Jessica Crabtree

The other definition of “taking the family out for fast food”…

Photo from National Geographic.

Something remarkable is happening in Indian country; Tribes whose lands were once taken from them are setting an example for how to restore the environment.

A must-see showcase of Native American communities across North America that are using their traditional understanding of ecology to restore and protect natural habitats. Photography by Jack Dykinga.

View this feature: NatGeo Photography – Native Lands

Courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation 2009 Photo Contest.

(Screenshot: click for larger view)

Announcing the launch of my new Public Domain Photo blog!

My album of completely free stock photos is now live! The collection consists entirely of nature photos, i.e. landscapes. flowers, trees, insects, and wildlife (still in progress). All of the photos I’ve taken myself and released into the public domain. Browse through the easy-to-use gallery for your enjoyment or to find just the right photo for your next art project.

Public domain means they’re totally free for commercial and non-commercial purposes. You are free to copy, modify, or adapt these photos for web design, blogs, desktops, reference pictures, cards, paintings, sketches – whatever you like – no strings attached.

The only restriction is that you must pass along the favor – you may not restrict others from using the same free image by selling the original file, or by placing your copyright on the original. You don’t have to give source credit when using any of my photos – but a return link or feedback is always nice!

Let me point out that this is still a work in progress. I’m just starting out so the collection is rather small, but is expanding quickly, so be sure to add it to favorites and check back often. And by all means, share it with a friend! As always if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line.

Jessica

PUBLIC DOMAIN NATURE PHOTOS: www.jessicacrabtree.com/pdphoto

First released by the BBC as “A Farm for the Future” in 2009, this film produced by gifted wildlife filmmaker Rebecca Hosking takes a frank and forthright look at nature preservation, the energy crisis, and modern consumption.

Raised on her family’s wildlife-conscious farm in Devon, England, she explores the stark realities of our dependence on oil and its consequences for the near future. The film embarks on a journey to find whether alternative farming methods can combine efficient food production with nature conservation.

This is definitely one of the best documentaries I’ve seen. It is excellently researched and well-presented, and stands apart from others by going beyond mere alarm-raising and presenting practical, ingenious solutions from forward-thinking problem solvers. As a bonus, the cinematography of Britain’s rural wildlife and the stunning landscape of Wales’s Snowdonia region is breathtaking.

I strongly urge you to see this film – you will never think of the food you eat, our environment, or our modern lifestyle in the same way again.

The whole program runs around 50 minutes, which you can watch right here (thanks YouTube!)

Part 1

See the other four chapters: (continue reading…)

“Guilty!”
This is what a squirrel looks like when he’s caught on a bird feeder…

(By the way, the photo’s mine, and I’m releasing it to the public domain – which means if you like it, you can do what you want with it – modify it, use it as a reference photo, post it elsewhere – no strings attached. Just be sure to pass the favor on.)

Meet Bandit, 15×18 pastel on suede – the latest addition to my Gallery.

(Click to enlarge)

My reference photo was from the Fish and Wildlife Service database (which are all public domain). I used mostly Nupastel chalks for the fur and birch trees, and a white pencil for the accent hairs, whiskers, and other fine details. You can click one of the tags below to see the step-by-step photos of this project.

See more of my wildlife portraits and pastel paintings here.

From the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Here’s a look at my latest pastel in progress (15×18). I call him “Bandit” – an obvious name for a raccoon! Click the image to enlarge:

Courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation – 2006 Photo Contest