Oakland Nature Preserve a Hidden Gem for Macro and Nature Photography

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

~Albert Einstein”

Photo by @bryamgarces

West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from Downtown Orlando and the major attractions there is a “hidden gem” nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, A 128-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages.

Oakland Preserve is truly a place for macro photography and nature photography. With plenty of local flora, fauna, insects, and fungus for you to create great compositions.

@bryanmgarces

A wonderful local park with gorgeous hiking trails, a butterfly garden, an education center with water bottle fill up stations, and a boardwalk that goes out to the Lake Apopka.

Free admission, but donations are always appreciated. Please donate to keep the preserve.

I enjoyed the scenery and landscape. There are surprises everywhere you must keep your eyes open cause you might miss the tiniest of details.

@bryanmgarces

Tiny Caterpillar @bryanmgarces

This is a beautiful nature preserve. The walk along the bridge/trail is gorgeous and you can see so many varieties of wildlife and plants. The lake view is peaceful. The education center is full of information and helpful people. This is one of my favorite places to enjoy nature.

Banana Spider @bryanmgarces

Macro shot of small flora on a decaying log @bryanmgarces

Take your time on the boardwalk and the trails, if you walk quickly down the trails, you will miss the wildlife hiding out (gators, turtles, frogs, and snakes). I usually spent like an hour or two in the park; also take to account the florida weather bring lots of water and go early since its less crowded.

Go out there and enjoy life and make sure to wear your masks.

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Garcesbros Creatives Spotlight: Xavier Moss @xmossart

Today we cover a cool story about Xavier Moss, this is a Garcesbros Creative Spotlight.

Xavier majored in Biological Illustration and minored in Entomology/Nematology. He has integrated his Christian faith with his love of nature, to his art. Making his style unique. He is still as big a Star Wars fan as he continues to create pieces inspired by that franchise, as well as several other fandoms like Marvel and DC Comics. Xavier's perspective is his wonder of the natural world, faith, love of science-fiction, and comics continue to influence his art.

We did a small documentary video on Xaviers success on creating an amazing illustration for one of Oviedo’s landmarks.

Go check the postcard wall art at Oviedo on the Park located in Oviedo, Florida.

Make Sure to check more of his work here:

https://www.instagram.com/xmossart

https://www.xmossart.com/

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Photography Tips for your next Photo Walk Adventures

Going on a photo walk adventure ? Today we are talking about short easy tips on photography and gear to make your photography better! We take quick stroll through one of Clermont's best state parks; Ferndale Reserve in Clermont, Florida.

Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, going on a photo walk will influence you to go out and take more pictures.

Photo walks are essentially for toning your skills as a photographer or videographer, learning about yourself as a creative, and experiencing different places that will reset your daily routines. Being stuck in the “4 walls” of any place is not good for your creativity and your health, so I always encourage anyone I meet to take time to enjoy nature and walk in wonder.

Also take the time to meet new friends and make new rivals on these photowalks, it will benefit you having a healthy competitive relationship, you never know if this person will be helping you or you helping them on their project or they helping you.

Photo by Bryan Hernandez (@bryanhdz07)

Couple of tips for going on a photo walk start with these basics:

• Know the place you are going by researching online, use google maps and social media, I would ask around. I myself when I get to a location, I scout and walk the location first, then I don’t even use my camera, but then coming back I start taking photos.

• Choosing your camera gear is important; pack the essentials!, its like camping “you bring what you can carry”. Bring what is needed, like if its primes lenses then bring; like a wide lens (23mm). medium (50mm) or short telephoto (100mm macro) or a zoom lens with a constant aperture. these are just suggestions. A good tripod that is light is very nice (carbon fiber). Also spare batteries. ND filters and polarizers. lens cloths also are important. Plenty of water if you are in Florida. All these things that I have mentioned is just opinion based at the end of the day bring what you think its best and take note.

• Capture what resonates with you and captures your eye. From a photographer’s frame of reference, immerse yourself in the environment and keep an eye out for anything that looks interesting and tells a story.

• Last tip and most important learn to shoot on your own as well, hones those skills, these trip can be also be use for a time of self reflection.

photo by @bryanmgarces

Nature Brings You Joy!

“Nature's beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude”

Louie Schwartzberg

@bryanmgarces Mead Gardens, Winter Park, Florida

Go out and experience nature, get away from all the white noise and restlessness that keeps your mind and heart numb.

@bryanmgarces Mead Gardens, Winter Park, Florida

Find comfort in the radiant blue skies, the tall swaying trees, the springy blades of grass, the mirror like bodies of water, all will bring you joy to your body and soul!

@bryanmgarces Mead Gardens, Winter Park, Florida

Our creator, made nature accessible to us for the very reason that we can find him in nature. Go and explore like you were 5 years old again for that is one of the keys of a healthy lifestyle.

@bryanmgarces Mead Gardens, Winter Park, Florida

Giannis Cafe Italian Restaurant

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

― Hippocrates

You know when you been to a town like many times but then its like you find this hidden food gem, and you are like “why have I missed this before”. That is exactly how I felt like when I found out about Gianni’s Cafe.

I came to Mt. Dora just to chill and hang out, cause Mt.Dora is the most laid back fun town to take photos of wildlife and just historic finding and things. So at one point I got hungry and wanted pizza, but I didn’t want to go to far, so I pulled up google on my phone and search for an Italian restaurant near me. Sure enough Giannis pulled up in the search. I was like “Giannis what is this place that I never heard of it before”. Unknown to me and to my luck was in walking distance from where I was at that moment. So I decided to take a walk; because walking is good for you of course.

Giannis Cafe (Inside the restaurant)

When I was disappointed that they didn't have pizza. However, the waiter suggested the pasta creation, OMG!!! That was heaven. I got a caesar salad and spaghetti ( cause I love spaghetti). The pasta was delicious and fresh, cooked al dente to perfection!. I mean everything on my table was tasty and wonderful.

Freshly made spaghetti at Geanni’s

This is definitely one of those hidden gems, asloif you didn’t know Giannis, is a family owned and operated, full service Italian Restaurant. The chef Gianni Liverotti is the owner of the place and is Italian. The food really tastes like you are dining in Italy. and service is fast and friendly.

My first time at Giannis and will definitely be back. Food was excellent, prices are great and service was outstanding. I will definitely will make this restaurant one of my favorites. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion. Finally found a good place for fresh Italian food with great atmosphere.