CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-22 10:54:43 (10 comments, 5 reshares, 50 +1s)

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

For #wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus

Location: Mystic, CT

Also for:
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci
#wholewildlifeweek (+Whole Wildlife Week)   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-21 02:06:34 (11 comments, 2 reshares, 28 +1s)

Fishmonger

One of the many amazing faces I captured while strolling the boat docks in Kalk Bay. For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Stunning Smiles" theme curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  

Location: Kalk Bay, South Africa 






This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-19 23:19:22 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 40 +1s)

Mystic Sunset

Sunset at one of my local haunts.  Enjoy.     
Location: Mystic, CT

For:
#SkySunday by +Randy Scherkenbach and +Patrick Scherkenbach
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +***** , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#hqsppromotion (+HQSPPromotion) by +Syuzanna Avetisyan +Marina Versaci +Rinus Bakker
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-16 10:47:03 (2 comments, 5 reshares, 26 +1s)

Swallows

Having a little fun with OnOne Software.  I was going for the pen-and-ink look so gave these swallows the "grunge treatment" and texture overlay for the sky.  Enjoy. 

Location: Barn Island, Mystic, CT

BEST VIEWED LARGE

#wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci
#wholewildlifeweek (+Whole Wildlife Week)   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-14 01:54:34 (10 comments, 4 reshares, 23 +1s)

Mr. Majestic

I'm a big fan of monochrome wildlife images.  I was especially inspired by +Morkel Erasmus great hyena image from yesterday so thought I'd give it a go for +African Tuesday.  Enjoy :)

BEST VIEWED LARGE
 
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana


For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Open Theme" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  

Also submitted for:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa
#wholewildlifeweek   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-12 15:31:43 (7 comments, 6 reshares, 21 +1s)

Cooper's Hawk Profile

My first ever post to  #birdsofpreysunday +Jeffrey Van Daele +Diego Cattaneo  +Birds Of Prey Sunday. Enjoy :)

Location: Mystic, CT

#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci
#wholewildlifeweek (+Whole Wildlife Week)   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

This photo is Copyrighted © 2013 David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-10 10:47:56 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

Faces of Nicaragua Series (#2)

Here's another street portrait of one of the many lovely children I met while visiting the barrios in Granada, Nicaragua with +Empowerment International  and +The Giving Lens .   The people of this country are very friendly and most are open to being photographed when asked politely.


Stay tuned tuned for more Faces of Nicaragua over the coming weeks
For:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)
This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-)

2013-05-09 11:24:28 (8 comments, 1 reshares, 26 +1s)

Beech Buds

I hope I haven't bored you with all the recent bird images. How about an intimate landscape for a change?  Enjoy!

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +***** , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#hqsppromotion (+HQSPPromotion) by +Syuzanna Avetisyan +Marina Versaci +Rinus Bakker


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-08 11:25:51 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 38 +1s)

I See Everything

There is no sneaking up on this osprey.  With eyes that can easily spot a submerged fish from 200 feet in the air he probably spotted me as soon as I left the house.  Sadly this is his second attempt at building this nest atop the electrical poles.  I'm sure the power company will be around to knock it down just like they did last week.

Location: Mystic, CT

#wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci
#wholewildlifeweek (+Whole Wildlife Week)   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are freeto use for no... more »

2013-05-07 16:03:52 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 43 +1s)

Sundown at Hout Bay

Here's  my +African Tuesday  "Power Pano" submission.

BEST VIEWED LARGE

I love African Tuesday themes because they force me to try something different.  I've been sitting on this image since last year and just couldn't decide how to process it so I thought this might be the perfect time to try out the HDR plug-ins from Nik Software.  I'm not a big fan of HDR, especially the Photomatix stuff, so I was interested in seeing how Nik performed.  You be the judge.... enjoy :)   

Location: Hout Bay, South Africa
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8,  ISO 100, 4 exposure.

For:
For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Open Theme" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +MargaretTompkins,  ... more »

2013-05-06 10:55:59 (11 comments, 6 reshares, 34 +1s)

Attitude

She does not look happy.  Maybe the endless chase by the boys has finally taken it's toll her ;-)  Enjoy.

Location: Mystic, CT

#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci
#wholewildlifeweek (+Whole Wildlife Week)   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-05-01 01:13:23 (20 comments, 5 reshares, 47 +1s)

Glossy Ibis

Sometimes harsh light has an advantage.  In this case it really shows off the iridescent plumage of these ibis in flight.

Location: Barn Island, Mystic, CT, USA

BEST VIEWED LARGE

#wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus

#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci
#wholewildlifeweek (+Whole Wildlife Week)   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-04-26 11:20:01 (18 comments, 5 reshares, 41 +1s)

Smile...It's Friday!

For:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#wholewildlifeweek   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 

2013-04-25 23:36:33 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 32 +1s)

See Jack Run!

Jack is the perfect subject to practice long distance action shots.  I worked him like a dog and he love it ;)  700 mm at 1/640 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 500, AI servo rear focus tracking.

#fidofriday +Fido Friday curated by +mel peifer +Lisa Lisa +Suhaib Ayaz +Wes Lum

2013-04-24 00:31:04 (10 comments, 9 reshares, 37 +1s)

Hover

OK - I promise....last photo of this osprey at least for this week ;)  Check out those fish hook on her feet.

BEST VIEWED LARGE

Location: Mystic, CT, USA

#wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#hqspbirds  by +Rinus Bakker +HQSP Birds +Marina Versaci

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-04-22 02:24:52 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

What the #&$%)!?*

What the heck is this thing and why is it flying over my house?

2013-04-17 01:53:33 (12 comments, 2 reshares, 27 +1s)

Osprey Fly-by

I hope you're all not getting too bored with this over-photographed osprey but she did put on a nice acrobatic display over the weekend.  Here's one of a low-level fly-by.

BEST VIEWED LARGE

Location: Mystic, CT, USA
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, EF 500mm IS II + 1.4x TC (700 mm), ISO 800, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6

#wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa
#wholewildlifeweek   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)
#potd

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit andyou are f... more »

2013-04-17 01:48:03 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 35 +1s)

On the Hunt

Hopefully I won't bore you over  the next few days with images from my weekend practice capturing birds in flight (BIF).  My subject was the local osprey.  Still waiting for the shot with fish in tow :)

Location:  Mystic, CT
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, EF 500mm IS II + 1.4x TC (700 mm), ISO 800, 1/1250sec, f/5.6 

BEST VIEWED LARGE

#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-04-12 02:56:34 (11 comments, 5 reshares, 29 +1s)

That's Close Enough

I've been stalking the local osprey...I think she knows.

Location: Mystic, CT

BEST VIEWED LARGE

#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by  +Ricky L Jones


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-)

2013-04-09 10:50:03 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

Sacred Ibis Fights the Rain



For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Monochrome Africa" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  



This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-04-07 01:42:17 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 29 +1s)

Faces of Nicaragua Series

Those of you that follow me know that I mostly shoot nature photography....people, not so much.  While in Nicaragua with +Empowerment International and +The Giving Lens I got a chance to do a lot of street shooting in the barrios of Granada.  The people of this country are very friendly and most are open to being photographed when asked politely.   

This is is one of my favorite images from the week. During all the chaos and excitement of seeing "gringos" in the barrio with cameras, this angelic beauty just leaned calmly against a tree projected amazing grace and calmness.

Stay tuned tuned for more Faces of Nicaragua over the coming weeks

For:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)

This photo isCopyrighted © Da... more »

2013-04-04 01:52:51 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 32 +1s)

After the Storm

Ahhhhhhhh...the Lake District!  I get there about once a year and love every minute of it.  Can't wait to get back this September :)
 
Location: Wastwater, Lake District, UK 


For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 

#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-04-03 01:23:17 (12 comments, 2 reshares, 43 +1s)

Sands of Time

I haven't posted a B&W landscape in ages so I decide to go back and reprocess an image from over a year ago taken in Death Valley.  My lovely wife +Karen Rowland Yeo  and I spent a few days camping there with +Colby Brown and +Peyton Hale and shooting the stark landscape of this amazing place.  Great memories I must say :)

Location: Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley, CA, USA
Tech: Canon 7D,  

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierl l ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
  #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa #plusphot... more »

2013-04-03 00:07:24 (12 comments, 5 reshares, 32 +1s)

Hey big boy be careful with those talons......

Spring is in the air, the osprey have migrated north again and are busy nest building and procreating.  Can't wait to see the chicks :)
Location: Mystic, CT
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, EF500 4L II IS +1.4X TC III (700 mm)

BEST VIEWED LARGE

For #wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by +Walter Soestbergen and +Ricky L Jones


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-29 00:42:18 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

Long Island Goes Nuclear

Another evening playing in the mud of Long Island Sound.  Here's a 2-for-1 post...Enjoy. 
 

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold

2013-03-28 01:25:43 (6 comments, 3 reshares, 27 +1s)

Ebb Tide in the Marshlands

Mystic, CT

It's been weeks since I've was last out shooting landscapes.  Dreary, overcast days and frigid weather were my excuse.  Finally some clear skies and golden hour light showed up that I could not resist.  Enjoy and share if you like.

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-26 11:22:26 (14 comments, 4 reshares, 48 +1s)

Buffle's Bay
Location: Cape Point Peninsula, South Africa 
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, EF 24-70mm 2.8L II, 

For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Vast Vistas" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker



This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-24 00:10:45 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 30 +1s)

For Anielka

Location: Taken form the church bell tower in Granada, Nicaragua with the students of +Empowerment International.

This post is dedicated to Anielka, one of the talented students being supported by +Empowerment International in Granada, Nicaragua.  We met her last month while there on workshop with +The Giving Lens.  Anielka has had some serious medical problems over the last week and will need surgery to remove her appendix and gallbladder in the coming week.  There has been lots of love and support sent her way over the past week by family and friends from around the world.  This is simply one more message of hope and encouragement for her and a call to action for anyone who would like to contribute to a fund set up to pay for the surgery her family cannot afford.  

Check out the following link if you're interested in contributing: htt... more »

2013-03-20 13:13:11 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Gemsbok
Here's a little B&W fun of a gemsbok pair using NiK SilverEfex Pro 2.  Went for the antique postcard look.  Well what do you think?...does it work?

For  #wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus 

Also submitted for:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa
#wholewildlifeweek   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :

2013-03-17 12:55:10 (6 comments, 3 reshares, 19 +1s)

Tarn Hows Mirror

Location: Lake District, England, 2012

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 

2013-03-15 02:48:06 (20 comments, 12 reshares, 36 +1s)

Lake Apoyo Sunrise

This volcanic crater (now a lake) in Nicaragua was a great place to catch a sunrise and enjoy time with the staff and students of +Empowerment International.  +Varina Patel and +Jay Patel lead the photography workshop for +The Giving Lens and the always entertaining +Michael Bonocore was there to document our victories and follies ;)

BEST VIEWED LARGE

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierl l ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
  #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold

2013-03-21 02:33:39 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

Blown Away

This has got to be one of the best pieces of street art I've ever seen. It just blew me away ;)

Location: Granada, Nicaragua

#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#grafitti   #grafittiart #tglnicaragua  +Empowerment International +The Giving Lens 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-13 03:00:12 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

What do you need to be happy?

Reyna lives is the barrios of Granada, Nicaragua and may not have much of what most of us consider a decent standard of living.  Like many of the lovely children we met here she had an exuberance for life that transcended her environment. Witnessing the pure joy of this moment made me reflect on what is really required to be truly happy in the moment.  

Several days after taking these images I came to learn that Reyna was being sponsored by my workmate Brian who lives thousands of miles away in Connecticut , USA.  With his sponsorship through +Empowerment International she has a very good chance of completing an education that will help lift her and her family out of poverty.  Want to be a part of this amazing effort?  Visit the +Empowerment International and consider sponsoring a child or making a donation.

#tglnicaragua  +JayPatel +V... more »

2013-03-12 00:24:27 (17 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Canine or Feline?

No fair answering if you are a guide or ranger...that means you +Morkel Erasmus and your friends from +Wild Eye  ;)

For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Abstract Africa" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-10 20:43:52 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

"Rock-a-Bye-Baby"

This is one of the many interesting sights we came across in the barrios of Granada, Nicaragua while doing home visits with +The Giving Lens and +Empowerment International.  Who needs a fancy motorized cradle from Babies-R-Us when a hammock and a little tug on a rope will achieve the same thing? 

#tglnicaragua  +Varina Patel +Jay Patel 

2013-03-08 13:08:52 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 41 +1s)

Say Hello to My New Little Friend....

....and I'm not talking about the hawk in this image.  My new friend is the Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II :-))))))))))))  I shot this image from inside my house, through the window glass, hand-held, ISO 800, 1/500 sec, f/5.6.  The image stabilization really did an amazing job because this shutter speed is far from optimal considering focal length.  Canon claims the IS will add 4 stops...I believe them.  Can't wait to take this on our next trip to Africa. 

Update: This is a juvenile Cooper's Hawk.  Thanks to +Lindi Smith for the ID :)

#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by +Walter Soestbergen and +Ricky L Jones
#wholewildlifeweek   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher
#plusphotoextract by +JarekKlimek (+Pho... more »

2013-03-07 04:11:26 (17 comments, 15 reshares, 47 +1s)

Oh No!!!! Not another photographer

Still Wednesday here in the US so I guess this still counts for #wildlifewednesday .  This bashful lion in the Okavango Delta did not want to cooperate ;)

For #wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-05 03:43:02 (13 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

Where am I?

Thought I'd have a little fun with my friends who follow +African Tuesday.  Can you identify the location where this photo was taken?  I'll give you a hint...it's not in Egypt so that narrows it down a bit ;)  What do you win if you get it right?..well nothing silly...this is just for fun.

For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Open Theme" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-04 14:22:56 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

Grooving in Seville

 We came across this character in the San Sebastian neighborhood of Seville last year.  He danced around the tables of the cafe listening to his radio and bumming cigarettes and money. It was quite amusing to watch how people reacted to him...some were upset while other like us greeted him with a smile. 


#monochromemonday (+Monochrome Monday) by +Hans Berendsen+Manuel Votta +Jerry Johnson +Steve Barge +Nurcan Azaz
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 



This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-03-01 02:48:36 (15 comments, 2 reshares, 34 +1s)

Running with the Bulls

OK - it was more like running from the bulls ;)  On our visit to Santa Ana in the outskirts of Granada, Nicaragua we came across some real live cowboys on horseback running their herd of cattle through the tight rural roads.  Although this was pretty exciting, the real reason for being there was to visit some of the families in this rural community who are part of +Empowerment International  outreach program.  If you want to see what EI does take a look at this great video of them in action:  http://youtu.be/STdjwVYm7ns

BTW +Michael Bonocore these were real bulls not cows ;-)


For:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)

#tglnicaragua  +The Giving Lens 

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Asknicely and... more »

2013-02-28 02:27:49 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

Alien Landscapes

The Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua made for some difficult shooting conditions with the rapidly changing light and plumes of sulfur dioxide gas drifting through the frame.  I gave up all hopes of using filters to balance the exposure and resorted to bracketing.  There was NO automated HDR used to create this image. I manually blended the exposures using luminosity masks in Photoshop CS6.  I think it turned out OK and has the feel of a sunset you might see on the surface of some alien world.

This is just one of the many amazing locations we visited with the kind folks from +The Giving Lens  and +Empowerment International. 

Location: Granada, Nicaragua
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, EF24-70mm 2.8/f II, 42mm, f/13, ISO100

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +DavidHeath... more »

2013-02-28 02:21:35 (9 comments, 5 reshares, 35 +1s)

Alien Landscapes

The Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua made for some difficult shooting conditions with the rapidly changing light and plumes of sulfur dioxide gas drifting through the frame.  I gave up all hopes of using filters to balance the exposure and resorted to bracketing.  There was NO automated HDR used to create this image. I manually blended the exposures using luminosity masks in Photoshop CS6.  I think it turned out OK and has the feel of a sunset you might see on the surface of some alien world.

This is just one of the many amazing locations we visited with the kind folks from +The Giving Lens  and +Empowerment International. 

Location: Granada, Nicaragua
Tech: Canon 5D Mark III, EF24-70mm 2.8/f II, 42mm, f/13, ISO100

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +DavidHeath... more »

2013-02-26 03:49:31 (20 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

Action Africa - Anime Style

I thought I'd have a little fun with the +African Tuesday theme this week, "Action Africa*, and do a little over the top processing and go for the comic book action look.  I know this guy looks angry but trust me he was having a good time when I shot this....at least for about 30 seconds ;-)
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana  

For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  

This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-02-25 11:57:43 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 29 +1s)

My Spirit Will Prevail

What do you see when you look into the eyes of this child?  He may have been born into poverty, living in the slums of Granada, Nicaragua, but I see none of that when I look at him.  I only see the human potential that lies within.  Think of the man he can become, the teacher, the leader, the liberator.  He is just one of the many children who need our help to make that leap from dependence to empowerment. We can all make a difference and so can he.  Check out +Empowerment International  to learn more about how you can transform a life. 


#monochromemonday (+Monochrome Monday) by +Hans Berendsen+Manuel Votta +Jerry Johnson +Steve Barge +Nurcan Azaz
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 
#plusphotoextract by +Jarek Klimek (+PhotoExtract Photography Magazine)

+Empowerment International +The Giving Lens #tglnicara... more »

2013-02-24 00:04:58 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Just finished up a blog post about my last trip to Nicaragua with +Empowerment International!

#TGLNicaragua  

2013-02-23 15:08:03 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 27 +1s)

Morning Passages

Passengers disembark from an early morning ferry on Lake Nicaragua.   
Location: Granada, Nicaragua 

For:
#Landscapephotography (+Landscape Photography) by +Margaret Tompkins,  +Carra Riley , +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams , +Bill Wood ,+Jim Warthman , +Ben T, +jeff beddow ,+Jeannie Danna , +Tom Hierll ,+Vishal Kumar
#AmazingLandscapes curated by +Rolf Hicker
 #hqsplandscape +HQSP Landscape curated by +Ara MO , +Delcour Eric ,+Blake Harrold
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa 


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

+The Giving Lens +Empowerment International 

2013-02-23 01:32:44 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

For #FidoFriday :-)

OK it's not a dog but it is on a lease.  You know where I shot this +Wes Lum !

#FidoFriday  curated by +Melissa Penta, +Lisa Lisa +Suhail Manzoor and Wes.

+Empowerment International +The Giving Lens +Varina Patel +Jay Patel 

2013-02-21 02:03:53 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 32 +1s)

Sunbird Days

I'm tired of freezing here in Connecticut so thought a shot of a Sunbird for #WildlifeWednesday might warm my spirits and if that doesn't work I'm pulling out the bourbon ;-)

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

#wildelifewednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#BirdPoker by +Phil Armishaw
+BIRD LOVERS Worldwide
#birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER & +Walter Soestbergen
#birds4All (+Birds4All) by +Walter Soestbergen and +Ricky L Jones


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-) 

2013-02-20 02:39:03 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

K and Jose

This is one of my favorite images from my week in Nicaragua with +The Giving Lens and +Empowerment International because it is symbolic of the real mission....human connection, shared passion and hope for the future.

+Jay Patel convinced +Karen Rowland Yeo, my non-photographer wife, to pick up a camera and just have fun with it.  That she did and came away with some impressive images. I think she would agree with me that although the photographic opportunities were fantastic in Nica, they were dwarfed by the personal connections we made with the students and staff of EI and TGL.  A truly unforgettable experience.  We will be back soon...I promise.

BTW - this is not a staged pose....this just happened as you see it.

2013-02-19 13:14:01 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 25 +1s)

Yikes!....I think we should run now!

Young male elephant gets his charge on :-)  
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana


For #AfricanTuesday (+African Tuesday) "Open Theme" curated by  +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock +Grobler du Preez  

Also submitted for:
#breakfastclub  +Breakfast Club) by +Gemma Costa
#wholewildlifeweek   curated by +Diego Cattaneo  +Sandy Schepis  +Dick Whitlock and +Anette Mossbacher 
#hqsppromotion (+HQSPPromotion) by +Syuzanna Avetisyan +Marina Versaci +Rinus Bakker


This photo is Copyrighted © David R Plowchalk
Ask nicely and give credit and you are free to use for non-commercial use :-)