Christmas In Tampa Bay

OK, we have to admit, Christmas is all about waking up on Christmas morning after a fresh coating of Christmas snow has fallen the night before, and the weather is cold and makes one light a cozy fire in the fireplace beside the family Christmas tree. But, living in Florida it is hard to find all that, for the temperature reaches the mid 80's and there is not a snowflake to be found anywhere.

But, in the true spirit of Christmas, we drove down to St. Petersburg to take in the Christmas display down by the marina and try to get into the Christmas mood. They have an many displays for the family to enjoy, and made for a relaxing evening under the stars and checking out the lights. But walking around in short sleeves, shorts and sandals just doesn't seem right, but we'll take this over shoveling snow anyday.

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Lesson Seven: Horizons

Determining the ratio of sky to earth is a key concern in composing dynamic scenics. Positioning the horizon away from the picture's center can mean a better balanced, more dynamic composition. The Rule of Thirds pertains to horizon lines, too. Positioning the horizon somewhere other than in the photo's midsection helps create a more dynamic composition. Below are the three photographs I submitted.

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Lesson Six: Wide Angle Scenics

The wide-angle's unique storytelling perspective makes the wide-angle lens a valuable tool for serious outdoor and travel shooters. The reason has to do with the wide-angle's ability to combine nearby details with far-off views and do it with a great depth of field. The dynamic result is a photograph that conveys a real sense of space. Below are the three photographs I submitted.

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Animal Adventures

Being a Florida resident sometimes has it's perks. Back in October, we visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and when we purchased our tickets, we presented our Florida I.D.'s, and got a pass to visit a second time for free. This time, Jack Hanna of Jay Lenno fame and from the Columbus Zoo was there with his Animal Adventures Show at the Stanleyville Theatre, so we decided to check it out.

Upon arriving, we headed to the Budweiser Stables first to see the world famous Clydesdales like Bud, Harley and others, and the little donkey who thinks he's a Clydesdale, Spirit. We watched as Harley got a bath, and after talking to the handler, we asked if we could get a used horseshoe from one of the horses. After he was finished with Harley, he found us a horseshoe that was worn by Bud and gave us one, and is unbelievably huge and heavy.

We then made our way around to see the other animals in the park, and stopped again by the Field Station, and checked out the Flamingos. Just as we arrived, the caretakers opened up the gate, and allowed five Flamingos out, and we followed them around the park and helped corral them as they made their way through the crowds. It was the most unbelievable experience we could ever imagine. Just walking around with the Flamingos as they strolled around, squawking and talking every step of the way. The crowds of people as we made our way through the park was astounded, and we stopped numerous times for photos, hugs and petting of these gentle creatures. The Flamingos seemed to enjoy all the attention, especially from the small children.

After helping the Flamingos back into their area, we said goodbye and headed out to the rest of the park, visiting the Lowry House, and the other numerous animals like Tigers, Alligators, Elephants, Zebras and many more throughout the park, making this visit one of the most memorable experiences and something we won't soon forget.

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Lesson Five: Depth Of Field

When composing a photograph, one of my first considerations is this: How much of the scene do I want in sharp detail? This is important because focus can greatly affect the look of a picture.

Usually I like to work with a small depth of field, for not only does it allow for some very creative shots, but can surprise you for you never know what was "blurred" out. This assignment however required that I show both shallow and great depth of field, and made me think twice before composing and firing the frame. Below are the three photographs I submitted.

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Here are some of the outtakes of extra photos I shot while on assignment:

Leapin' Lizards

One of the most fascinating animals we have observed since arriving here in Tampa Bay has got to be a tiny little animal known as an Anole. Numbering over 200 species worldwide, seven of which occur in Florida, Anoles spend much of their time jumping from branch to branch or foraging below shrubbery in search of insects, on which they feed. You can't go anywhere, be it in the country, the beach, or even in the concrete jungle of urban civilization, if one just would look very carefully, soon a whole world opens up where Anoles rule the turf, jumping, sunning and chasing the never-ending supply of bugs and insects.

Anoles are of the lizard family, and like all lizards, Anoles are equipped with movable eyelids and external ear holes, unlike their reptile relatives, the snakes. Another striking feature of the Anole is its dew lap, or throat fan. Attached to the throat and displayed by means of a flexible rod of cartilage which can be swung downward and forward, thereby revealing a brightly colored patch of skin. Males of the species display their dew lap during courtship and when defending their territory. This display is often accompanied by a series of head-bobs and push-ups, and is fun to watch such a display of communication.

Lesson Four: Landscapes

This was a tough one. The criteria for lesson four was landscapes, for when one thinks of such a subject, it brings images of rolling mountains, beautiful lakes or tropical beaches. However, I had to add a twist: include the human presence.

In photographs that successfully incorporate the human presence within the landscape, they play supporting, not starring, roles. They serve as design and storytelling elements in bigger scenes. Below are the three photographs I submitted.

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Here are some of the outtakes of extra photos I shot while on assignment: