Nature

A fallow-deer with his family in Nature Park

Last month, I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Mariánské Lázně, a charming spa town nestled in the Czech Republic. During my stay, I was accommodated in a lovely spa hotel, and not far from it, I discovered a small yet delightful nature park. Little did I know that this serene haven would offer me an unexpected encounter with a beautiful fallow deer family. 

Namest nad Oslavou deer-park

Towards the close of February, I had the pleasure of exploring the Namest nad Oslavou deer-park. It's quite a remarkable expanse, really, comprising not only the sprawling parkland surrounding a majestic castle but also a significant portion of the adjoining forest. As I meandered through this picturesque landscape, I found myself drawn time and again to the tranquil allure of a small pond nestled amidst the verdant foliage.

Rose hips and meadow flowers in the autumn

With Covid-19 restrictions in place, it can be challenging to find things to do that do not put yourself or others at risk. However, one activity that can be both enjoyable and safe is taking a walk in nature. By exploring places where there are no crowds, you can still get out and enjoy the great outdoors, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Exhibition of orchids in Vienna

I recently visited the "Orchideenausstellung" in Vienna, an exhibition showcasing a wide variety of plants, flowers and gardening equipment. Although it was advertised as an orchid exhibition, I was pleasantly surprised to find a range of other plants and flowers on display, making it a true celebration of horticulture.

Birds by the pond

Capturing a bird in flight is no easy feat. It requires a camera with a reliable tracking system, or at least one that is fast and has a long lens. Additionally, you need a flying bird that is flying close enough and not too fast. If the bird is flying too far away, some details may be lost in the shot.

Luckily, I found a place by one of Lednice's ponds where many birds had gathered, and some were taking to the skies. Others stayed on the water, creating a beautiful and serene scene.

Sunflowers in the field

As summer was coming to an end, I stumbled upon a beautiful field of sunflowers on my daily commute. I couldn't resist but to stop and take some pictures of these golden flowers stretching as far as the eye could see. The sunflowers stood tall and proud, facing the sun with their vibrant yellow petals, making for a stunning sight against the clear blue sky.

Searching motives

Photography is a creative process, but sometimes even the most creative minds can hit a roadblock and find themselves without any idea of what to capture. When this happens, it can be helpful to go out and search for inspiration. One effective method is to go out and explore your surroundings, whether it's in your local neighbourhood or further afield. The beauty of photography is that there is always something new to discover, even in familiar places.

Moravian Tuscany trees and field waves in the late summer

The Moravian Tuscany region of the Czech Republic is known for its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming countryside. In the late summer months, the landscape comes alive with vibrant shades of green and gold, as the fields and trees sway gently in the breeze. It's a beautiful time to visit the region, and the author of this text recently had the chance to take some photos of the stunning scenery.

Vineyards Velke Pavlovice in the end of the winter

This weekend, I embarked on a delightful journey to Velke Pavlovice, immersing myself in the serene alleys and pathways of the picturesque vineyards. The air carried a fresh scent, tinged with the natural fragrance of fertilized soil. Despite the slight chill, the emergence of the sun painted enchanting waves and shadows across the sprawling vineyards and fields.

Holedna park

Picture this: Fallow deer observing you from a few meters away, bathed in the soft glow of sunbeams filtering through the trees. Welcome to the enchanting Holedna Park in Brno, a haven where cut tree branches and scattered trunks create a serene tableau in the heart of the forest. When the need for relaxation arises, the allure of such a tranquil setting is unparalleled.