Description: "Stykkisholmskirkja Church in Stykkisholmur Iceland” And add another “S” place as it is located along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula! No matter how hard I tried, I don’t think I pronounced any of those 3 places correctly. This church makes quite the architectural statement, somewhat futuristic in style with a sweeping bell tower that looks like a whale vertebra. The doors are often open to the public to have a quick look in to see the beautiful organ, statues, and art. Sadly, it was locked while we visited, and we only had a glimpse inside through the exterior windows. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In MyCollection: “Europe” "Black and White" 20250524-DSC_2091-Pano
Description: “Welcome To The Morning Gathering” It looked like one American White Pelican with its beak wide open was trying to get the attention of all the others! … Now that we are all here, what’s the plan of motion for today? Actually, they gather and work together herding fish to shallow water, making it easier to catch and consume. So it must have been break time after their morning feeding. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_6997
Description: "Great Blue Heron Soaring By" I had been watching and waiting for this Heron to come out of hiding. Its head was just above the tall native grasses, and I was focused on it when suddenly it flew. I kept the focus locked on its head and panned along with it, capturing several close-ups in flight. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250501-DSC_7260
Description: "Great Blue Heron Departure" I had been watching and waiting for this Heron to come out of hiding. Its head was just above the tall native grasses, and I was focused on it when suddenly it flew. I kept the focus locked on its head and panned along with it, capturing several close-ups in flight. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250501-DSC_7258
Description: “Egret With Attitude” This Snowy Egret had managed to scare away all the other Snowy Egrets at this point, along with several turtles and even a Great Egret. But this Red-eared Slider was having nothing to do with the Snowy’s attitude and held its ground. Fun to watch all the action. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7224
Description: “Cruising Along Eyjafjordur Iceland” Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, spans more than 40 miles (60km) from its mouth near the Arctic Circle to Akureyri. On the cruise in the fjord, we were lucky enough to see several whales, but I didn’t have a camera in hand during those wonderful sightings. 20250523-DSC_2046
Description: “Baltimore Oriole Perched in Tree” I followed this Baltimore Oriole for a while, as it flew from tree to tree. Once it landed in this one with all the new growth, it was content and worked away at getting its fill of the tree's fruits. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7152
Description: “Under the New Spring Growth” I followed this Baltimore Oriole for a while, as it flew from tree to tree. Once it landed in this one with all the new growth, it was content and worked away at getting its fill of the tree's fruits. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7137
Description: "Mountainside Akureyri Iceland" Akureyri is the capital city of North Iceland. It is located at the end of Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, spanning more than 40 miles (60km) from its mouth to Akureyri. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In MyCollection: “Europe” 20250523-DSC_2066
Description: “Little Pied-billed Grebe” Part bird, part submarine, the Pied-billed Grebe is common across much of North America. These expert divers often make it difficult to photograph. As soon as you focus, underwater they go, and where they pop back up, no one knows! This one decided to do a little preening upon resurfacing, which gave me time to capture a few images. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202520150409-DSC_3320
Description: “Delicate Flowers to Powerful Water” I was focused on how large and powerful the Godafoss waterfall was when I noticed the tiny, delicate wildflowers where I stood. Nature is so amazing. The waterfall is fed by the Skjalfandafljot River, which flows from the Vatnajokull ice cap, Iceland's largest glacier. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Iceland” 20250523_8692
Description: “Carnival Miracle In Akureyri Iceland” Akureyri is the capital city of North Iceland. It is located at the end of Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland spanning more than 40 miles (60km) from its mouth to Akureyri. On the cruise in the fjord, we were lucky enough to see several whales, but I didn’t have a camera in hand at those wonderful sightings. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In MyCollection: “Iceland” 20250523_8659
Description: "Godafoss Waterfall Iceland" Godafoss is also known as “Waterfall of the Gods”, where Norse idols were cast into the waters as Iceland embraced Christianity at the end of the 10th century, creating a natural and historical landmark. It is located within an easy drive from Akureyri in northeastern Iceland. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Iceland" 20250523-DSC_1958
Description: “Carnival Miracle Anchored in Seydisfjordur Iceland” This point of view of the cruise ship and tendering boats is from the opposite hillside while hiking up and around the beautiful waterfall, Budareyrarfoss. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Europe" 20250522-DSC_1862.NEF
Description: “Quaint Village of Seydisfjordur Iceland” The quaint town of Seydisfjordur lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name, with a population of about 700. It is a very tidy town with colorful homes, businesses, and of course, the Blue Church. This is a view as seen from the waterfall trail on the outer skirts of town. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250522-DSC_1859-Edit.tif
Description: Anytime we drive a ways to go birdwatching, I always pack a lunch, not knowing where we might be when hunger hits. When I saw this picnic table framed by the interlacing tree limbs, I knew it was picnic time, and with a view of the bay to boot! Aransas Pass Wildlife Refuge in South Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: "Tools From Another Era" My main reason for being at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse in South Texas was to bird-watch in the large gardens and the small lake. The water source area that was once used to bring in water from the Rio Grande to the steam engines and later through outlets, this water was used to irrigate farmlands. This time, I walked through part of the museum, which was fascinating and held memories of bygone days. There were antique chandeliers, old wooden wall-mount phones from the early 1900s hanging in a large room, also filled with rustic workbenches of misc tools, large and small. Digital textures have been added to my original photograph. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Digital Art Photography"
Description: “Tall Beautiful Lupines” Supposedly, in Iceland, the Lupines mainly bloom in June and July; however, there were an abundance of them while we visited the last weeks of May. Lupine was initially introduced to low-lying areas of Iceland but has since spread to many parts of the country. It added a beautiful pop of color, but not all Icelanders would agree with that. Some locals feel that the Lupine is an invasive species, and in fact, it is a rapid-spreading plant that was introduced to the country in the 1940s. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved “ In My Collections: “Flora Trees Nature Wildlife” 20250522-DSC_1857.NEF
Description: “Lupines and Rushing Water” A very small section of the waterfall, Budareyrarfoss, with Lupines on both sides. Supposedly, in Iceland, the Lupines mainly bloom in June and July; however, there were an abundance of them while we visited the last weeks of May. Lupine was initially introduced to low-lying areas of Iceland but has since spread to many parts of the country. It added a beautiful pop of color, but not all Icelanders would agree with that. Some locals consider the lupine an invasive species, and indeed, it is a rapid-spreading plant that was introduced to the country in the 1940s. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved “ In My Collections: “Europe" 20250522-DSC_1822-Edit.tif
Description: “Colorful Buildings and Reflection” We were so fortunate to have a beautiful day filled with sunshine! It made for great reflections of the buildings and homes upon the water around Seydisfjordur, Iceland. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: “Iceland” “Architecture” “Reflections” 20250522-DSC_1729.NEF AI Text: A serene village is nestled by the water's edge, with colorful houses reflecting in the calm waters. Purple lupine flowers dot the foreground, adding vibrancy to the scene. Towering hills provide a majestic backdrop, enhancing the village's tranquil charm. by Debra Martz
Description: “Colorful and Whimsical Buildings of Seydisfjordur” This small village is known not only for its dramatic natural scenery but for its artistic atmosphere. The colorful rainbow road, painted by the community itself, not only leads to the Blue Church, but it also adds a touch of whimsy that blends well with the colorful buildings and houses in Seydisfjordur, Iceland. Digital brushes were used to apply texture to the sky and vegetation. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: “Europe”
Description: “Whimsical Rainbow Path to the Blue Church” The colorful road, painted by the community itself, adds a touch of whimsy that blends well with the colorful buildings and houses in Seydisfjordur. The Church itself is a well-known landmark in Iceland, renowned for its distinctive powder blue color and Icelandic architectural style. All beautifully set against the dramatic backdrop of Bjolfur Mountain. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522-DSC_1756 AI Alt Text: A striking blue church stands amidst lush greenery and mountains. A vibrant, rainbow-colored pathway leads to the entrance, adding a playful contrast to the serene surroundings.
Description: “Salmabok Icelandic Hymn Book” As I turned to leave the Blue Church in Seydisfjord, I noticed the arrangement of Salmabok books on each side of the doorway. This is a close-up of a small section of their hymn books. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522_8536 AI Alt Text: A collection of red books lies neatly arranged on wooden shelves. Each book features golden text on the spine and matching ribbon bookmarks. The warm tones of the wood provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere. by Debra Martz
Description: “Interior of the Blue Church Seydisfjordur Iceland” The interior is mainly an unadorned space that reflects the traditional Icelandic approach to church design, featuring simple yet elegant white-painted wooden beams and arches, stained glass windows, and a modest altar adorned with a cross and subtle decorative elements. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522_8526 AI Alt Text: An elegant church interior is highlighted by a beautifully designed ceiling with blue accents that complement the wooden walls and white pillars. The central aisle leads directly to a simple yet graceful altar, flanked by warm lighting and decorative elements that underscore the space's tranquility.
Description: The Church in Seyðisfjörður is a well-known landmark in Iceland, renowned for its distinctive powder blue color and architectural Icelandic style. The church was originally located at Dvergasteinn farm, then moved to Vestdalseyri in 1882, but in 1894, it was severely damaged by a storm and had to be rebuilt. It was then moved to its current location in the center of Seydisfjordur in 1920.
Description: “Blue Church of Seydisfjordur Iceland” The Church in Seyðisfjörður is a well-known landmark in Iceland, renowned for its distinctive powder blue color and architectural Icelandic style. The church was originally located at Dvergasteinn farm, then moved to Vestdalseyri in 1882, but in 1894, it was severely damaged by a storm and had to be rebuilt. It was then moved to its current location in the center of Seyðisfjörður in 1920. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250222_1710
Description: “Village of Seydisfjordur Iceland” The quaint town of Seydisfjordur lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name, with a population of about 700. It is a very tidy town with colorful homes, businesses, and of course, the Blue Church. I enhanced my original photograph for a painterly style using digital paintbrushes and an overlay of soft texture. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250222_8519 AI Alt Text: A serene village scene features multi-colored houses nestled by a calm body of water, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The landscape is enriched by the presence of a church steeple, providing a focal point amid the lush greenery. Photo painting by Debra Martz
Description: “Seydisfjordur Iceland Mountainside Waterfall” The quaint town of Seydisfjordur lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name, and surrounded by high mountains. The more we looked at our surroundings, the more waterfalls we saw, obviously from snow melt, as this was late May. The one seen in this image is Budareyrarfoss, named after the river it flows on. It is fed by meltwater from Mt. Strandartindur, which looms over the eastern side of town. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250522-DSC_1696
Description: Cruising In the Seydisfjordur Fjord in Iceland It was 6:38 a.m., and I could tell it was going to be a great day when I woke to this view! The anticipation of the ship making port, dropping anchor, and visiting the small town, with the same name as the fjord, was building. The quaint town and the nature surrounding did not disappoint! Pano stitching several images. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” "Digital Art Photography" 20250522_8495 AI Alt Text: Majestic mountains rise above a serene body of water, reflecting the clear blue sky. Snow-capped peaks and lush green slopes create a breathtaking landscape. Image by Debra Martz
Description: “Seydisfjordur Iceland Shoreline” It was 6:42 a.m., and I could tell it was going to be a great day when I woke to this view! The anticipation of the ship dropping anchor and going to visit the small town, with the same name as the fjord, was building. And the town and the nature surrounding did not disappoint! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522_8499 Photo painting using digital brushes on my original photograph.
Description: “Arriving Seydisfjordur Iceland” The small town of Seydisfjordur is located in the Eastern Region of Iceland, at the innermost point of the fjord with the same name. It was a beautiful early morning with sunshine and calm waters as our cruise ship arrived at the port. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522-DSC_1663 AI Alt Text: A tranquil fjord scene features calm blue waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and green hills. Small buildings and boats dot the shoreline under a clear blue sky. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Great Timing For The Tricolored Heron” I had been watching this Heron as it worked in the brackish water with some pretty amazing and sometimes amusing moves as it hunted. Those moves of spreading wings to cast shadows worked to its advantage when it came up with this nice catch! Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5105 A heron stands in shallow water, holding a freshly caught fish in its beak. The bird's vibrant plumage contrasts with the muted tones of the rippling water. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Spread Those Wings and Hop Forward” Just one of countless, and fascinating moves that Tricolored Herons make when in search of prey. Such a beautiful display. Did it snag its fish? Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5103 AI Alt Text: A bird with striking plumage extends its wings wide above a rippling body of water. With its legs stretching downward, the bird seems to be either landing or taking off from the water's surface. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Tricolored Heron And Its Showy Plumage” A favorite among the Herons is the Tricolor, not only its colorful plumage but its showy action when in search of prey. Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5093 AI Alt Text: A heron with striking blue and reddish plumage stands gracefully in shallow water. Its long, slender beak points forward as it surveys its surroundings. Photography by Debra Martz
