DeBardeleben Photography

Category: Updates from the Studio

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • A Flash of Blue, A Flash of Red in the Zen Garden: Spring’s Joyful Messengers

    A Flash of Blue, A Flash of Red in the Zen Garden: Spring’s Joyful Messengers

    Spring has sprung in the Zen Garden, and with it, a new wave of delightful visitors: the bluebirds.
    These feathered jewels have graced our peaceful space with their vibrant presence, and their arrival carries more than just a touch of beauty.

    Across cultures and through the ages, the bluebird has held a significant spiritual meaning.
    In folklore and mythology, it embodies happiness, good luck, and spreading joy.
    It’s a fitting symbol for spring, a season of renewal and fresh beginnings.

     

    For us, as photographers, the arrival of these little blue bundles of happiness is a source of immense inspiration.
    We are captivated by their vibrant plumage, their melodic songs, and the sense of peace they bring to the Zen Garden.
    Capturing their fleeting moments on camera is a privilege and a joy.

     

    As spring unfolds, we welcome the diverse fauna that graces our garden, both those who reside here year-round and those who are simply passing through.
    They each contribute to the vibrant tapestry of life surrounding us, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

     

     

     

    So, the next time you see a flash of blue flitting through the spring air, take a moment to appreciate the symbolism and the joy that the bluebird carries.
    It’s a reminder that even amid our busy lives, there’s always space for a little happiness.

     

  • A Leap Forward: Upgrading to the Sony a7R IV After 6 Years with the a7R II

    A Leap Forward: Upgrading to the Sony a7R IV After 6 Years with the a7R II

    As technology evolves, so does the pursuit of capturing moments in the highest possible quality.
    After six fruitful years with the Sony a7R II, the time has come to bid farewell and embrace the future of photography with the Sony a7R IV.
    This transition wasn’t without its considerations, especially when faced with the choice between Sony and Nikon, both stalwarts in the world of digital imaging.
    With a substantial investment in lenses and gear for both platforms, the decision-making process became a careful balancing act between loyalty and the desire for cutting-edge technology.

    The Journey with Sony a7R II:
    For half a dozen years, the Sony a7R II has been our faithful companion, witnessing and capturing countless memories.
    Its groundbreaking features, including a high-resolution sensor, exceptional low-light performance, and 4K video capabilities, made it a reliable workhorse in various shooting conditions. However, as demands evolved and the industry progressed, it became evident that an upgrade was necessary to meet the growing requirements of our craft.

    The choice between Sony and Nikon was a formidable one.
    Both brands boast remarkable advancements in imaging technology, leaving us with the difficult task of weighing the benefits of familiarity against the allure of innovation.

    In the end, the scales tipped in favor of Sony, leading us to the Sony a7R IV.
    This powerhouse of a camera combines cutting-edge technology with the familiarity of the Alpha series, providing an upgraded sensor, and improved autofocus capabilities.
    The decision wasn’t just about upgrading; it was about ensuring that our equipment could keep pace with the ever-changing demands of the photographic landscape.

    Key Features that Tipped the Scale:

    High-Resolution Sensor:
    The Sony a7R IV’s 61-megapixel sensor offers an unprecedented level of detail, allowing for larger prints and more flexibility in post-processing.

    Enhanced Autofocus:
    With 567 phase-detection autofocus points and real-time eye autofocus, the a7R IV ensures that every shot is sharp and focused, even in challenging conditions.
    While the a7r iv has much-improved video capability, this is the feature I care about the least as I don’t shoot video.

    As we bid adieu to the Sony a7R II, we eagerly anticipate the creative possibilities that the Sony a7R IV will unlock.
    The decision to upgrade goes beyond acquiring a new piece of equipment; it’s a commitment to staying at the forefront of photographic innovation.
    In a world where every frame tells a story, the Sony a7R IV is poised to be the next chapter in our photographic journey—a chapter defined by unrivaled image quality, advanced technology, and the enduring pursuit of capturing moments that last a lifetime.

  • Waiting for December

    Waiting for December

    So here in Massachusetts, the bear activity grinds to a near halt in December as the bears settle into their dens and drift off into a state called torpor.
    While torpor is similar to hibernation, it’s not the same.
    Once the Bears settle down we’ll resume our feeder activity and hopefully get more great shots of our Winter set of birds.

    I want to give a big shout-out to the folks at B&H Photo Video for saving the day and quickly getting us set with a new Sony A7r IV.
    If you want great service with fast turnaround, this is the place to go.

    While we wait for December to put the bears to sleep, we’ll be posting images taken outside of the Garden Studio.
    We look forward to bringing new images and have plans for a calendar and some other photo-centric merchandise.

    Stay tuned 🙂  

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