Allure of the Lotus

© Nadya Johnson

Allure of the Lotus

Uploaded: September 18, 2009

Description

I took this near Savanna, Illinois along the Mississippi River. The wild lotuses were at their peak, drifting off like floating islands for as far as you could see. The serenity and beauty of this place, especially when the flowers are in bloom, is nothing short of magical!

Today there are over 230,000 acres of wildlife preserve on the upper Mississippi, encompassing five states. We have one man to thank for that: Wil Dilg, a sports writer in the 1920's. When he learned of plans to drain the marshes, he petitioned Congress to preserve vast areas of wetland in their natural state. He did not know much "ecology" back then, but knew if the wetlands were destroyed, he would lose his beloved fishing grounds! The Refuge was established on June 7th, 1924. And if not for that, we would have lost these precious natural treasures long ago.

It's good to know one person really can make a difference in the world!



Exif: F Number: 18, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/800 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 800, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 18.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi

Comments

Melissa G. Meiselman September 19, 2009

Well, Good Morning, Nadya!! Stunning scene of these beautiful lotuses seen for as far as the eye can see..or camera, taken with sharp detail, that special light, beautiful cloud formations and wonderful composition!!! #1182077

Donna La Mattino Pagakis September 19, 2009

Wow, incredible beauty Nadya! #7955103

Mike Clime September 19, 2009

Wow, it goes on forever! I'll bet it is quite a sight when they are blooming. #7955117

Nadya Johnson September 19, 2009

Thanks so much Melissa, Donna and Mike! #7955133

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer September 19, 2009

This was SOOOO good to read, Nadya. Thanks for sharing this great story.
Wonderful lighting of this gorgeous scenery. Beautiful capture. #7955141

Michelle Alton September 19, 2009

I'm glad I read your description, Nadya. How inspirational. It must be breathtaking to see these "in person!" #7955218

Paul E. Earl September 19, 2009

A man of foresight! How fabulous to see it retained. Too much damage has been done to vital wetlands here in Australia. Only now are people beginning to realise their importance.
A terrific image!! #7955219

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe September 19, 2009

Wonderful story and gorgeous image, Nadya. Lovely! #7955221

Colette M. Metcalf September 19, 2009

Beautiful scene and story!! #7955384

Val Feldman level-deluxe September 19, 2009

Good Morning, Nadya! What an amazing sight, thousands of wild lotuses stretched from frame's end to frame's end...a beautiful sight and one I have never seen before. I loved the info attached to this - How one man's passion for fishing and his persistence in keeping his "fishing hole" intact, preserved this untouched beauty for future generations and many more to come...goes to show what a driving force our passions can be and that we can make a difference when those passions are infringed upon! Hooray for Mr. Dilg! (and wonderful shot, Nadya!!) #7955441

Ray Thoms September 19, 2009

Wonderful image Nadya....it is amazing what one person is able to do....great stroy!

How have you been? #7955510

Ron McEwan September 19, 2009

This is fantastic Nadya and thanks for the history. This is a beautiful place and you have captured it so well, thanks for sharing. #7955544

Monnie Ryan September 19, 2009

A very beautiful place beautifully captured, Nadya! Thanks for the background info as well! #7955758

Nadya Johnson September 19, 2009

Thanks so much to all for taking time to stop by and look, and for leaving such wonderful comments! #7955921

Ann Coates level-classic September 19, 2009

A beautiful scene Nadya and very interesting story. It just goes to show that one person is able to truly make a difference. #7956029

Tarun Bose September 19, 2009

Wow! Looks like a plantation of Lotus. Great shot Nadya. #7956081

Jessica Jenney September 19, 2009

Fabulous capture, Nadya! Beautiful color, composition and love the layering of sky, land and water! #7956091

A P September 19, 2009

Incredible DOF on this awesome capture Nadya. It is good to know one person can much such a difference. I also like the layering as Jessica states. The colors are wonderful. #7956131

Teresa Burnett level-classic September 19, 2009

How beautiful!! Gorgeous capture, Nadya! Must be incredible to see this in person!! Beautifully composed and wonderful color and reflection!! #7956402

Margaret R. Barry September 19, 2009

Fantastic capture, Nadya. Gorgeous colors, light composition and detail! #7956475

Ellen Hodges September 19, 2009

So very beautiful Nadya! Love the Mississippi! It's so gorgeous and you captured this in an awesome way! #7956574

Nadya Johnson September 19, 2009

Thanks so much for your great comments, everyone! #7956655

Eugenio Diaz September 20, 2009

stunning image...bravo!
amazing work, Nadya!
Love it! #7962551

ALLEN O. HOWARD September 23, 2009

Excellent image and history, Nadya! Bill and I went on a trip at, Barnett Resevoir in, Mississippi. These were everywhere. Very well done! #7974785

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.


BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick


Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Nadya Johnson.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.