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.

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.

March is in the Books

Can you believe that we are a quarter of the way through 2014?  When I started a new 365 project, the task before me seemed crazy.  And there are still days where I'm driving home from work without a photo in the bag yet.  It's still a monumental project.  But I'm 80+ photos in!!  That's absurd.  It makes time fly very quickly.

I try to explore some different ideas.  It helps that I'm also doing Lens Pro to Go's photo per week project.  They assign a theme each week.


"Indoors"



"Self-Portrait"

There are many 'Just Because' images.


"Bowties Are Cool"


I've gotten to document some joyous occasions.





And, I've commemorated some of my own fond memories.

 March 31 was the 13th anniversary of my father's passing (I just noticed that the numbers are flipped this year). That's a long time. I miss him every day and worry that I might forget some details of the man he was. Crazy, but real. I remember music we both enjoyed, and running jokes that we shared.

For whatever reason we got on a kick out of threatening each other with 'knuckle sandwiches'. We'd put up our dukes and tell the other person, "You're gonna get one of these... and then one of these..." I couldn't think of anything to photograph that day. Then I thought it'd be fun to make an actual knuckle sandwich. My husband asked me, "How's that going to go?" I say as I retrieve a plate from the cupboard, "Well.... I'm going to put a slice of bread down. Then my fist... then I'll put a slice on top of it all. How do you think it would work?" My husband responds with a laugh, "I'm sorry I asked." :D They obviously never knew each other, but that's pretty much how I
 imagine the conversation might have gone with my dad too.



My dad was gone too soon.  I thankful that we had such a great relationship.   I'm so grateful that people will still bother to take a moment once in awhile to share the memories that they have of him with me too. The least that I can do is to share some of things that I remember fondly about the man too.

And that's how the first quarter of 2014 ends.

Here's the full gallery.

Be Present in the Moment

I appreciate people who have the patience and drive to hunt wildlife and gather food. I haven't done it. I like to think that photography is similar in nature, minus the harvesting of game. Photographing lightening is sort of like fishing. There may be strikes happening all around you... But you have to pick a spot, aim your camera and cast your line.



I have the problem of wanting to rush around to a different spot... only to see strikes happening where I was just set up.

Other similarities include these tips: 1. You have to know your target/subject. 2. Be prepared. 3. Be patient. 4. Enjoy the moment even if you don't bag a trophy.

For more than ten years, I've been trying to photograph bald eagles. I haven't travelled to Yankton to see them along the river because I'm not familiar with their pattern there. I may have to try it this year. I know that near where I grew up in Union County, South Dakota, bald eagles typically visit toward the end of February and into March. Whenever the snow thaw begins, geese come into the area and eagles are right behind. That's where and when I tend to photograph them, in cottonwoods over the fields and local creeks.

When they are in the area, I try to drive over in the morning on my way to work and just before sunset after work. Last year was the first year that I noticed them in the Vermillion River valley. This was way more convienent for me, I could look for them as my son and I commuted to town. The problem was that I would only ever see them when I was not equipped with a DSLR camera and long lens. This setting was the most picturesque that I'd experinced. I'd see one perched above the water as I drove by. Sometimes I'd stop and turn the car around to watch for a bit.

Even though the eagles flew off months ago, I still scan the river as we drive by. It's been really pretty lately as the trees have been turning.

Am I right?



Except that something caught my eye:



Do you see it?



Patches of white tend to readily catch my eye, even if they are small... The thing is, I've never seen bald eagles in the area at this time of year. I will admit that I am not an expert.

I am glad that I was able to take a snapshot to share my sighting with you today, but I was really sad that I didn't have my big camera and an appropriate lens. I was not prepared.

But, it is another lesson for me. I need to be more patient and try my best to be more prepared. Most importantly, I need to enjoy the moment. This bird was in the prettiest setting that I could hope for, fall all around and I didn't have 'my camera'. I didn't bag a 'trophy shot'. But, the bird stayed still long enough to turn the car around, roll down the window and fire a shot just to prove that it was there. Then I was able to step out of my car and watch for a few moments. I maybe could have gotten my son out of the vehicle too. When he is older, I look forward to pointing things like this out to him too.

I don't know how long this bird will be around. It seems like where there is one, there is probably another one or two in the region. I hope to be better prepared next time.

In the mean time, I am thankful for the opportunity to experience a majestic scene. And I will try to live more in that moment.

Missouri River Flooding 2011: Pierre

In the spring of 2003, I went with the producer of South Dakota Focus (Stephanie Rissler) to Pierre. We got on a plane with the secretary of GF&P (Game, Fish & Parks) to get video of the Missouri River during a time of severe drought. The water was YARDS from boat ramps and docks. Intakes for community water systems were at dangerous levels. Nobody knew how long it would be before the river and lakes could return to a useable level.

Fortunately, it's been a couple years since we've been considered in a drought.



Now, the pendulum has swung the opposite direction. Boat docks have been removed and ramps will not be accessible due to too much water. Activity on the Missouri River, recreational or otherwise has been severely limited.

Montana had an epic rainfall, water down the Missouri River is already at substantial levels. Reservoirs are full, room needs to be made for the melting snow pack. Portions of South Dakota and regions downstream will flood. Pierre/Ft. Pierre, Yankton and the Dakota Dunes will be substantially most affected.

Tuesday SDPB had a staff meeting to discuss our coverage of this historical conflict. That night I and a co-worker were asked to head to Pierre the next morning to get video of preparations.



Residents of Pierre and Fort Pierre had been hard at work building levees and sandbag barriers around their homes and businesses.

Friday morning the US Army corps of Engineers began to open the gates to increase flow. Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson typically only opens its gates for maintainance and checks. This is the first time that they've ever opened to release flood waters in its fifty year history.





Watch video that I recorded of the release for SDPB here.

I also visited with the operations manager, Keith Fink. Listen to a portion of his interview and see more Big Bend video here.

Oahe already was a spectacular sight, but continues to increase its power. Outflow will peak at 150,000 cubic feet per second on June 7.



People in Pierre are frustrated, but have gathered together wonderfully. They are hopeful that the levees will be sufficient, but have worked to prepare the worst. Everyone seems to have followed recommendations to evacuate to higher ground. Despite the grim nature of this situation, people maintain some humor.





Many houses have signs, "For Sale, Pool Included..." One home had boat oars outside with a sign, "Have oars, need boat."

Still, its hard to maintain enthusiasm when your house is surrounded by water. By Friday night and into Saturday morning, homes between Oahe and Fort Pierre were already inaccessible. That neighborhood had been without electricity for about a week. They were running generators and now were having trouble getting gasoline to their power units. When I stopped by at 9a.m., people had begun to use canoes, kayaks and amphibious vehicles. Plus, carp had already moved onto the block. Fish were flopping in the water while I was recording video.



Click here to view comments from a resident of the Frontier Road development.

For updates and coverage of the Missouri River flooding, follow SDPB online: www.sdpb.org/flood


Governor Dennis Daugaard

Thankfully, no lives have been lost. Officials say there have been a couple small injuries. Even if property is damaged, hopefully everyone can come out on the other side whole. Despite the hardship and frustration, Governor Daugaard and everyone that I visited with maintain a fighter's spirit. I hope that this sense of community endures after the river returns to its banks.

Spirit Mound

I've been planning for YEARS to do a star trail image at night of Spirit Mound. I have tried once or twice previously with my film camera. Those results weren't quite what I'd hoped for. Still, season after season goes by and I didn't get out there. In the summer when it's warmer the sun may set at 9:30, but the stars won't come out well enough until 11. Plus, the mosquitos are miserable out there. In the winter it gets dark early, but it's also really really cold. AND, it's kinda spooky out there at night by oneself. So, a person can see how it's easy to put off a project, no matter how appealing it may be.

I've been more resolved to do projects like these this year. It helps that I participate in the Vermillion Camera Club and I want to have images worthy of showing to the group.

Yesterday we were treated to gorgeous weather. Instead of going for a walk in town, I headed for home via Hwy 19 and stopped off to hike up Spirit Mound.

Clear skies were forecasted for the evening, so I wanted to try my idea again. Fortunately my husband was able to finish up with the work that he really needed to accomplish and could join me. Our dog also decided that she would 'tolerate' the car ride so that she could go on the adventure too. I wish that I had a decent picture of her from last night.

It takes so long for the stars to rise in the northern sky. So, I tried a couple photographs with some still standing stalks from the previous year's vegetation.



Finally we could see stars right above Spirit Mound. I wish that we could see them a little lower in the sky. The area is quite rural and the stars are bright, but we still have problems with light pollution. I did two exposures. Here's the first one that I did, I prefer the amount of lighting in this one. The image was made in the camera. I tweaked it abit to adjust the color balance and a little bit of the brightness/contrast.



You may visit my Scenic Photo Album, there is a link in the column on the right.