lloydslensphotographyllc

The Providers

The cold December air bites my face as I approach the tree growing in the middle of Muddelty Creek. I’m not sure if it’s technically a delta but I’ve always thought of it that way. It’s almost impossible to see all of the little fingers of water that stretch out in this spot where the ducks and geese rule. I’ve come here on this wintery day to check out the scenery and seek new images and new thoughts to feed my passions. My ever active imagination wonders and in my mind’s eye I can see pre-columbian hunters riding a canoe silently through the water. With them an elder sits in silence occupying the center of the vessel. As they patrol the waters edge they stop occasionally and he mumbles a few words of prayer and gathers medicine growing in mud. A few twigs of willow here and some dried berries there. From the muddy banks they gather a few roots from the arrowleaf plant. These “duck potatoes” will help sustain them during the winter. As they paddle in a little farther they check the fish traps set out the on the prior evening. The traps are empty. They are moving towards the next set of traps when a large ripple breaks the surface of the water. The hunter in the front of the canoe takes notice and cautiously rises to his feet as the man in back of the craft attempts to bring them to halt. With a subtle thrust he sends his Atlatl dart into a spot just beyond the swirl. The stone bladed spear finds its mark and the swirl of water morphs into slashing. The huge alligator gar fish is pinned to the muddy bed of the creek by the shaft of the spear. The large fish barely fits in the little dugout canoe with the three men. The elder grins as heart swells with pride. His grandsons have learned their lessons well and fed the family with their skills.

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Antique Service Desk Bell — Ring this bell for Facebook

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Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “The Loner” and is available for purchase by using the Contact Form on mywebsite. (Note, I do not share or sale contact information. EVER)

4X6 is $5.00

5X7 is $10.00

8X10 is $15.00

Some cropping may be necessary for certain sizes.

Antique Service Desk Bell in Black and White — Ring this bell to order prints or schedule portraits

I’m also available for portraits by appointment. Use the Contact Form or message me on Facebook for details.

Evergreen

Color Photography

We step softly into the arboreal portions of the Appalachian hardwood forest. The forest floor is covered with a scant dusting of snow. It’s just enough to set the mood for selecting the perfect Christmas tree. The cold air reveals our breath in long curls that dissipate quickly. The smell of the spruce fills the air is we inspect the boughs for just the right shape and fullness. I produce a small axe from my pack and begin to work as you retrieve the thermos of hot chocolate and peppermint and begin to pour. Soon I have a flat spot carved into the fallen log for our traditional Christmas picnic in the woods. Next the real work begins as we hang garlands of popcorn and ornaments made from suet and seeds. We back away from the “Christmas Tree” and have a seat on the log as the small birds and animals gather for a feast. This Christmas tree will truly be evergreen.

The above story was inspired by an article in an old 4-H book that encouraged young people to create a “Living Chistmas Tee” to help the songbirds in winter as a way of caring for nature. Variations called for using small homemade bird feeders made from paper cups and filled with birdseed. If this is something that you want to try please be responsible and collect the empty cups when the feed is gone.

Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Spruce Flowers” and is available for purchase by using the Contact Form on mywebsite. (Note, I do not share or sale contact information. EVER)

4X6 is $5.00

5X7 is $10.00

8X10 is $15.00

Some cropping may be necessary for certain sizes.

I’m also available for portraits by appointment. Use the Contact Form or message me on Facebook for details.

It’s All Connected

Uncategorized

The Kanawha River laps gently at the pebbles on the banks. Small birds fly from twig to twig behind me. There’s a few patches of leftover snow in the shaded areas of the little roadside park but the sun is warm and the wind is calm for now. I’m fascinated by the patterns formed in the ripples of river. I can see how the waves are reflected off of the shore. As a child I read that Polynesian sailors could lay in the bottom of the boat and know where the islands are just by feeling the patterns in the waves. As I read the ripples in the Kanawha River at Glen Ferris I know that story is more than just folklore. I have often compared the rivers to the concept of the flow of time. Watching the ripples and how they interact with the objects in the river I have to think that there’s another parallel with life experience. If we are in “the river of time” then it must also be true that we’re making ripples in the flow. Ripples that travel out and intract with other objects and people. With that in mind, how much more important is it to make sure that the ripples we send out are the result of positive actions?

Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “November Musings” and is available for purchase by using the Contact Form on mywebsite. (Note, I do not share or sale contact information. EVER)

4X6 is $5.00

5X7 is $10.00

8X10 is $15.00

Some cropping may be necessary for certain sizes.

I’m also available for portraits by appointment. Use the Contact Form or message me on Facebook for details.

A Moment Of Stillness

black and white photography

I stand on the bank of the Kanawha River at Glen Ferris and look back across the water towards Gauley Bridge. The liquid mirror formed by the angle of the sun draws me deeper into the scene. The texture of the bare trees meets the mirror surface of the rivers at the bridge. I stand here and soak in the peace until it saturates my spirit. I long for the moments of tranquility. The day’s chaos and stress melts away and sinks into the depths of waters. The echoes of all the daily demands of modern life seem to be lost in the forests and mountains. As they fall silent in the distance only one voice remains. It’s that still small voice that speaks peace. The voice that’s never wrong. It’s the voice of God.

Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “The Stillness” and is available for purchase by using the Contact Form on mywebsite.(Note, I do not share or sale contact information.EVER)

4X6 is $5.00

5X7 is $10.00

8X10 is $15.00

Some cropping may be necessary for certain sizes.

I’m also available for portraits by appointment. Use the Contact Form or message me on Facebook for details.

Blue Treasure

Color Photography, wildlife

Tiny wings dance in the warm summer breeze as I explore the edges of my yard. She seems so carefree as she flits and flickers from place to place. The pale blue wings are are a joy to behold as the shutter snaps. It’s as if the Spring violets came to life and took to the wind. I have watched these little butterflies my whole life and never really took the time to find out the name. At first I thought that it was “Small Blue” which is a species found in the U.K. and Asia. But with a second Google search I learned that it’s a Spring Azure. Both are from the Lycaenidae family. The internet is full of scientific data on the feeding and mating habits as well as the season and range and all of the wonderfully nerdy things that make the internet interesting. But the best part of the little blue butterflies that are spotted in the warmer months is the childlike giggle that comes from deep within the soul when they’re near.

Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Blue Treasure” and is available for purchase by using the Contact Form on mywebsite.(Note, I do not share or sale contact information.EVER)

4X6 is $5.00

5X7 is $10.00

8X10 is $15.00

Some cropping may be necessary for certain sizes.

I’m also available for portraits by appointment. Use the Contact Form or message me on Facebook for details.