Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

The patterns and colors on this Buckeye Butterfly are amazing to behold, and in this case, the surrounding colors from Autumn leaves which form the background complement its beauty with their own stunning colors. I shot this last Autumn using a Macro Extension Tube which gave great separation from the background, but left a very shallow depth of field for the subject’s focus. Despite these challenges, I am happy with the result. If you would like a print or greeting card of this image, please click on the photo link below:

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I found a Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio troilus) exploring a flowering thistle as it looked for nectar in a West Michigan wetland area today. I used a 50mm Canon F-2.5 Macro with a 2x tele-convertor to capture the shot. If you would like a high quality print or greeting card(s) of this image, please click on the photo link below:

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

The patterns and colors on this Buckeye Butterfly are amazing to behold. On occasion, such butterflies have allowed me to move in close with a macro lens as this one did. I used a Canon 50mm F-2.5 Lens for this shot. If you would like a high resolution print or greeting card(s) of this image, please click on the photo link below:

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I found this Tiger Swallowtail butterfly looking for nectar in West Michigan today. Apparently it was concentrating so much on its work, that I was able to approach closely for a photo without disturbing it.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

For those of you who have followed my blog for a while, I’m sure you realize that I enjoy photographing butterflies. Here is another I discovered on a nature walk. Its proboscis was extended as it searched for nectar on this flower found in Southwest Michigan.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

What I believe to be a Sulphur Butterfly allowed me to approach very closely without flying away as it was feeding on a flower in a wetland area of Ottawa County, Michigan yesterday. From my experience, this type of butterfly doesn’t stay on a flower very long and will fly away quickly as you approach.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

While catching up on a few things indoors at home recently, I noticed this little blue butterfly glide past me. With all the doors and windows always closed, it must have flown in unnoticed as someone was opening a door to the house. Or maybe it hitched a ride on my camera bag without my knowing it was there. In any case, I found a flower for it to rest on while I photographed it. Its wings opened just for a few seconds, but I managed to get a nice photo before I released it outside.

Prints available http://fineartamerica.com/featured/nature-found-me-jeffrey-foltice.html?newartwork=true

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

I’ve worked with Rob on several small workshops for the group and we wanted to expand the offerings to include workshops conducted by Brian Loflin, who is a published photographer, experienced teacher and author as well.

MY GO-TO MENTOR
I’ve learned so much from Brian and he is my go-to mentor whenever I have technical problems or want to learn a new photographic skill. When I worked with him, I assisted with him on shooting everything from the world’s largest offshore drilling rig to a western clothing catalog to an aloe vera processing plant to an overhead view of a shopping mall from a small plane. He is an excellent teacher who makes learning fun!

PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER
A master natural science photographer, Brian has photographed and authored several books with his wife, Shirley: Grasses of the Texas Hill County and Texas Cacti, both published by Texas A&M University Press. They have just completed text and photography for their next new book, also by Texas A&M University Press: Texas Wildflower Vistas and Hidden Treasures.

Brian Loflin is a seasoned photographic professional with a career that spans more than four decades in the advertising, aviation, bio-medical and publishing industry. As a graduate biologist with a background in marketing and communications, his early experience was as a medical photographer and a freelance photojournalist.

During his career, Brian’s photographs have been published in many international magazines as well as books and other publications, including major news agencies of the world. His work has won numerous industry awards and has won the admiration and respect of his clients. Those clients include leading names in the advertising and aerospace industry including: Bozell Worldwide, Milici, and Frye-Sills Advertising, Fairchild Aircraft, Aeritalia, Raytheon/Beech Aerospace and BFGoodrich Aerospace.

Brian has been active in several professional industry organizations, is past president of the Minnesota Nature Photographers and founder and current president of the Austin Shutterbug Club. He is now is an active photography instructor in the Informal Classes program at the University of Texas at Austin. Brian and his wife, Shirley, actively teach and conduct seminars and workshops in many areas of photography. They also lead nature photography tours to a variety of destinations. Below is a small sampling of his nature photography.

See his work at www.loflin-images.com and www.thenatureconnection.com. His blog, www.bkloflin@wordpress.com, highlights tools and techniques used in natural science photography, in both outdoor and studio settings. Below is a video that promotes his ongoing photography classes in Austin, Texas.

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Register for the workshop of your choice by clicking the register link next to each course. Meetup.com will require you to create an account, which is very simple to do. Once you have an account, you may pay for the workshop through PayPal on the site. If you have problems or questions, e-mail Rob Bergsohn directly at rbergsohn@gmail.com.

These workshops are a fantastic value with an experienced and published photographer who is also a great instructor. August is fast approaching, so sign up today!

For more information, e-mail us:
Rob Bergsohn: rbergsohn@gmail.com
Cindy Dyer: dyerdesign@aol.com

The workshops below are listed in chronological order and some repeat more than once to allow participants ample choices to fit their schedules and interests.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

9:00 a.m. – Noon
$45/per person (Register here)

Macro/Close-up Photography Class
Location: Rob’s studio, located at 3106 Shadeland Drive, Falls Church, VA, near 7 Corners

This class will cover the skills and techniques required to enable the participant to capture photographic images of tiny subjects around us. It will illustrate the procedures and equipment to make images at- or near-life size or larger of various subjects from small plants and insects to postage stamps and miniature electronic components. Macro equipment need not be purchased prior to the course; the class will provide insight as to the appropriate equipment for each participant’s needs. Emphasis will also be made on how to construct many of the tools you may need. It is valuable to the film and digital photographer alike. (Photo of currency © Brian K. Loflin)

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

Nature Photography in a Studio Environment
Location: Rob’s studio, located at 3106 Shadeland Drive, Falls Church, VA, near 7 Corners

This course will cover the skills and techniques required to enable the participant to capture photographic images of natural subjects from the world around us without leaving our kitchen. It will illustrate the procedures and equipment to make excellent images of living plants and flowers, animals, patterns and textures. (Photo of ant © Brian K. Loflin)

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (lunch and beverages provided)
$90/per person (Register here)

All-Day Nature Photography Workshop at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA
Lecture Location: Lecture at Rob’s studio, located at 3106 Shadeland Drive, Falls Church, VA, near 7 Corners.
Outdoor bbq lunch will be provided on Rob’s deck after lecture.
Photography Location: We will all meet at Huntley Meadows by 2:00 p.m. to begin the hands-on photography portion of the workshop. Huntley Meadows Park is located 12 miles from Rob’s house at 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, VA. For exact directions from Rob’s house, click here.

This is a comprehensive hands-on workshop to teach the skills, tools and art of nature photography. A classroom discussion will cover the skills and techniques required to enable the participant to capture photographic images of natural subjects from the world around us. In addition to the mechanics of making a technically accurate nature photograph, the class will cover the tricks of the trade that will hone the understanding of the art of nature image design. Following the classroom discussion, the group will break for lunch and reconnoiter at Huntley Meadows Park. Brian will guide us through a four hour nature shoot, putting into practice the techniques during the morning class discussion. Participants are advised to bring a tripod. (Photo of dragonfly © Brian K. Loflin)

About Huntley Meadows:
Nestled in Fairfax County’s Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. Its 1,425 acres harbor majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is enjoyed here. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, you’ll have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park. The Visitors Center has informative exhibits on local natural and cultural history, as well as the gift store featuring nature-related books, jewelry, and stationery. (Photo of dragonfly at Huntley Meadows Park © Michael Powell)

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MONDAY, AUGUST 6

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

National Zoo Photo Safari
Location: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. (map)

Zoos can be a visually depressing environment for visitors, but animal photographs made in zoos don’t have to be! Learn how to make dynamic animal images at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. with Brian Loflin. Learn the tricks of avoiding cages, concrete and confinement as we spend time on our walking zoo photography workshop. You will learn hands-on how to take advantage of the best light, composition and use of lenses to improve on animal photography. Watch for the fleeting moment that will make animal pictures pop! Learn how to accentuate the positive aspects of animals in their existing environment in order to make effective and dynamic images.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

Night Photography on the Mall
Location: Meet at 23rd and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., near Foggy Bottom metro, on-street parking available (map)

How do you make perfect pictures of cityscapes, monuments and other scenes at night? This class will cover the use of time exposures using manual exposure techniques to produce stunning nighttime images. Many photographers have never used shutter speeds longer than one second, and low ISOs to produce the perfect image. This class will break open the mystery of low-level and night photography. Participants must have a tripod available for the class. We will meet up at the corner of 23rd and F Streets N.W., and begin the class with a walk to the Lincoln Memorial.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

National Zoo Photo Safari
Location: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. (map)

Zoos can be a visually depressing environment for visitors, but animal photographs made in zoos don’t have to be! Learn how to make dynamic animal images at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. with Brian Loflin. Learn the tricks of avoiding cages, concrete and confinement as we spend time on our walking zoo photography workshop. You will learn hands-on how to take advantage of the best light, composition and use of lenses to improve on animal photography. Watch for the fleeting moment that will make animal pictures pop! Learn how to accentuate the positive aspects of animals in their existing environment in order to make effective and dynamic images.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

Night Photography on the Mall
Location: Meet at 23rd and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., near Foggy Bottom metro, on-street parking available (map)

How do you make perfect pictures of cityscapes, monuments and other scenes at night? This class will cover the use of time exposures using manual exposure techniques to produce stunning nighttime images. Many photographers have never used shutter speeds longer than one second, and low ISOs to produce the perfect image. This class will break open the mystery of low-level and night photography. Participants must have a tripod available for the class. We will meet up at the corner of 23rd and F Streets N.W., and begin the class with a walk to the Lincoln Memorial.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

National Zoo Photo Safari
Location: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. (map)

Zoos can be a visually depressing environment for visitors, but animal photographs made in zoos don’t have to be! Learn how to make dynamic animal images at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. with Brian Loflin. Learn the tricks of avoiding cages, concrete and confinement as we spend time on our walking zoo photography workshop. You will learn hands-on how to take advantage of the best light, composition and use of lenses to improve on animal photography. Watch for the fleeting moment that will make animal pictures pop! Learn how to accentuate the positive aspects of animals in their existing environment in order to make effective and dynamic images.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

Night Photography on the Mall
Location: Meet at 23rd and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., near Foggy Bottom metro, on-street parking available (map)

How do you make perfect pictures of cityscapes, monuments and other scenes at night? This class will cover the use of time exposures using manual exposure techniques to produce stunning nighttime images. Many photographers have never used shutter speeds longer than one second, and low ISOs to produce the perfect image. This class will break open the mystery of low-level and night photography. Participants must have a tripod available for the class. We will meet up at the corner of 23rd and F Streets N.W., and begin the class with a walk to the Lincoln Memorial.

______________________________________________________________________

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

9:00 a.m. – Noon
$45/per person (Register here)

Macro/Close-up Photography Class
Location: Rob’s studio, located at 3106 Shadeland Drive, Falls Church, VA, near 7 Corners)

This class will cover the skills and techniques required to enable the participant to capture photographic images of tiny subjects around us. It will illustrate the procedures and equipment to make images at- or near-life size or larger of various subjects from small plants and insects to postage stamps and miniature electronic components. Macro equipment need not be purchased prior to the course; the class will provide insight as to the appropriate equipment for each participant’s needs. Emphasis will also be made on how to construct many of the tools you may need. It is valuable to the film and digital photographer alike.

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$45/per person (Register here)

Nature Photography in a Studio Environment
Location: Rob’s studio, located at 3106 Shadeland Drive, Falls Church, VA, near 7 Corners

This course will cover the skills and techniques required to enable the participant to capture photographic images of natural subjects from the world around us without leaving our kitchen. It will illustrate the procedures and equipment to make excellent images of living plants and flowers, animals, patterns and textures. (Photo of leafcutter ant © Brian K. Loflin)

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (lunch and beverages provided)
$90/per person (Register here)

All-Day Nature Photography Workshop at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA
Lecture Location: Lecture at Rob’s studio, located at 3106 Shadeland Drive, Falls Church, VA, near 7 Corners.
Outdoor bbq lunch will be provided on Rob’s deck after lecture.
Photography Location: We will all meet at Huntley Meadows by 2:00 p.m. to begin the hands-on photography portion of the workshop. Huntley Meadows Park is located 12 miles from Rob’s house at 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, VA. For exact directions from Rob’s house, click here.

This is a comprehensive hands-on workshop to teach the skills, tools and art of nature photography. A classroom discussion will cover the skills and techniques required to enable the participant to capture photographic images of natural subjects from the world around us. In addition to the mechanics of making a technically accurate nature photograph, the class will cover the tricks of the trade that will hone the understanding of the art of nature image design. Following the classroom discussion, the group will break for lunch and reconnoiter at Huntley Meadows Park. Brian will guide us through a four hour nature shoot, putting into practice the techniques during the morning class discussion. Participants are advised to bring a tripod. (Photo of cardinal © Brian K. Loflin)

About Huntley Meadows:
Nestled in Fairfax County’s Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. Its 1,425 acres harbor majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is enjoyed here. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, you’ll have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park. The Visitors Center has informative exhibits on local natural and cultural history, as well as the gift store featuring nature-related books, jewelry, and stationery. (Photo of Great Blue Heron at Huntley Meadows Park © Michael Powell)

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I found a different view of the same Checkerspot butterfly which I  posted two days ago. I was able to move in close enough with my Canon F-2.5 Macro lens to get some nice detail of the tiny creature as it was using its proboscis to extract salts and minerals from the soil. The temperatures on that day were in the 100 degree range in Ottawa County, Michigan. (It has been pointed out to me that this is probably a Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) butterfly. Does anyone else agree? Thanks Tom)

(Please click on any of my photos to see an enlarged, more detailed version of the image)

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I found what I believe to be a type of Checkerspot butterfly resting on a leaf in Ottawa County, Michigan on a recent hot day where temperatures were reaching over 100 degrees. (It has been pointed out to me that this is probably a Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) butterfly. Does anyone else agree? Thanks Tom)

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I found this grouping of what I believe to be Spring Azure butterflies in what appeared to be a popular spot for them to gather together. They busily gathered nectar in Ottawa County, Michigan on a day where temperatures reached 104 degrees in the area.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

This Tiger Swallowtail butterfly was taking nectar from a grouping of flowers yesterday in Ottawa County, Michigan. I used a 200mm F-2.8 L Lens by Canon with a generic 2X tele-converter to capture the moment.

Around this time St. Louis and most of the country is experiencing record setting heat. It looks like we may have 100+ degrees for ten days or more.

The question then becomes – as the caterpillars form their chrysalis, how am I going to keep them so that they don’t bake in the sun. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

1. Keep them in the shade at all times. I have to move their box during the day to keep it in the shade. If you have a cooler garage, that will be even better.

2. Make sure the container allows the free flow of air. Charlotte gave me a large container made of wood supports and metal screen. I normally use a fish tank, but that gets too hot for this time of the year.

3. While I normally might keep the monarchs a week or so, I’m letting them go after 24 to 48 hours. It’s too hot to keep them any longer.

4. I’m spraying my screen tent with water to keep the monarchs cool and hydrated. They also have access to flowers, gatorade and watermelon.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I photographed this mostly white caterpillar yesterday in Kent County, Michigan. I haven’t been able to identify what type it is. Any ideas? It did look interesting and I’ve never seen one before. The lens used for this shot was a Canon 50mm F-2.5 macro lens. (Note: Thanks to Bill for pointing out that this is an Abbott’s Sphinx 4th Instar Larva – Sphecodina abbottii)

(click on this or any of my photos to see an enlarged more detailed version)

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I photographed this skipper butterfly today in Kent County, Michigan as it was gathering nectar from some flowers on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you click on the photo to see the enlarged version, you will also notice several tiny ants climbing on the flowers as well.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

While photographing a grouping of Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) in Muskegon County, Michigan, a butterfly happened to land in front of me on the plant. I captured the moment it was feeding on some nectar. When the small butterfly (about 1 inch long) took off, it was gone so fast it seemed to just disappear into thin air, literally in the blink of an eye.

My introduction to this kingdom occurred when I visited the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Capetown.  Later I briefly saw this kingdom in its natural fall glory at Cape Point National Park.. I can only wish for another trip..and much more time to explore these fascinating plants.

The Cape Floral Kingdom or Fynbos is a fire-climax shrubland, with an amazing diversity of plant species including the Protea family (proteaceae), The Heath family (Ericaceae) and the Reed family (Restionaceae). Proteas are the national flower of South Africa.

Protea repens-True Sugarbush..A syrup was once made from the nectar of Protea flowers

I arrived at the garden not knowing what to expect, and was like a kid in a candy store..first thing that caught my eye was the endangered and rare plant exhibit..and so I began there.. 

Erica verticulata

A few blossoms left

The last collection of Erica verticulata in the wild was recorded in 1908. Cuttings from all over the world were returned to Kirstenbosch and genetically tested, to obtain this endemic variety, now growing there.

Rare Stokes Bush Iris (Nivenia stokoie)

Stokes Bush Iris, or Woody Bush Iris, is found only in an area called Kogelberg. It has underground stems allowing it to escape fire, and is pollinated by long tonuge flies.

Silver Leaf Spur Flowers (Plecanthus ortendhali) are rare, and could easily be wiped out.

Aloe cilaris in front of fading Pineapple Lillies (Eucomis). These are survivors.

I could not resist applying the pastel filter..

I moved on from the entrance exhibits…not taking time for the fragrance garden..

Enticing paths..

Birds everywhere, tho’ most weren’t kind enough to pose. Cape Robin Chat.

African Monarch on African Forget-Me-Not

Acrea horta on an unidentified flower.

Hard not to bee happy..

Camphor Tree Walk
(Cinnamomum camphora)

Lion’s Tail (Leonatus leonurus) or Wild Daga.

Lion’s Tail is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the mint family (Lamiacea). It has found it’s way into cultivation..You may have seen it in your local garden center.

Lion’s Tail attracts nectovorious birds, such as this sunbird. Sunbirds are the iconic species of the garden.

Protea mimetes has tiny feathery flowers and colorful bracts.

Showing the shrub habit of Protea mimetes

An unusual, handsome Protea which I was unable to further identify. *A kind commenter has informed me that this is Oldenburgia, an Asteraceae.

An example of the Reed Family, Restionaceae

The second plant from the left is the Restionaceae, Thamnochortus spicigerus, native to the transveld.

Another member of the Heath Family, Ericacaea

Erica Cruenta, Crimson Heath, endemic to the Mountain Fynbos.

Some large birds that stood still to pose, also graced the gardens:

A Helmeted Guinea Fowl

A Cape Spur Fowl

A Hadeda Ibis

Swee-Waxbill

This little beauty was so busy feeding on grasses, he let me get quite close.

I left the gardens thoroughly enchanted, but gardens are, after all, plant zoos, no matter how well conceived, and it was not until I saw, briefly, a swath of untamed Fynbos at Cape Point National Park, that I understood the true complexity and grandeur of this floral kingdom..Alas, the sun was setting when I arrived and there was little time to explore..I can only hope to return someday.

Cape Point Fynbos

Protea  in front, Vygies behind. Vygie means “small fig” for its fig-like fruits.

Young Baboon feeding on a plant of the Erica genus.

Vygies and the wild sea, near a stormy sunset.

TheBird of Time has but a little way To fly—and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing~ Omar Khayyam

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I found this butterfly resting on a leaf in a Muskegon County, Michigan forest recently. I’m not sure its type, but the habitat it resided in was a heavily wooded area. I used the equivalent of a 400mm lens to shoot from a distance and reduce the chances it would fly away before I could get the photo.

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I’m always amazed at the intricate patterns in nature. This Painted butterfly is a prime example of such beautiful patterns. I used a Canon 200mm F-2.8 L lens with a generic 2X teleconverter to produce this detailed image.