Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

Seeded Earth Studio bio picture

Bio






My grandmother gave me a Brownie camera when I was eight
years old, then proudly showed my photographs of her flowers to her Garden
Society. The joy I felt as a young child while taking photographs for others to
enjoy remains today, and it is this passion that keeps me immersed in
photography.


My husband and I moved to Wisconsin in the mid-1970s and,
on impulse, I borrowed a Pentax K-1000 to take my first photography course. I
later attended the Madison Area Technical College and Edgewood University in Madison
where I took both art and photography classes.


In 2007, I received a digital camera as a gift and the door
to photography opened wider than ever. My world shifted as I saw the
possibilities that could be created using a camera and lenses — infinite possibilities
to document the natural world, architecture, history, seeing everything with a
new perspective.


"Even the smallest of details became intensely
interesting. Maybe that's why I love photography. I try to capture what I see,
my own interpretation, not what someone else might see."


I also became a contributor to WisconsinNative.com, writing
and photographing for both the Wandering Wisconsin and Travel Green
features on the travel website through December, 2008. My photography has also
been published in regional magazines, national travel guides, and in a book on
Functional Architecture which was published in London in 2009.


Though I shoot in many genres, I most love the experience
of photographing the natural world. Nature grounds me. I can be myself  --
in the forest, the mountains, the desert, or the prairie -- in solitude with
nature.


My hobby is now a career, as I write and photograph as a
freelancer as the principal of Seeded Earth Studio, LLC.

 

Bo Mackison

Seeded Earth Studio LLC

Madison, Wisconsin

Category Archives: National Parks

Organ Pipe Cactus

02*25*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** travel

The Organ Pipe Cactus is one of the giant cacti, second in size only to the more iconic Saguaro. Instead of having a single trunk with branches, the organ pipe has 6 to 20 stems all growing from a central trunk. It will typically grow about 15 feet tall, though specimens have measured more than...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

9 comments

add a comment

Anna Surface - Wow! Look at that cacti! I bet it was a sight to see. Amazing plants, actually. Say, I really like the header, Bo.02/25/2010 - 12:53 pm

Montucky - I had all but forgotten those, Bo. I'll bet, somewhere in my old file of 35mm slides, I have photos of those same cactus! Good memories.02/26/2010 - 12:18 am

Susan - Wonderful, joys of nature! These are amazing:)02/26/2010 - 7:09 am

Gandalf - Beatiful image, and I see you've switched from winter to hopeful in the header. :)02/26/2010 - 8:19 am

Marcie - I learn so much as you share with us your travels. What an exquisite cactus plant. WOW!02/26/2010 - 2:55 pm

Molly - Interesting plants, cacti. I never knew there were so many varieties before I started viewing all of your photographs.03/01/2010 - 1:08 pm

Debi - I love these organ cacti almost as much as I love the saguaros! Great pic...makes me long for Arizona!03/03/2010 - 1:35 pm

Bo Mackison - Debi - makes me long for Arizona, too. I am going through a massive withdrawal...:-)03/03/2010 - 1:36 pm

Sue - Very interesting. I learn something nearly every time I visit your blog! :)03/07/2010 - 12:30 pm

Desert Reflection in Rain Puddle

02*23*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-3 ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** travel

It’s not too often I get the opportunity to photograph the desert, especially the desert after a  heavy rainfall that leaves large puddles of standing water with perfect reflections of prickly pear and saguaro cacti.
We visited one of the more isolated areas of the eastern part of Saguaro National Park. We hiked the Mica View...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

3 comments

add a comment

Gandalf - Very interesting images and a bit ironic.02/23/2010 - 7:24 am

Sue - This is a sight that is new to me...reflections of cactus in rain puddles! Very nicely composed image.02/23/2010 - 11:53 am

Montucky - That's a wonderful photo, and getting it was a rare opportunity!02/23/2010 - 7:50 pm

Desert Sun

02*17*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-P1 ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** poetry ** travel

Staring into the burning desert sun. Desert heat
rises, sears my soul, the searching soul, seeking light.
I sink into the sand-earth, the desiccated cactus roots cannot support me.
Be not distraught. Reach out. Stand upright.
The sun drops off the edge of the world, night slips in quietly, settles,
A star shimmers and
another.
I have journeyed long,
watched sunrises and sunsets,...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

12 comments

add a comment

Molly - This would have been breathtaking to see in real life, such a great moment captured. Sunsets are always some that captivate my attention, love this.02/17/2010 - 7:55 pm

Montucky - Magnificent photo, Bo! That scene just naturally leads to good poetry.02/17/2010 - 10:19 pm

Abbey of the Arts - Bo, what a beautiful photo and your poem is such a deep invitation to be present to the rhythms of sky and earth.02/17/2010 - 10:30 pm

Joanna Young - Oh Bo, I just love the last few lines of this. These words in particular "a multitude of stars alight the heavens, milky streams of light,"... are deeply soothing.02/18/2010 - 2:33 am

Marcie - Such a gorgeous..warm desert image. And the accompanying words are perfect!!! So very creative!!!02/18/2010 - 7:34 am

Gandalf - captivating02/18/2010 - 7:45 am

Anna - What a beautiful desert sun and silhouette cactus scene! I love that poem... stirs deep. The part that touches: "I have journeyed long, watched sunrises and sunsets, and the ascents and descents of many moons.02/18/2010 - 11:15 am

Robin - This is beautiful. All of it.02/18/2010 - 12:40 pm

sherri - This is stunning.02/19/2010 - 9:29 am

Sue - Beautiful.02/20/2010 - 6:00 am

Debi - This is a favorite, both photo and poem. You've a gift, my dear.02/20/2010 - 8:40 am

Ed Vatza - I was scanning through you Southwest images Bo and this one just stopped me in my tracks. Stunning. Beautiful. WOW!02/26/2010 - 6:11 am

Plump Saguaro

02*17*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-P1 ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** travel

This saguaro cactus is nearly bulging at its seams. The Sonoran Desert region in this part of Saguaro National Park has had a rainy period and the saguaros were able to soak up the rain water and store it in its ribs. As the weather becomes hotter and drier, the saguaro will use the stored...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

4 comments

add a comment

Sue - Black and white is a great choice on this; helps to emphasize the repetition of the lines and shadows.02/17/2010 - 7:39 am

Gandalf - I agree with Sue, the B&W creates a wonderful view.02/17/2010 - 11:25 am

Molly - I like this photo, it does give an very different perception on the cactus using the black and white. Very artistic.02/17/2010 - 7:51 pm

Montucky - That Saguaro is in very prime condition! I love to see them like that!02/17/2010 - 10:15 pm

Ocotillo

02*09*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-3 ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** travel

Candle Wood, Coach Whip, Flaming Sword, Jacob’s Staff, Slim Wood, Vine Cactus – all are various names for the Ocotillo cactus. Found only in the Sonoran desert in the Southwest United States and adjacent Mexico, it is a practical plant. Its branches, covered with spiky thorns, makes a naturally effective fence. Those thorns are...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

6 comments

add a comment

oneshotbeyond - gorgeous in every way!02/10/2010 - 11:09 am

Montucky - They are beautiful plants! WIll you be there to see them bloom? Should start in March after such a wet winter. I like the mood of that photo!02/10/2010 - 7:45 pm

Molly - Love how this looks like a drawing, awesome shot. Although, they don't sound like something to mess with, no. Haha.02/10/2010 - 10:57 pm

Anna - Lovely in its spike-ness and the lines as the b&w really shows this image off.02/11/2010 - 12:14 pm

QuinnCreative - The contrast between the soft, streaky sky and the spiky, thorny ocotillo is wonderful!02/12/2010 - 9:42 am

Gandalf - A very striking composition02/15/2010 - 9:01 am

A Sea of Saguaro

02*09*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-P1 ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** travel

I am so happy to be back in the desert, able to walk among these giant cacti, the mighty Saguaro. I have visited over a hundred National Parks and Monuments, in 46 states, and I think this is the park that most loudly calls my name. I want to explore it, talk to it, photograph...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

5 comments

add a comment

Molly - I would not want to fall down that hill. Hehe. Still, I think that this photograph does show a beauty for the desert we rarely see or apperciate. Hope you are enjoying your trip. :)02/09/2010 - 11:56 am

Montucky - They are truly majestic plants! the one in the foreground is a very large one!02/09/2010 - 7:28 pm

Debi - My all time favorite desert, my all time favorite cacti, my all time favorite memories are right there. Even the smell of that desert remains with me. I adore it and I wish to be there. Sigh.02/12/2010 - 7:07 am

Gandalf - iconic to say the least.02/15/2010 - 8:59 am

Organ Pipe Cactus » Seeded Earth Studio - [...] Organ Pipe Cactus is one of the giant cacti, second in size only to the more iconic Saguaro. Instead of having a single trunk with branches, the organ pipe has 6 to 20 stems all growing from a [...]02/25/2010 - 12:51 am

Saguaro National Park

02*08*2010 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-P1 ** Southwest ** nature ** photography ** winter

Visited Saguaro National Park at sunset. The low sunlight gave the cacti a glowing cast and contrasted with the purple mountains of Tucson in the background.

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

7 comments

add a comment

Marcie - What gorgeous color and light. Such a beautiful landscape!!!02/09/2010 - 6:53 am

Molly - That's so pretty :)02/09/2010 - 11:54 am

Anna - Beautifully rustic!02/09/2010 - 3:08 pm

Montucky - Beautiful photo, Bo! That was a part of the desert that I loved when I lived there. I really do miss it.02/09/2010 - 7:26 pm

Debi - Ah, man........I wanna be there. Love this, Bo. Thanks for bringing up some pretty grand memories.02/12/2010 - 7:08 am

QuinnCreative - I love the way the clouds match the mountains. What a great eye you have!02/12/2010 - 9:40 am

Gandalf - Beautiful light02/15/2010 - 8:59 am

Hollow Tree Portrait

11*06*2009 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-3 ** autumn ** nature ** photography ** travel

Sending a big virtual hug of congratulations to my oldest kid, the one that moved far away to the East Coast and lives in the Big City, but still likes to ponder life while sitting inside a tree. Congrats on passing the Bar Exam.

View full post »

Tags: ** ** **

by Bo Mackison

2 comments

add a comment

Molly - Love this one! Makes me smile. :D02/18/2010 - 9:48 pm

Tweets that mention Hollow Tree Portrait » Seeded Earth Studio -- Topsy.com - [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bo Mackison, Bo Mackison. Bo Mackison said: I usually don't take a people #portrait IN a hollow tree, but this was perfect place. Fun! #Photograph up on #photoblog http://bit.ly/4vJQzF [...]11/07/2009 - 11:11 pm

Liberty at Sunset

06*07*2009 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-3 ** photography ** travel

We rode the Staten Island ferry to Manhattan and back, and had a great view of the Statue of Liberty both at sunset and at night. I’ve visited Ellis Island and walked around Lady Liberty, but the statue was closed to visitors at the time. Now the National Park Service has announced they are re-opening...

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** **

by Bo

13 comments

add a comment

viktoryian - Cool photo! ViktoryiaN06/07/2009 - 1:06 am

suehenryphotography - Perfect time of day to make this image.06/07/2009 - 8:05 am

Marcie - Stunning color as a backdrop for this beautiful silhouette. Especially love the bird!!!06/07/2009 - 11:05 am

mon@rch - Outstanding . . perfectly framed and lighting is perfect !06/07/2009 - 7:25 pm

montucky - Very nice photo of the lady!06/07/2009 - 10:31 pm

Robin - Fantastic capture, Bo. I love the color of the sky.06/08/2009 - 6:50 am

Anna Surface - Lovely capture of Lady Liberty in the glow of sunset. :)06/08/2009 - 6:55 am

Gandalf - Lovely photo. The shilloutte of borh the SoL and Flag are inspiring.06/08/2009 - 7:01 am

oneshotbeyond - cool shot of such a great statue...06/08/2009 - 5:55 pm

Kevin Mullins - Lovely perspective. The silhouette really works well. Nice one.06/09/2009 - 3:05 am

Gandalf - wonderful photo06/09/2009 - 7:50 am

Preston Surface - I remember being aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in Boston Harbor seeing this same exact sight. It was the 4th of July but I forget which year. All I know president Reagan was onboard and when he said, "Let the show begin," fireworks lit up the New York sky. Thanks for the memories.06/10/2009 - 1:14 pm

ankush - awesome sunset silhouette shot!06/12/2009 - 6:14 pm

Stick 'em Up!

05*01*2009 Posted in National Parks ** Olympus E-3 ** nature ** photography ** spring ** travel

This cactus seems to have an eerily human resemblance!
One of the thousands of cactus I saw in the Tuscon unit of  Saguaro National Park, just west of Tucson, Arizona.

View full post »

Tags: ** ** ** **

by Bo

10 comments

add a comment

Marcie - It almost looks like it has a head..arms and legs. Wonderful color and detail.05/01/2009 - 7:08 am

burstmode - hehehe... I see it.05/01/2009 - 8:08 am

montucky - "Stick 'em" is what the pear does best! (The fruit makes great jelly though.)05/01/2009 - 10:47 am

oneshotbeyond - These are such interesting subjects!05/01/2009 - 10:59 am

Gandalf - Ouch05/01/2009 - 12:23 pm

ceanothe - A pricking world, but of magnificent photos!05/02/2009 - 1:49 am

Robin - LOL! So it does...05/02/2009 - 9:30 pm

Bo - And little horns protruding from the top of his head, too! :-)05/07/2009 - 5:14 am

Bo - No kidding!05/07/2009 - 5:14 am

Bo - I was thinking the "stick" part had a double meaning, too, Terry!05/07/2009 - 5:15 am