Chris' Camera Bag

A Photo Web log by Chris Young

Midsummer’s eve on the prairie

With the kids away at camp or off with friends, Dad had some time last week to visit some area prairie sites to take some pictures.

Fortunately, my free time coincided with cool weather and (mostly) sunny skies.

With new digital cameras that practically see in the dark, we sometimes forget about the importance of good light.

Low sun angles, warmer colors and creeping shadows combine for great photo opportunities.

Take time to visit our state parks, nature preserves, local nature centers and other places to see the Illinois prairie in all its glory.

(Above) Rosinweed (right) and compass plants rise out of the Stuart Park Prairie against gathering clouds.

White wild indigo dots the early summer prairie.

The setting sun slants across a small prairie at Stuart Park in Springfield.

The leaves of compass plant are highlighted by the setting sun.

A common yellowthroat warbler perches in the prairie at the Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Sangamon County.

The lower wetland at the Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wild bergamot at sunset in the Centennial Park Prairie in Springfield.

Gray-headed coneflowers at dusk in the Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary.

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