Ed Stanton Photography

The Mad Hatter

2010-10-31T07:49:00.000-04:00

My son's elementary school had a character parade and fall festival this weekend. Everyone had a great time. So many fantastic costumes - I really liked the one in this photo...so much color!

Scarecrow

2010-10-30T10:26:00.000-04:00

This photo of a scarecrow was taken at the Corn Maze in Elkton, FL.

Bowl full of Jelly Bellies

2010-10-27T06:15:00.000-04:00

Another shot using the softbox and a macro lens.

Little Pumpkins

2010-10-17T17:53:00.000-04:00

Actually, I'm told these are some variety of squash. Took the picture while at Sykes and Cooper Farms' in Elkton, FL last weekend.

Jelly Beans

2010-10-15T09:33:00.001-04:00

Another macro using my homemade softbox (see "Sweet Tarts 1 post for link softbox fab instructions).
We've been eating our way through the Jelly Beans but I think I have enough for a few more shots. Any suggestions...maybe a pattern?

Sweet Tarts 1

2010-10-13T20:59:00.000-04:00

I recently put together a "softbox" and tried it out using some low power strobes with a macro lens. The strobes are Nikon R1's and the lens I used for this shot (and several more that I'll post) was a Nikon 105mm f/2.8. I love the soft light and versatility of this little box. If you're interested in making one, I happened upon the idea here (Strobist Blog).

The Pergola Illusion

2010-10-10T11:58:00.001-04:00

We were on the deck of a home several days ago and I looked up through a pergola (had to look that one up) and saw an image in the making. I shot RAW and took the image into Capture NX2 were I did some typical post processing adjustments. I then used Color Efex Pro 3 to make a B&W version and then the Color Stylizer filter to make a second version. I really love the results. Hope you do as well!

Wave Crest

2010-09-06T15:19:00.000-04:00

Another shot of a surfer taken from the St. Augustine Pier on August 2nd.

Surfs Up

2010-09-04T09:10:00.000-04:00

Surfer near the pier at Saint Augustine Beach, Florida on Sept. 2, 2010. Large waves compliments of Hurricane Earl.

Common Bumble Bee

2010-08-29T15:51:00.000-04:00

For several weeks, the bumble bees have been busy in the trumpet vines outside our home. Close-up, its amazing how much "hair" these guys have on them. This one also had a "damaged" right antenna (about 1/2 of it is missing). I was shooting with a macro lens and only a couple inches away much of the time. Despite being so close, the bees paid little attention to me.

"Brown" Dragonfly

2010-08-25T15:03:00.000-04:00

I know...it looks dead. But, trust me, it wasn't!
This dragonfly really wanted to be photographed on this stump which was lying in a field. It repeatedly returned to the exact same spot and sat still for long periods of time. Wish I had such luck with butterflies.

"Green" Dragonfly

2010-08-24T08:21:00.002-04:00

Chased this dragonfly around a bit before it settled in for a portrait.

Aphid on Daisy

2010-08-23T06:43:00.000-04:00

During a visit to Western North Carolina, I decided to walk around a bit looking for bugs to shoot. It's amazing what I see when I just slooooow down. This shot is of a very tiny Aphid on a Daisy or Aster.

Lady Bug on Trumpet Vine

2010-08-22T17:54:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of Nikonians, a user group for Nikon camera enthusiasts. They have a variety of great inforamtion there. If you're a Nikon guy or gal, check them out at www.nikonians.com. Anyway, posted a number of images to a contest in the Macro forum today and will share the same images here over the next several days. Some of the other photographer's images are just stunning. Check them out here.

This photo is of a Lady Bug on a Trumpet Vine in our yard. Although I believe the vine is invasive, it certainly draws a lot of insects and the occasional hummingbird.

Sled Dogs

2010-08-10T07:42:00.000-04:00

St. Augustine Fishing Pier & Lighthouse

2010-08-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

Stink Bugs

2010-07-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

Not sure what happened to my interest in posting to this blog. Guess I just became too busy with other aspects of life. But as I was looking over a few macro shots I took yesterday of Stink Bugs, I thought I'd throw one on here. Not the most glamorous insect but pretty interesting none the less.

White Water Falls - Upper Fall

2009-06-12T08:23:00.003-04:00

Upper portion of beautiful White Water Falls, North Carolina.

Whitewater Falls, Full Portrait

2009-05-31T07:48:00.004-04:00

Located outside of Cashiers, North Carolina, Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Click here for more info.
This image was taken on May 5, 2009. It was a VERY rainy day. I'm grateful for the assistance of my daughter Diana who held an umbrella over my tripod mounted camera making it possible for me to take these photographs.

Alligator

2009-05-05T11:53:00.003-04:00

An alligator resting on the bank of a pond. Photo taken in March at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm.

Royal Poinciana

2009-05-04T07:57:00.004-04:00

Deep green spring leaves of a Royal Poinciana.

The Buckeye - Sebring

2009-05-03T12:48:00.002-04:00

The historic Buckeye building on the circle in downtown Sebring, Florida.

Tricolor Heron in Flight

2009-05-02T07:53:00.004-04:00

Tricolor Heron in flight taken at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm.

Newborns

2009-05-01T07:22:00.004-04:00

This image is of a pair of Great Egret chicks and was taken approximately one week ago at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm. This pair is approximately 3 weeks old.

Time Out

2009-04-01T10:07:00.001-04:00

I've decided to take the month of April "off" from posting new photos to this blog. Thanks for visiting and please check back again beginning in May for new posts.
Ed

Great Egret Profile

2009-03-31T08:21:00.002-04:00

Close-up of Great Egret with lure richly colored for mating season.

Flowers on the Pacific

2009-03-30T06:13:00.002-04:00

Flowers growing along a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Torre Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California.

Boy Meets Monster Truck

2009-03-29T08:07:00.003-04:00

My son demonstrating his super powers against an old truck rigged out for mud bogging at the Putnam County Fair in Palatka, Florida last weekend. Yeah think the owner might be a Gator fan?

Life is Just a Tire Swing

2009-03-28T06:30:00.001-04:00

Fun on the tire swing at Swing Park, Saint Augustine, Florida.

Pelicans on the Dock

2009-03-27T06:57:00.001-04:00

Pelicans resting at the end of a day on a dock in Everglades City, Florida.

Soldier at Castillo de San Marcos

2009-03-26T06:53:00.001-04:00

Volunteer in role of Spanish soldier during reenactment of cannon firing at the Castillo de San Marcos, Saint Augustine, Florida.

Spillway

2009-03-25T08:37:00.004-04:00

Water flowing over a small spillway at Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, Florida.

Water Snake Tasting the Air

2009-03-24T05:02:00.002-04:00

Water snake. Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka, Florida.

Bright Flower

2009-03-24T04:58:00.000-04:00

Close-up of Flower.

Azalea Bloom

2009-03-22T13:06:00.001-04:00

Azalea bloom. Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka, Florida.

Fern Close-Up

2009-03-21T11:34:00.003-04:00

Close-up of a fern at Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka, Florida.

Macaw Portrait

2009-03-20T06:26:00.003-04:00

Another photo of one of the Macaws at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park in Saint Augustine, Florida.

I like this image for its rich colors and sharp definition of the head feathers and eye.

Castillo de San Marcos - Hot Shot Oven

2009-03-19T05:17:00.002-04:00

Hot shot oven at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Saint Augustine, Florida. This furnace was used to heat iron cannonballs till the were "red hot". The idea being that, when fired into a wooden ship, it would set the ship on fire.

Sunset in the Wake

2009-03-18T12:13:00.005-04:00

Warm colors of sunset reflecting in a boat wake on the otherwise smooth waters of Matanzas Bay, Saint Augustine, Florida. Photo taken in November of 2008.

Saint Augustine Lighthouse

2009-03-17T06:30:00.003-04:00

The Saint Augustine Lighthouse.

Sunrise at the Pier, 03-15-09 - Saint Augustine

2009-03-16T07:57:00.002-04:00

Image just before sunrise at the Saint Augustine Beach Pier, Saint Augustine, Florida. Taken on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Face of a Flower

2009-03-15T07:53:00.003-04:00

One more of the flower series from Leonardi's Nursery, Saint Augustine, Florida.

Beware the Thorns

2009-03-14T05:50:00.004-04:00

Cactus. Taken at Leonardi's Nursery, Saint Augustine, Florida.
Note the insect which became trapped among the thorns of this plant.

Three Amigos

2009-03-13T05:11:00.001-04:00

Group of flowers. Taken at Leonardi's Nursery, Saint Augustine, Florida.

Flower

2009-03-12T06:57:00.004-04:00

Another beautiful flower who's name I do not know.

Croton Leaf

2009-03-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Today's post is a close-up of a Croton leaf back lit by the sun. Taken at Leonardi's Nursery on Anastaia Island, Saint Augustine, Florida.

African Daisy - Leonardi's Nursery

2009-03-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

Today's post is a close-up of an African Daisy (I think). Taken at Leonardi's Nursery on Anastaia Island, Saint Augustine, Florida.

Flowers - Leonardi's Nursery

2009-03-09T07:16:00.003-04:00

Today's photo was taken at Leonardi's Nursery. This is a wonderful nursery on Anastasia Island, Saint Augustine, Florida, just a stones throw from the lighthouse and Alligator Farm. My daughter had purchased a couple of plants here a few weeks back at which time I asked if I could return at a later date to take some photos. They said it would be fine, and yesterday, I returned with a macro lens and tripod to capture the images I'll be posting through the week.

Now, I'm no expert on the names of plants or flowers and didn't think to take some notes as I was shooting. So if anyone wants to help with the identification, that would be fine.

Hope your week gets off to a good start!

Ed

On the Nest

2009-03-08T07:34:00.003-04:00

A pair of Great Egrets resting on their nest at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, St. Augustine, Florida.

Sunrise over the Matanzas II

2009-03-07T11:33:00.002-05:00

Another image of the sun rising over the Matanzas River in St. Augustine, Florida. This one was taken just moments after the photo posted last Saturday, 2/28/09.

White Ibis

2009-03-06T06:59:00.002-05:00

Today's photo is of a White Ibis and was taken early in January at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

Night Heron

2009-03-05T06:52:00.002-05:00

Yellow-crowned Night Heron perched close to the boardwalk at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

Great Egret Touching Down

2009-03-04T06:30:00.004-05:00

A Great Egret preparing to land in the tree where he and his mate are building their nest.

Photo taken at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

Wood Stork at Branch Depot

2009-03-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

A Wood Stork works to free a branch from a tree to take back to the nest he and his mate are building.

Photo taken at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

Great Egret Nest Building

2009-03-02T06:00:00.003-05:00

A Great Egret returning with a branch to contribute to the nest he and his mate are building.

Photo taken at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

Great Egret on Display

2009-03-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

The birds at the St.Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park are very busy building nests, mating, and as you can see from this photo, showing off their colors and plumage. Its a truly spectacular place at the moment for bird lovers. And compared with many areas were I've gone to shoot wading birds, very photographer friendly. The boardwalk literally takes you within several feet of some of the activity.

Sunrise over the Matanzas

2009-02-28T10:54:00.004-05:00

Sunrise this morning over the Matanzas River from Old Town St. Augustine, Florida.

At the Playground

2009-02-27T06:57:00.004-05:00

Like most boys his age, my son loves to go to the playground. Today's photo of him was taken a few weeks back during a visit to the playground at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. This is one of our favorite playgrounds with lots of neat equipment. He loves it so much that anytime we visit family in Orlando, he pleads to make a stop here.

Lookout Tower - Chokoloskee, Florida

2009-02-26T07:06:00.004-05:00

This image is of the interior structure of a lookout tower on Chokoloskee Island, Florida.

Glacier Under Overcast Sky

2009-02-25T07:03:00.002-05:00

Glacier Bay, Alaska.

Reflection of a Glacier

2009-02-24T06:40:00.003-05:00

Glacier reflecting from the still waters.

Contrasting Glaciers - Glacier Bay, Alaska

2009-02-23T10:41:00.003-05:00

Another photo from Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.

One of the things II find interesting in this photo is the contrast between the dark flow in the foreground (which has so much rock and sediment entrained) and the white one in the background.

Earth and Ice - Glacier Bay, Alaska

2009-02-22T06:53:00.005-05:00

From a photo, it is hard to comprehend the immensity of a glacier. In this image, you can see water rushing from within the glacier, dark from the silts and sediments it carries. To the left of the cavern from which the water is gushing, you can see a block of bluish ice. From my memory of this scene, that block of ice was easily as tall as a man.

Glacier, Alaska

2009-02-21T08:07:00.003-05:00

Jumping around a bit this past week...Guam, Florida, California and now Alaska. I think the cold weather this morning inspired this leap. Maybe a theme for the next week?

Anyway, this photo was taken during a cruise along the Inside Passage of Alaska last July onboard the Sapphire Princess. I know, tough conditions to endure, but some sacrifices have to be made to see such breathtaking locations. I believe this image was taken in Glacier Bay.

Tired Puppy

2009-02-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

This photo is of a friends tired puppy was taken last year while visiting Highland Hammocks State Park, Sebring, Florida.

Osprey in Pine Tree

2009-02-19T06:36:00.004-05:00

Osprey are fairly common around the coastal areas of St. Augustine, Florida. This photo was taken several weeks ago from our backyard of an Osprey which was eating its meal in a pine tree on the property adjacent to where we live.

Guam Coastline, Micronesia

2009-02-18T06:30:00.002-05:00

I don't recall the name of this area of the Guam coastline captured in this image but it was breathtaking for sure.

The Fish Eye, Guam, Micronesia

2009-02-17T06:55:00.008-05:00

Today's photo is from the entrance to the pier that leads to the Fish Eye. The Fish Eye is a marine observatory at the end of a 1000' long pier which extends out into Piti Bay. A portion of the observatory is underwater in the "Piti Bomb Hole". Through windows that run around the circumference of the observatory, you can view the diverse marine life found on the surrounding reef. In a nut shell a really cool spot.

Pacific Coast, Guam

2009-02-16T06:33:00.002-05:00

A view along a valley and the Pacific Ocean on the southeast coast of Guam.

Sunset in Guam

2009-02-15T07:02:00.001-05:00

Photo of a sunset in Guam.

Red Rose

2009-02-14T07:12:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sailboat on Mooring

2009-02-13T06:37:00.003-05:00

Sailboat on her mooring at twilight on the Matanzas River, St. Augustine, Florida.

Jeff's Pirates Cove, Talafofo, Guam

2009-02-12T06:29:00.003-05:00

Combination concrete basketball post and no swimming sign at Jeff's Pirates Cove, Talafofo, Guam.

Virtually all structures in Guam are made from concrete in order to withstand the wind forces produced by "Super Typhoons".

Lake Eola Swan Close-Up

2009-02-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

A close-up shot of a swan which had just removed its head from the water. Lake Eola, Orlando, Florida.

Swan on Lake Eola, Orlando

2009-02-10T07:10:00.002-05:00

Swan cruising on Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida. Photo taken on February 8, 2009.

Off Roading

2009-02-09T07:28:00.002-05:00

Jeeps making their way through a canyon near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California. Image captured in March of 2008.

Backyard Fun

2009-02-08T08:30:00.003-05:00

Photo of a boy climbing on his fort.

Taking the Plunge

2009-02-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

A friend looks on as a Chamorran man dives into a salt water swimming lagoon on the Pacific side of Guam, Marianas Islands, Micronesia.

Antique Chevy Hood Ornament

2009-02-06T07:15:00.004-05:00

Photo of an antique Chevrolet hood ornament (I believe a 57 Bel Air) taken during a February 2008 auto show in downtown Sebring, Florida.

Gate to Flagler College

2009-02-05T08:04:00.004-05:00

This photo is of one of the iron and wood gates to Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida.

Great Egret

2009-02-04T20:59:00.002-05:00

Photo of a Great Egret resting in a tree at the Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, Florida.

Dog on Beach

2009-02-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

This photo of a dog on the beach was taken from the Matanzas Inlet bridge along A1A in Crescent Beach, Florida. He was out on a walk with his owner (chasing sea birds from the shoreline) and stopped to take a look at the guy on the bridge.

Tricolored Heron

2009-02-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

This photo of a Tricolored Heron was taken at twilight during a visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. A strobe was used to and some fill lighting.

Window Shopping

2009-01-31T06:43:00.002-05:00

Gift shop on St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida.

Bar Harbor, Maine

2009-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Frenchman's Bay, Bar Harbor, Maine. Photo taken from overlook in Acadia National Park.

Spanish Cannons, Guam

2009-01-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

Spanish cannons at Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, Guam, Mariana Islands.

The description of the location below was copied from Guam-online.com:

Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad was one of the last Spanish Forts constructed in the 19th Century in support of the Spanish Galleon trade. Sitting on the cliff just to the South of Umatac, Fort Soledad has a commanding view of the Bay and all Ocean approaches. The Fort was restored in 1995 and today the cannon of Fort Soledad still point out over the Pacific Ocean and Umatac Bay where Magellan landed in 1521 to make the first contact between Guam and the West.

Pigeon on the Pier

2009-01-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pigeon on fishing pier, St. Augustine Beach, Florida.

Pigeons are not at the top of most people's list of favorite birds. They aren't at the top of mine...but then again they certainly aren't at the bottom either. They're just too common for most of us to say "wow, did you see that beautiful pigeon". But, if you really stop to look, they are a fascinating and beautiful bird that has adapted remarkably well to its changing environment.

You can find a very interesting web site from Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Project Pigeon Watch) devoted to getting individuals involved in international research on pigeons here.

Coquina Rock Formation, Washington Oaks Garden

2009-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Coquina rock outcropping on beach at Washington Oaks Garden State Park, St. Augustine, Florida.

Sunset, Torrey Pines State Park, California

2009-01-27T07:16:00.003-05:00

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean taken from Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego, California.

Lily Close-up

2009-01-26T07:10:00.005-05:00

Close-up of a lily. I know I took it while in Miami in February of 2008 but I'm not sure where...probably in the yard of a neighbor of my parents or at Fairchild Tropical Gardens.

Coquina Rock and Surf

2009-01-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Lone coquina rock with surf approaching on beach at Washington Oaks Garden State Park near St. Augustine, Florida.

Fawn, Whittier, Alaska

2009-01-24T07:47:00.004-05:00

After close to two months of posting photos taken in and around St. Augustine, today's photo takes us to the other extreme corner of North America.

This image of a fawn at the Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center, Whittier, Alaska was taken in August of 2008 at the conclusion of an incredible cruise along the Inside Passage.

Nigel Pickering - Spanky and Our Gang

2009-01-23T06:48:00.005-05:00

Today's photo is of Nigel Pickering, a founding member of Spanky and Our Gang.

The photo was taken during an evening at the Tradewinds Lounge, St. Augustine, Florida in February of 2008. Mr. Pickering can be heard at the Tradewinds on Friday evenings from 5 pm - 8 pm when he plays along with Jim Carrick and Mark Hart.

Gator on Dock

2009-01-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

Alligator sunning on a dock at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine, Florida.

Brick Street, St. Augustine, Florida

2009-01-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Close-up of old bricks used for paving St. George Street south of King Street, St. Augustine, Florida.

Full Moon Rising

2009-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

This image is of the last full moon rising in the east just after sunset at Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, Florida. In the foreground is Salt Run with the magnificent dunes of the island beyond.

Sign and Shadows

2009-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Shadows from palms and sign for the Shell Shop along St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida.

Bas Relief of Lion, Flagler College

2009-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bas relief of a Lion on one of the columns in front of the gates to Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida.

Candle Shop, St. Augustine, Florida

2009-01-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Today's photo is of the Southern Lights Candle Shop located at 12 Cuna Street, St. Augustine, Florida.

If you like candles, this is the place to go. Owner and Candlesmith Susan Bradley is a warm and welcoming person who will make you feel right at home and help make your candle shopping experience as unique as the candles she hand crafts.

Joy

2009-01-16T06:34:00.001-05:00

Edmund running down the hill at the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida.