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Hawk, Ice, And News

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For the longest time, a Cooper’s Hawk sat on our tree that is closest to our house. I took pictures of him though our window. I know he knew I was there, yet he patiently allowed me to capture him. What a gorgeous bird of prey!

On that very same day, I managed a bit of fun with my camera when ice was everywhere. Ice can transform the ordinary into magic. Would you like to see some pictures of magical ice? Yes? OK then! Let’s do this!

 

Frozen Tangle

 

Icy leaf faucet

 

Wonderland

 

Deer Fencing Art

 

Icy Clematis Haven

 

Window Art

 

Frozen Evergreen

 

Leaf Art

 

Crystal Grass
~~~~

And do I have news for you! Since I’ve been shooting with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, I’ve been comparing shots I am taking with my Canon EOS 6D. I saw how my 6D as in quality, color, contrast, and clarity came no where near my 5D Mk IV. Silently, I made a wish to someday, if possible, I could own two 5D Mk IV camera bodies. I dreamed. And said nothing.

I had been getting B&H Photo advertising regarding Black Friday specials. Just out of curiosity I went to the site and checked on the 5D MkIV. In doing so, my jaw dropped. Before my stunned eyes I saw the price was $600.00 off list price. Never before have I seen this camera so low. That is one heck of a bargain!

I thought. I prayed. And before I could change my mind, I talked with Hubby. “Can we afford a large purchase?”, I asked. I explained to him what my observations were between my two camera bodies and that my 5D MkIV is outstanding in comparison to that of the 6D. He never blinked an eye. “Honey, if that is what you really want, and will really use, yes we can afford that camera.”  I honestly get so nervous spending a large sum of money on myself. But …

Will I use this new camera? Is ice cold?

I hugged him. Hard. I raced back to my computer and then Hubby went on his and between he and I, we decided to buy my new camera directly from Canon, where this camera was the same price as at B&H Photos.

The pictures you just saw are all shot with my 5D Mk4. When I viewed the macro shots I was astounded by the huge difference for up to now I had been using my 6D. Will I be selling my 6D? No. I still may wish to use it or have it as backup just in case something should happen.

Why would I buy the exact same camera I already have? Good question. Because in my opinion, I cannot get any better then the Canon EOS 5D MkIV. Besides, this camera body will take me years down the road to fully understand. In other words, this camera will keep me on my toes, learning as I do.

Kicking my heels up with joy! Mom, I’m moving forward with my photography just as you encouraged me to. Here I come, National Geographic!
~~~~

Photography/ “Hawk, Ice, And News” / Dec. 2019©AmyRose Photography
http://www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com

 

93 thoughts on “Hawk, Ice, And News”

    1. For some odd reason I saw your comment earlier this morning, then you disappeared.I checked my spam and there you were. What???? Now I need to check my spam for legit comments? *sigh* SOOOO happy you enjoyed my images, Frank. Hope you have a great day!! xo

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      4. What I recovered in spam was you, BUT your name was different. If I had NOT seen you earlier in my comments I would have passed over your comment and deleted it. No idea, Frank. I’ve been seeing a lot of WP errors a lot lately.

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      5. I think it happens when we accidently delete a comment as spam – but I’m not sure. It was happened to me multiple times. Such a pain – but I didn’t discover how to replace “Array” until later.

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      9. You are now coming through as aFrankAngle, Frank. I have NO idea what happened yesterday. One minute you were in my notifications as you, then you poof disappeared. I was not even near my keyboard, just scrolling through the comments. It seems we have a jokester about …..

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    1. My husband believes in me, Dee. That is truly a glorious feeling! I can win the world and I can accomplish anything with him behind me!
      I am humbled and so so very happy that you showed these images to your daughter. My heart just swells with happiness knowing I touched another person through my photography. Mother’s Gifts are absolutely of the highest grade quality, and I am honored that I have the equipment to capture Her as she allows me to. Much love to you this day!! xo

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  3. Congrats on your purchase! When we love what we are doing – the universe always supports!! You are going to have lots of fun exploring – one camera in each hand!! Love the hawk – so regal. I love hawks. Ice makes great art! Stunning photos, real – live art! It’s amazing what Mother provides us – right in front of our eyes! Thanks for sharing your camera and eyes with us!! Stay warm, much love to you!! Donna

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    1. Thank you, Donna! My camera is supposed to be coming today …. waiting for it as I write this. How cool this happened. I’m saying, “Pinch me!” To have $600 off the list price at the exact time in my life I was dreaming and wishing for this camera ….. gives me the goosebumps. All I can say …. the Universe is serious with those whose destiny is to take pictures.
      That hawk …. he’s been in our backyard several times, sitting on the exact same branch. He is glorious just to watch.
      Yes seeing all that ice on Sunday was awesome. And then when I saw what I captured I just had to say whoa! Despite caring for three 1-on-1 cats and continuing with my PT and trying to keep up with this house (what a joke!), I manage somehow to split the time atom like I’m doing here, and make time for my camera. The only downside I’ve noticed with this cold …. my finger joints that are swollen really are feeling that cold. I must make sure even with my photo muffs, I have to wear gloves under them on my hands. Here I go yapping about the age thingie again. But! I won’t stop darn it … I’ll just learn to bundle up better, that’s all.
      I’m so happy you stopped by to see these real life works of art. Thank you!! Much love right back at you!! xo

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  5. Very nice. With all the advances in cameras these days, it’s really hard to decide what and when to buy, since each decision costs a lot of money. Not like the old days when it was a new film we got excited about. Sometimes you have to jump on those deals. You deserve it. Good equipment that you don’t have to fight with, or fight with less, is wonderful, and you get a lot of therapy out of using good equipment. Good job jumping on that deal.

    The Cooper’s hawk looks cold. All of your photos are fantastic. The ice looks like ice, which is not that easy to do. Just beautiful. You can be really happy with your new camera. Congratulations.

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    1. Bless you, Timothy, for extending your heartfelt congratulations my way. You’ve seriously touched my heart. I love what I do and since I now go out in the field with two camera bodies, I will be using this new camera! And the words “you deserve it” my Husband said as well. Thank you!
      I had to hold my camera very very still, hold my breath and concentrate on which AF point I wanted to come in the clearest. Some of my shots I trashed. Ice blurs when you think you have it in focus. Thank you for the compliment. I really worked to get these images to come in crystal clear. Only another photographer would understand the effort behind the picture. SMILE!!

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      1. Sniper skills is what holding your breath and concentrating is called. Snipers, archers and sharpshooters hold their breath when the squeeze off or release their shots. Some of them release their shots between heartbeats for super accuracy. The same practice is necessary for handheld photography, especially in low light and with long lenses. I’m happy to hear you are employing those techniques. Either you’ve had some marksmanship training in the past or you figured it out on your own. Either way, you are using advanced skills that most photographers have no clue about, and, as we all can see, your snipers skills have produced exceptional results.

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      2. Whoa!!! No I did not know what you told me but your words make complete sense. To achieve perfect stillness, you must hold your breath and yes I am very aware of my heartbeat as well. WOW! I figured that out a long time ago. So now I’m a sniper and sharpshooter. Even though I do not like guns, I know I’d be very good at shooting one. That being said, I’ll keep the shooting to my camera. I really enjoyed this information. I’m impressed with myself. LOL

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      5. I’m not going to suggest you go to the range, because you would probably love it. Even though you don’t like guns.

        This calls for a story. My wife tutored a young man for years who was easily distracted and loved weapons of all types. His mom and dad were very good, anit-gun liberals, so their son’s love of weapons was a bit of a dilemma for them.

        My wife and I are of the belief that instead of discouraging kids interested in things, you help channel their interest in safe and positive ways. The school wanted to put the young man in special ed. We were working with the parents to keep him out of special ed. Laurie just worked his interest in weapons into his school work, and as rewards for finishing projects, he got to do dangerous things like taking a machete out and chop down young elm trees on our property (we have a constant battle with elm trees).

        Then we started a tradition of every year during Christmas break I would take the young man to the range; however, I required one or both parents to come along. The first time we all went out to the range, both of his parents came out, and they ended up having more fun shooting than the young man. Every year after that (I think we went out for 5 or 6 years), his mom usually came along because she really liked shooting, plus she would shock her book group women with stories of shooting various evil guns and having a blast.

        So that’s why I suggest you probably want to stick with shooting things with your new camera.

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      6. What a touching story! You and your wife must feel so good about what transpired. You really never know how may react to something unless you at least try that something. I’d say that was above and beyond a win-win situation. How I would LOVE to go to a shooting range …. thing is though …. Hubby being a Vietnam vet I couldn’t. He hasn’t touched a gun since Nam and out of respect for him, neither will I. Yep, I’ll keep on shooting my camera. With pleasure!!

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      7. You need to respect those things. Thank him for his service. A lot of Vietnam vets got really raw deals. The young man turned out well. He stayed out of special ed, did well in high school and is now into fitness and training. His parents divorced a few years ago. I still see his mom on walks and at local gatherings.

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      8. Hubby is doing a lot better, Timothy. He has me (Angel Amy) to love him no matter what and he has a counselor who can really hit the nail home. The man has some pretty crazy strong defenses in place that he just won’t let go of …. that’s the only way he can survive. But trying to get him to open up or for him to listen especially with me ….. doesn’t happen a lot and that is where his counselor has been a Knight in Shining Armor! And I’m happy for that young man who was able to stay out of special ed. Way to go to you and your wife!! You guys deserve a medal!!!

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    1. Thank you, Scott. I’m pretty stoked about my new camera. It will be put to good use! And by the time I went outside to get these shots, I considered it safe to do so. In the morning, however, it was treacherous and no way was I going to take a chance on falling.

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  8. I believe you are, in fact, on your way to National Geographic. Those are awesome photos, Amy. The sharpness and quality are impressive. Your husband deserves extra hugs for agreeing to the purchase, knowing how happy it would make you.

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    1. Aw, CM! I am so moved by your support and your confidence in me!! Thank you! The sharpness and quality both are from my 5D MkIV and you as a photographer can see the difference from my usual macro shots. I am impressed by this camera’s abilities. Now for me to know this camera inside and out? We’re talking years. There is SO much to know! And so many different ways you can program the settings. It’s infinity!
      As for my husband, especially lately, he is seeing what I am creating, even with my writing, and he’s like “Wow, Amy, you are unbelievable!!” Thank you!! We both work so hard and even though he no longer “works” but is retired, he claims he is working harder now then when he worked. LOL I agree. Taking care of our babies is very time consuming and a lot of work. But, we do so cuz we love them.
      SOOOOO happy you stopped by to see my achievements, dear friend. I am so excited right now. I’m just following my heart and who knows where next she will take me? Much love to you!! xo

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    1. I’m very familiar with Jack Frost, John. I’m so happy you enjoyed my world of ice and that magnificent bird of prey that feels safe enough to perch on our backyard tree. Hope you had a great day today!!

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    1. I’m still saying, “Whoa, what happened?” I sit here as I write stunned by what is transpiring. I’m thrilled you stopped by, Cathy, to view these magical shots. Much love to you! xo

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    1. Oh, Dan, you are ever so welcome. I had a lot of fun seeking out the unusual in this wonder of ice. I’m so happy you enjoyed! And by the time I went outdoors the treacherous part was over …. it had warmed up some.

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  17. That hawk new you were photographing him!! And the wonderland, the evergreen blades, the ice is just so ammmazzzing!! You truly do bring magic to our eyes dear Amy!

    “Will I use this new camera? Is ice cold?” – I loved how you said this 🙂 Congratulations on your new camera – yesss – National Geographic please welcome Amy!

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    1. Every time I am out in Nature and Mother allows me to see, and I mean really see Her wonders, I am so very humbled. Yes that hawk really knew I was photographing him and yet he stayed put for more the 1/2 hour.
      Thank you for your support and your confidence in me, Prag. Both are highly treasured by me. I’m following my heart, doing what I love, and just like magic, things just happen. When in the Flow, the impossible becomes possible. Much love to you!! xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Colleen! I love getting comments like this as it only spurs me on with my camera. Hope your day was a good one. Mine was quite like a distance runner day. Whew!! Much love to you! xo

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  20. Woo Hoo! AR has a new toy! I can hear the screams of joy all the way over in VT…..Have a holly jolly Christmas my friend. The photos were captivating and what can I say about the hawk? Spectacular doesn’t do him service….Thanks for sharing your photos and good fortunes….Hugs…VK ❤

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    1. SOOOOOO happy you enjoyed these, VK! Your enthusiasm has been felt all the way to NY! LOL I got my camera today ….. just too tired tonight to program all the settings. Very very hectic day here!! As for that hawk, I so agree with what you said. Absolutely magnificent!! Much love to you and hugs back to you, dear friend. Hope all is well your way!! xo

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    1. You envy ice? LOL Do you know how cold ice is? Oh yes it is beautiful I grant you that much, but to actually be amongst that ice, that is a different matter totally. I’m so glad you saw my images, so different from what you have in your life. Cool!!

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  25. Amy,
    These photos are works of art. I too love the magic of ice and how it transforms our natural settings. Isn’t it amazing to go to familair places and see them anew?
    How do you put your name and copyright on your photos? Please let me know your tips.
    I appreciate your blog and the insights you share on my poetry.
    Have a beautiful day.
    Ali

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    1. Hi, Ali, and thank you on the compliments on my photography. My © is a two step process. After I found out my pictures were being copied and taken, I was determined to protect them as best as possible. I put my © on the bottom of each image in PS and then import that image to my cellphone, by emailing myself. From there, I download that image into my photo gallery and then import that image to Snapseed to put the watermark across each image. Good eye by the way. I try my best to get that watermark to blend in so to be barely visible. In Snapseed, use the text option down on the bottom. It’s pretty self-explanatory from there. If I can learn how to do it, anyone can. I like this app because you can adjust how dark the typing is. Snapseed is a photography phone app that is free. Good luck!! xo

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  26. Great shot of the handsome hawk!! I love all of your photos and am excited to see what you come up with after you get your new camera. Magic is what you are and what you capture….you have a gift my friend! Keep shining….xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Zia! That hawk is a beauty! It’s Mother that is magic for She allows me to enter into Her World in ways that leave me very humbled. I went out to the forest yesterday with my new camera + first camera, and instead of shooting a lot, people 4 different times, were drawn to me like a magnet giving me some incredible conversations. Now to say that this is highly unusual is an understatement. I did manage to shoot with both cameras and think I have some pics to share here. That is in the making …. May you have a great day!! xo
      FYI …. V did finally answer my comment so all is good. Just wanted you to know. Things do have a way of working out. (smile)

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      1. I love this so much….all of it!!! YOU are magic Amy!!! The way you view the world through your lens, the way you inspire us with your words and experiences, and especially the way you make me smile after a rough day. I hope you have a beautiful evening my friend!

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      2. You’ve gone and put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, Zia. Oh my goodness! Bless you! To spread magic in the form of what I see within Mother’s World is my intention. And my words along with my life’s experiences …. isn’t that the point of living to share and encourage one another? OH you have inspired me this day! And boy am I moved! xo (((HUGS)))!!!

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      3. Everything I said is true! You are a beautiful soul and I consider myself lucky that our paths have crossed. I can’t wait to see what magic you bring forth with your new camera! (((HUGS))) right back to you!

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    1. Thank you, Julie!! Don’t walk away from your dreams! Mine came unexpectedly. I honestly wasn’t even going to buy another camera right now with what all that is going on in my life. I just jumped at the chance at buying another incredible camera 1/5th off the price. SMILE!

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  28. Gorgeous gorgeous post and pictures. I love the way Nature layers herself and then you come along with your supportive husband … just goes to say nothing in life or the hidden, will ever go unnoticed. Someone somewhere will always cherish it, in lens or iris. Thankyou:)!

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