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Human Nature

Silhouette of Lady in a Bathtub Butte, Valley of the Gods, Utah (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

One of the more curious natural phenomena is the occasional tendency for nature to mimic human form. Anthropomorphic images (meaning human characteristics in inanimate objects) can appear in rocks, plants and animals. Typically they appear only for a fleeting moment or from a unique perspective, but like finding an Easter egg they are a photographic treat.

This image of Lady in a Bathtub Butte in Valley of the Gods, Utah was taken late in the day to create a strong silhouette and emphasize the outline of the rock against the blue sky. The back-lit clouds added a nice balance to the whimsical scene.

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

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Going, going, gone…

Man sitting on rock looking at icebergs on lake below Mount Edith Cavell, Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

My last post illustrated the dramatic destruction that mother nature can unleash from below the earth’s surface – a powerful force that destroys everything in its path. Still as devastating (and impressive) as a volcanic eruption can be, it’s an isolated event and the damage it causes is limited in scope.

In contrast, global warming is an unnatural event that although much slower than lava (and much less attractive) has a far greater impact on our planet. As a nature photographer I’m naturally concerned about the effect this has on the source of my livelihood and the places I’m passionate about, and as an environmentalist I’m doing everything I can to reduce my carbon footprint from driving a hybrid to filling my downtime with muscle powered sports.

It’s ironic that NASA just discovered water on the moon that may someday support human life, while the waters here at home are continuing to rise!

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Change is in the air…

Golden fall aspens and firs in the San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado USA (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year. Everything in the natural world is in a state of flux and the woods of both coasts are a patchwork of color. Mention fall color though and many people naturally think only of New England and its glowing maples, but the quaking aspen of the west are equally vibrant especially when back lit.

This image was made in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado shortly before an early snow fall blanketed the landscape. A 180mm lens compressed the scene across this narrow valley and emphasized the contrast of aspen and evergreens.