The cypress swamp is an amazing ecosystem in the Everglades. Maybe the more typical type of scenery when people think of the Everglades, dark and mysterious. The water is usually almost crystal clear, filtered by all the plants, or yellow stained with tanins from fallen leaves.
A small “collection” I have mentally kept in mind to develop will eventually be called “Scenes from the Swamp”. The idea was to show the details. My go to lens typically was the ultra-wide. The wide angle scenics certainly have appeal, but I got tired of them. They became easy and predictable. Many photographers do very well with only one type of photography, but I want to have strong images at all ends of the millimeters. You also can’t tell the whole story with just one focal length.
So here are some images from the slowly developing collection. Enjoy!
The Architect
Alligators are sometimes referred to as the Architects of the Everglades, because they actually help create the cypress domes by moving around the soil. By pushing it up, they create deeper holes for water, and deeper soil around the hole. This in turn allows the cypress more nutrients and they can grow larger.This image was taken with the ultra-wide, but very close to the alligator, to get a close-up with some habitat in the background.
The Puddle Hunter
In the dry season, it can be a time of plenty for the predators. The fish and frogs are all bound to the water, which is shrinking in size. This Water Moccasin was takin advantage of the newly concentrated food supply in this small puddle. This was taken with my 400mm and extension tubes to allow for closer focus.
A Good Father
A Barred owl also uses the time of plenty to raise some owlets. This one was keeping an eye out as its fledgelings were hopping about. Also taken at 400 mm.
Looking For Light
A more intimate shot at about 28mm.
Secret of the Swamp
Not the shot I sell as a fine art print, but one that shows how hard it would be to find a ghost orchid when not in bloom. It is a leafless orchid, so for 11 1/2 months of the year, you would have to look for a few roots, hidden among the mosses. My 180mm macro was used here.
A more recent shot to add to the set. Wild Grape on a cypress trunk. This was taken at 75mm.
10 Comments
Beautiful! But next time, warn me when there is a snake shot coming up
Haha, thanks for stopping in!
lovely photos – such dedication sliming around in the swamp! I love the alligator & snake and also the last photo of wild grape.
Standing so close to that alligator, how do you protect yourself from attacks, and what would you do if it decided you were a threat, or tasty and warm?
Thanks Suzy!
Never have had a real problem yet, I would hope I could ge tout of the way, but the gators I encounter usually do not want to have anything to do with humans. It is the ones habituated to humans and associate food with us that are a problem.
Man Paul, those are some sweet images. The cottonmouth is just stunning! Glad I came across your blog…will have to check in on it from now on!
Matt
I love the blog Paul, that moccasin shot is amazing work, as is all of your images as well !!
Thanks Bernie! Glad you stopped in.
Thanks Matt, always appreciate your comments!