Eno River Photography

01/06/2026

So the second day of the year, I found myself at a familiar location, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Pungo Unit. I had seen videos and reports of good numbers of Tundra Swans, and since the temperatures were going to be chilly I decided to take the drive. As usual, stayed at the underwhelming Holiday Inn Express in Plymouth, NC, and got up early to be on site around sunrise.

01/01/2025

Happy New Year folks! Down here in Eastern NC to try and get some images of our migratory birds and recorded these video clips of Tundra Swans bedding down at Lake Pungo. Not many birds on the lake proper, but two large flocks in the surrounding fields. Yes, those white dots you see are each one a bird. Mostly Tundra Swans but some Snow Geese thrown in. Enjoy and hope to have some up close images for you by the weekend!

11/28/2022

11/28/2022

Here are a small selection of photos I took during my trip during Thanksgiving week 2022 to Chincoteague VA. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is there, actually on Assateague Island. The refuge is famous for the herd of wild ponies that live there which were made famous in the book Misty of Chincoteague in the 50s. The ponies are still there and every June they gather them up, swim them across the causeway, and then the local Fire Department selects newborn and existing ponies to be auctioned. It is a fundraiser for the Fire Dept. and draws HUGE crowds to the small town to bid on them. Bidders from all over the US and even Saudi Arabia come seeking to take them home. (I have not included any photos of the ponies in this post. I am planning to do a post dedicated to just the photos of the ponies I have taken on my many trips to Chincoteague.)
I hope you enjoy looking at these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have, about the refuge, Chincoteague in general, or even about Photography!
As always, It ain't about the Camera!
Tom
[email protected]
www.enoriverphotography.com
1.413.GET.ENO1
1.413.438.3661

11/28/2022

Hi All. It has been a while since I have posted here. Not for lack of wanting to, just a lack of new photos to show you. Been busy with real job, post-surgery back issues and a lot of just goofing off.
So look for a post from me in the next few days since I spent last week in Chincoteague VA visting the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Captured some fantastic images and even got a few shots of a bird that is new to me in the wild.
Hope all of you are doing well and remember...

It ain't the camera!

Tom
[email protected]

Nature and Wildlife Photography in Durham NC. Professional photography and photographic instruction.

08/17/2021

So, my darling wife got me a new lens for an early Anniversary present. 15mm f/2.5 Didn't really have anything exactly 'wide angle' in the house, but a kitty is always a good subject. Combine manual focus with a .25 ft minimum focus and you get a few that are not completely in focus. But still cute...

08/16/2021

Hi there my fine photographic friends! How are ya?
I know...been a while since we have had an update here at old Eno River Photography. Well, not to make excuses, but I have to say the last 12 months or so has been...well... right dang stressful for your favorite Wildlife photographer. BUT..all is well now and we are moving towards getting back to our usually scheduled programs here at the mighty riparian valley of the Eno!
One of those things this fall is going to be a return to one of our FAVORITE places here in NC, The Carolina Raptor Center. http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/
The leading facility in the Southeast for environmental education, the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors, and environmental stewardship. The Center is home to 37 different species of Raptor, including Eagles, Hawks, and my personal favorites, Vulture/Buzzards!
I recommend a visit anytime! But for a few special days out of the year they shut down the mornings for the general public and allow a group of 25 or so lucky photographers to get up close to a selection of the permanent resident raptors for the purpose of getting great photographs that usually would not be possible. They call it PhotoWild!
http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/learn/adult-education/photowild/
The couple of times I have made it have been SO fun. And I have to admit, some of my favorite photos of owls, especially some species that are not indigenous to the Southeast have been shot here. Including the images accompanying this post.
This falls dates are:
September 18th
October 16th
November 13th
They do limit the number of folks at a given session, so if you are interested sign up early. And no, you don't have to go with a car load of photogear and take a bunch of pictures. There are always a few folks that just like the ability to get closer to the birds than normal and without the usual crowds.
So, look at the pics attached to this post and I hope to see you at one of the PhotoWild Sessions this Fall!

Remember, It Ain't the Camera!

From the right side of the lens,
Tom Benson Jr.
[email protected]
www.enoriverphotography.com

11/05/2020

A new Blog Post over at www.enoriverphotography.com!

So I had promised my good lady wife Nancie that for her birthday we would go to the beach for a day. Back in September. Yeah, it took a while. Mostly because she was busy and on the days we would tentatively plan to go the weather forecast would be for rain or such. We were totally prepared to go

10/08/2020

Hi Gang! Just a note to say that the new www.enoriverphotography.com is up and online. Go by and have a look!

01/28/2020

A moment with the Redwings from my recent trip to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

01/20/2020

No...Birds aren't self aware.
(Keep telling yourself that when a Turkey Vulture, which is in a lot of ways smarter than a 3 yo child, takes your job.)

01/07/2020

Really funny series of photos of animals not responding as they are expected to a photographer. The three I have highlighted here are instructional.
ONE: Foxes use Canon's. Good to know.
TWO: Lions seem to like the taste of Canon's. AGAIN, as a Nikon shooter, good information.
Three: Everyone should run like hell when a bear comes up on your shoot. We are not sure what camera brand they prefer!

Moral of the story: Insure your gear!

http://www.postfun.com/incredible/these-animals-really-didnt-want-their-pictures-taken/