@michaelbidunphotography

Concentrated pockets of gas are often a problem in mines. To combat the gas problem, the miner would be dressed in a dampened coat and given a long stick with a burning torch on the end. These miners would crawl along the floor with the torch raised until the fire and pocket of gases met. The flame would, in theory, pass over the miner, and the miner would be able to retreat safely. It was not until the early 19th century that the invention of safety lamps would help to reduce the number of mining-related injuries and deaths significantly.

Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka, Poland

June 27, 2019

Nikon D7200 10-24mm f/3.5

Inspiration: Whiplash - Don Ellis

The Chapel of Saint Kinga is the crown jewel of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The Chapel is located 331 feet (10 meters) underground and was primarily carved by three artists, Antoni Wyrodek and brothers Józef and Tomasz Markowski. Tomasz Markowski was the artist that sculpted the high altar, pulpit, and side altars. The church currently holds regular mass on Sundays and is the largest underground church in the world.

Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka, Poland

June 27, 2019

Nikon D7200, 10-24mm F/3.5

Here’s a view looking up in one of the many chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Two staircases can be seen with light pouring out from the well lit tunnels.

For over 700 years, the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been a staple of Polish legends and a symbol of the hospitality, dedication, and work ethic of the Polish people. Salt mining became established in the 13th century via a royal decree. With help from King Casimir III throughout the middle of the 14th-century production of the mine was able to generate a third of the royal treasury’s income. In 1363, the Saltworks Statute passed, guaranteeing the continued growth of the mine. The 16th and 18th centuries saw the development of the mine into becoming the largest production plant in the region.

Following World War Two, the mine would expand again to nine levels covering 190 miles of tunnels going to a depth over 1000 feet. The Salt Mine was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site during the first year of nominations in 1978 and was considered endangered from 1989 until 1998 when the UNESCO World Heritage Fund put in a $100,000 effort to install dehumidifier equipment in the mine. While the official production of salt in the mine stopped in 1996, it is still open to tourists today.

Inspiration: Natural Green - Blazo

June 27, 2019
Nikon D7200, 10-24mm f/3.5

For the Dreamers

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Inspiration: A Couple Dollars - Apollo Brown, Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz

Taken: 11-27-18 1056PM

From 1333 until 1370, King Casimir III the Great was the ruler of Poland. During his reign, he brought wealth and prosperity to Poland, where he was facetiously called “the Peasants’ King.” He was known as a peaceful leader and practical diplomat, his policies were unbiased and often attempted to lessen the superiority of the ruling class. In one example, King Casimir III, facing the possibility of death, prohibited Jews from being kidnapped for enforced Christian Baptism.

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The rock salt statue of King Casimir III pictured above was sculpted by salt miners at the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow, Poland. The King founded a hospital near the Salt Mine in 1363. The production of the mine was vital to Poland’s national wealth, and the impact went throughout the country. King Casimir reformed the polish military, ordered the construction of over 40 castles, established the University of Krakow, expanded land holdings, and reformed the judicial system.

Inspiration: Harder Than You Think - Public Enemy

Taken: Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka, Poland 6-27-2019

Nikon D7200 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5

There’s a Polish legend associated with the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland. Hungarian Princess Kinga, was to marry the Prince of Hungary. As a dowry, the Princess asked her father, King Bela, for a lump of salt. During the 13th century, salt was more valuable than gold. When Princess Kinga was at the salt mine in Máramaros, she tossed her engagement ring in a shaft, and upon returning to Krakow, she told the miners to dig a deep pit until they found a rock. The rock the miners found was a lump of salt, and when they split it in two, the Princess’s ring was inside. This event solidified her as the patron saint of salt miners.

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Pictured above is a salt statue of Princess Kinga depicting the moment the rock salt was split open to reveal her ring.  She’s holding her hands open to receive the ring from a miner off to the right.

Inspiration: LOGOUT - Saba, Chance the Rapper

Taken: Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka, Poland 6-19-19

Nikon D7200 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5

While I was in Florence for 6 weeks over the summer, I had a mission to visit the two countries within Italy’s borders; Vatican City and San Marino. With a couple weeks left of my stay, I booked a train from Florence to Rimini for me and my partner, Lauren. I had read a forum post online that suggested there was a bus line taking tourists to and from San Marino. That was enough evidence for me, besides, if there wasn’t a bus, at least Lauren was stuck with me. 

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We arrived at the station in Rimini and, after a little bit of debate, stumbled into a small convenience store a short walk away. Luckily the forum post was correct, and within a half-hour, we were on a bus packed with tourists traveling the remaining 23 miles to San Marino. I had read that San Marino was built atop the tallest mountain in the region (Monte Titano), but I wasn’t ready for just how much hiking the city would require. Most of the streets were on an incline, and just walking to my hotel room required a small feat of athleticism. This was a small price to pay for the views that were afforded. 

To the North was a great view of Rimini, to the east was the Adriatic sea, to the south and west were mountains dotting the green countryside. To top it off, most of the tourists that visit San Marino are gone before sunset, meaning that we were free to wander around the city with little foot traffic. It was like we had the place to ourselves. Pictured above is a shot of Guaita Castle.

Inspiration: 2009 - Mac Miller

Taken: 06-01-2019 825PM Guaita Castle, San Marino City, San Marino

Nikon D7200 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6

The apple is a symbol of immortality, temptation, the fall of man, and sin. Contrary to the meaning attributed to apples through Christian tradition as the forbidden fruit, they’re also a token of good luck and a gift given during the cornish festival of Allantide. In Norse mythology, the apple is associated with Iðunn, the goddess of youthfulness. The golden apples of the Hesperides in Greek mythology gave eternal youth, and a golden apple inadvertently started the Trojan War when Paris of Troy gave one to Aphrodite, who tempted Paris with the beautiful Helen of Sparta. Apple’s are also a traditional gift to give teachers and a symbol of knowledge or good health.

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A famous saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples have seen continued use in cinema as an indicator of who the villain is. The crunch of an apple cuts through a scene; it is often just as loud as someone speaking and allows the villain to control the flow of a conversation.

Inspiration: TEMPTATION - Joey Bada$$

Nikon D7200 18-300 mm f/3.5-5.6

This image was taken on my final evening in the small Republic of San Marino. My partner and I had booked a trip here on a whim while we were staying in Florence, Italy. Usually the country is only a day trip for most tourists and they are unable to stay and see the sunset. We decided to book a two night stay and enjoyed every minute of the wonderful hospitality and picturesque landscape views.

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Through the past 1700 years, San Marino has struggled to maintain a sovereign status. According to the Republic, San Marino was founded on September 3, 301, marking the death of Saint Marinus and the formation of the Republic inheriting the land. The country was under the command of the Pope until the 14th and 15th centuries when it started to break away from the papacy’s control.

The papacy would not officially recognize the Republic until February 5, 1740, after multiple attempts to occupy San Marino failed. Today San Marino Operates as an independent republic; however, the Italian government dictates all imports have to travel through Italy first and that the Republic can not issue currency.

Inspiration: Still Dreamin - Dreamville, JID, Lute, 6LACK

Taken: San Marino City, San Marino 6-1-19 750PM

Nikon D7200, 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6

The American Magpie is common in the Western United States and often found around barnyards and livestock. They are not particularly fond of dense woods, preferring to stay in groups along open stretches of plains and valleys feeding on wild fruits, grains, small bugs, and even small mammals such as voles. Unfortunately, the American Magpie, like many other bird species, has seen a 26% decline in population between 1966 and 2014. The birds are under the protection of the Migratory Bird Act; however, they have seen their fair share of challenges in the past against agricultural pesticides and persecution by farmers.

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These Magpies were exceptionally curious, often flying within a few feet of people and hanging out on wooden posts, almost as if they were enjoying the mountain breeze and view of the Rockies, if only for just a moment.

Inspiration: Exhibit C - Jay Electronica

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 12-16-19 713AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

Just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park lies Gianttrack Mountain standing at an elevation of 9091 feet. The Southern Rockies, which Gianttrack is a part of, were eroded 10,000 feet by glaciers, with the most recent episode of glaciation happening 7,500 years ago.

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This shot was made right outside of my cabin in Estes Park, Colorado. I had been waiting for the clouds to clear from the peak for a few days. The dip in the wooden fence allowed me to line up a shot with a focus leading towards the mountain. After this, I packed up my gear and headed into the park.

Inspiration: Masego - Queen Tings

Taken: Gianttrack Mountain, Estes Park, Colorado 12-15-19 716AM
Nikon D3200 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5

Finding something to eat in the winter is a challenge! This Rocky Mountain Mule Deer is searching through the snow for grasses and forbs. During the winter months, Mule Deer in the Rockies eat primarily (74%) shrubs and trees, although this can vary based on location and current climate. Mule Deer eat 788 different plant species. This flexible diet allows them to have a range that extends from Canada across the United States and into Mexico.

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I was inside a car at the time I took this photo; we were driving into the park when these deer came in to view along the side of the road. My 200-500mm lens allowed the car to stay a distance away while my camera still captured all the detail. I wasn’t sure if I had caught this mule deer blowing into the snow or if my shutter had gotten the better of me. The moment lasted only a fraction of a second.

Inspiration: Sunny - Stanley Turrentine

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, 12-16-19 701AM

Nikon Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park reaches an elevation of 12,720 feet. The popular Northcutt-Carter Route is a technical climbing route featured in a classic piece of climbing literature, Fifty Classic Climbs of North America by Steve Roper and Allen Steck. Currently, no one has completed all fifty climbs, although many climbers disagree with the list. More specifically, the placement of the Hummingbird Ridge route of Mount Logan on the list has been a cause for controversy as only one group of climbers (including Allen Steck) has ever managed the feat.

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Inspiration: Invocation - Common

Taken: Hallett Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, 12-15-19 923AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

Lauren | 12-13-19

Nikon D7200 | 18-300m f/3.5-5.6 | Interfit Honey Badger 320W Flash

Inspiration: Good Vibrations - Alex Wiley

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The Rocky Mountain Subalpine Fir Tree is one of the essential parts of the ecosystem in the Rockies, according to the US Forest Service, the tree is highly sensitive to fire, and even low-intensity fires prove fatal for all but the healthiest trees. The last major fire in the park was the 2012 Fern Lake Fire, which was caused by an illegal campfire and burned for two months, causing firefighters from around the world to be called in for support.

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The sub-alpine fir provides good environmental protection for elk, moose, mule deer, small mammals, and birds in Colorado. It also has a high potential for erosion control in Colorado. Conversely,  the sub-alpine fir provides good environmental protection for elk, moose, mule deer, small mammals, and birds in Colorado. It also has a high potential for erosion control in Colorado.

Inspiration: Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, 12-15-19 943AM

Nikon D7200, 200-500mm f/5.6

The Grand Nain (aka the Chiquita Banana) pictured above is a sub-species of the Cavendish banana. The Cavendish came to prominence during the 1960s after the Gros Michel banana was wiped out by Panama Disease, a wilting disease caused by a fungus that infects the vascular system of the plant, making older leaves to wither before progressing on to newer leaves, eventually killing the organism. The banana industry had to come up with a solution, which they found in another species called the Cavendish; this new species was resistant to the type of Panama disease that destroyed the Gros Michel.

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Today, we see a new outbreak of Panama disease that the Cavendish species is not resistant to called Tropical Race 4 (TR4). In August of 2019, it was confirmed that TR4 had spread to Colombia, marking the official spread of the disease into Latin America. The disease can wait dormant in the soil for up to 30 years, meaning that the spread of disease cannot be tracked or quarantined quickly. While genetic modification of other banana sub-species has shown some success, most of the world outside of the United States is unwilling to accept products that are genetically modified. As TR4 spreads further, the spotlight will be on lawmakers as the second most-produced fruit in the world grows scarce.

Banana 01 | 12-17-19

Inspiration: The Question - Mac Miller, Lil Wayne

This photo is of the Colosseum in Rome looking down Via degli Annibaldi, a street that leads partially up to the Colosseum. The day started with a nice breakfast and ended with a five-hour wait in line and a sprint back to the hotel room before running to catch the last train back to Florence. Let’s say it was one of those days traveling where quick thinking and experience helped me skirt by only a little worse for wear.

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I haven’t posted much from my travels this past summer but more is on the way. It took a lot of time to sort and edit through everything, but most of the project is in the final stages. 

Inspiration: Sunny - Stanley Turrentine 

Taken: 6-16-19 1025AM 

Nikon D7200 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3

The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is yet another example of an indicator species in the fight against climate change. Over the past twenty-five years, Gnatcher populations have seen a push north in their range of 200 miles following rising global temperatures and an increase in population.

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Currently, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers are year-round residents in Florida; however, breeding pairs are not as common in the southern part of the state.

Inspiration: Guilty Pleasure - Fallen Rose, Greco

Taken: Tampa, FL 11-11-19 832AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

This photo was taken during my second encounter with a couple of Bull Elk in the same spot I first met them the previous day. While bulls are not as aggressive during the winter months as they are during the rut (breeding season), they are not too fond of others feeding on vegetation face to face with them.

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I had missed a shot of their first tussle the previous day while doing an Instagram story update (I know, I know, wrong decision) and was eager to try and get the shot the following day. I sat for roughly 20 minutes about 200 feet away before the larger Elk had enough of his buddy encroaching on his personal space. All told, the fight lasted less than 30 seconds before the smaller bull took an antler to the face and backed off.

Inspiration: Da Grind - Masta Ace

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 12-16-19 824AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

Elk or Wapiti are some of the largest species of deer in North America, rivaled only by the Moose. During the winter months, Elk pair off into same-sex groups to survive the harsh conditions and protect themselves from predation.

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This Bull Elk (male) was a part of a group of five that descended from the mountains early in the morning to search through the snow for vegetation to consume.

Inspiration: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 12-15-19 747AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

Rocky Mountain National Park has a steadily growing population of Moose on both the west and east side of the park, through the previous five years, moose have become more common on the east side.This has prompted park officials to begin GPS tracking a total of 46 moose in 2017 and 2018 in order to better understand the population within the park.

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It is unclear precisely if moose are native to the park or if the group brought in during 1978 has resulted in a population boom. However, most signs point to human involvement being the primary reason this population is present in the park — officials will study the information in 2022 when the collars are set to be removed.

Inspiration: On the Lookout - Kankick, Kombo, Wild Child

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 12-17-19

I took this photo on my first day in Rocky Mountain National Park. What surprised me the most was just how close these guys came to the roads within the park, often crossing significant portions of tarmac to reach grazing territory.. In Florida state parks, the majority of animals seen are going to be birds. It was a nice change of pace to see animals significantly more prominent than even the Great Blue Heron and at such a close distance. 

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The Mule Deer was given its name because of its ear’s resemblance to that of a mule. It is relatively abundant throughout the western United States; mule deer feed on undergrowth and vegetation during the winter months. Pictured is a specific subspecies that lives in the Rockies called the Rocky Mountain Mule Deer.

Inspiration: The Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band

Taken: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 12-15-2019 701AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

The Red-Shouldered Hawk (rivaled only by the Osprey) is perhaps one of the most common birds of prey spotted in Florida. Local hawk populations in the North-Eastern part of the United States have reportedly declined in recent years; however, more research is needed for a conclusive decision. The top issue facing Red-Shouldered Hawk populations is urbanization; the result of an ever-expanding need for resources paralleled by an exponentially expanding population

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While the Red-Shouldered Hawk is not the species most vulnerable to urban expansion, it is a key indicator in the route that many once abundant species may take as climate change continues to affect animal populations worldwide. At some point, it is not a question of “if” an essential bird species will go extinct, but “when” one will. To learn more about the effects of carbon pollution and animal agriculture, please refer to:

Humane Society International Report: The Impact of Animal Agriculture on Global Warming and Climate Change

Inspiration: Throw it All Away - Evidence

Taken: Red-Shouldered Hawk, Tampa, Florida 12-10-19 359PM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

Northern Cardinals are some of the most recognizable birds in the United States. The male Northern Cardinal, like the one pictured, is easily recognized by its bright red color, while the female Cardinal has a hue that’s more reminiscent of brown. Some suggest that the Cardinal should split in up to six different distinct species.

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However, the more prominent theory is that two species exist that look nearly identical, but vocalize differently and mate separately. While more definitive research is necessary, the two species would consist of a Sonoran population in the western end of their range and a Chihuahuan population in the east.

Inspiration: For the Record - Torae

Taken: Lettuce Lake Park, FL 11-24-19 909AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

The White Ibis is a staple bird of Florida and historically one of the most abundant wading birds in North America. Usually found foraging in the shallows along lakes, ponds, and streams, the White Ibis feeds on small crustaceans and insects. 

MORE BIRDS HERE

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As with most wading birds, the destruction of wetlands is the primary threat to these animals, as the expansion of housing developments increase in the state, added focus on wetland management, and regulation of building limits is required. Since 1950, the Miami area tide gauge has registered an increase in sea level by 8.59 inches. Without the state’s wetlands, Florida would experience severe flooding and habitat loss. 

Inspiration: I Do Everything (more for cruisin’) - Masego

Taken: Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa, FL 11-24-19 940AM

Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

I took this shot on my last true night in Krakow. I had a 13 hour train to Ukraine to catch the next morning and begrudgingly walked the 4 blocks from my hostel to the Main Square around 15 minutes before blue hour ended. In my opinion, this turned out to be one of my favorite photos from my 2 months in Europe.

MORE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY HERE

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With the Basilica of St. Mary on it’s left and the Town Hall Tower on it’s right, the Main Square in Krakow, Poland is truly an iconic site. Dating back to the 13th century, the Main Square has seen a fair share of revisions. In 1241, the square was destroyed by the Mongol invasion but rebuilt in 1257 as a new area for trade and commerce. The Cloth Hall, in the center of the square was rebuilt in 1555.

Inspiration: Innocent Ambition - Skyzoo, Apollo Brown⠀
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Taken: Main Square, Krakow, Poland, 7-1-19 941PM⠀
Nikon D7200 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6g VR

The building pictured used to be the federal courthouse in Tampa, Florida. Erected in 1905, the courthouse closed in 1998, and ownership got moved to the city of Tampa in 2003. Reportedly, the courthouse cost the city $100,000 yearly in air conditioning alone, as they were trying to combat mold in the aging structure. 

The city eventually chose a bid from a developer to turn the courthouse into a high-end hotel. Eventually, the city of Tampa found a bidder not asking for taxpayer money. It went through a 16-month, $26 million renovation process, and today it stands as the Le Meridien Hotel.⠀

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Inspiration: Happy - Killah Priest⠀
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Taken: Tampa, Florida 11-7-19 1126PM⠀
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Nikon D7200 18-200mm f/5.6⠀

These shots were tricky to get, as a nature photographer, I never like adversely effecting an animals behavior, however, depending on the time of day, light will only illuminate half of the bird. In this case, I had to carefully move around so I didn’t interrupt the limpkin searching for dinner but still got the shot. It took me about an hour before I snagged this photo.⠀

Although the Limpkin’s range extends from Florida to throughout South America, I consider it a staple of Florida’s bird population. Emptied apple snail shells are a common sight in the swampy areas of the state. That can mainly be attributed to the Limpkin’s diet as it primarily consists of apple snails. One study published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology found Limpkin stomach contents contained 70% apple snail and another 27% that was unodentifiable, putting the apple snail at between 70% and 97% of the birds diet.⠀

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Inspiration: Innocent Ambitions - Apollo Brown, Skyzoo⠀
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Taken: Tampa, Florida 9-27-19 401PM and 355PM⠀
Nikon D7200 300-500mm f/5.6⠀

The Anhinga, at first glance, is not the most photogenic bird. Often called the snakebird or water turkey, the Anhinga is usually seen perching with their wings spread wide. Most waterfowl coat their feathers in a water-resistant oil from a gland. The Anhinga lacks this, but subsequently, its feathers can absorb water, which allows for neutral buoyancy. 

For a species that spends most of its life hunting in water, this is an invaluable asset and a necessary evil. Because of its feathers, the Anhinga has trouble retaining body heat after prolonged exposure to cold water and thus has a need to spend time sunning and drying feathers.

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Inspiration: Workin’ - Marlon Craft⠀
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Taken: Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa, FL 11-11-19 836AM⠀
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Nikon D7200 200-500mm f/5.6

The small lake area I took this image at is next to the Lower Hillsborough Reserve in Tampa. I am lucky enough to have access and be able to spend hours sitting in the area. I see plenty of alligators come through this area, although most are juveniles or subadults, like the one pictured above.

On average, in growing populations, the clutch size of an American alligator’s nest is 38. Only 24 hatchlings will emerge from the nest, 10 of them will reach one year old, 8 of them will become sub adults (four feet in length) and 5 will reach maturity over six feet.

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Inspiration: Work - Gang Starr

Taken: 9-16-19 425PM Tampa, Fl

Nikon D7200
200-500mm f/5.6