MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011

PIGEON RIVER 9051

"Breaking Up"

High Falls at Grand Portage State Park as the river starts to open up in early April of 2011. This photo was taken yesterday afternoon, just before we had a big thunderstorm that dropped some heavy rain on the area. I'm going to walk back up to the falls this afternoon to see what kind of a difference yesterday's rain made on the ice and the water flow.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm
Focal length: 85mm
Shutter speed: 0.6 sec
Aperture: f/22
ISO: 50

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011

PIGEON RIVER 9127

"Cold-blooded spring"

High Falls at Grand Portage State Park, MN. There is a lot of snow in the woods this spring, and thanks to a recent week of warm temperatures combined with a nice rain storm the Pigeon River opened up nicely a few days ago. However, winter is not quite ready to let go and last night cold temperatures returned to Grand Portage. The cold air meant that all the mist at High Falls was freezing to the trees, shrubs and grasses throughout the night and all day today, making for an amazing icy scene.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm
Focal length: 28mm
Shutter speed: 1.3 seconds
Aperture: f/22
ISO: 50

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

BALD EAGLE 9246

"Eagle Landing"

Just one of the 4 Eagles that I saw flying around the visitor center at work today. This immature Eagle was coming in for a landing on one of the Birch trees along the banks of the Pigeon River.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm
Focal length: 400mm
Shutter speed: 1/1250
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 400

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

BALD EAGLE 9433

"Soaring Overhead"

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm
Focal length: 400mm
Shutter speed: 1/800
Aperture: f/10
ISO: 800

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011

BALD EAGLE 9509

"Watching over the nest"

A pair of Eagles watches over their nest as they take turns incubating the eggs. Butterwort Cliffs Scientific Natural Area - Near Cascade River State Park, MN.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm
Focal length: 400mm
Shutter speed: 1/160
Aperture: f/10
ISO: 800

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011

RIVERS 9573

"April Sunset, Temperance River"

Temperance River State Park near Tofte, MN. I made this image a couple of nights ago after a "spur of the moment" decision to drive down to Temperance and photograph the sunset. It was cloudy in Grand Portage, but I figured what the heck I'd give it a shot. It's a good thing I did, as there was a beautiful sunset that evening!

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm
Focal length: 17mm
Shutter speed: 1.3 seconds
Aperture: f/16
ISO: 50

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

PIGEON RIVER 9652

"Spring Evening at High Falls"

Grand Portage State Park, MN. The water level at High Falls right now is perfect for doing long exposures and capturing many layers of water. Get there and visit the falls now while the water conditions are optimum for this kind of shot!

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm
Focal length: 35mm
Shutter speed: 5 seconds
Aperture: f/16
ISO: 50

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

PIGEON RIVER 9639

"High Falls Detail, Pigeon River"

This photo was taken a few days ago at Grand Portage State Park in Northeast Minnesota. After the ice broke up on the river this year, the water level was initially at a level of 3.5 feet. A few days after the ice-out, the river level was at 8 feet. Since then, the river level dropped a bit to just over 5 feet, but it is now on the rise again. With more moisture in the forecast for the next day or two, it may reach 8 feet again (or more!). This weekend is shaping up to be another great one to view the falls... come out and see it while the water is high!

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm
Focal length: 105mm
Shutter speed: 4 seconds
Aperture: f/16
ISO: 50

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011

RIVERS 9786

"Spring Snow on Portage Brook"

This year, spring in Northern Minnesota has been slow to arrive. This photo, captured the day after a late winter storm dropped 5 inches of snow on the Arrowhead Trail in Cook County, is proof of that fact. Most people that I've talked to recently have had more than their fill of winter. I, on the other had, welcome a late winter/early spring snow storm, especially after the rivers have opened up. The contrast of fresh snow and running water makes for some incredible imagery. This waterfall is a little-known gem not far from the Canadian border. The trail to this falls is not marked, and is a short but rugged hike. Just before you get to the falls, there is an area where blowing snow collects and drifts rather badly. I had to wallow my way through a drift that was almost waist-deep in order to get to this vantage point on the falls. By the time I got back to my vehicle, my pants and shoes were soaked from pushing my way through the wet snow. As is often the case, however, the photos that I got were worth the effort. This image was made using my Canon EF 17-40mm lens, shutter speed was 1/2 second, aperture f22, ISO 50.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm
Focal length: 17mm
Shutter speed: 0.4 sec
Aperture: f/22
ISO: 50