Janury 21, 2011

It's hard to believe 2010 is over already. In my nature photography started very slow and ended with one of my best years ever. I believe I slowed down a bit and thought about some of the basic rules of photography. These rules I refer to are just the simple things you learn when you pick up any "how to" magazine or instruction book of a new camera. The newer cameras do it all, and I mean it all. The trick is to just read, and then read some more. Then one day when you are out shooting, whether it is a landscape, bird or maybe a deer, you will look down at your camera and automatically know what settings are best for the shot.

In 2010 I got my "best" Eagle, Elk, Hummingbird, Fox, Deer and maybe even some great scenic shots. Being in the right place at the right time sure helped, but a quick check of my camera proved invaluable. I actually watched my lighting, my composition (very important), and my backgrounds. Things I've been telling people for years, but was guilty of not listing to my own advice! In 2010 it all came together and really worked!

How does one top a great year? Continue reading and practicing what you read. I'm wondering if I can top last year, but you know what? That's a great goal to work towards in the coming year, to do even better.

Have a great year in photography in 2011. Read, read and read!!! It pays off.

June 10, 2010

After a slow start to 2010, thing are starting to roll. Most of the spring birds are back, and some are already on their second brood. I'm getting lots of reports about baby owls, and bears. I've photographed a bald eagles nest for the first time this year, and that just might have made my 2010 complete. You don't get many second chances on shots like that! Spring is almost gone. Many of my spring goals in photography fell way short. As many of you "die Hard" nature photographers out there know, there is never enough time. Digital photography is still growing fast. Every time I receive a new photo magazine, something new is coming out. The latest is video in the DSLR'S. As a still photographer, I can't get too excited about the video feature. It depends on what you want to do in nature photography. Right now I use an entry level digital camera, which does a great job. I tell people in my talks that there isn't a bad digital camera out there. Even the point & shoot cameras do a fine job. Again, it depends on what you want to do with photography. I still believe that it isn't the type of camera, but the person behind that viewfinder, and what they see, that makes the "perfect" picture.

Remember, in the remainder of the year, follow your photo lists. Take the shots that you believe will be the best composed. Composition is a key word in photography. Background is another key. Stop, even for a split second, and look at your background. It might make a big difference in your photo. Enjoy my updated website. There will be more to come,

Keep shooting !!

Digital photography is now firmly established. I hope everyone out there has tried it. I see some film labs are shutting down. I believe this will happen more and more. Digital advances are happening almost daily. I can’t wait to see what’s going to be available in just five or so years from now.

So, my tip for the year is simple – make a photo list, and try to photograph everything on it. It will be fun to try, even if you don’t make your whole list. There’s always next year.

Keep on shooting.

Just over a year ago, when I would give talks on outdoor photography, I wouldn’t even mention digital! I was a die-hard film guy, and nothing was going to change me. The more I read about digital, the more I began to have a real interest in the subject. I soon had the feeling that if I didn’t get on the bandwagon soon, I would be left in the dust. Late in 2005 I bought my first digital camera. It was a SLR that would use all my lenses. Then came 2006, when I began using the digital only. I have not used any film since! Not being a genius on the computer, it has been a learning experience all the way, which I have fallen in love with. My “tip” or just plain advice is very simple. Try digital! You don’t have to buy a five thousand dollar camera to start. The digital point & shoot cameras work very well, and have great optics, with a low price tag. I now find I have the freedom to take better pictures, because I can see instantly what my exposure is, how my focus and background is, and if it isn’t right, I erase it. Digital may not be for everyone, but it works for me. My photography is all still “natural”. No “superimposing” scenes or animals that shouldn’t be there. I do use the computer to brighten and sharpen the images, when necessary, but what you see is really there! Yes, I still have my film cameras. That’s what got me here, I just can’t let them out to pasture!! Check my galleries. I’ll bet you can’t tell which are digital or film!!?

An example of this is early in the spring of 2002, while I was at work with no camera, I got a frantic call from the people in our first floor office to come down right away. When I arrived, there was a "Sharp-Shinned" hawk that just made a kill on a Starling not more than ten feet from a open office window. It guarded its catch for at least a good ten minutes before flying off. What a photo it would have been...I often think, if I only had my camera that day!