For Those Who Are Wondering . . .

wondering what has happened to the James Shonka photo blog.

Well, life got in the way. My family and I are in the changing homes prosess. If you ever have been there you know what I've been doing. Boxing, moving, unboxing while preparing the old home for new residents. Another couple days and I  can get back in the swing of things.

An Olympic Forest Stream

A tributary stream to the North Fork of the Skokomish River cascades out of the eastern side of the Olympic National Forest.

La Push And Rough Waves

About a year ago, my wife and I spent a weekend at La Push. The waves were crashing and you could almost hear the cries from the mythical Werewolves and Vampires of Forks, Washington.

Thunderbirds Scored On

Just under the Thunderbirds Goalie's Glove. Another exciting Hockey Match.

Thunderbirds Score

I got to shoot a fun night of Thunderbird Hockey. S C O R E !

Silver Falls Revisited In Black And White

 

I was recently reviewing some of my favorite landscape images. It struck me that this image of Silver Falls would be good in black and white. What do you think? I like it.

Staying Close . . . To Mama

Capturing the young ducks with their mother is worth a late spring afternoon.

A Family Afair

This woodpecker couple are dining together. Earlier in the spring I watched the two of them exchanging nest duty. If the male would stay away from the nest of eggs too long, the female would fly out and rip him a 'what for'. He would immediately return to the nest to do his duty. This photo was captured after the eggs had hatched and bringing food back to the young was the parents principle activity.

A Place Of Wonder

It has been over a year since the opening of the 'Soos Creek Botanical Garden'. I've visited with my camera many times. Each time seeing the Garden from a different perspective. This large pond is a refreshing stop while exploring the SCBG's 26 acres of beauty.

Will The Jockey In Red Win ?

I'm reviewing some of the images I've previously posted and experimenting with Black and White conversion of the image. When you strip the color out you are left with a stronger emotion to the image.

Cascading Streams Mellow Me Out

Sometimes the pleasure of the outdoors overcomes the passion for a photographer. Just sitting down, listening to the sounds of nature. Taking in a cascading mountain stream. It's good.

Can't You See I'm Eating . . .

Some photographer's are so rude. Trying to take pictures even when you are eating. Just rude I say. Rude.

A Room Of Her Own

At this age, sitting by a cool stream is the room of choice for six year old Katie. I wonder what she is thinking about, don't you?

Now That The "Granny Awards" Are Over

I asked Katie, "what do you want to do now that the Granny Awards are over."  The response she gave me was “well, I want to go to Lake Meridian.”

Read more at http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/08/how-the-im-going-to-disney-land-saying-got-started/#O43PMMpCkyMzFSpy.99

The Granny Award's

Brought to you by "Heavier Than Air" productions. Katie was the Fairy Grandmother, (stage right). In pink with wings. Do you see her, do you see her?

Katie Singing Out

Katie just finished her Summer Stock musical play. The people running Heavier Than Air Productions have it together. Katie loved the experience.

Can You See The Confederate General ?

While hiking in the Cascades this summer I came upon this stump. I kept looking at the way the moss made the stump look like a Confederate General. At least that is how I saw it.

Spring To Summer

The spring and summer season's have gone by so quickly this year. I just hope I can get in many of the yearly bucket list items for summer. August will be a very busy period. Hold on.

Wild, Wild Flowers

When your explorations take you to a location like Palouse Falls it is easy to overlook the surrounding details. These white wild flowers, vines actually were fun to stop and enjoy.