Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove, IL

Totem Pole

Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove, IL

Eagle Pole

Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove, IL

Native Chief

8 x 10 Fine Art Print(s)

Payment Button Below

Sandy Pine Elk Farm is among my favorite places in the Sauk Valley. Please click on the link above to find out more about the times and offerings available at this local attraction.

One of the things that draws me to this place is that my heritage includes a native component. I am descended -- three generations back -- to the Blackfoot tribe. The Sauk and Fox nation also figure prominently in the history of this region...as you might expect from the name, Sauk Valley. Abraham Lincoln helped fight the Black Hawk war here before he became the 16th president. As some of you may know, Chief Black Hawk was among the last *freedom fighters* for the lands from Saukenak, Wisconsin to Grand deTour, IL.

The totem pole at Sandy Pines Elk Farm is something that you should not miss. It speaks to the history of this land we humbly and respectfully call home.

Sunrise Over Lowell

Sunrise Over Lowell

Fine Art Photo by Wayne Wilkinson

Limited Edition of 30 prints

8 x 10 inches on archival paper

Payment Button Below

Until you have walked through this nature wonderland, will you not appreciate this wonderful gift that was presented to the City of Dixon near the turn of the 19th century.

Established in 1907, it has stood through all these years as a place whereby people could relax and enjoy recreation to its fullest. It is where Ronald Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard and is reported to have saved 77 people from the river during his tenure. We hope you will enjoy the picturesque scenery and that some day you will visit this magnificent park.

The scenic overlook from the park has been an artists' delight for nearly a century. You can view the scenery for miles and observe the river meandering along its course. The image above was taken from this vista in the early summer of 2007; one hundred years after the park was established. By all accounts, the beauty and grandeur have not been compromised.

Do The Clothes Make the Man?

Curious Doe

Fine Art Photography by Wayne Wilkinson

Under License: Not For Sale

Often we can determine a person's profession by the clothes they wear. Medical doctors, policemen, soldiers, sailors...military personell...firemen, et cetera. It is not so typically discernable with photographers. Most look indistinguishable to you or me. Perhaps this is why so many of us are becoming increasing harrassed by law-enforcement and security types?

In an effort to establish my photo-centric attire, I recently purchased the field cap and lapel pin from the Nature Photographers Network. I have also been considering the photojouralist vest from Command Post as they have the best prices that I have been able to find.

My concern is that while I wish only to capture the nuances of our beloved Sauk Valley, my dressing as a para-military member may draw the ire of Conservation forces or worse.

Am I being over concerned or critical? Maybe, maybe not. There has been much to do over photographer's rights lately. Yahoo Groups have breeched the subject in detail. This blog has made mention as well. I am not a conspiracy theorist by any means but I cannot help but wonder how long it might take before the simple act of taking a picture will be deemed illegal here among the cornfields?

Taking only pictures, leaving only footprints,

Wayne

Make the Most From your Digi-Prints

Sunrise Over Lowell

Fine Art Print by Wayne Wilkinson

Available in limited Edtion sizes

Inquire for current pricing

SaukValley.com - Serving Dixon, Sterling & Rock Falls

Digging through the saukvalley archives, I was able to dig up this little gem from back in January. Yes, it is a wire service filler...but what the heck? The info is still good. Plus, I think that readers of Sauk Valley Photography will appreciate it.

BY SARAH WELCH AND

ALICIA ROCKMORE

GETBUTTONEDUP.COM

The beauty of digital photography is that you aren't afraid to "waste" any film so you theoretically won't ever miss a great moment. On the flip side, that means you probably have a lot more photos to catalog and print now than you did with "old fashioned" cameras.Sarah: "Play to Your Strengths"

Both my husband and I love to play photographer. But once the shots have been snapped, that's where our differences come in. I have tons of fun organizing photos and making online albums, but don't seem to have the patience to upload and touch up every single shot. Since my tech savvy husband enjoys the initial set up work, once our camera is full, I just hand it off to him. After he gets the ball rolling, I take over where he leaves off. Not only does this tradeoff reduce the amount of time each of us will need to commit, it also keeps digital photography fun for both of us - as it should be!

Alicia: "Zap the Duds!"Digital photography takes the cake as a hassle-free technology. A lot of us still hang on to our old-fashioned habits of saving every picture, regardless of how awful it is. But there's no need to keep an unflattering image, an out of focus blur, or that shot of your shoe that little Johnny snapped by accident. Don't be afraid to discard the duds! My husband and I try to delete bad ones on the spot, but if we can't decide in the moment, or don't have time, we do it as soon as the pictures are uploaded to the computer.

Here are three ways to help you make the most out of your digital photos:

1: Pick a Program Whether it's iPhoto or Kodak Picture Viewer, or any of the host of other online photo storage sites. Test a few different photo-viewing programs until you find one that you really like. Then stick with it. It's much easier to keep track of all of your photos if they are in one place. You're also much more likely to keep them up to date and organized if you find the program to be intuitive and easy to use.

2: Share the Fun Sending photos via e-mail attachments can be can be a major time waster, and larger photo files are often stopped by e-mail filters anyway. So store them online instead. Most photo sites such as Flickr.com, KodakGallery.com and Sony.com let you store and create online albums for free. When you're ready to share them with friends and family, simply e-mail the link and they will have easy access without ever having to sit through a never ending download.


** There are so many photohosting sites to choose from I am sure that you will find one to your liking

3: No Need to DIY Let the pros handle your digital printing for you. Online services such as Kodak, Sony, and even CVS, Jewell/Osco, Kmart, Target, Walgreens, Walmart will let you upload your digital photos and print them for less money than it would initially cost for an old fashioned roll of film, not to mention the cost of developing that roll of film. The best part: you don't even need to travel to pick them up. Often within a few business days, your printed photos are sent right to your front door, completely hassle free.

Illinois Freedom Bell, Mt. Morris

Illinois Freedom Bell, And Plaque

Mt. Morris, Illinois

Fine Art Prints Available

Purchase Buttom Below

This past week end proved eventful for me. Saturday, I was hoping to take in the Homestead events at Muller Lane Farm . As Mother Nature would have it, rain prevailed. I was, however privy to the Twin City Market in Sterling, IL. This was more than I had expected! Local farmers and artisans were well represented with their produce and wares. I ate a delicious bison burger from a local husbandman, and was able to take in the fine banjo playing of a man who had a love of bluegrass music.Had it not been raining steadily, I know that photos would have been spewing forth like a cornicopia. Alas, my picture safari would have to wait another day...

Sunday dawned with a typical overcast "Illinois Grey" sky. At least the rains subsided, and I was able to travel the 12 miles to Mt. Morris. I had hoped to capture some images of the Illinois Freedom Bell, along our famous Black Hawk Trail. I was not disappointed.

That illustrious bell rings loud and proud every fourth of July at the climax of the Let Freedom Ring Festival. Ronald Reagan, president of these United States dedicated the first bell in 1963. Later, in 1984 he invited the most ardent supporter of its appeal --apology for the pun-- to the White House.

Even with the images of the Illinois Freedom Bell lodged securely within my camera, I wanted more. I took off for Leaf River. A village barely north of Mt. Morris in search of a few shots of the history museum located there. Regretably, these were not to be had. A car in the parking lot along with the heavy lay of precipitation negated my chances of capturing acceptable images.

Not to be disheartened, I returned to Mt. Morris, and found Mike Norman of Mt Morris Country Crafts manning his shoppe. This quaint crafter's paradise is open to the public and awaits you on the west side of village square. Mike is a wood worker. His wife is a weaver. They have some of the most beautiful examples of home-made items I have ever seen. Of course other crafters also occupy booths within their walls; perhaps my work will be there too? I hope so.

After all this, I was off to Amboy, IL. for the inaugural (first birthday ) of my serugate nephew, Gabriel. It was a grand affair where I took nearly sixty pics of the tyke, along with other family and friends; the innocence of a baby coupled with chocolate cake smeared across a face never ceases to astound, amuse and inspire me.

I hope that your week end was a good one and that you were able to find time to capture your share of memories!

All best,

-Wayne

ASMP - LEGISLATIVE ALERT

Illinois Feedom Bell

Mt. Morris, IL

Illinois Freedom Bell II

Mt. Morris, Illinois

Fine Art Prints Available

Purchase Button Below Article

ASMP The American Society of Media Photographers has issued a legistlative alert!

Legislative Alert:

June 14, 2007 — ASMP is concerned about a bill that has been introduced in the New York state legislature. The issue is related to rights of publicity and could have an impact on your business even though you are not a New York state resident.
Please take the time to read the documents link provided in red above, especially the draft letter, to have a complete understanding of what is at stake.

Yes, New York state may seem far removed from our beloved Sauk Valley of Illinois but with the immediacy of the world wide web, it is much closer than its physical geography.

The precendent(s) that the New York bill(s) would introduce can and will affect our photography businesses. Especially if you have a photo of anyone who has died in the past 70 years and want to sell it (most commonly this applies to celebrity pics) you will want to read the alert!

To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

-Wayne

lightning Bugs (or Fireflies)

Lightning Bug & Lilly Series

Fine Art Prints Available

Please inquire for pricing

Editorial and Commercial Interests Preferred

On the first day of summer, 2007, I wasn't expecting to be taking photos of a lightning bug! The lillies were what I was originally after, and yes, I did get some excellent shots of them as well. But this was a "happy coincidence."

I never gave much thought to where fireflies go during the day. Now I know. It seems as though they prefer ground cover, and in this case -- a bit of camoflauge. Come to find out, adults will eat the nectar of flowers, so perhaps this little guy was getting his breakfast before he was rudely interupted?

Just goes to show that photos can happen everywhere or anywhere. Of course, we can't get the shot without our cameras so be sure to take yours along where ever you go!

lightning Bugs (or Fireflies) Lightning Bugs are the same as Fireflies. They are members of a particular family of the Beetle Order. The Firefly Family is technically known as the Lampyridae. Lightning Bugs are beetles. They can't be "flies" as their name suggests, since "flies" are members of the Fly Order. Glow-worms, which produce light similar to Lightning Bugs', also are beetles, but they belong to a different, though closely related, family, the Phengodidae. There are many Lightning Bug species.
-- Click on the red link above for more of this article.