Clarion River, Allegheny National Forest

Every year I take a four day canoe/camping trip down the Clarion River though the desolation of the Allegheny Mountains with friends and family. My dad and uncle began this annual tradition over 40 years ago. Although this annual trip is heavily weighted on fishing, I always pack my camera. We had a mix of sunshine and rain which offered a great variety of photography opportunities.

On the second day it rained all day but...

the rain let up momentarily on occasion giving me the opportunity to set up for some shots

 

On the second night we camped next to a small spring-fed tributary stream where I found some great photo opportunities

The thing that I love most about nature is its unpredictability.  I have been floating the Clarion River for over ten years, and every year I discover and capture new images.

Well, it was another great adventure through the Allegheny National Forest... I will be counting down the days until next year's river trip

Kissimmee River with Clyde Butcher

I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to assist Fine art landscape photographer Clyde Butcher and his wife Niki Butcher along with videographer Elam Stoltzfus in the filming and photography on the creation of a documentary film of the Kissimmee River.

Clyde and I found a stand of swamp tupelo trees on the Kissimmee River floodplain. I helped Clyde set up for a shot here.

Clyde gives me photography lessons at each location. I learned so much valuable insight from Clyde that no book or class could ever teach.

Alright, we got the shot and I am holding the negative of one of the next Clyde Butcher masterpieces!

Elam films Clyde and Niki as they capture an image

Niki assists Clyde as he sets up for another shot of the Kissimmee River floodplain

Elam Stoltzfus sets up for sunrise footage over the Kissimmee River floodplain.

Two days of shooting...another great adventure on the river.

Although I spent most of the time assisting Clyde with his photography, I was able to get a few shots of my own.

Summertime afternoon storm clouds fill the sky over the Kissimmee River floodplain landscape

Layers of floating vegetation paint the surface of the water on the floodplain

Sunlight beams through blooming pickerel weed flowers.

Thanks Clyde, Niki and Elam for this amazing opportunity.