All posts by Ellen Jennings

Working With Flash: Sunflower in Milk Bottle

July 18, 2026 Ellen Jennings 5 Comments

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

Shore Birds

Black Skimmer with Audience

July 16, 2026 Ellen Jennings 10 Comments

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.

Black Skimmer, Alligator and Black-crowned Night Heron

When the Skimmer lifted off the water to make a turn he was nicely lit.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026

Wading Birds

Great Blue Heron Just After Sunrise

July 16, 2026 Ellen Jennings 6 Comments

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

Flowers

Silent Sunday: Black-eyed Susan

July 12, 2026 Ellen Jennings 5 Comments

July 10. 2026

Birds

Juvenile Downy Woodpecker

July 11, 2026 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

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

Raptor

Mississippi Kite Perched

July 7, 2026 Ellen Jennings 6 Comments

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

Shore Birds

Black-necked Stilts Feeding

July 6, 2026 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

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

Wading Birds

Great Egret Coming Through

July 6, 2026 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

The Great Egret’s chosen landing spot was occupied, but it didn’t slow him down or cause him to alter his plan.

It worked out as the immature Snowy Egret just kept on walking, never turning his head.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026

Shore Birds

Black Skimmer Fishing

July 4, 2026 Ellen Jennings 3 Comments

Repairs have restarted on the dike around the old rice field pond at Magnolia Plantation so the water level is low. This provides excellent feeding opportunities for a variety of birds, including Black Skimmers. I spent a couple of hours this morning being entertained.