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Cradle of life

Focused on Gemini Springs

Gemini Springs Park is known for its interplay of open, sunlit spaces and deeply shaded oak hammocks. It made an ideal testing ground for our photography.

Article by Sandra Friend (August 11, 2014)
Man looking into camera viewfinder John trying to capture an uncooperative lizard


It was time for a photography lesson. After spending an hour biking along the Spring-to-Spring Trail, we needed a break.

John’s moved up a step in cameras, to a Sony NEX-5T, and I’m trying out an upgraded Nikon with a better zoom lens than I’ve used before. We decided to focus our efforts on Gemini Springs.

At noon, the light couldn’t be more harsh, and the park is known for its interplay of open, sunlit spaces and deeply shaded oak hammocks. Here are a few of our results, with minimal retouching / cropping.

Sony NEX-5T images

Spring run framed by forest Down the spring run


Basin of spring surrounded by steep sides and forest Gemini I


View of spring outflow between palms From the edge of Gemini II


Nikon 7100 images

Close up of cavern of spring Cradle of life


Teal colored spring Gemini II


Teal colored spring in a small wooded basin Gemini I


Cluster of ferns with hint of water behind them Ferns above Gemini II


Aquatic grasses visible through clear water Aquatic grasses at outflow


Green anole lizard clinging to a strand of a vine Balancing act


Brown anole lizards mating A tangled tale


Little blue heron Little blue heron


Spring boil Spring boil, Gemini I


Forest path Forest path


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Sandra Friend
Sandra Friend
Author of 45 books, Sandra Friend established FloridaHikes.com in 2006 to expand on the field research she'd completed for her first six hiking guides. She has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Florida Trail Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.
Sandra Friend
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Category: Articles, Moments, SpringsTag: DeBary, Deltona, Enterprise, Gemini Springs

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