As we enter a New Year I find myself reflecting on 2013. My highlights would have to include getting phone calls from a National Geographic Editor, the honor of being a finalist in the annual NWF contest and other contest awards, signing up with some big agencies who work with me to license images, many exciting publications of my work, having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people through photography and travel. I visited Florida, Nevada, Arizona, Costa Rica, Newfoundland, Watkins Glen, Yellowstone and the Tetons along with many more local trips and camping for the first time in more than 20 years. I had some incredible wildlife encounters which I will never forget and I feel like I've grown as a photographer and on a personal level.
My life and heart feel very full with a job that is my passion and friends & family I love. I've been blessed with parents who are always supportive of me and my photography and it always means so much to hear they are proud of me. They've always been there and have shaped who I am and what I believe in.
With the good always comes the bad and this year was no exception. After the loss of my photography mentor and good friend in May, I often find myself a bit lost without his guidance. Gary was an important part of my life and I'm so grateful that I had him in my life even though it wasn't for long enough. I hope he realized how much I loved him and appreciated his encouragement, advice, willingness to share his knowledge and friendship. Did he realize that my successes never would have happened without him? He will always be remembered because I can't take a photo without hearing his advice running through my head.
The last time I saw Gary was three days before he died and he appeared healthy and happy. As I drove back to Cape Coral after visiting him and his lovely wife...I kicked myself as I'd forgotten to get a photo of us together. I thought about going back but decided that I'd just have to remember to do that next time I saw him. But there was no next time. That's really hard for me to swallow and it brings tears to my eyes every time that memory comes to my mind. I usually don't make New Year's Resolutions but I'm making one this year. I resolve to be more like Gary. To be open and giving with the people that I love, to express my feelings, to make sure they feel special and loved and to take more photos of those people and the special moments. I'm a photographer and yet I hardly have any photos of the most important people in my life, there's something very wrong with that.
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2014 filled with great sightings, successes and time with those you love.
Dec 31, 2013
Happy New Year
Dec 27, 2013
Dec 26, 2013
My Bed Is Calling Me
I think tomorrow is going to be a "stay in my pajama's all day" type of day. This was such a busy Christmas but so much fun. I got totally spoiled, spent lots of time with family and might have had a few too many drinks. Tomorrow I'm sleeping in!
Dec 24, 2013
Dec 17, 2013
Dec 16, 2013
Dec 15, 2013
Dec 14, 2013
He's a leg man...
One of the "not so cute" sides of Burrowing Owls...that does NOT look appetizing!!!
Dec 13, 2013
Dec 12, 2013
Dec 11, 2013
Winter Wonderland
Just a quick note about the foxes: Thank you for all the nice comments about the images, they certainly seem to be popular. I think many of my contacts will agree that I'm usually very forthcoming with locations and tips for wildlife I've photographed whether it's local or far from home. I believe that everyone that has a respect for nature should be able to see, photograph and experience these wonderful species.
Over the last few days I have been flooded with messages, emails and even offers of payment to divulge the foxes location. To prevent this turning into a circus and causing undue stress on the fox, I'm keeping the location private. Please know that I do not share that information with anyone including close personal friends and this is for many reasons. One of the most disruptive things to the fox would be a surge in the number of people visiting their den and the possibility that the less scrupulous workshop leaders would be willing to take people to the site. Would they leave their den? Get stressed and have a bad outbreak of mange? etc.
I have spent a considerable amount of time with these fox gaining their trust and I am very attached to them. I won't do anything to put them in danger. Please know that I feel terrible every time I receive a message from a close contact and I'm unable to share the info. I have a few photography friends that have been generous to share sightings with me and I hate that I can't return the favor in this situation.
There are lots of fox in Algonquin, just walk the trails and drive around during the right time of day/year and you might be lucky enough to see them. If you know of this location or if/when you do become aware of any fox den, I hope you think about what effects disclosing their location could have on the fox and make their needs a priority.
Perfect way to spend the day...
I'd rather be doing this any day than sitting around or being in the city.
Dec 10, 2013
Trust
I've had great experiences with this Red Fox and his mate in the past...but this weekend was so special.
Fox Pair
I miss my friends already...it was a special weekend and I really didn't want to leave them!
Dec 9, 2013
White & Red
Dec 6, 2013
Dec 5, 2013
Dec 4, 2013
Dude. Is there a name for what's the matter with you?
This little guy cracks me up....I don't think I have one "normal" photo of him.
Dec 3, 2013
Puffins Communicating
Puffins Communicating a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
Atlantic Puffins in Newfoundland, Canada
Marching to the beat of a different drum...
We all know someone like this...there's one in every crowd ;-)
Dec 2, 2013
I don't think so bud...
I don't think so bud... a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
Touchdown chasing down a competitor in Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Touchdown & His Ladies
Touchdown & His Ladies a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
Touchdown & his Harem in Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Fragile Formations
Closeup of Dryad Springs along Upper Terrace Drive in Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Dec 1, 2013
Spasm
Spasm a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
Spasm Geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park
Welcome to Silver Gate
Just outside the North East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park...Silver Gate, Montana.
Does a bear.....
Does a bear..... a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
This answers one very old and common question and look at all those bluebirds!!!!
Christmas Print Ordering Deadlines
Holiday orders take 1-3 business days to process, so order by these dates (domestic orders to US and UK only):
6 to 10 business days: Last day to order is December 5th
3 to 5 business days: Last day to order is December 12th
2 business days: Last day to order is December 17th
1 business day: Last day to order is December 18th
Thank you for all the recent orders. If you have any questions, please visit my website at www.mlorenzphotography.com and use the contact form or send me an email.
Lazy Bear Cubs
Lazy Bear Cubs a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
One of my favorite moments in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.
Bears On The Beartooth
Bears On The Beartooth a video by Megan Lorenz on Flickr.
This was one of the most maddening wildlife sightings on my Yellowstone/Tetons Trip. I had the GoPro running as we were driving along the Beartooth back towards Cooke City and we were in a no stopping zone because of bridge work (although there was no work happening that day because it was a weekend but the rules still apply).
As we're driving along, I did a double take and looked at my travel partner who confirmed what I just saw. Huge Cinnamon Grizzly sleeping on a rock about 50 feet from the road. We kept driving and a few seconds later (at about 1:54 in the video) we see a massive black Grizzly walking through the forest on the right hand side. He looks far away in this video but those who are used to the wide-angle view of the GoPro will realize that he was very close and it was the perfect opportunity for some great photos. Isn't that always the way it goes?!!! Still a thrilling sighting for me even without photos.
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