Thursday, October 25, 2012

Wind Cave National Park Bison

Perhaps no other animal symbolizes the West as dramatically as the American Bison.  Bison are part of the family Bovidae, to which Asian buffalo, African buffalo and domestic cattle and goats belong.  Because American bison resembled in some ways old world buffalo (Asian and African buffalo), early explorers to North America began to call them buffalo.  Athough it is a misnomer, the name buffalo is still used interchangeably with bison.  One of the physical differences between the old world buffalo and the American bison is the large shoulder hump of the bison.  This hump, along with a broad, massive head, short thick neck and small hindquarters give the animal its rugged appearance.

Wind Cave National Park Bison by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills SD Buffalo www.dakotavisions.com

As you can note in the photograph above, the color and character of the bison's fur varies with the season.  A mature bull in winter has a dark brown to black coat.  The length of the hair measures up to sixteen inches on the forehead, ten inches on the forelegs, and only eight inches on the hindquarters.  It is little wonder that bison, unlike domestic cattle, face into storms. 

We hope you enjoyed the educational post this week, and while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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(Credit for information: National Park Service - http://www.nps.gov/wica/naturescience/bison-buffalo-bison-bison.htm )

Monday, October 22, 2012

As I Grew Older: Langston Hughes

As I Grew Older Langston Hughes Black and White Truck Photography by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills SDAs I Grew Older

It was a long time ago.
I have almost forgotten my dream.
But it was there then,
In front of me,
Bright like a sun--
My dream.
And then the wall rose,
Rose slowly,
Slowly,
Between me and my dream.
Rose until it touched the sky--
The wall.


Shadow.
I am black.
I lie down in the shadow.
No longer the light of my dream before me,
Above me.
Only the thick wall.
Only the shadow.
My hands!
My dark hands!
Break through the wall!
Find my dream!
Help me to shatter this darkness,
To smash this night,
To break this shadow
Into a thousand lights of sun,
Into a thousand whirling dreams
Of sun!

Langston Hughes

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Friday, October 19, 2012

An Infrared Morning...

And now for something a little different.  Lightroom 4 has all sorts of new features, but one interesting addition is the ability to post-process infrared camera settings.  Our attempt at an infrared shot is below.

An Infrared Morning by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com  Black Hills SD Custer State Park


We hope you enjoy this photograph and take the time to check out the latest version of Lightroom.



And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Saturday, October 13, 2012

New Specialty Products Added to Website

Two new products have been implemented into the Dakota Visions Photography, LLC website.  They are the iPhone 4/4s cases along with premium 15oz coffee mugs.  Take a peek through the website and see if you want to make a statement in your life today with a speciality product from Dakota Visions!

iPhone 4/4s Case:
This ultra slim case is made from hard plastic that is scratch resistant. There are cutouts which allow direct access to your device features. The case easily snaps onto your phone, immediately personalizing it.  These are selling for $25.00 and are completely MADE IN AMERICA products!
Features:
  • White base color
  • Case measures: 2.5”W x 4.625”H x 0.5”D
  • Anti-glare camera ring
  • Form fitting with easy on-and-off
  • Fits both iPhone 4 and 4S versions of phones
Check out how it looks with our photograph, 'Sunset on Needles Highway - HDR'.

iPhone Hard Case by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com Black Hills Sunset on Needles Highway Custer State Park

iPhone Hard Case by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com Black Hills Sunset on Needles Highway Custer State Park


Premium 15oz Right or Left Hand Coffee Mug:
This 15 ounce white porcelain mug is microwave safe. A perfect gift idea upon returning from your vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  These premium mugs are selling for $16.00 a piece. 
Features:
  • White porcelain
  • 15 ounce
  • Single image with or without text
  • Image wraps around the full mug
  • Microwave safe
The premium mug below features our 'Master of the Prairie' photograph wrapped around the mug.

Premium 15oz Coffee Mug with Master of the Prairie by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Wind Cave National Park Buffalo


We hope you enjoy these new products featured on our website and take the time to order some for yourself today.  And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Birds of Prey: Western Screech Owl

While this bird of prey may be minuscule, the Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii) waits on perches to swoop down on unsuspecting prey.  They are active at night or near dusk, using their excellent hearing and night vision to locate prey.  It's diet is mainly small mammals, birds, and large insects.  Thanks to the Black Hills Raptor Center and the 2012 Black Hills Photo Shootout, we had the opportunity to spend a morning with this beautiful bird named Boo.

Birds of Prey Western Screech Owl by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Megascops kennicottii Photo Shootout Boo

Boo is just a stunning 5 ounces in weight, but makes up for it in his stare down.  Amazingly, Boo, is blind in one eye and likely deaf in the ear on the same side of his head.  The photograph below shows how nature has chosen to camouflage Boo to match into the natural surroundings. 

Birds of Prey Western Screech Owl by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Megascops kennicottii Photo Shootout Boo

Please join us in supporting the mission of the Black Hills Raptor Center by making a donation today at their website.  The center relies on contributions to keep the animal ambassadors ready to greet the community and teach the children about the wonderful, wild world of nature.

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Monday, October 8, 2012

Birds of Prey: Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey, one of three species known in the United States as the 'chickenhawk.'  It's diet is mainly small animals but includes reptiles and small birds.  Up to 85% of a this hawk's diet revolves around rodents.  The Red-tailed Hawk either scans for prey from an elevated perch or watches for its prey while flying.  Thanks to the Black Hills Raptor Center and the 2012 Black Hills Photo Shootout, we had the opportunity to spend a morning with this beautiful bird named Elise.

Birds of Prey Red Tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Photo Shootout Elise

Elise, the red-tailed hawk, has visited over 1,000 classrooms as an educational ambassador for all birds of prey.

Birds of Prey Red Tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Photo Shootout Elise

Please join us in supporting the mission of the Black Hills Raptor Center by making a donation today at their website.  The center relies on contributions to keep the animal ambassadors ready to greet the community and teach the children about the wonderful, wild world of nature.

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup - Part II

The main event at the 2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is the thundering herd flowing over the hilltops into sight.  You can feel and hear them, before you see them.  The morning of waiting, long lines to the porta-potties, and dusty air are worth the sight of that first buffalo cresting the hills. Then the rest of the herd begins its slow build over the crest into a full run, followed by cowboys and cowgirls cracking their whips to get the herd pointed in the direction they want them to go in. The herd is willing this year and follows their coordinated directions.

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

With the riders and vehicles bringing up the final herd from behind, the hardest part is done. Now the buffalo know what to do. They head into the corrals.

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Great care is taken not only for the safety of the buffalo, but for the crowd and riders as well. The buffalo, riders, and spectators all made it through another year of the Buffalo Roundup.

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

And when all is said and done - it comes down to one thing. This is where the west was won...God bless, and see you next year at the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup!

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Please, don't forget to check out these photographs and more in our 2012 Buffalo Roundup gallery on the Dakota Visions Photography, LLC website.  And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or Twitter.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Monday, October 1, 2012

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup - Part I

The 47th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup was considered a great success this year.  Spectators received the thrill of their life by the great show put on by Chad Kremer, the herd manager at Custer State Park, and the many employees plus volunteer riders.  This multi-day event draws people from as far away as Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.  There is no other place in the world, where you can sit with 10-15,000 people from around the world and watch nearly a 1,000 bison rumble at up to speeds of 50 mph across the prairie, than in western South Dakota. 

Even before the park gates open at 6:15am, the line of cars at the two main entrances are backed up for a mile or two.  Steadily, as the traffic flows in all morning, the crowd begins to gather in their favorite spot on the north or south of the park corrals.  But don't be late - they close the gates to allow for minimal distraction and problems with viewing around 9/9:30am.  You don't want to miss this one!

The morning sun rises in Custer State Park and creates a beautiful backdrop for a breakfast served on site of pancakes, sausage, and hot chocolate! 

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

The staff and volunteers help get the crowd riled up and ready for the main show.  Here, Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup long-time volunteer, A.J. Walters, takes questions from the audience.  As you can see, the staff and volunteers take good care to provide an excellent show.  And in the background, you can see - the tourist buses, literally roll into the park for this show!

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

And as the time draws nearer to the 9:30-10:00am roundup, the park staff and volunteers get the crowd ready.  The take questions, point out the roundup route for newcomers, and even tell a few good-humored jokes. 

2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

And then the main event arrives...  Oops, guess we'll have to save that for Part II of this series! 

Stay tuned for more on the 2012 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup later this week.  And don't forget to check out these photographs and more as we begin to add them into our 2012 Buffalo Roundup gallery on the Dakota Visions Photography, LLC website.  And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or Twitter.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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