Mangrove saplings in pond on the Caribbean island of Bonaire
While poking around for more images I wanted to process, I came across this shot from last March when we were down in Bonaire. I thought this pond was interesting because it had a lot of young mangrove trees just starting to take hold. I photographed this because all of the mangroves I have seen were quite well developed. This area seemed unique. These young saplings in the wide open space of a Caribbean shoreline seemed to represent a new beginning. The cycle of nature repeating once again and taking hold.
In making images like this, it causes me to ask questions. I don’t know much about mangroves except for their protection of shorelines and providing habitat and protection for many small ocean animals when they are young. In doing a little research, I picked up a new vocabulary word, viviparous. This means the seeds from these trees start their germination on the parent tree versus in the soil. The seeds are buoyant , an obvious property given their habitat, which helps them drift and spread.
For me that is a rewarding benefit of photography. The more we photograph, the more we ask questions, the more we learn about the world around us.
I came across this page while searching on trees and had to stop at the site of your Mangrove pond. The shot seems photoshopped but I know the Caribbean well enough to know that scenes like this are possible. The skill lies in patience and the eye to catch the moment. It is a great photograph. I can even smell the air! I write about trees and the ways of identification but you told me something about mangroves that have always mystified me. I still wonder though, if the seeds are boyent, it must be sheer chance that they germinate and find a foothold near the shoreline.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for the comment and the link to your ID page. Very helpful. I am someone who often has trouble identifying various trees. I know a quite a few by heart and on immediate sight, others takes a bit of work.
If you can explain what you mean by your remark “seems photoshopped” perhaps I can help clarify what went into creation and processing of the image. I assure you, there is nothing “photoshopped” about those mangroves.
Hi Mark. I did not mean it as a criticism. I meant it is such a unique shot with surreal coloring that it ‘seemed’ to have been color manipulated. It is not a frowned upon practice these days, but it is great to know that it was not necessary.
Thomas
Actually, looking at my raw files from this area, this is pretty true to “as seen.” Perhaps what you are referring to is my use of a polarizer. Especially in the Caribbean, this can really make the colors pop by eliminating glare and reflections. And of course, use of polarizers goes back quite far in traditional landscape photography.
Ken, Tom, thanks!
Beautiful scene and nice writing, Mark.
Reading up on a new find is one of the joys and getting outside and doing photography fro me as well. This summer I found an odd caterpillar on goldenrod that festoons itself with dead leaves – really camouflaging itself.
Beautiful, Mark. I get the impression one can have a nice time and get great photos in Bonaire even if you don’t dive. The scenery is gorgeous.
Educating me too! I’ve only seen mature mangroves (very tranquil but spooky places), its lovely to see them start out. Thanks for sharing this one 🙂
Yeah, this one hasn’t reached the spooky phase yet! 🙂
This is a beautiful scene, Mark, I’m glad you came across this image and decided to process and share it. I always enjoy it when a photographer does a little extra to share some information not only about making the photo but about the subjects in the photo as well. Viviparous — I’d read of the process somewhere in the past but I couldn’t have told you the word. Maybe I’ll remember it this time…probably not!
Thanks Earl. I am impressed you heard of that word!
the study of nature is endless and endlessly fascinating. We will all have much more to learn for many lifetimes.
It’s true – I learn so much by being curious about what I’m photographing.
This is such a vivid beautiful image. Especially nice on a blustery winter day.
Thanks Roberta. My curiosity usually exceeds my knowledge on a great many things.
I have learned a lot about nature through photography while researching plants and wildlife, whether this is for an image I took or one I’m viewing. This also is an indication of how little it know or remember from my education years. I also notice there are several excellent nature photographers who have a background in biology. They know their subjects.
I’m glad you’re one of those photographers who has questions and seeks out the knowledge about your subjects. By doing this you help educate me!! God knows I need educated. 🙂
Glad to be of service Monte! If we all can teach someone else one new thing… just imagine how smart we would become! 🙂 I have pretty poor memory retention from school days also. I wish I knew more. I am pretty bad at tree identification in general. I know there are many species of Mangroves, so I can’t yet offer any insight on the type these are. Do you want a homework assignment? 😉
I will agree to some light reading but I’ll pass on writing any papers. LOL