Brandohl's Blog

Feline Fotoshoot

Brandohl — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:09:23 +0000

11/18/09: I want you to meet a friend of mine….’Lil’ Momma’ as she is called is a cat that roams the neighborhood in which I live. I hesitate to call her a stray cat, as she is much too friendly with me..and other people to deem her as totally stray. I have come to love this little cat….she is adorable, friendly, sweet & many times silly like a clown. She is a very animated and verbal cat, as she is also known as “Meow Meow” because she likes to talk so much. She greets me almost 90percent of the time coming and going from my house. I will be getting out of my car and I will hear the faint but constant ‘meow..meow…meow…meow…” as she runs from way down the street or in between houses to come and talk to me, welcome me home. She has really won my heart…food and water bowls are kept full on the front patio for her(and some of her feline friends) for her convenience, but I must say she was visiting long before any drinks or appetizers were being provided. On this day I came home only to find her running up the driveway to greet me in her usual fashion…she seemed to have alot to say…so I just sat down in the driveway and we ‘talked’…she talks with her paws, her tail, definately her eyes as she looks right at me with many expressions…her body movements show her to be completely comfortable in her surroundings, purrrfectly content and happy…with a few serious moments, a few comical moments, she told me alot about what goes on in the neighbor after dark. Of course I had my camera on me, and she was gracious enough to allow me to take a few photos…and without a doubt enjoyed the attention. I love this little cat…she is such an endearing
little girl.
For more of her photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/

I Found a Place …

Brandohl — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:02:16 +0000

11/10/09: …I Found a Place where the birds are many, and the Gators too. A Beautiful place where tropical birds fly free of worry, Gators roam at their leisure & wildflowers are in constant bloom. The landscape is wonderous and mysterious at the same time. Critters of every kind may be found around any turn, Armadillos, Opossums and yes, even wild Boars. It is truly a feast for the eyes …and ears. I have been there 3 times now having only found it about 5 days ago. The place is, you ask, Circle B Bar Reserve and it is right here in Lakeland, Florida, less than 10 minutes from where I live. While I cannot believe I had not found it sooner, being so close by, I am thrilled about the many possible future visits to this place. This is nature at its best…Florida at its best…Marsh, Wetlands & wildlife galore.
Are you curious yet: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/circlebbarreserve.html
For my collections of photos from this place(so far) : http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/sets/72157622633758211/

In The Spirit of Halloween…

Brandohl — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:27:13 +0000

10/31/09: Though I have been taking many photos…I haven’t blogged in a while….but in the Spirit of Halloween, Here ya go….
Leaving from a Day at the beach(10/12/09)…Bright, Sunny, Warm beautiful views, calming seas, dancing birds, sand between my toes, sounds of the waves, seagulls …just a typically perfect day on the beach at Pass A Grille, then, as I was driving away I come across a reminder of what time of the year was just around the corner..Halloween…and this one particular house was perfectly decorated in the Spirit of Halloween…somewhat ironic to the day I had at the Beach….but made me feel like a kid again, even if just for a second or two the excitement of the Spooky Holiday was right in front of me …HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Link to more more similar images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/

Fun with Pelicans

Brandohl — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:42:14 +0000

10/14/09: Back to Pass A Grille Beach yet again, on a somewhat quiet Monday(10/12/09), got a chance to play a little with some Pelicans They were just doing their thing, swimming, fishing, feeding….I watched them as I walked along the beach and decided to venture out onto the Sandbar with camera in hand. I held tightly to my camera as I began my FUN. I was more or less even out there with the Pelicans, just down a bit but directly in front of me. It was very enjoyable to watch them continuously dive/splash into the water, especially at this angle. With the shoreline as a backdrop it was like watching a 3D movie…but of course, sooo much better…it was live! As the waves splashed at me walking along the sandbar, I continued watch and shoot, edging a little closer without disturbing their lunchtime fun and continue to have some fun of my own.
For more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/

Sunsets…

Brandohl — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:24:48 +0000

10/10/09: Sunset @ Pass A Grille Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida 09/30/09: They have a way, don’t they ? A way of taking your mind off everything..removing the negative, even if just briefly. A way to end the old, A way for a fresh beginning, A way of easing your mind, a way for peace, A way to think, A way to understand, A way to believe, A way ..A way to take you AWay…Yes, Sunsets have a way….

For more Sunsets : http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/sets/72157611276170556/

I Sat Among Them

Brandohl — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:36:44 +0000

10/03/09: I sat among them…they didn’t seem to mind, most indifferent, some curious. They went about their business for the most part, hunting crabs, fish whatever was being served up to them by the waves. It was quite peaceful, serene and so gratifying to be sitting there watching and observing them without disruption. I sat on the rocks with my feet in the water, one in particular, seemed very interested in my red toenail polish under the water, perhaps thinking it was some sort of food?…but never did anything more than look and watch as I would move my toes. I sat there for the longest time, losing track of time, taking pictures as often as I wanted and then sometimes just sitting there in peace. It was on Pass A Grille Beach that this took place, actually about a week ago(9/25)…The beach was not crowded, which was a plus, the sun was warm, the water refreshing….what a life they have, and I got to share it with them for just a little while & I felt peace….for that I am thankful.

More photos from this day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/

Colony of Feral Cats

Brandohl — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:59:23 +0000

09/23/09: Saddle Creek Park is a place I visit often…at first it was the best place to view and photograph Gators, I was almost guaranteed a Gator sighting. In the last week though, there has been something else capturing my attention, and I find myself stopping to visit almost everyday on the way home……you see, there is a Colony of Feral Cats that have claimed their piece of land in this park. At first, my thoughts, “poor cats”…”How did they come to be here”….but in watching and observing them over several days of visiting, they seem quite content, happy even…they go about their business, nothing extremely outstanding in their behavior to any other domestic cat, they are just living ‘free’. Though I hate the thought that when you get right down to it, they are there only because of human ignorance, irresponsibility…whatever you would like to call it. At the same time, I don’t worry about them so much at this point… as it is quite evident that there are just as many humans stopping by to check on them, feed them, provide objects for shelter…this part warms my heart & somewhat restores my faith in humanty! Still, I am concerned …the colony continues to grow….I am not sure how much medical care they get by those that do stop by, minimal to none I would assume, injuries are evident on some, cat fights indeed,…and spaying most likely does not exist as an option for them. I see several kittens playing farther away in the brush, so carefree, playful, and as cute as they are to watch, you know there will just be more soon enough…and more and more and more….

More Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandohl_photography/sets/72157622312058593/

Egret @ Lake Hollingsworth

Brandohl — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:38:09 +0000

090409: Lake Hollingsworth, one of my favorite places to walk, think and take photographs…and even on just a quick stop for a quick walk, I am guaranteed a good shot or 2. This is an Egret, one of my favorite birds, although birds in general, are one of my favorite subjects. I love when I can catch the reflection in the water to boot!

Visitor on the Beach

Brandohl — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:27:51 +0000

08/30/09: Sitting on Pass A Grill Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida I am lucky enough to have a visitor. I had been watching the Heron as it watched some nearby fishing activity for quite a while and as it came closer my aggravation lightened and my excitement increased….Aggravation, you say?…The aggravation comes from seeing a few young (unsupervised) children throwing sticks and chasing this beautiful creature who belongs there more than any human does. As the Heron got closer, so did the children…and then my chance to help them understand their actions…I simply told them not to chase or throw anything at it, to leave it be….Was that wrong?…Not in my mind, but others may differ in that opinion….so be it. In the end, one of the adults(a parent I assume)…either heard me or on their own initiative when seeing the unacceptible behavior spoke out to the children to stop. …for that I am happy and I was able to enjoy this gracious creature in all its glory as it “danced” right in front of me.