Category: Uncategorized

My Afternoon With A Redhead

by Michael

Okay, so, don’t tell my wife, but I played hooky from work this afternoon because a certain redhead has caught my eye and I wanted to get to know them better.

So, how’s that for a click-bait opening paragraph! Of course, the redhead I am talking about is a bird. Recently my neighbor (here in the country) had their timber harvested, which leaves a lot of open fields. We have an open-gate policy between us and he lets me roam around looking at/for wildlife.

A while back I noticed a single dead tree trunk that appeared to have several holes in it. And then I caught a flash or red fly out of one of those holes. I promised I would return with my camera and now I have.

Approaching the tree, I thought I could see someone deep inside one of the holes, but I wasn’t sure. Looking at the back of my camera and zooming all the way in, I was sure someone was in there.

Is anyone home?

So I pulled up closer with my 4-wheeler, shut off the engine, and settled in for a bit. The weather has turned off chilly here in East Texas recently, but I was prepared with a warm jacket. Even though the sun was shining, the wind was whipping around so I was thankful I had it with me.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long until the red of the red-headed woodpecker popped out to see what I was doing.

Well, hello there.

I was parked probably about 30 years away from the tree, and this hole was probably about 30 yards up from the ground. I was already wishing I had brought my 600mm lens with me. This trip, the 400mm will have to do.

After sitting there checking me out for a few minutes, the bird became comfortable enough with my presence to come out and do a little drumming on the tree. It really made this old hollowed out tree echo across the fields.

Let me play for you the rhythm of my people on this tree trunk.

Seeing that I was no threat it continued circling the tree looking for whatever bugs it could find, stopping occasionally to drum away.

Are you still back there watching me?

After watching the performance for a while, I decided it was time to back on out and leave my new friend to its business. As I started the 4-wheeler, the bird dutifully stood watch on a dead branch, watching me drive away.

Since it had been a while since I originally saw this nest, I wasn’t sure if it would still be there. I’m pleased to know that it is.

Y’all come back now, ya hear?

Looking the red-headed woodpecker up in my iBird app, I leaned that it is a year-round resident of these parts. I will definatley be returning soon with the big lens to get some more intimate shots. Also, who knows if it is living alone in that big tree.

Until next time, you beautiful redhead!

Covey Family Photo Shoot

by Michael

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot for some friends of mine, the Covey family. They came out to Hampton Haven where I have close to 40 acres to move around in and set up different scenes.

We started in the wildflowers in the front yard.

Covey Girls in the Wildflowers

Next we moved up to the hill to get some good family “truck” pictures. This is Texas after all.

Covey Family

From there, we had the girls on the spiral staircase that goes up to the tree house.

On the Stairs
In the Tree house

Before heading to the back part of the property, a stop at the footbridge for a “fun” shot. Kids always like making fun of mom and dad kissing.

“Get a room!”

Out in the back, a nice wooden bench swing among the trees makes for another great setting.

And finally to the back porch for a few more intimate opportunities.

That is the Covey family and a sample of what a photo shoot at Hampton Haven can look like.

You can find more information about photo shoots at Hampton Haven at this link —> https://www.mhamptonphotography.com/portrait-sessions/

Great Texas Balloon Race: Night Glow

by Michael

Today did not go as planned. After getting up way before dawn and driving out to the Gregg County Airport in order to catch the pilot’s accuracy competition, we learned that the event was canceled because of the weather. We were bummed, but these things happen and safety must come first. So we headed back home to make it back for the evening festivities of the balloon glow. Since this was a night event, there aren’t many photos, but here are three to share.

At the end of the Star Spangled Banner, all of the pilots ignited their flames in what is called a candle burn. It was pretty amazing, especially for those of us who weren’t expecting it. I’m glad I thought to pull the camera up and snap a few shot while the flames were still going.

Then, once all of the balloons were inflated, they all ignited again for what is called the “glow”. Again, an amazing sight which a single still doesn’t really do justice.

And that was about it for us. That was what we had come to see. But while we were leaving, a felt a dark presence in that place. A feeling I have not felt since…

This huge balloon of Darth Vader, right next to the one I had shot yesterday of Yoda. They were just hanging out with their heads floating around together like old friends.  🙂

So that’s it for the balloon festival this year. Maybe we’ll have better luck with the weather next year.

All words and photos copyright 2018 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon 16-35L 4.0