I thought that I was seeing a hummingbird flying around some flowers, and it was not until I checked the picture using the zoom feature that I noticed that it was not a bird; it was a Banded Sphinx Moth. It is usually a night flyer, but every now and then, you can spot one early in the morning feeding on flowers. With its powerful wings and bird-like hovering, it’s easy to mistake it for a tiny hummingbird.
A rare and magical sight to start the day!
Another of my favorite pictures from last weekend is this one.
This photo is a panorama composed of pictures taken along the vertical axis. By doing so, I was able to capture the beautiful cloud and its reflection in the lake.
This last weekend started with a rainy Saturday with little photos taken, but Sunday was a nice day at least in the morning hours when I was shooting.
I took a few pictures of hummingbirds, and of course, one of them won the prize for the best weekend pictures.
Short answer: Photography is both a hobby and a part-time job for me. I love nature photography and capturing events, especially those of our grandsons. While I often share photos for free, I also offer my services to those who want something more private or tailored to their needs.
Photography is more than just clicking a button — it’s an investment of time, skill, and professional equipment. The cameras and lenses I use cost thousands of dollars, and I continually upgrade, maintain, and insure this gear to deliver the best possible results. Along with editing software, storage, and the hours spent preparing and perfecting each session, these costs ensure you receive high-quality photos that truly capture your moments.
This is why I charge for photo sessions — so I can keep creating professional images while covering the real costs behind the art.
You can find the list price and FAQs here.
Pixel size refers to the physical dimensions of each light-sensitive pixel on a camera’s sensor, usually measured in micrometers (µm). Each pixel collects light (photons) and converts it into electrical signals that form your digital image.
Larger pixels = more surface area to capture light.
Smaller pixels = less light per pixel, but you can fit more of them onto the sensor (higher resolution).
Better Low-Light Performance – Larger pixels gather more light, producing cleaner images with less noise.
Higher Dynamic Range – They can capture more detail in highlights and shadows.
Improved Color Accuracy – Since more photons are collected, colors often look richer and truer.
This is why cameras with larger sensors and fewer megapixels (like full-frame cameras) often outperform small, high-megapixel smartphone sensors in challenging light.
Higher Resolution – More pixels = more detail, allowing for larger prints and tighter cropping.
Compact Sensors – Smartphones and small cameras fit more pixels into a tiny sensor to advertise “high megapixel counts.”
But the trade-off is that smaller pixels can get noisy in low light because each pixel gathers less light.
Pro Cameras (Full-frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds): Often strike a balance between pixel size and resolution.
Smartphones: Use very small pixels, but rely on AI/software processing to compensate.
Specialized Cameras: Some low-light cameras prioritize large pixels (lower resolution, but amazing performance in darkness).
👉 Rule of Thumb: Larger pixels are generally “better” for low-light and image quality, but more megapixels (smaller pixels) can be “better” if you need high detail and plan to crop or print big.
Check this video recently released by Simon D'Entremont and you will have a better understanding of everything above-mentioned.
Another highlight coming from last weekend was some of the landscape pictures that I took at Bayport Historic Park.
I love the first picture for its simplicity and colors, but the second one is a view I can’t resist photographing every time I’m there. It’s just beautiful.
It has been hot here in Florida and that affects birding.
As a result, I didn’t have many opportunities to capture good pictures.
One bird that didn’t seem to be bothered by the heat were the Laughing Gulls.
I managed to take a few pictures of these birds in flight.
The Herring Gull is large and pale gray with a white head, pink legs, and a strong yellow bill marked with a red spot. They are winter visitors to Florida, often seen along beaches, piers, and harbors, scavenging for fish or scraps.
The Laughing Gull, on the other hand, is a year-round resident and one of Florida’s most recognizable gulls. In breeding season, it has a black head, red bill, and a raucous, laughing call that gives the species its name. They thrive in coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to busy boardwalks, and are quick to swoop in on snacks left unattended.
Together, these two gulls capture both the seasonal rhythm and the lively spirit of Florida’s shorelines.
Another bird that I photographed was the boat-tailed grackle.
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| Female Boat-tailed Grackle. |
The Boat-tailed Grackle is a striking blackbird found along Florida’s coasts and wetlands. Males are glossy black with long, keel-shaped tails (like a boat’s hull), while females are smaller and brown with a slimmer build. They’re noisy, bold, and often gather in large flocks around marshes, parking lots, and boardwalks. Their loud, varied calls and confident presence make them one of the most noticeable birds in Florida’s coastal areas.
