DeBardeleben Photography

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  • Moving the Conversation to Greener Pastures!

    Moving the Conversation to Greener Pastures!

    Hey everyone,

    We’ve all seen it – the negativity, the shouting, the constant barrage of misinformation on Twitter (X).
    It’s gotten to the point where it just isn’t a healthy space to be anymore.

    That’s why we’ve decided to step back from the Twittersphere and head for a more positive corner of the internet.
    We’re excited to announce that we’ve officially migrated to Bluesky Social!

    Here’s the thing: we value genuine connection and thoughtful discussions.
    Bluesky seems like a platform built around that very idea—a place where civil discourse thrives and real news takes center stage.

    We’re looking forward to engaging with all of you in a more positive and productive environment.

    So, how can you find us on Bluesky?

    We’d love for you to join us on this new adventure!
    Let’s build a community based on respect, open communication, and (of course) a healthy dose of fun!

    See you on Bluesky!

  • Pumpkin Season at the House of Zen: A Feast for the Fauna

    Pumpkin Season at the House of Zen: A Feast for the Fauna

    Pumpkin season has come and gone once again, leaving behind fond memories and a host of wildlife delights.
    Here at the House of Zen, we ensure that every pumpkin is put to good use in a way that celebrates the natural world around us.

    Our tradition involves hollowing out at least one pumpkin and filling it with wild bird feed.     
    This simple act transforms our autumnal decoration into a veritable buffet for local wildlife.

     

    It’s a joy to watch woodpeckers, chipmunks, warblers, and even bears converge, competing for the tasty goodies nestled within the bright orange shell.

    As the season progresses and the pumpkins begin to soften and fall to the ground, the cycle of nature continues.
    What might seem like a mess to some becomes an end-of-season feast for the fauna.

     

    These decomposing pumpkins provide nutrients and sustenance, supporting the local ecosystem and ensuring that no part of the pumpkin goes to waste.

     

     

    At the House of Zen, we embrace this annual ritual, knowing that our pumpkins bring joy and sustenance to the diverse creatures that share our home.
    It’s a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the simple ways we can give back to nature.

  • Bear Necessities and Trail Restoration

    Bear Necessities and Trail Restoration

    It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a furry visitor at Garden Studio.
    Imagine our surprise when we spotted a bear making its way up the familiar game trail.
    While the sighting was thrilling, it also served as a stark reminder that our little corner of nature had become a bit overgrown.

    It was clear that the time had come to reclaim our space.
    So, armed with a weed whacker, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and a renewed sense of purpose, we spent yesterday tackling the overgrowth.
    Our goal was to restore the game trail to its former glory and create a more inviting environment for our wildlife neighbors.

     

    From this

    The trail was barely passable, filled with thorn bushes and vines that had taken over.

     

     

    To this

     

    We were able to clear out most of the area and make it easily passable.

    It took a lot of time and effort, but I think in the end it will have been well worth it.

     

  • Restaurant-Worthy Photos with Your iPhone: Food Photography Tips

    Restaurant-Worthy Photos with Your iPhone: Food Photography Tips

    These days, everyone is a food photographer! In the age of social media, we are constantly bombarded with mouthwatering images of dishes. But how do you take those restaurant-quality photos with just your phone?

    The good news is that you don’t need fancy equipment to capture stunning food photos. With a little know-how and your trusty iPhone, you can elevate your food snaps to a whole new level.

    Here are some tips to get you started:

    • Light is Everything: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to food photography. Avoid using flash, as it can cast harsh shadows and make your food look unappetizing. Instead, find a well-lit spot by a window or step outside for some sunshine. If you must use artificial light, opt for warm white bulbs for a more flattering look.

    • Play with Composition: Don’t just plop your plate down in the center of the frame and snap a pic. Think about how you can arrange the elements of your dish to create a visually interesting photo. The rule of thirds is a great guideline to follow. Imagine dividing your phone screen into a tic-tac-toe grid. Place the most important elements of your dish where the lines intersect.

    • Find Your Angle: Most people instinctively shoot food from above. While this is a perfectly fine option, don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles. Sometimes getting down low or shooting from the side can create a more dynamic image.

    • Frame Your Shot: Use the background to your advantage. A clean, uncluttered background won’t distract from the food. If you’re at a restaurant, consider blurring the background slightly to put more emphasis on the dish.

    • Focus on Details: Food photography is all about capturing the details that make a dish look delicious. Close-up shots of juicy steak, melty cheese, or fresh garnishes can really make your mouth water.

    • Editing Magic: There are a variety of photo editing apps available for iPhone that can help you take your food photos to the next level. A quick and easy edit can adjust the lighting, enhance colors, and make your food look even more appealing.

    Bonus Tip: Plate like a Pro!

    While the taste is what truly matters, the presentation also goes a long way.
    Take a moment to arrange the food on your plate before snapping a photo.
    Scatter a few colorful garnishes around the dish, or drizzle a sauce artistically.

  • The Great Squirrel Feeder Caper: Fuzzy Acrobats Take Center Stage

    The Great Squirrel Feeder Caper: Fuzzy Acrobats Take Center Stage

    Those of you who follow our Garden Studio adventures know we’ve been happily hosting a variety of feathered visitors at the studio.
    We’ve had finches flitting about, the occasional chickadee, cardinals, and even a bold Woodpecker who likes to make a grand entrance.

    It’s always a joy to watch them squawk, preen, and fill their bellies at the feeders I hung with such enthusiasm.

    Well, nature, it seems, had a different plan.
    This morning, I stepped out to the chirping symphony I’d grown accustomed to, only to be greeted by a scene of utter destruction.
    The feeder lay in pieces on the ground, a casualty of the night’s most determined diner: a pack of squirrels.

    Let’s be honest, squirrels are adorable.
    They’re little balls of bushy-tailed energy, constantly darting and leaping with acrobatic prowess.
    But their love for a free buffet can be… well, destructive.
    There were scattered seeds everywhere, evidence of a successful, albeit messy, raid.
    The feeder, a wooden structure, was completely destroyed from the impact of falling to the ground as the Squirrels chewed through the rope that held it off the ground.

    For a moment, there was a pang of disappointment.
    But then, a different kind of amusement took over.
    Here I was, witnessing the raw, determined nature of a wild creature.

    This little bandit, with its sharp claws and acrobatic skills, had outsmarted my defenses and claimed the prize.

     

    So, the bird feeder was down for the count, but my love for watching the garden’s wildlife hasn’t wavered.
    A new feeder went up as soon as I saw the carnage.

     

  • Finding Inspiration and Wildlife Wonders at the House of Zen

    Finding Inspiration and Wildlife Wonders at the House of Zen

    There’s a constant source of awe in my life: the breathtaking beauty of the natural world.
    When I bought the House of Zen and built the Garden Studio, it wasn’t just the house itself that drew me in.
    It was the vibrant symphony of life happening right outside my window.
    The chance to witness a kaleidoscope of creatures up close was a major reason, if not the biggest reason, for this move.

    Nature is where I find inspiration and a true sense of belonging.
    Spending my days photographing woodpeckers (like the one in the photo!), bobcats, foxes, coyotes, the occasional bear, and the countless other animals that grace the Zen property with their presence – it’s simply magical.

    As a conservationist and wildlife photographer, this place is a dream come true.
    Nestled amidst the forest on three sides, with a game trail leading right down to a flowing stream at the back, it offers the perfect setting to observe and document the wonders of the wild.

    Honestly, what more could I ask for?

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