Dena Cowlishaw Photography

Dena Cowlishaw Photography My name is Dena Cowlishaw. I also create under the name Dark Valkyrie. My event photography is under Wicked DD Photography.

This is a page for my photography and Creativity.

A few images of Mt Rainier that I took yesterday. I love the clouds!
07/21/2025

A few images of Mt Rainier that I took yesterday. I love the clouds!

Standing amidst the awakening forest at Denny Creek, I felt a profound connection to the beauty around me. The sunlight,...
05/28/2025

Standing amidst the awakening forest at Denny Creek, I felt a profound connection to the beauty around me. The sunlight, filtering through the trees, cast a magical glow, illuminating the intricate tapestry of life.

In that moment, I realized nature's serenity was a balm for the soul, a reminder of the simple yet profound beauty that surrounds us.

Westman Islands, Iceland, viewed from the North Atlantic. I captured this in August 2024 during my Iceland photo adventu...
01/13/2025

Westman Islands, Iceland, viewed from the North Atlantic. I captured this in August 2024 during my Iceland photo adventure trip. The Westman Islands are surrounded by several uninhabited islands (though six of them have single hunting cabins, including this one) and around 30 rocks and skerries, making seabird life very rich and bountiful. The hunting cabins were originally used for hunting puffins. However, that is not something that is done in this region anymore. What a view it must have!

Finding Depth in a Superficial World:We expend the majority of our time and energy engaging in a form of superficial exi...
01/04/2025

Finding Depth in a Superficial World:

We expend the majority of our time and energy engaging in a form of superficial existence. We skim the surface of matters, moving rapidly from one fleeting focus to another, often with a frantic pace that is exhausting. We gather information, objects, people, ideas, and "profound experiences," without truly delving into any of them. Yet, there are moments when we pause. We sit quietly. We become absorbed in what we see. We listen, and whispers from an entirely different realm begin to reach us. These are the moments that I cherish.

This is an image I took of Snæfellsjökull. Photographed from the lava fields. Northwest Iceland. I sat there taking everything in. And I listened.

2024 Photo Adventures Iceland. Seydisfjordu: The Iconic Blue Church. This charming little town left a lasting impression...
12/26/2024

2024 Photo Adventures Iceland. Seydisfjordu: The Iconic Blue Church. This charming little town left a lasting impression on me and have many fond memories of visiting it. Here is one of the images I captured during my adventure in this town. 💜

Backyard birding. Volume 6. Stellar's Jay. We have 8 of these guys that come to visit daily. They are so Beautiful and ...
12/26/2024

Backyard birding. Volume 6. Stellar's Jay. We have 8 of these guys that come to visit daily. They are so Beautiful and quite entertaining. 💜

The Icelandic Horse: 2024 Iceland Photo Adventures in Akureyri, Iceland.Akureyri, known as the Capital of the North, is ...
12/03/2024

The Icelandic Horse: 2024 Iceland Photo Adventures in Akureyri, Iceland.

Akureyri, known as the Capital of the North, is a city cradled at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord in northern Iceland, with a modest population of just over 19,000 residents.

During a visit to an Icelandic horse farm approximately 30 minutes from Akureyri, I captured this image.

Icelandic horses, the descendants of the original Viking steeds, rank among the purest horse breeds in the world. They have remained isolated on the rugged North-Atlantic Island since the first settlers arrived over a thousand years ago, receiving minimal genetic input from other breeds.

The initial settlers of Iceland were limited in the number of livestock they could transport, likely choosing only their best animals. It is likely that the Icelandic horse is descended from a select group of superior individuals who survived the demanding voyage across the Atlantic on a Viking longship, later becoming the early Icelanders' most vital companion in their new, wild homeland. Renowned for their "tolt," Icelandic horses offer a remarkable riding experience. As someone passionate about horses and having owned them until 2008, riding an Icelandic horse in Iceland was a significant item on my bucket list. It was an incredible experience that I eagerly look forward to repeating.

On Thanksgiving Day, Don and I had the privilege of observing a Bald Eagle looking for its evening meal. This is the pho...
12/03/2024

On Thanksgiving Day, Don and I had the privilege of observing a Bald Eagle looking for its evening meal. This is the photo I took. We were on Bainbridge Island.
Don and I seized the rare opportunity to embark on an adventure prior to our dinner, a respite from our new normal routine dominated by work and new projects. It was indeed a delightful change to be outdoors and exploring. I had a fantastic day shared with my favorite person. 💜

A Pileated woodpecker, typically undisturbed by the caprices of nature, seems rather perturbed by the raindrops falling ...
12/03/2024

A Pileated woodpecker, typically undisturbed by the caprices of nature, seems rather perturbed by the raindrops falling on its head.

Heimaey Island, part of the Westman Islands, is situated about 8 miles off the southwest coast of Iceland and is renowne...
10/25/2024

Heimaey Island, part of the Westman Islands, is situated about 8 miles off the southwest coast of Iceland and is renowned for its substantial puffin population. In late August, I visited the island and had the good fortune of being chauffeured by a local guide. Although it was quite late in the season for puffin sightings, I was lucky.

During my visit, I learned a great deal about the Westman Islands. They are home to Iceland's largest puffin breeding colony, and the birds are deeply ingrained in the community's history and culture, forming a significant part of their heritage. The islands are conveniently located just 8 miles from Iceland’s south coast, making them easily accessible.

Puffins are distinguished by their unique flight pattern. Due to their short wings relative to body size, they must flap vigorously to remain airborne, flapping their wings up to 400 times per minute. This rapid wing movement may make their flight appear somewhat erratic, yet they are adept fliers, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 MPH. Capturing these birds in flight has been my most challenging photography task to date. I was literally standing on the edge of a cliff to take this photo.

The presence of a large puffin colony near human settlements on the Westman Islands has led to a charming tradition. The town's lights can disorient young puffins, or pufflings, causing them to crash-land on the streets.

Local residents partake in a nightly search with flashlights for pufflings that have strayed into town. They gather the birds in special boxes to protect them until they can be safely released back into the wild. This activity, known as the Puffling Patrol, is a significant community event that has spanned generations.

The following day, the rescued birds are returned to the sea by being gently tossed off the cliffs.

The Puffling Patrol transcends a mere rescue operation; it symbolizes the profound connection between the Westman Islands' inhabitants and the puffins, fostering a collective sense of stewardship and ownership of all that reside in this beautiful region.

As always please feel free to reach out about prints!

Address

Seattle, WA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dena Cowlishaw Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category