In spite of strong wind with gusts up to 30+ mph, the DJI Mini 2 drone was able to capture this Southwest Minnesota corn harvest in action. Manual setting ISO 100/2.8 /1/500. My heart stopped a couple of times when gusts of wind severely tilted the drone but I felt great relief when it quickly recovered. The sky image was captured with a Canon Mark 3 later that same evening. Composite image edited with Photoshop and Topaz.
Too wet to mow, so our farm lawn was full of dandelions that had transformed from their bright yellow flower to a light gray fluff, shining in the evening light. While most people would look at them with distain, referring to them as weeds, my grandson was excited to discover so many wishing flowers. I like how he thinks!
I had no plans of creating the final composite product when I shot these images, but sometimes things just develop and ideas flow. Hmmm. What if…?
Three rambunctious boys ride their scooters down my driveway.
Swap images in to add their sister and improve expressions. 
Add a colorful sky scene I captured in the Pyrenees back in 2014 (Looks like the South Dakota hills).
Road dust colored in by using Photoshop brushes and finished it off with Topaz edits.
Final product: The Dusty Sunset Gang!
Fences may separate us, but beauty remains.
The parched prairie remains vibrant along this hillside near Gary, South Dakota. We work hard yet still find time to play hard…
Window light casts its shadow upon this young woman, as it did her mother and grandmother, as she reflects upon the history contained within these walls. The old wooden ironing board leans against the wall holding memories, laughter and tears of generations past.
Hard to believe the base for this composite image was captured May 1, 2017. No wonder we never get bored with our weather along the Minnesota/South Dakota border.
Click on image for a larger viewing window.
I have been photographing silhouettes for many years dating back to the days of film, yet never tire of them. Very simple in form while triggering the emotions, drawing you into a deeper, more meaningful moment or romantic story. Capturing silhouettes with a camera is quite simple as long as you expose for the sky turn off your flash.
Click on the following link for a more detailed tutorial on capturing silhouettes: How to Capture a Silhouette
Believe it or not, the prairie is brimming with opportunity for youth in our rural area. Musicians, artists, athletes…the list goes on. We have some of the finest schools providing a solid education along with extra-curricular activities to round out the experience. Many of these students are also working part-time jobs, perform volunteer work, and participate in other programs such as 4-H along with their studies. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of your high school experience.
The world may seem to be a roller coaster of events, but these examples of the class of 2017 give me hope.
Best wishes for the future and peace out!
RJMeyerArts 