The Watcher. The birds of the air are among my favorite things to photograph. This odd encounter occurred with an owl I photographed by a creek in a local park. I have been back many times but the spot where I shot this image just cannot be found. It is as if I was transported to a special place to shoot this little watcher of mine.

Original photography by Tobin Pilotte

“The owl is a symbol. It’s much more than just a bird with big eyes, it represents something in the darkness just beyond what we know in our conscious minds. It’s a red flag forcing me to pay attention, a clue to look deeper. Again, why owls?”

― Mike Clelland, Stories from The Messengers: Accounts of Owls, UFOs and a Deeper Reality

Not everything is well thought through. I went out early one morning to photograph the sunrise over a local park creek. Everything went wrong. I got there on time but the park was dark, the trees were in all the wrong places for the shot I wanted, the place I staked out was closed off due to construction. As I was packing up I was greeted by an owl and I was able to take a ton of pics it as it watched over me for the remainder of the time I was there. Even though the park is tiny the location of those shots I have not been able to find again. Its like a dream and so I decided to do a painting of the photo I took.

Peace. There are few things more peaceful to me than a lazy stream and the beauty of God’s creation.

Original photography by Tobin Pilotte

Dark Heron. Sadly, in an effort to make the park more “people pleasing” the city of San Antonio conducted an aggressive plan to frighten away, and otherwise force the relocation of, the large numbers of herons that used to next at the park. Photographers from all over, including yours truly, would go there to see the hundreds of beautiful birds.

Original photography by Tobin Pilotte

Morning Sunshine. Some of the best shots you can ever imagine can be right outside your door. This little guy, recently hatched, was enjoying his birthday on my patio chair.

Original photography by Tobin Pilotte

Just Humming Along. My wife is an avid gardener and has countless tropical plants, cactus varieties and other blooming flora that attracts countless humming birds each year.

Original photography by Tobin Pilotte