Just put a post up on SBDigitalArts with my first attempts at impressionistic photography. Would like to get some feedback on what you guys think. I kind of like the four images I posted, but I’m not sure if this is something I’m going to do more of or not. It’s very different than anything I’ve ever done before.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Impressionistic Photography: My First Attempts

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Took a drive 100 miles north yesterday to the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The Horicon marsh is the largest Cattail Marsh in the United States. It’s 32,000 acres in size and is a major stopping place for thousands of  migrating ducks and geese. The marsh also is home to Sandhill Cranes, herons and egrets.

On our drive around and through the marsh we saw Sandhill Cranes, Blue Herons, Great Egrets, White Pelicans, hundreds of ducks, hawks and a Bald Eagle. The Horicon Marsh is a new favorite place of mine. Here are some of the pictures from yesterday. Just a note here: These aren’t the best pictures I’ve ever took. Wind, harsh light and a lens that’s just not quite powerful enough made it a chalenge to photograph yesterday. I’ll get better shots from there in the future though

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A state of emergency was declared today for the Big Meadow Fire burning in Yosemite National Park.The fire has grown to 3506 acres today and forced the evacuation of 500 residents in the towns of Foresta and Old El Portal.

The fire is 16% percent contained with 900 personnel working the lines.

The state of emergency orders all state agencies to release personnel to help fight the fire.

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This is from the National Park Service:

Date: August 28, 2009

The Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park grew to 2,244 acres today, increasing from 2,200 acres yesterday.  The Big Meadow Fire was set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews on August 26, 2009 as a prescribed burn and shortly thereafter, the fire grew out of the prescription lines.

The Big Oak Flat Road, from Crane Flat Gas Station to the intersection of El Portal Road and Big Oak Flat Road, remains closed due to fire activity.  In addition, Crane Flat Campground and Foresta also remain closed.  There is no projected opening date at this time.

Due to increased fire activity on the northern end of the fire, the Tamarack Flat Campground, along the Tioga Road, has been closed.

The fire remains 10% contained.

For additional fire information please visit www.nps.gov/yose/fire and www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_firenews.cfm.  In addition, visitors may call 209-372-0669 or 209-372-0327 for updated fire information during business hours.

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