Photo Essay: Come and Wade Awhile
Photos and Story by Dewey Hamblin
My love affair with photography started way back—more than 50 years ago. It might be hard to believe, but it all began with a simple Kodak Brownie. From there, I went through a Polaroid phase before finally diving headfirst into the magic of 35mm film cameras.
My time at the University of South Florida was where my photography really blossomed. Taking several photography courses and working as a lab technician helped me develop my eye for composition.
Moving to Lakeland years ago was a game-changer. The natural beauty here is incredible, especially Circle B Bar Reserve. It’s my happy place for taking photos.
The challenge in photographing wading birds or any wildlife is always timing. Having all the components like lighting, subject, and action all match up is magical. What I love most about these birds is how quietly and gently they move through the water. The old saying of being at the right place at the right time always rings true—especially at Circle B.
And of course having the right equipment always helps. My gear of choice includes Nikon D850 and Nikon Z8 bodies with a Nikon 300 2.8 prime lens with a Nikon 2 X converter.
The Great Blue, pictured here, has caught a large eel and is prepping it for breakfast.
The small Purple heron was perched on a railing on the Lake Hancock pier / gazebo.
The Tri-Colored heron is moving toward a vantage point to hunt for small minnows.
A mature Great Blue heron doing what he does best, catching fish. However, these fellows will eat just about anything from small alligators to baby ducks. They are voracious eaters.
The GBH or Great Blue heron is one of my favorite wading birds. They are one the largest wading birds at Circle B. This photo was taken on a foggy morning on Lake Hancock.