Lower Tampa Bay
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Seeing Red
Made by dreamscapesxx
Super Shooter ID-UV Red Filter part of the the recipient of this polaroid (and a shark's tooth) is Penny . “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor’s warning.” There should have been some warning given to me. Some old man of the sea to say, “No child, don’t pick anything up off that beach. Once you do, you become theirs, thusly marked by what things you hold like treasure in your hands.” There was no old man of the sea. No lifeguard further down to shout warnings of terrible beasts in the deep cutting through the frothing surf. Is it strange to think back and realize that there were no boats out there that morning? Not even a single fisherman on the shore casting out for a chance at momentary greatness by landing something of memorable size or having the fight of his life? I did not think it strange then but I do now. But then, am I not a thought now too? A memory of someone’s or a warning tale to be told as the children tug at their mother’s hand and gesturing wildly to something on the shoreline that holds their interest just as the mother tries to tell them to watch the sea, always watch the sea… I stopped watching the sea but the sea still watched me as I bent to the shore and took from it little treasures that I thought were meant for me - a broken sand dollar, a piece of coral, and the greatest prize of all - a shark’s small tooth. Should I have wondered then when I found the next tooth and the one after that where this would all end? The teeth were left there for me to follow like a little trail and I followed, taking each one and pocketing them until I had six or seven and showed the sea my own toothy grin of triumph and strangely, gratitude. That’s how they lure you in - with sea treasures and your own dreams. They prefer the dreamers and the loners, and the ones who feel the sea in their blood like the pounding surf after a storm. I thought his smile was far too fierce and his eyes too black - he was one of the storied shark people that I thought I had made up in my mind, but here he was and he was real. I had found his teeth he said and he wanted them back. All I had to do was give them back and I was free but I couldn’t move my hand. I was afraid the slightest movement would undo the spell and I would die. Instead, I found my hand in his and the sandpaper feel of it against mine sent chills down my spine but I followed him into the sea and all I saw was red. Remember this: be careful what you take from the beach.
lost & found treasures
Made by saikiishiki
omg, my new camera puts all the photos in folders by date, but i like to just see all the thumbnails in one place, so i opened all the folders and copied the photos to one place and then deleted the folders. a few days later i was looking for these photos, and they weren't there! all the pictures from our second day at the beach were just missing! i didn't take that many cause we didn't stay that long cause mukha was soo tired from being there the day before, but still, i was about to have a panic attack, especially because i had already processed these and they're cute! by chance, since my camera was new and it has some funny editing you can do on it and doesn't take raws, i left all the photos from the beach on my camera so i could test out my camera's editing to see if it's any better than post processing on a computer (which it isn't, btw). so i suddenly remembered they were still there! what a relief!! another thing, my boyfriend was playing in the ocean and lost his sunglasses. then he found these goggles! and i also found these really weird sunglasses that i love! both in the ocean. of course, mukha had to try on the goggles :) we went to the beach 2 days because we were going to a weim meetup the second day (sunday) and they were planning on getting there at 9.30am! that is just too crazy early for us, driving from orlando and everything. so we went to the beach saturday and stayed at a super dog~friendly hotel nearby in treasure :) island. sunday, we got to the beach at 12.30 and the weim people were already gone! crazy..
"Ole Red!"
Made by Michael Skelton
November 30, 2009. I went to Ft Desoto park on this day to celebrate my 50th birthday by taking some photos of the birds there. I started out with the sunrise and then moved over to the north beach to find some birds. This is an image of a Reddish Egret. Reddish Egrets, along with other wading birds here in Florida were almost wiped out by the trade of their plumage used in the production of women's hats. Hats? Thank goodness we came to our senses and were able to save this beautiful bird from extinction. Humans amaze me with our lack of compassion for the animals that share this planet with us. We are doing the same thing now with other wild animals, the destruction of the rhinoceros for their horn, which is believed to be an aphrodisiac, the destruction of the elephant for the use of its tusks or the loss of habitat for the Florida scrub jay and the gopher tortoise. When as a society are we going to learn? We seem to think that we are the only ones here and that the animals owe us because we are more intelligent. Are we? Do they? I think that we owe them. We should do everything in our power to save our world for the animals. We should be more concerned with the welfare and health of all animals and do everything we can to preserve their habitat and longevity. I feel very strongly about this subject and will do everything in my power to help all of Gods creatures, because I love them so! I strongly urge you to do the same! I hope that ya'll like it! Mike
Birthday Sunrise
Made by Michael Skelton
Whenever I go out to Ft DeSoto, I always wonder why photographers are not lined up at this location to photograph the rising sun. There are so many possibilities for different compositions. I arrived at about 7am, November 30, 2009, and had to wait about ten minutes before the sun peeked over the surface of Tampa Bay. I didn't know at the time that the kick would be good. This would not be so at another time of the year because the sun moves north and south as time goes by. I was able to catch about 30 images of the sunrise that morning. I knew then that this was going to be a great 50th birthday. It started out so well, there was no way that it could do anything but get better, and it did. Later on that day, I was able to get many images of different kinds of birds, two of which, I had never seen before. I hope that ya'll like it! Mike potd.apertureacademy.com/POTD-20100225-Sunrise-at-the-Sky...
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Made by theo0023
The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a bridge spanning Tampa Bay, Florida, with a cable-stayed main span, and a length of 29,040 feet (exactly 5.5 miles or approximately 8.85 km).[4] It is part of I-275 (SR 93) and US 19 (SR 55), connecting St. Petersburg in Pinellas County and Terra Ceia in Manatee County, Florida, passing through Hillsborough County waters. Construction of the current bridge began in 1982, and the completed bridge was dedicated on February 7, 1987. The new bridge cost $244 million to build, and was opened to traffic on April 20, 1987. It replaced an older bridge constructed in 1954 and partly destroyed in a collision in 1980. It is constructed of nub steel and concrete. Twenty-one steel cables clad in nine-inch (229 mm) steel tubes along the center line of the bridge support the structure. It was designed by the Figg & Muller Engineering Group (who also designed the popular Seven Mile Bridge), and built by the American Bridge Company. courtesy: wikipedia
The Fisher King
Made by jackaloha2 (Very slowly Back)
A Heron tries to find meal of fish at the mouth of Tampa Bay, as it enters the Gulf of Mexico. Title is inspired by the 1991 movie with Jeff Bridges and Robin Wlliams, which was based upon Arthurian Legend. The legend varies, but all variations possess three elements: the Fisher King was charged by God with guarding the Holy Grail, but later incurred some form of incapacitating physical punishment for his sin of pride, and had to wait for someone to deliver him from his suffering. A simpleminded knight named Percival, referred to in the movie as The Fool, healed the wounds with kindness to the king, asking him why he suffers and giving him a cup of water to drink. The king realizes the cup is the grail and is baffled that the boy found it, as demonstrated in the closing exchange: I've sent my brightest and bravest men to search for this. How did you find it? The Fool laughed and said I don't know. I only knew that you were thirsty!”
Happy Feathery Friday from Anna Maria Island-Explored 7/2/10
Made by natural wonders photography
Thanks to 2 of my contacts for telling me this image appeared in the Explore pages, evidently page 39--by the time I looked, it had been dropped This brown pelican was taking advantage of the feeding opportunities at the Rod and Reel Pier on Anna Maria. Watching these birds dive for fish, gulp them down while spitting out the water, managing to look both competent and comical is pretty entertaining. The brown pelican has been endangered due to DDT use, but is recovering. This photo shows the summer coloring--the back of the neck is brown, whereas in the winter it would be white. The only hazard of hanging around the fish-filled area of the pier is that sometimes what gets hooked is a pelican rather than a fish. The locals take it in stride, gently and slowly reeling the birds in and removing the hook so they can fly away until the next adventure.
Red Neck Bird
Made by Michael Skelton
I think I have been called that a time or two in my life. This is an image of a reddish egret. I was able to capture this image yesterday at Ft. DeSoto State Park in St. Pete. This was on the north beach. We found this bird and I bet I took at least fifty photos or more before it flew off. It was walking around in the surf moving back and forth. I wish I could find these birds in Sarasota. I would love to get some closeup shots of this beauty. It is easy to see why, but hard to believe that humans almost drove this egret and other wading birds to extinction. The vanity and ego of the human animal never ceases to amaze me. People killed these beautiful birds so they could use the feathers to make women's hats. Unbelievable! Fortunately we stopped this stupid practice and realized what we were doing before it was too late. I hope ya'll like it! Mike
Lunch Time
Made by Michael Skelton
I went to Ft Desoto park in Saint Petersburg, Florida this morning. I got there at about 6:45AM and the water was perfectly still, no wind! Unfortunately for my landscape photography, no clouds in the sky either. I spent most of the morning looking for some birds on the north beach, surprisingly, I found none! I was quite disappointed and decided to leave and use my day off to search some other places for birds. I came back to the eastern side of the island before I drove home and found five or six of these Great Egrets searching the shallows for fish and worms to eat. The water was perfectly still, which hardly ever happens and it made for some great reflections, so the day wasn't a complete wash out. ( Check out the map for exact location ) Mike
Hudson Hornet
Made by tebographics
The Hudson Hornet is an automobile that was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan between 1951 and 1954. The Hornet was also built by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in Kenosha, Wisconsin and marketed under the Hudson brand between 1955 and 1957. The first generation Hudson Hornets featured a functional step-down design with dropped floorpan and a chassis with a lower center of gravity than contemporary vehicles that helped the car handle well – a bonus for racing. The Hornet's lower and sleeker look was accented by streamlined styling. The car's unique, low slung appearance and silky handling earned Hudson an image that – for many buyers – eclipsed luxury marques like Cadillac's. Explore #30
Bride & Veil Pass-A-Grille Beach Wedding at Sunset
Made by Jason Collin
Nikon D300 with Tamron XR Di II 17-50mm f/2.8 lens @ f/8 ISO 200 1/100th Stobist: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight at 1/2 power -0.67 on light stand to frame left above bride Nikon SB-600 Speedlight at 1/4th power to frame right on tripod at eye level to bride Taken on Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida (see map) just at sunset. To reserve Jason Collin Photography for your wedding please visit: jasoncollinphotography.com WHY IS THIS BRIDE SMILING? Florida Wedding Photography Campaign: Beautiful Florida Beach Wedding Photography
STS-128 Space Shuttle Launch
Made by duane.schoon
see it big on black here viewed from Skyway Bridge rest area across Tampa Bay (mapped) This is almost 200 miles away, as Tampa Bay is almost directly across the state from Titusville I can watch it here close to home rather than drive 3 hours, wait in traffic 2 hrs and drive 3 hrs home. I have been there and watched it from 10 miles, however, thats alot of driving and time for a 90 second show. Just imagine somewhere 200 miles from you and they launched a rocket from there, this is what it would look like. It is always an amazing sight to me and I don't think I will ever tire from watching it.
Tampa Bay
Made by Michael Skelton
I love my birds but tonight I thought I would post another image of sunrise over Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway bridge. I loved that there was not much wind and the bay reflected all of those clouds and color. I didn't know that the sun would rise up between the two main bridge supports, but that just added more to the image. I couldn't have asked for anything more on that morning. I took this from the road at the eastern end of Ft Desoto park in St. Pete. I got there a little before sunrise, and as the sun arose, I just knew it would turn out special. I will return up there and take more photos but I will be surprised if I see it this nice again. I hope that ya'll like it! Mike
My Buddy
Made by vanessa hilliard
A young yellow-crowned night heron finds a new best friend. The water usually isn't this smooth at North Beach (extreme north next to the trees), Fort DeSoto. In answer to a couple of questions: This is an uncropped photo, presented just as shot. I DO often crop, sometimes extensively, but not this time. a note about taking this photo: As I attemped to approach the bird, I was wading in the water. I had to wait for the ripples from my wading to die down before I could get the effect I wanted. I would take a few steps, wait, take a few steps, wait, and hope the bird remained comfortable with my approaching presence. He seemed totally unaffected by my proximity.
Sunrise & The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Made by Michael Skelton
Monday morning November 30, 2009. My 50th birthday. I chose to go to Ft DeSoto to see some birds. The sun had not risen by the time I arrived so I drove over to the east side of the island to watch and photograph the rising sun. I took several images at different focal lengths and I particularly liked this image. I didn't have a foreground subject so I decided to make the reflection the foreground subject. I love living here in Florida. Tampa Bay and the Skyway bridge are one of the most photographed subjects in this part of the state and the area. I hope that ya'll like it! Check out the large size if you can. Mike
Apples on the beach! Fort De Soto State Park , Florida
Made by Sayran
Looks much better with B l a c k M a g i c</ As we walked into Fort De Soto State Park, there was a large Hollywoodish crew filming a commercial. These huge apples were bathing in the sun on the beach and were part of the set. The commercial was for a health care plan for Senior Citizens. I have more images for the set it self, will post later. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Lens : Canon EF 17 - 40 mm l Filters : Lee SE GND 0.6 No CP Exposure: 0.067 sec (1/15) Aperture: f/18.0 Focal Length: 30 mm ISO Speed: 50
Eva the Oystercatcher and her Chick
Made by Michael Pancier Photography
It was a treat for me to finally see oystercatcher chicks and to get the opportunity to see them feeding with their parents. As the July 4th weekend approaches and many of yours will be on the beaches this weekend, please be careful for nesting birds as this is the season their young are most vulnerable. Also, as this was taken on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, it is clean at least in the Tampa area and let's pray that after 75 days, they can stop this disaster that has been brought upon the Gulf and the Gulf residents. Canon EOS 7D Canon 500 4.0L USM IS + Canon 1.4x TCII 1/800 ƒ/11 ISO 400
Fort De Soto National Park, apples on the beach !!
Made by Sayran
Looks much better with B l a c k M a g i c</ See the notes As we walked into Fort De Soto State Park, there was a large Hollywoodish crew filming a commercial. These huge apples were bathing in the sun on the beach and were part of the set. The commercial was for a health care plan for Senior Citizens. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Lens : Canon ef 17 - 40 mm l Filters; Lee SE GND 0.6 No CP Exposure: 0.04 sec (1/25) Aperture: f/16.0 Focal Length: 20 mm ISO Speed: 50
"Here I am!"
Made by Michael Skelton
I went to Ft Desoto this morning and when I got to the north beach, I didn't see any birds to begin with but as I got closer to the beach, I sure did hear them. There is a area of bushes where these Red winged black birds like to hang out and call each other. They put on this display as they try to call a mate. This is a male bird. The female is not near as colorful and has no red on its wings. I did crop this a little to fill the frame but not much. I was probably twenty feet away shooting with my Nikon 70-300mm zoom. Mike
Hanging Out on North Beach
Made by Michael Pancier Photography
Once again I have to sing the praises of having a Canon G10. When you're carrying the big glass and a macro opportunity comes up, just take the G10 out of your pocket and shoot. This is a handheld G10 shot of Danny the Dragonfly who is one of the thousands of dragonflies that love to hang out on North Beach at Fort de Soto which consistently is awarded one of the top ten beaches in the USA by Dr. Beach. Canon G10 1/250 at ƒ/8 in macro mode ISO 80 Focal Length 15.673 Built in flash at -2 Ev Distance from subject 270mm
