest that is managed by the City of London. It covers 2,476 hectares and contains areas of woodland, grassland, rivers and ponds. It is considered to be a special area of conservation and site of special scientific interest. To read more about the Epping Forest, check out this article.
Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove has a magnetic effect on millions of annual visitors to the Smokies. The wide open fields are evidence of a once thriving community that was relocated at the inception of the park. Fields of hay are still grown each year while the deer, bear and other natural residents roam freely while the visitors drive slowly around it perimeter by bicycle or automobile. The visitor center at the halfway point includes small store, a gristmill and several outbuilding that remind all of a simpler life from the past.
Historic Brooklyn
One of many brownstones I shot in the Spring of 2016 to create a visual catalog of the unique architectural styles found in the oldest downtown section of Brooklyn. From Greco-Roman to Arabesque, the variety of details are infinite within the facades of these miniature American castles. Tulip gardens are popular in Brooklyn and add a strong color component to the endless sandstone designs. The dogwoods offer their brief splash until the greenery of the oaks and maples take over and dress each street into quietly shaded scenery.
Pulpit Rock
Any time is good to photograph this location – however it is not easily accessible at high tide. Sunrise and sunset seem to be the favoured times for photographers to visit when the tide is low, enabling long exposures over the rocky platform.
Angelo Rotta Bank
For a frontal shot of the Houses of Parliament, the best spot is just across the river (Batthyany tér underground stop on Line 2, or Halasz utca if you’re looking for a parking spot). There’s a promenade all along the Buda side, so you have a lot of options to find the most interesting angle. It’s worth taking at least one full frontal shot – incidentally, with a 35mm lens the facade fits right into the frame. There’s a lot of room to set up a tripod as well if you’re going for a night shot. Watch out for bikers on the promenade when you work with a tripod – they tend to ride like there’s no tomorrow. The building faces West and gets a warm, lovely light around 5-8pm during the summer. At sunrise it’s backlit from the right (when facing the building).
Black Creek Trail
This spot is an absolutely amazing spit to go as a beginner to help hone in your skills and to get some good practice taking photos of nature. This spot is also excellent for more professional photographers to get some beautiful photos of Florida wilderness.