Nebraskaland

Nebraskaland July 2020

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1264601

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66 Nebraskaland • July 2020 MIXED BAG When the photography itch hits, I sometimes head to picturesque Nebraska landscapes; my favorites include the Niobrara River valley, the Wildcat Hills and Indian Cave State Park. Sometimes, however, I fulfi ll my cravings by staying close to home and taking photos in my own backyard. In this period of limited travel, it has been an outlet for fun and creativity. My methods are simple. In early morning and evening, when the sunlight is warm and ideal for photos, I wander about the yard with camera in hand searching for subjects. Occasionally, I will bike to a nearby park. I shoot mainly close- ups using a 105mm macro lens with a tripod or handheld with the lens vibration reduction on. My favorite haunt is our prairie garden. With about 40 species of native wildfl owers and grasses, it is ideal for photographing fl owers, seedpods, leaf patterns and the many insects that the plants attract. Our blooming fruit trees – we have 14 crowded into our yard – and ornamentals, especially lobelias and sedums, also attract an array of bees, bumble bees, butterfl ies and other pollinators that I cannot identify. Other backyard wildlife I have photographed include a Woodhouse's toad, a tree frog and even a rare albino squirrel. If I had a telephoto lens, I would also pursue birds. Most enticing are the colorful spring passerines that fl it about our trees and bushes and the turkey vultures that roost and wood ducks that nest in the neighbors' maple trees. Being restricted to our yard has forced me to get creative. My photo subjects have included lichens growing on tree bark, sap dripping from trees, garden crops and frost patterns. The last two wet summers our lawn and woodpile have been fl ush with another photo subject – mushrooms. Lucky for me, our chemical-free yard supports far more fungi species than our neighbors' more manicured lawns. If you are into photography, I suggest you explore your own backyard. You might fi nd some interesting topics. BACKYARD PHOTOGRAPHY By Gerry Steinauer PHOTOS BY GERRY STEINAUER

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