More Butterflies from the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, FL

A couple weeks ago, we posted a few photos from our visit to the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, FL. Here are a few more photos from the morning we spent there.

Here is a Monarch Butterfly perched on some purple flowers.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

This Emerald Swallow Tail posed nicely on a rock. The shades of green in this butterfly are incredible.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

This is a Common or Golden Bird Wing.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

This White Morpho butterfly is perched on an Angels Trumpet Plant.

(c) 2008 William Lawrence

And finally – one of the wonderful orchid plants in the Butterfly Rainforest.

(c) 2008 William Lawrence

The Butterfly Rainforest is a large greenhouse with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. At any time – there are between 55 and 65 different species of butterflies in the rainforest. Starting this year, the collection of butterflies includes African butterflies. The Butterfly Rainforest is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The Butterfly Rainforest is open year round, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Hours are 10 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday, and 1 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. The Butterfly Rainforest welcomes photographers – but does prohibit commercial photography. You can not use a tripod in the Butterfly Rainforest. Admission is charged to enter the Butterfly Rainforest. Directions and other information about visitng the Butterfly Rainforest are on their website.

The Butterfly Rainforest is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Gainesville area. They are very photographer friendly – with lots of volunteers and staff available to answer questions you have about the butterflies.

Update – June 2 – Thank you to Ryan Fessendren and Morgan Lamborn at the Florida Museum of Natural History for identifying and letting me know which butterflies I photographed. I really appreciate the info they provided.

Links – May 30, 2008

Here are some interesting links we found on the web this week:

DC area photographers – Jeff Revell has posted the details for the June 1 PhotoWalk in Georgetown

Photo Business News & Forum has an updated post on Orphan Works and Licensing Exclusivity

Digital Photography School has posts on 15 Tips for Great Candlelight Photography and The Best Photo Tip I Ever Received (Be sure to read the comments for more tips)

This Week in Photography has a great tip on How To Pose Groups

Photojojo has info on Sharpening with UnSharp Mask

Tom Young has a post on How Much Time Do You Have to Win a Customer’s Interest at a Show?

If you’ve ever wondered what some of the acronyms photographers use on the web, ADIDAP has a great list of Internet Acronyms for Photographers.

Guitarfish has information on Photographing an Aquarium

Experimenting with Digital Infrared Photography

Recently, Bill has been doing some experimenting with digital infrared photography. Infrared photography can give an “otherworldly” look to your photographs. Foliage tends to reflect infrared, so leaves, grass and such tend to be near white. Still water and clear skies go quite dark, but clouds remain light. Below is a photo of a waterfall at Olmsted Island at the C&O Canal National Park in Maryland (this is on the path to Great Falls at the park – usually there is only a trickle of water here but the waterlevel was quite high when he took this recently). The leaves are the brightest objects in the picture, and the water before the falls is quite dark.

Falls Alongside Olmsted Island (c) 2008 William Lawrence

The sensors on most digital cameras are sensitive to light beyond what the human eye is sensitive to. The result is that the sensors can “see” a broader spectrum of light than the eye can. To keep this from interfering with photographs, camera manufacturers place a filter over the sensors to block out most of the light outside of the visual range.

However, some of the older Digital SLRs are still sensitive to near infrared light, which is not visible to the naked eye. A quick test of this on your camera is to take it into a darkened room with a TV remote control (most work with infrared light). Point the control at the camera and take a picture while activating the remote control. If you see light on the photo, you camera is capturing infrared light and displaying it in the visual spectrum so that you can see it.

Bill tried this with our old Canon D30 (note not a 30D – this is one we got in 2000) and found that it was sensitive to infrared light. He converted it for digital infrared photography by getting an infrared filter for it (a Cokin P007 infrared filter). You can’t see through the filter, so all composing has to be done before you put the filter on the camera. Also, while the camera does capture light in the near infrared spectrum, most of it is blocked. Most of Bill’s exposures were in the range of 3-10 seconds at f11 at ISO 400 in broad daylight.

Infrared can make an interesting addition to your photographic techniques. Bill is getting a DSLR modified specifically for infrared photography – more on this once we get the camera back and have a chance to use it.

In the meantime – here’s one more infrared photograph taken at Great Falls. This time from the Virginia side of the Potomac River in the Great Falls National Park.

(c) 2008 William Lawrence

If you’d like to see some of Bill’s digital infrared photography in person – please stop by our booth at one of our shows.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day honors all those who have given their lives protecting our country. We’d like to thank all those who have served our country for their service, especially those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Marine Memorial (c) 2004 Patty Hankins

Lone Sailor (c) 2008 William Lawrence

Air Force Memorial (c) 2007 Patty Hankins

Women in Military Service for America Memorial (c) 2008 William Lawrence

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC is one of the most frequently visited memorials in the city. It honors all the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.

The Memorial is located in Constitution Gardens near the National Mall in Washington, DC. The closest memorial to is it the Lincoln Memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was authorized by Congress in 1980. Two years later, on November 13, 1982, the Memorial was dedicated.

The original section of the Memorial is the Memorial Wall, designed by Maya Ying Lin. The wall itself is 75 meters long. Engraved on the wall are the names of the over 58,000 men and women killed or listed as missing in action in the war. The WALL-USA website lists the names and information about all those listed on the Memorial Wall. There is also on interactive version of the wall online at Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Flags at the Wall (c) 2004 Patty Hankins

The Wall at Dawn (c) 2005 William Lawrence

In 1984, the Three Servicement statue by Frederick Hart was added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Three Servicemen Statue – Vietnam Veterans Memorial (c) 2005 Patty Hankins

On November 11, 1993, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial was dedicated. This statue by Glenna Goodacre honors all the women who served in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial (c) 2005 Patty Hankins

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located in Constitution Gardens near the Lincoln Memorial. The best way to see the Memorial is to take the Metro to the Smithsonian Station on the Orange and Blue Lines – and walk over to the Memorial from there. The only parking available near the Memorial is reserved for people with handicapped decals. Everyone else has to hunt for parking on the streets of DC. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is open 24 hours a day. There is no fee charged to visit the Memorial.

We’ve been to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial several times either late at night or early in the morning. So far, we’ve never had any problems using a tripod. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial tends to get crowded during the day and sometimes in the early evening, especially on weekends and on holidays. I wouldn’t recommend trying to use a tripod if there are very many people at the Memorial – the paths are narrow so your tripod could easily affect other people’s ability to enjoy their visit.

Links – May 23, 2008

Here are a few photography related links I’ve found this week. Hope you find them useful and/or interesting.

For people in the Washington, DC area – be sure to put FotoWeek/DC – November 15-22 on your calendar.

June 1st is Photographer’s Rights Day. Check their site to see if any events are planned in your area.

Epic Edits Weblog has published the Ultimate Ball Head Guide.

This Week in Photography has a post on Photographing a Person’s Good Side and .

Digital Photography School has a post on Understanding Layers in Photoshop.

The Blog Herald has a post on the Creative Commons and Privacy.

Photoshop Insider has a very thoughtful guest post from Vincent Versace.

Photopreneur has posts on What it Takes to Build a Photography Business and Getting More out of Moo.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the most striking – and least known – memorials in the Washington DC area. Bill and I are always amazed at how many people living in the DC area aren’t familiar with this memorial.

Located on the National Mall, the Korean War Veterans Memorial honors all those who fought during the Korean War in the early 1950s. The central part of the memorial is 19 sculptures of service men representing a squad on patrol, with members from each of the US military’s armed services. The metal sculptures were Frank Gaylord.

Korean War Veterans Memorial (c) 2005 Patty Hankins

The memorial also contains granite walls with photographic images sandblasted into them – and a wall with the words Freedom is Not Free.

Freedom is Not Free (c) 2005 William Lawrence

The final parts of the memorial include a Pool of Remembrance and a United Nations wall.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial was authorized by Congress in 1986 and dedicated on July 27, 1995 (the 42nd anniversary of the armistice ending the war).

The Memorial is located on the National Mall – between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, on the other side of the Reflecting Pool from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It is administered by the National Park Service as part of the National Mall and Monuments Park. The best way to see the Memorial is to take the Metro to the Smithsonian Station on the Orange and Blue Lines – and walk over to the Memorial from there. The only parking available near the Memorial is reserved for people with handicapped decals. Everyone else has to hunt for parking on the streets of DC. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is open 24 hours a day. There is no fee charged to visit the Memorial.

The last time we tried to photograph the Korean War Veterans Memorial, we were told we could not use a tripod. This was at 5:30 in the morning – and the only people in site were Bill and I, and the security officer telling us we couldn’t use the tripods.

The World War II Memorial in Washington DC

The World War II Memorial is one of the newer memorials in Washington, DC. Dedicated in 2004, the memorial honors all those who served in the US military during World War II and all those who supported the war effort on the home front.

Designed by Freidrich St. Florian, the memorial consists of 56 pillars, 2 arches, a plaza, a pool with fountains and a wall of stars – each of which represents 100 Americans killed during the war. Construction on the memorial began in September 2001, and was completed in the spring of 2004.

Here are some of our favorite photographs of the World War II Memorial:

World War II Memorial – Atlantic Arch (c) 2004 William Lawrence

Bill took this photo before dawn one morning – this was when we discovered that while the pillars are nicely it, the Atlantic and Pacific Arches aren’t lit at night.

World War II Memorial – Atlantic Arch Reflections (c) 2005 William Lawrence

Bill stood along the side of Reflecting Pool to take this photograph of the Atlantic Arch just as the sun was rising. The Old Post Office can be seen in the distance.

World War II Memorial – Pacific Arch (c) 2005 William Lawrence

This photograph of the Pacific Arch shows not only the arch, but the bronze eagle and wreath sculpture by Raymond Kaskey.

Kilroy Was Here (c) 2005 Patty Hankins

In tribute to the famous World War II cartoon graffiti Kilroy was Here – this graphic image is carved in at least two places on the World War II Memorial.

The World War II Memorial is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The best way to see the Memorial is to take the Metro to the Smithsonian Station on the Orange and Blue Lines – and walk over to the Memorial from there. The only parking available near the Memorial is reserved for people with handicapped decals. Everyone else has to hunt for parking on the streets of DC. The World War II Memorial is open 24 hours a day. There is no fee charged to visit the Memorial.

So far – we haven’t had any problems using a tripod at the World War II Memorial. If you visit during the day – you are more likely to find the Memorial to be crowded and encounter problems using a tripod.

Butterflies at the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, FL

While we were in Florida visiting family, we spent a few hours one morning at the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, FL. The Butterfly Rainforest is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The Butterfly Rainforest is a large greenhouse with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. At any time – there are between 55 and 65 different species of butterflies in the rainforest. Starting this year, the collection of butterflies includes African butterflies.

Bill and I had a great time photographing the butterflies. Here are a few of our photos from the Butterfly Rainforest.

The first photo is of a Monarch Butterfly.

Monarch Butterfly (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

I loved the look of this one – with the neon green on the wings.

Tailed Jay (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

I believe this is one of the African Butterflies – the wings are incredibly detailed.

Giant Charaxes (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

This butterfly’s wings are pale yellow on the inside.

Tree Nymph (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

This orange and black butterfly posed nicely on the bright yellow flowers for me.

Male Banded Grecian Shoemaker (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

I’m not able to identify most of the butterflies I photographed at the Butterfly Rainforest. If anyone knows what any of them are – please let me know.

The Butterfly Rainforest is open year round, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Hours are 10 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday, and 1 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. The Butterfly Rainforest welcomes photographers – but does prohibit commercial photography. You can not use a tripod in the Butterfly Rainforest. Admission is charged to enter the Butterfly Rainforest. Directions and other information about visitng the Butterfly Rainforest are on their website.

The Butterfly Rainforest is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Gainesville area. They are very photographer friendly – with lots of volunteers and staff available to answer questions you have about the butterflies. I’m sure we’ll pay them another visit on future trips to Florida.

5/20/08 Update – I’d like to thank Morgan Lamborn of the Florida Museum of Natural History and Ryan Fessenden of the Butterfly Rainforest for identifying all the butterflies for me!

Links – May 16, 2008

Lots of links this week since we didn’t get any posted last week . . .

More information on the Orphan Works proposals including info from

• Photo Business News & Forum – Speedlinks, History in the Making, PPA’s stance on Orphan Works
• Stock Artists Alliance – Legal Opinions
• Dan Heller – his take on the 2008 Orphan Works Bill

Photo Attorney has info on more cases of photographers not being allowed to take photos, info on a proposal to require electronic registration of group copyright, info on how to add metadata to your photos, and the Fuss about Fair Use

Robin Engh at Black Star Rising has a great post on What Part of No Don’t You Understand? Explaining Copyright Law to Publishers

PhotoWalkPro is organizining a Georgetown Photowalk on June 1st.

Photocritic has info on microstock photography

The New York Times has info on Ansel Adams’ Yosemite Photography

RetroThing has info about Kodak’s First Digital Camera

Scott Kelby at Photoshop Insider has information on shooting with permits

CameraPorn has great posts on 60 Photography Links You Can’t Live Without and Lightroom Workflow: Importing and Organizing

Digital Photography School has posts on 12 Ways to Never Miss a Photo Opportunity and A Fresh Look at Depth of Field: Using Foreground to Achieve Creative Depth of Field

Andy Carvin had information on how he was almost arrested for photographing at Union Station

Thomas Hawk has 10 Interesting Things I Learned about Ansel Adams and information about an LA photographer who was visited by the FBI for photographing at the Port of Los Angeles

All Day I Dream About Photography has a post on Don’t Let the Light Meter Fool You

A great new tshirt from Towner Jones for anyone who has been hassled about using a tripod (my shirt should be arriving in just a few days! And it will go well with my I’m a Photographer Not a Terrorist Shirt)