Giggin on the Gasconade

In November I got the awesome opportunity to go gigging for fish for the first time with some guys on the Gasconade River. This is a sport rich in family tradition. Read more in the online edition of Rural Missouri at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ruralmissouri/201112/index.php#/8 and watch the video below. Visit my new YouTube channel for more of my videos at www.youtube.com/KspradleyPHOTO

Jason Martin of Houston scans from the bow of the boat for suckers. Giggers target non-game fish such as suckers rather than bass, trout or bluegill. Since giggers fish at night, powerful lights are used to light up the shallow waters of the Gasconade River.

With a 14-foot gig in hand, Tim Pirtle of Fredericktown scans the waters of the Gasconade River for suckers.

A closeup of the gig.

Jason Martin places a gigged sucker into a well.

The evening's catch.

The fish are then cooked up for others to enjoy.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Here is another image from Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Alton, Illinois. Each winter, hundreds of Trumpeter Swans visit this protected wildlife refuge. North America's largest bird at one point was almost extinct but thanks to efforts in the 1950s, the birds have rebounded. The wetlands and fields of the area near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers provides the birds a great wintering habitat.

Great Blue Heron at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Got this shot of a Great Blue Heron while shooting at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Alton, Illinois. I was there trying to get shots of Trumpeter swans for our January cover and couldnt pass up on this epic light. This guy was just hanging out by the edge of the water and provided for a great silhouette image. This is a great place to see wildlife, especially waterfowl and other birds. Visit www.ruralmissouri.coop/digitalrm to see the image I got of the Trumpeters on the cover. Enjoy!

Ozark Knife-Making School

Tom McGinnis of Ozark Knife Makers heats up a Damascus steel blade during one of his knife-making classes in Ozark, Missouri. For more than three decades the master craftsman has been on the cutting edge of blade building.

Bent Tree Gallery Chair Class

Last month, I ran a story about The Bent Tree Gallery in Clarksville. John Whitt makes awesome things out of bent willow wood. He also offers 2-day workshops in which you can learn to make a bent willow wood chair of your own. Will make a great gift for someone's birthday or Christmas gift.

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

For 40 years, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have transported listeners to the rural Ozarks with their music. Here from founding members John Dillon and Steve Cash how their band got started.

Tetons

The Grand Tetons just past sunset.

Bull Elk - Grand Teton National Park

Got this shot of a bull elk in Grand Teton National Park along Cottonwood Creek Road that parallels the Snake River. This is a great route to take for viewing wildlife, especially in the morning. Make sure you have a four-wheel drive vehicle though. The road gets a little rough sometimes. So, the next time you are in the park, try out the route. 

Grand Teton National Park in Black and White

Another image from Grand Teton National Park in black and white.

Oxbow Bend Kayaker

Sorry for not posting anything for a while. Been busy with a lot of side projects, filing for tax information and general deadline stuff.

Here is another shot from my trip out West back in September. Spotted this kayaker paddling around Oxbow Bend while I was waiting to spot some wildlife along the Snake River. Had some really nice evening light and the reflection was great.

Burger-Kohring Wedding

asdkfjaTis the season for weddings. And this October was no different. Shot another wedding, but this time it was in St. Louis. Had a wonderful day with Oliver and Katherine. They were so laid back and great to work with. Props to Oliver. The poor guy was running a fever but still found a way to provide great emotion. It was a small ceremony at Grant's Lodge but a great spot. I am Oliver's side here and really love the animals and Western feel of the place. We shot some portraits at Laumier Sculpture Park. Not a bad place to shoot, especially with the nice fall color. The reception was held at Two Hearts Banquet Center, which provided me with plenty of space to set up my lights with radio triggers. Thanks again to everyone. Enjoy!

Hall-Atashroo Wedding

At the beginning of October I had the pleasure of shooting another wedding at Cedar Creek Resort near Columbia, Missouri in Boone County. Had great weather and a great setting with great light, which thankfully means great pictures right? Thanks to Megan and David for letting me be a part of your day! Enjoy!