SONY ILCE-7C 20mm f1.8 15.0s ISO800

SONY ILCE-7C 20mm f1.8 1/1s ISO800

I bought the first commercially available bioluminescent plant on a whim. The Firefly Petunia from light.bio glows thanks to fungal DNA. The plant that arrived was badly damaged from shipping and for a few weeks just looked like it was going to die. But over the last week it rallied and bloomed. It's really quite impressive. Hopefully it doesn't grow up to be a triffid.

The photograph titled "Firefly Petunia" captures a hauntingly beautiful image of a petunia bathed in an iridescent green glow. The flower stands alone in a sea of darkness, its luminescent petals reminiscent of a firefly’s quiet, mysterious light in the night. The leaves beneath whisper hints of shadowy detail, supporting the bloom that commands the eye with its otherworldly radiance. This ethereal plant appears almost alien against the stark, subdued background, suggestive of a twilight scene or a fantastical realm where nature defies the ordinary.

The composition of "Firefly Petunia" embraces simplicity and the power of negative space, allowing the glowing flower to be the solitary focal point. The use of a dark background enhances the vividness of the green hues, and the lack of clutter ensures the viewer's attention is centered squarely on the glow of the bloom. Artistically, the photograph is striking, as it challenges traditional expectations of floral photography by employing dramatic lighting and contrast. However, while the mystery and magic of the piece are compelling, the lack of additional elements might limit the narrative for some. The photograph succeeds in creating a sense of intrigue but might benefit from a hint of the story behind the illumination for deeper engagement.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Firefly Petunia #photo #petunia #bioluminescence #fungi #luciferin Photos of a Firefly Petunia which has bioluminescence thanks to fungal DNA. )

Maine just added its four electoral college votes to the National Popular Vote project. This is a compact between states that will elect the President based on the nationwide outcome once 270 electoral college votes are committed. We're now at 209. Two thirds of Americans support this project. Americans are a sensible bunch and support a lot of things that they will never get until we fix the broken electoral system. Visit my democracy page and do the four things listed there right now.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Maine joins National Popular Vote #politics #politicalreform #nationalpopularvote #maine #npvic Maine commits 4 electoral college votes, we're at 209/270, and four things you can do help today. )

SONY ILCE-7C 500mm f6.7 1/1,000s ISO200

Sandpipers flying past Limantour Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore.

The photograph titled "Sandpipers" captures a serene moment of these small shorebirds in graceful flight over a vast expanse of sea. The ocean, stretching endlessly in the background, is a rich azure, its surface delicately speckled with sunlight reflections. The sandpipers themselves are arranged in a loose formation, their wings a blur of motion, each bird exhibiting subtle variations in posture as if dancing to the rhythm of the wind. The image resonates with a sense of freedom and harmony, as the birds glide effortlessly against the ethereal backdrop of sky and sea.

The composition is a masterful example of how negative space can amplify the subject's presence. The sandpipers are sharply in focus, creating a striking contrast with the soft, out-of-focus texture of the water. The photographer seems to have utilized the rule of thirds, allowing the birds to occupy the upper third of the frame, which enhances the dynamic feel of the photo. This use of space not only highlights the birds' movement but also encapsulates the vastness of their natural habitat. What stands out in this photograph is the sense of motion and depth, though some might find the absence of additional elements, such as a shoreline or sky, a missed opportunity for adding contextual richness. Nevertheless, the minimalist approach draws attention solely to the elegance and fluidity of the sandpipers in flight.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Sandpipers #photo #sandpiper #limantour #pointreyes Photo of sandpipers at Limantour Beach, Point Reyes, California. )

SONY ILCE-7C 500mm f6.7 1/800s ISO160

A Curlew on Limantour Beach in Point Reyes.

The photograph titled "Curlew" captures the serene elegance of a single curlew wading through the gentle embrace of shallow coastal waters. The bird, with its distinctive long, curved beak and intricately patterned plumage of browns and yellows, stands gracefully against the subdued backdrop of soft ocean waves. The horizon drifts into a blur where the blue sea meets the azure sky, creating an ethereal barrier between earth and air. In the distance, faint outlines of mountains loom, veiled by a gentle mist, adding depth and a sense of tranquility to the scene. The light reflects subtly off the water, casting shimmering highlights around the bird, encapsulating it in a halo of nature's gentle luminescence.

The composition of the photograph is a masterclass in simplicity and balance. The curlew is positioned using the rule of thirds, enhancing the visual interest without overwhelming the scene. This effective use of space draws the viewer’s eyes naturally towards the bird while allowing them to explore the tranquil setting around it. The depth of field is shallow, with a sharp focus on the curlew, allowing the background to fade softly, which further emphasizes the subject. The harmonious color palette of blues and earth tones creates a soothing visual experience. However, I find the background slightly too soft, potentially underplaying the visual contrast that could have further enriched the layering of the scene. Nevertheless, the overall mood and style exude a gentle elegance, perfectly capturing a fleeting moment of nature's quiet beauty.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Curlew #photo #curlew #limantour #pointreyes Photo of a Curlew on Limantour Beach in Point Reyes, California. )

Short and fairly flat loop above Bolinas in California. Plenty of cows. Comes back past Commonweal which is a retreat center. The area used to be a Marconi Telegraph transmitting station and there are a lot of poles and concrete anchor points dating from that.

Hike starts at: 37.918301, -122.720442. View in Google Earth.

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(Hike Map)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Bolinas Point Loop #hike #bolinas #commonweal #map 2.5 mile loop trail in Bolinas, California )

Five mile loop hike from the Bear Valley visitor center to Mount Wittenberg and back. Great day for it with clear skies and a mini heatwave. Lots of tree cover and a fairly undulating climb although it gets pretty steep towards the top. Some rewarding views over Point Reyes before scrambling back down again.

Hike starts at: 38.039678, -122.799728. View in Google Earth.

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(Hike Map)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Point Reyes - Divide Meadow Loop #hike #pointreyes #map A 5 mile, 1000 ft loop hike from the Bear Valley visitor center in Point Reyes, California. )

SONY ILCE-7C 500mm f6.7 1/800s ISO100

Sutro Tower looks like it lives on a mysterious island in the fog. Shot from Bolinas Beach.

The photograph titled "Sutro Island" presents a stark and enigmatic landscape, shrouded in a gentle mist that lends an air of mystery and ethereal beauty. Centered upon a solitary landmass, the enigmatic tower extends upward, punctuating the overcast sky with its vertical linearity. The island itself seems to float on a bed of fog, its edges softened and indistinct, melding seamlessly into the surrounding haze. Below, the calm expanse of water forms a contrasting layer, grounding the view with its subtle texture and vast horizon. The monochromatic palette underscores the somber mood, rendering the scene timeless and evocative.

In terms of composition, the photograph masterfully employs a minimalist style, focusing attention on the interplay between natural and man-made elements. The rule of thirds subtly guides the composition, with the island and tower placed in the upper central third, directing the eye upwards through the mist. The balance between the open sky and the denser textures of the island and water establishes a harmonious equilibrium, drawing the viewer into this tranquil yet mysterious world. The monochrome choice enhances the mood, emphasizing form and contrast over color. While the simplicity of the scene is striking, the fog's softness might obscure finer details some viewers may desire. However, this ambiguity is also its strength, inviting contemplation and lingering intrigue.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Sutro Island #photo #sutrotower #sanfrancisco #bolinas Photo of Sutro Tower appearing to be on a mysterious island, from Bolinas Beach in Marin County, California. )

Timelapse of the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. This was shot from Chicken Ranch Beach in Inverness, California where the eclipse was partial. This is one of the last places you would expect the weather to cooperate, but conditions were perfect. Sun closeups shot on a Sony A7C with the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 and an ND5 filter. Sun tracking shot from the beach is from an Insta360 X3.

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(More Timelapses)

(Published to the Fediverse as: 2024 Partial Solar Eclipse from Inverness, CA #timelapse #video #sun #moon #eclipse Timelapse of the 2024 partial solar eclipse shot from Inverness, California. )