Butterfly Migration 2016

As a photographer I enjoy documenting the changing seasons. You might think, "Of course, spring summer, fall and winter!" And you're correct... but I love, more specifically, the movement that distinguish these unique times of year. Each winter I look forward to documenting the bald eagles below Gavins Point Dam in Yankton. As spring draws closer some of the mighty birds extend their flight path north and east near our fields. I appreciate being on the migration path for geese.



And as summer draws to a close, we greet Monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico. I'm not sure what draws them to our trees, but I'm always happy to see them. They've been a regular visitor for the last couple years, only missing one season. These are not the friends that we'll see again next year, but I'm glad that they pass along to their successors that we're a welcoming stop.



I have missed the appearance of swarms earlier in the week. I spent a little time watching them settle in for the night last night, it's such a relaxing way to wrap up the week. And this morning after a cup of coffee I headed out into our yard to watch as they warmed and woke for the day. Soon they'll head on down the road and perhaps others will take up their place tonight.



I don't believe that we get butterflies visiting as they head north. I wonder where their path takes them that they bypass us each spring.



Their visit is so fleeting. May the breeze be warm and at your back. And tell your friends that we'll be here next year too.



Prints are available for sale here.

Photos by Bub: June 21, 2016

Bub accompanied me to a softball shoot. Little man was inspired tonight, he just bopped around with the camera. He's starting to get a little more control of it. Though we still have a fair number of shoe, stomach and nostril shots. First, of course, we have our shoot out.
And the selfie.

Then his images are kind of neat. Don't get me wrong, there are tops of heads, backsides, the wall, blurry grass, nostrils, you get the idea. Then there's the abstract chain link fence and light posts.


Earlier, Buster had eaten a banana and found a garbage can to dispose of the peel. As I was getting my gear set up, I look over and he's hovering near the trash can. I asked what he was doing. He said, "I trying to take a picture of my peel." Well, okay then!
I was really excited to check out the images when I got home. He was really taken with the peel.

I'm not going to lie. I kind of love the photos!!

I think that this one is my favorite.

I love the shadow cast by the chain link fence, the leading lines and the peel in a heap on the bottom.
The kid could totally put it on display in a swank photography exhibit. :D

President Clinton visits Sioux Falls

South Dakota seldom hosts presidential visits, or even candidates passing through. Party nominations are typically determined by the time our June primary comes around. Our state was the last for President Obama to visit during his term. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the Bernie Sanders event last week due to work obligations. I was pleased when I realized that I could attend the event in Sioux Falls featuring President Bill Clinton as he campaigns for Hillary. News reports say approximately 350 people attended this work day gathering. My uncle and I got to the line an hour before the doors opened and visited with others waiting outside. We were able to get a position fairly near the railing and had a better view than any concert that I've attended.

We spent a lot of time waiting, a band was on hand to entertain the crowd. A rally isn't a rally until a cover of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' is performed. This group turned it up a notch with a fiddle performance.

State Representative Paula Hawks addressed the audience.

And former U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin welcomed President Clinton back to South Dakota. While she has stepped away from the political scene a bit, she can still warm the crowd.

I had brought along a long lens in case I was farther back. I didn't end up NEEDING it to get a shot, but I'm glad that I had it along. I have a couple images where President Clinton is biting his lip. It's one of the quintessential mannerisms that impressionists depend on when they 'play' Bill Clinton. I was pleased to have captured it. Check out my Instagram feed for a few other images, my user name is Sieversma Regardless of who you support, please make sure to vote in the South Dakota primaries on June 7. Both parties have their own ballot, but you have to register with one or the other. We are a closed primary state, independents have to align themselves one way or the other. If you have the opportunity to attend an event of this nature, I would encourage you to do so! Listen to the report by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and President Clinton's speech in its entirety online. Also, you should check out the three visits that Bernie Sanders made in South Dakota last week. Full coverage of those events are also available online at SDPB. Be sure to explore the conversation shared by other news organizations as well. I look forward to watching, reading and listening to news clips from the day.