After many weeks of rain, Central Illinois farmers are finally getting into the fields.

For food. For employment. Thank you, farmers.

My first serious attempt at outdoor portrait photography.

Great subject. Good lighting. Good background.

People picture can be more challenging than landscapes and other less dynamic things.

Although they can also be a lot more rewarding.

Many thanks to a very gracious and accommodating friend for her participation.

What could it be? A mouse?

Ah, never mind.

iPod + clean clothes!

A corn stalk left over from last year.

All but a narrow strip of this area is normally green.

Cattle happily grazing, totally unaffected by the storm.

Washed out.

An ocean of corn stover carried away by flash flooding.

Highway 48 submerged.

Flooding near Taylorville.

April showers bring April flowers…

And hopefully a bountiful harvest this year. Thank God for weather sealed gear…

And thank God for moisture!

Old country elevator against a colorful spring backdrop.

One of the nice features of the 7D is that when you shoot in monochrome, it can save a black and white jpg along with the full color raw file. (I think sepia is my new favorite color!)

Slowly but surely, winter finally gives way to spring.

Refuge in a dark and cold world.