Wicked Good Photography

Two massive bull Elephants pause to size each other up before engaging once again in their battle for dominance. The sounds of their bodies making contact and the clash of their tusks was incredible. In the midst of all the dust and commotion a flock of birds flew of from the grass and passed through the frame. The contrast of the battling giants and the serenity of the birds in flight was remarkable. It was very special to witness so many different types of Elephant behaviors on my most recent trip. Seeing them fighting like this was a first for me and an experience that I won't forget.

War & Peace | Kenya
February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

The last total solar eclipse to pass over the state of Maine happened in 1963, fourteen years before I was born. The next one won't happen until the year 2079, when I'd be 102 years young. So when I learned about the eclipse in 2024, I figured I should be prepared for the event. I had significant doubts about the probability that we'd have clear skies at the beginning of April. In fact I told photography friends that were considering traveling to Maine, that they should probably plan elsewhere from fear of us having bad weather. Less than a week before the eclipse it seemed my advice was well founded as Maine received one of the biggest snowstorms of this winter. We lost power for five days, and it was only restored the afternoon before the eclipse.

As a result I was really scrambling when it came time to leave. I finished loading my Jeep around 1am and after a few hours of sleep I got up and was on the road by 5am. I was well into my drive before the freeway got busy and thankfully beat the tourist traffic. I headed towards Baxter State Park and made good time. A couple of the locations I had in mind didn't pan out for different reasons, and two hours before the eclipse I was still scouting some alternate spots. As I pulled into a camping area a friendly couple saw my company name on my Jeep. They asked me where I was going to photograph the eclipse from and I told them I still was making up my mind. They shared with me a quiet little spot about 14 miles down the road and showed some photos of it as well. I didn't have anything to lose, so I turned around and headed to that location.

On arriving I found an idyllic scene on the shore of a remote lake with mountains across the water. I expected all the lakes to be iced over, but this one was partially thawed. There were only a couple dozen other vehicles there, so I chose a spot right along the shore and set up to shoot. Before long the time of contact arrived and I started shooting. As totality began the skies darkened and a Canada Goose flew by, honking in alarm at the strange phenomenon that was occurring. Above it was all dark and the only light that could be seen came from the horizon in all directions.

Nothing can truly prepare you for this spectacle. As the flares shoot in all directions around the sun's sphere you almost lose track of time. A rare hush settles over everything as the epic moment of alignment occurs. It was truly incredible. Totality was supposedly over three minutes, but it felt like just a few seconds. I wished I'd had ten minutes to really soak in the majesty of that spectacle, but I am so thankful to have witnessed and photographed it here in my home state. Before making my way home I stopped by and looked for the kind couple that had suggested this location. I was hoping to thank them, but they had already headed for home. Hopefully they will find my website so I can send them a print of this magical scene.

I hope you enjoy my rendering of this awe inspiring event.

The Sound of Silence | Maine
April, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

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Apparently the rodent that's supposed to predict the end of winter was drastically misinformed this year. I guess we shouldn't depend on Groundhogs to tell us when the beginning of Spring will be. Some of the mountains in Maine received over 30 inches of fresh snow last week! We were without power for nearly three days. Thankfully temperatures are already climbing back up above freezing and the snow should melt before long. Hopefully the spring flowers along the edge of our home will survive this unexpected cold snap. I'm looking forward to seeing them in bloom soon!

The Homestead | Maine
March, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

During my recent Tanzania safari we rolled up on a flock of Lesser Flamingos late one afternoon. The high winds were pushing small waves towards the shore which created wonderful patterns in the water. I chose to isolate one bird instead of photographing the whole flock. This allowed me to capture the incredible details and colors in this scene. The water was an intense shade of blue thanks to the rich blue sky that afternoon. It made for the perfect compliment to the bird's pinkish plumage. The greatest challenge was trying to capture a subject with its head above water. They often bury their whole face below the surface for an extended period of time while feeding. This frame shows the point of impact just before the birds head dips below the surface.

Point of Impact | Greater Flamingo
Kenya - February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

After taking a mud bath, this mother and her baby proceed to coat themselves in dust. This layer of mud and dust not only protects elephants from the heat, but also relieves them from insect bites. After bathing in a river, elephants often indulge in a mud bath to form a protective layer on their skin. For many Elephants this is a daily routine. If you're fortunate enough to know their favorite spots you can plan ahead to be there and witness this unique behavior.

Spa Day | Elephant
Kenya - February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

A lioness awakes from her afternoon treetop nap and gives a yawn as she contemplates her next move of the day. Lions aren't well adapted to scale trees and perch atop branches. This phenomenon is so rare that there are only two documented populations of tree climbing lions in all of Africa. Lions can weigh between 250 to 550 pounds, so it isn't easy to lug their bodies up such great heights. On my last safari we were fortunate enough to witness one of these groups.

Experts believe lions climb trees as a behavioral adaptation to protect themselves from the irritation of insect bites while lazing on the ground under trees. Others claim that tree climbing lions perfected the art of climbing trees as a way of escaping the sweltering heat at the ground level. It is also and excellent vantage point from which to hunt.

Lions are actually not physically adapted to climbing trees, but these distinct groups have been able to master this skill over time and teach their young as well. This is a great example of learned behavior, as opposed to instinct.

Treetop Lullaby | Lion
Tanzania - February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

If you encountered this bird when it wasn't displaying you might not give it a second glance, but during its courtship they put on an elaborate display! We were fortunate enough to witness a battle between two males as well, which was an incredible experience. One of my safari guests hilariously named it the 'Battle of the Bastards' and narrated the action with the voice of a pirate. I still laugh when I remember his comedic addition to the action! I have pictures of that event to share as well. The lush green environment for this image made a wonderful setting for this stunning male.

Spring Fancy | Kori Bustard
Tanzania - February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

I'm finally home after a magical month of February visiting Kenya and leading my safari in Tanzania. I look forward to sharing many of the incredible encounters we experienced with you, but this seemed a fitting start. I spent hours with this baby Elephant and its mother as they fed one morning. A flock of birds kept lifting off out of the grass as they Elephants moved about. Each time the birds flew in front of the baby Elephant, I could swear it looked as though the little one was smiling. It was a beautiful way to begin that morning photography session.

Childhood Fantasy | African Elephant
Kenya - February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Expressions of Love | Keel-billed Toucans
Costa Rica

My pre-safari trip to Kenya has been immensely productive. I've captured over 4,000 images and there's still another game drive this evening. Tomorrow I will make my way back to lead my safari in Tanzania. The best way to experience a trip like this is to take it slow. I see so many people rushing from one subject to another. At one point there was a rumored Cheetah sighting and the safari cars moved in a massive caravan at breakneck speed to catch a glimpse of the cat. My guide asked me if I wanted to go look for it and I said no. After all, with all the cars chasing a rumored Cheetah we had the park to ourselves. Also, the more patient you are, the more likely the wildlife will relax and go about their normal routines. Once that happens you tend to get images like this. Sometimes you wait and get nothing, but most of the time you are richly rewarded.

Frog Legs | Saddle-billed Stork
Kenya - February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Earlier today I encountered a beautiful herd of Elephants. This mother carefully led her two young ones on the paths that they will follow for the rest of their lives and taught them the traditions of the herd. Watching the gentle interactions of such a massive animal is truly remarkable. The mother and her second year calf made sure to create a protective barrier for the young one as they processed towards the distant marsh. The rumblings in their throat as they communicate is all you hear. Their feet have a unique muscular design that allows these gentle giants to walk without a sound. A great start to my three week long safari!

Paths of Life | Kenya
February, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Tomorrow I head to Africa for my Tanzania safari. If you want to follow along on my adventure, I'll be posting on my Wicked Good Photography page. I will also post other content on my Instagram account. But before I go I wanted to share one more picture from last week's beautiful winter storm.

Maine has numerous wonderful, old cemeteries and often they boast some beautiful chapels as well. This one caught my eye some time ago. I stopped here this past Autumn and tried to capture this shot, but the foliage wouldn't cooperate. I'd been waiting for a fresh snow fall to clean up the scene and help frame it better and last week I got my chance. I felt the finished image had a kind of Japanese feel to it... You don't get to say that about a Maine photograph every day!

Branching East | Maine
January, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

One of my favorite winter photography pursuits in Maine is to walk the banks of the local rivers and streams and photograph the fascinating ice patterns. Even on days like today when it is cold and overcast there are incredible ice patterns and formations awaiting discovery. This thundering cascade of water never freezes and the spray from it produces some amazing ice throughout the winter. The formation on the right in this image reminded me of a Morning Glory and served as a comforting reminder that there are now only a couple months of winter left for us here in Maine. Before you know it all the ice will be melted away and mud season (I mean Spring) will begin. I better get out there and capture more ice scapes before they are gone!

Flowers of Winter | Maine
January, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

I was up super early yesterday, due to a forecast of 3 to 6 inches of wet, heavy snow. Many of the scenes I like to photograph around southern Maine require beating the snowplows in order to capture the pristine aspect of the composition. The challenge is to get to the location with enough light, but to also arrive before the plows have started and the steps have been shoveled. This is more difficult than it might sound, as the contractors tasked with clearing the snow try to have everything finished in time for the morning commute. I was fortunate to capture this scene before the snow was disturbed. The first rays of sunlight breaking through after the storm provided just a touch of warmth to the scene and finished it off nicely. Right after I packed up my camera gear in the Jeep a snowplow arrived and cleared the parking area. Timing is everything.

Sun Kissed | Maine
January, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

One of my favorite things about a winter storm is how quiet it becomes outside. Softly falling snow muffles every sound and the number of cars on the streets decreases dramatically. If you're fortunate enough to get out before the snowplows start their cleanup of the streets and sidewalks, then you can experience quaint little shops like this one in mid-coast Maine refreshed by a clean blanket of snow. This shot was taken just before dusk last week during our most recent storm. The shop looks so inviting with the flakes falling from the darkening sky. My only regret is that they weren't open for me to enjoy one of their delicious donuts and a hot coffee!

Powdered Donuts | Maine
January, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

This past weekend I took my youngest son to Downeast Maine for a chess tournament and I decided to get some photography in while I was up that way. The weather forecast was calling for clearing clouds right before sunset. However, the predictably unreliable weather forecast of northern New England lived up to its reputation and this never came to fruition. When I arrived at the lighthouse I was greeted by dark, ominous clouds and 30 mph winds. I quickly realized the shot I envisioned wasn't going to happen and devised an alternate plan. I was pleased to see the wind pushing the clouds from the mainland directly over the lighthouse and blowing them offshore. I planned my composition with this in mind and put a neutral density filter in front of my lens to allow for a 120 second exposure. The clouds of blue hour worked their magic. I was delighted with the added bonus of one of the interior lights being on in the house, giving the scene some additional intrigue. When the day was over I had a keeper for my portfolio and my son finished his tournament in third place and went home with a trophy. I'd say it was a win for both of us.

Marriner's Night Light | Maine
January, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

There aren't many places where you can watch the sun set over the ocean in Maine, but this is one of them. This location has increasingly become a bit of a zoo over the past few years. As more and more people come to visit and witness the sunset, it only further rises in popularity. Not being one for large crowds, I tend to avoid this spot. However, when I happen to be in the area it's hard to resist this beautiful sight. My goal for this particular composition was to work with the moving water in the foreground and get away from the throngs of people on the rocks. This meant getting wet and putting my camera gear in a bit of a precarious situation. I waded out onto a small rock, set my tripod up and waited for the sets of waves to roll into the pool in front of me. I really liked the way the water patterns in the foreground add some interest to a scene that has been shot countless times before.

Illumination | Maine
October, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Winter has finally arrived in New England and the bright cover of a recent snowfall has refreshed the landscape from the dull, drab tones that Autumn left behind. I'm always captivated by the way a new snowstorm changes the scenery. Old footbridges that one normally may not give a passing glance, suddenly become intriguing subjects. While I was contemplating this composition, a casual pedestrian walked to the center of the bridge with his morning coffee. He added the perfect human element I wanted for my shot. I silently thanked the unknown stranger under my breath as I clicked the shutter and returned to my Jeep.
We are expecting another winter storm tomorrow, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the new photographic opportunities it will provide!

The Great Unknown | Maine
January, 2024
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Editing images like this one gives me goose bumps years after the shot was taken. This was certainly a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. This image is a seven frame panorama. The massive lenticular cloud must have been a couple miles in length. I was in disbelief capturing this scene.

Shock & Awe | Iceland
June, 2019
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Nearly every time I come across a Sumac tree with my camera in the season of Autumn I stop and try to capture an image that will do it justice. Over the years I've set my tripod up in from of them many times, only to feel the resulting image doesn't live up to their splendor. I'm not sure why I keep trying, I guess it's just a challenge I can't pass up. Throughout most of the year there isn't anything particularly remarkable about these trees. They tend to be brittle and break off before they grow very large and often crowd out other plants once they take root. I suppose it is stunning Fall foliage that catches my attention and has made me so fond of them.

As I was driving around after a recent snowfall it came as no surprise that I made a u-turn and stopped to photograph this Sumac cluster in the freshly fallen snow. The fruits on the branches were still intact and quite vibrant due to the mild winter we've had thus far. The rich, reddish-orange color really popped under the fresh, white snow. As I stepped away and loaded my gear into my Jeep I felt I'd finally done one of these trees some measure of justice. Maybe I'd just been trying to photograph them in the wrong season all these years.

Torches of Winter | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Perhaps our greatest test is when we are able to bless someone else while we are going through our own storm... Thank you to those that choose to be a light, despite their own challenges in life.
Wishing you all the best in the coming New Year!

All The Little Lights | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

To all my friends around the world...
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season.
All the best in the coming new year!

Winter Festivities | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Fascinating patterns of lights and reflections can be found all across Maine during this festive season. One of the greatest challenges is finding them without crowds of people walking through your frame. I've found the later I stay out, the better the results. If you use your imagination a bit, the lights on the building and their reflection kind of look like a star.

Wonderland | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Thanks to a massive rainstorm that moved through Maine yesterday I was able to get out and capture some fresh images due to the unique conditions. Rivers were swollen to capacity and the recent snow we received was gone in a matter of hours. However, giant rain puddles like this one formed and made what were an already beautiful scenes, even more intriguing. I'll share more from that excursion soon!
I captured this shot before the rains arrived and there was still real snow on top of this life-sized snow globe at L.L. Bean's flagship store. Whoever said the yellow brick road was fantasy, never stood in my shoes...
There's no need to make magic, when you can see it.

Dreams of December | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Maine has some wonderful traditions when it comes to decorating for Christmas. The buoy and lobster trap trees that spring up in towns across the state this time of year have become a favorite of mine. These beautiful arrangements pay tribute to the lobstermen that have been an integral part of our culture for generations. I was able to photograph this buoy tree after a fresh rain. The water on the pier made for a nice bit of reflection. The perfect finishing touch.

Reflections of the Season | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Winter arrived yesterday with our first glorious snowstorm of the season. I left early in the morning and stayed out shooting for over 18 hours. My journey took me from my home region around Yarmouth out to Gray and Poland. From there I drove to York and made stops in Wells, Kennebunkport, Portland and Freeport. I finally headed home around 2am and got to sleep by 3am. Suffice it to say that I'll be consuming a fair amount of caffeine today! Now I have an abundant supply of fresh winter scenes to share with you over the coming weeks. Here's one of the images I captured yesterday earlier in the journey. I hope you enjoy it!

Whitewashed | Maine
December, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

While exploring I discovered these really deep holes in the bedrock along a river. No doubt they were created by years of erosion from the raging waters and tumbling rocks rushing over them. During the Summer these holes were filled with water and there were rocks at the bottom of them. I thought they would make for great images. However, when I returned this Fall to photograph them I discovered that they had dried up. Some of them were filled with a colorful array of stones and vibrant Autumn leaves. The afternoon sun beautifully illuminated my subject and made the colors pop. This discovery made the journey worth it and produced an even better photograph than I'd imagined.

Treasure Chest | Maine
October, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved

Happy Thanksgiving friends! Here is a proud trio of turkeys in front of some beautiful Fall foliage that I captured last month. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and loved ones!

Signs of the Season | Maine
October, 2023
© Nathaniel Smalley | All Rights Reserved