This morning I decided to head out to our wetlands area. On Wednesday they did a controlled burn, generally an annual event in the spring. Last year they did not do the burn due to extreme drought. Instead they dug out areas of the reeds and grasses. It was quite messy, and I’m not sure it was as effective.
Because I was not visiting the site when they did the last burn, I was curious to see the process. I did an internet search and learned that this burn is necessary to remove dead and thatched bulrush and cattail, which, if not removed, will eventually stifle new growth. It is also a training exercise for the city fire department. I also learned that they burn only a portion of the wetlands park each year.
Ironically, I read a post yesterday and saw cool smoke photos by Ritva (Ritva Sillanmäki Photography: see her post here). Today I had the opportunity to experiment with some photos of smoke rising from areas still smoldering from the fire. Had I not seen her post, I may not have thought to get creative. Thank you Ritva!
The walk did not provide many ducks or birds like I had hoped (I saw a few, and heard a lot in the trees). But there were signs of life (I even saw the bobcat walk in front of my camera while taking a photo!), and it gave me the opportunity to see the process, as well as some of the hidden areas generally hidden behind the reeds. It was eerie and fascinating!
Below are a few of my smoky photos, as well as a few additional photos of the area. Hopefully in the next few weeks the birds will return and the colors will turn from browns to greens.
I find it kind of cool to imagine forms and images in the smoke.
What do you see?
peace of life today 
Wow. Those are cool pics, Lisa. I especially like the purple one. They remind me of the Universe. Vast wisps of stars strung across the sky, like smoke. Have a lovely week, my friend. ☺️
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Thank you so much Jeff! I thought I saw ghostly type creatures in there… maybe because of Halloween just past?!😁 I like your description much better!!
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You’re most welcome, Lisa! Hahaha. 😅 That’s fun. 👻⭐️✨
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Wonderful photos of the smoke, Lisa. So atmospheric!
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Thank you Jo! It really was an odd feeling walking around with smoke and burnt areas around there.
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Cheers to your walk, but for me, the smoke images stole the show. 🙂
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Thank you Frank! I guess you just never how how something might turn out unless you give it a try! 😊
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Well stated.
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Those smoky shots are really effective – I’m glad you were inspired to take them 🙂
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Thank you so much Sarah!
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These photos are exquisite!
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Thank you so much VJ! So glad I took advantage of the opportunity 😊
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Welcome. I’m glad you did too!
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What an interesting topic…I like the purple smoky photo the best.
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Thank you! Something a little different 😊
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Native Americans also did controlled burns back in the day. Doing a control burn also gets rid of dead stuff that could catch fire down the road, um…in the future.
Very cool photos!
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Thank you Holly! Because it was just grasses and sticks, it actually smelled like a big bonfire! I thought it smelled good and the smoke didn’t bother my eyes (I was afraid it might).
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That is actually good to know, about the irritation. I bet the fire really wasn’t all that big – height wise. I interned at a conservation center in WVA while taking classes at Shepherd U. One weekend they did a control burn, I wasn’t allowed on the property at the time. But afterwards I took photos.
It was really cool. New, green life was popping up from the charred ground. Even trees in the middle of the burned area.
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I am totally looking forward to seeing the changes. I also am of the belief that controlled burns can help prevent bigger fires down the line (forest fires…)
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Wonderful photos, they give a lovely sense a place, while some still looking a bit abstract! 🙂
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Thank you! I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to get, but it was fun trying something different. 😊
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These photos are very beautiful Lisa. It’s nice to get creative with photography.
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Thank you! Yes, sometimes I get tired of doing the same thing, but I just love taking pictures 😊
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So do I. I love photography and many different types.
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Excellent photo of smoke ! Thank you 🙂🎉
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Thank you so much! Something I hadn’t tried before. 😊
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But it was beautiful 🌹☺
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Quite interesting! Who knew. Usually I just get mesmerized by the fire. I see a treble clef in one of the photos. Do you see that?
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Hey, yes I do see it! Well, now I have discovered how fun it is to photograph smoke! …in an appropriate situation of course!
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Oh, wow! Well captured. First smoke picture, I saw a horse. Great post.
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Wow, that is amazing, I think I see him too!! Thank you 😊
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