Early Birds Canvas Print

It is sunrise on the Platte River where the Sandhill Cranes roosted for the night in the shallow water. Most of the flock has already flown off for the fields but a few remain on the water enjoying a lazy start to their day.

We have the snuggling mated pairs, a few pecking the sand bar and the cranes preforming their morning absolution preening themselves. To the far left is the Sentinel, it is his job to protect the flock from predators.

This work started as a two photograph panorama that was then digitally painted.

Copyright 2017 Susan Rissi Tregoning

I'm a travel photographer that enjoys photographing United States architecture, nature, and transportation. As the 8th photographer in 4 generations of my family, I don't remember a time when photography was not part of my life. By the time I was five years old, I was standing on a stool in the darkroom, helping my dad develop pictures. It was my job to transfer the photos from the hypo to the water bath. I went to college for interior design. After I graduated, I had a long successful career as an art buyer and designer for a large home furnishings company. In 2006, I had a significant life change. My husband became a medical traveler, and I decided to put my career on hold to tag along. In the process, I found my roots again. What...