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The patterns seen in this photo were created by large mechanical rice harvesting machines. This area, situated between Sacramento and Davis, is part of the Pacific Flyway, and the farmers flood their fields at this time of year for use by the migratory waterfowl. It's been a very dry fall and winter, which explains why the fields are not totally flooded.
The winds were quite strong during this kite photography session. Thanks very much to Jamie Lent, for his assistance in managing the gear during the outing.
Thanks also to Bruce Barnett, a biologist who lives near this area and a talented aerial photographer (powered paraglider), for explaining what's going on in this image.
Taken by a camera lofted by a kite.
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Tags: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area rice fields aerial Pacific Flyway aerial photograph KAP kite aerial photography rice harvester tracks Sacramento Davis California
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I can't believe it's been three years since I was last at Bayfront Park. This is a part of San Francisco Bay formerly used for commercial salt production. Salt is still produced and harvested less than a mile from here by the Cargill Corporation.
It's amazing how different things here look from different angles. The purple patches towards the top of the frame are heavily reflecting the blue sky, otherwise they would look as red as the slough in the middle of the frame.
It was a perfect evening for kite aerial photography with nice light and a steady breeze. This was my first time using a 24mm equiv. lens here, and I was able to find some angles that I hadn't captured before. So far this one's my favorite from this outing.
Taken by a camera lofted by a kite.
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Tags: salt salt ponds saline evaporation colors slough streams aerial photograph Bayfront Park KAP kite aerial photography Menlo Park California
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The rice terraces in Tirtagangga are fantastic. I was lucky enough to have the old style ox driven plowing taking place during my visit (more easily seen in the large version).
After my previous few kite photography sessions with very light winds, I was finally able to get some decent steady breezes coming off the sea.
Taken by a camera lofted by a kite.
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Tags: Rice terraces KAP kite aerial photography aerial Tirtagangga Bali Indonesia oxen crops agriculture
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Many square miles of this extremely arid valley are planted with grapefruits and oranges.
I can't speak about the oranges, but the grapefruits were sweet, tart, juicy and absolutely delicious.
The San Jacinto Mountains, whose snow and rain runoff provides water to this valley, are seen in the background.
Taken by a camera lofted by a helium balloon.
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Tags: Grapefruit orchard citrus aerial helium balloon aerial photography BAP Hemet California
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Another view from an outing to the salt flats on San Francisco Bay last August.
I've been shooting so much urban material, I felt the need to temper it with some nature.
Taken by a camera lofted by a kite.
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Tags: salt salt ponds saline evaporation colors slough streams aerial photograph Bayfront Park KAP kite aerial photography Menlo Park California
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