Soft light glides over the still surface of a quiet pond, where the gentle rhythm of life unfolds. Among ripples and reflections, a family of swans moves gracefully through the calm waters. Their pale feathers shimmer under the sunlight, creating a mirror image that blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Each moment is filled with quiet elegance, from the adults leading their young to the small ripples forming behind every movement.
In the gentle landscapes of southern Moravia, near the ponds and meadows of Jaroslavice, life unfolds in quiet harmony. Morning light glimmers on the still surface of the water, and soft rustling rises from the reeds — the sound of countless wings and calls that shape the rhythm of the place.
In the heart of Moravia stands Tovacov Castle, a proud sentinel of history surrounded by quiet elegance and timeless charm. Its tall tower rises above the gentle landscape, watching over the nearby ponds and meadows that turn into a serene winter tableau when frost settles across the land.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.