We stopped by a boggy spot affectionately known as the frog farm where we frequently see tree frogs, dragonflies, anoles…all sorts of little creatures hanging out on the plants.
On Tuesday we saw just the flowers, including this near-perfect Cana Lily.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 21, 2026
LimoStudio 24X24 Tabletop Studio Box, White cloth backdrop
Godox iT32 Flash off camera, X5O Trigger
This Tricolored Heron was on the hunt for breakfast. He and the trees on the far side of the pond made a lovely water reflection.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
The recent heat inspired me to round up the various still photography and flash doodads we have acquired but rarely use for some indoor photography. Now to figure out which accessories to try and how to use them.
The easiest part was the Godox iT32 Flash/X5O Trigger. It just worked with my OM 1 Mark II with only a little fuss. I have used it before and remembered struggling to get it off the camera when I overtightened the X5 locking ring. So this time I didn’t have it tight enough at first and the communication to the flash unit failed.
Detaching the flash for off-camera use is as simple as the minimal instructions imply: there are no connections to set up for the trigger, it is all automatic. For this shot I placed the flash outside the box, aimed through the left side, which is made of a white nylon material, and placed a yellow filter over the flash unit.
My ironing technique for the backdrop needs improvement.
LimoStudio 24X24 Tabletop Studio Box, White cloth backdrop
Godox iT32 Flash off camera, X5O Trigger, with a yellow filter
Well, they really weren’t paying any attention to the passing Skimmer, but the Black-crowned Night-heron and Alligator add something to the images. It was shortly after sunrise and the light wasn’t yet reaching the water or the near side of the pond.
When the Skimmer lifted off the water to make a turn he was nicely lit.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
The sun had been up long enough that this Great Blue Heron might already have had his breakfast. The pond was teeming with fish so he certainly had opportunity.
I thought he might keep fishing but he decided to move along.
Although it was just one flap of his wings…
… and a gentle landing.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
July 10. 2026
This young Downy Woodpecker wanted to land on our birdfeeder but he was having trouble with his approach.
Which way to turn?
The stick is attached to the pole holding the feeder, providing a convenient landing and eating perch.
He made it after a few tries then a bolder Carolina Chickadee chased him off. The Woodpecker was back in just a few minutes to try again.
July 10, 2026
I saw this Mississippi Kite land or might not have noticed him, way up overhead.
He sat right there while I shifted around to get the light on his good side.
And sat there some more. I hoped to see him take off, but finally gave up waiting and I moved on.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
A small flock of Black-necked Stilts were feeding in a shallow pool left when the water was drained from the big pond. Several of them appeared to be juveniles, both by their squawky constant communication and mottled brown feathers.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
