New old photos, Photos from 2007
February 2013
By sharing old photos we can examine previous work with the clear vision of hindsight. We can see what worked, what didn't work, what we can do now vs. then, and how to always improve. There is a lot to learn about action bird shots, which will be scrutinized later.
By sharing old photos we can examine previous work with the clear vision of hindsight. We can see what worked, what didn't work, what we can do now vs. then, and how to always improve. There is a lot to learn about action bird shots, which will be scrutinized later.
Hope for the best, so PLAN for the best
March 2007
While on a walk on a popular walking path, I happened upon some migrating geese that were somewhat comfortable around people. They'd let you get close, but not too close. The overcast sky was good for slow shutter speed shots of the river and I wanted to see if I could incorporate the geese into the shot. Even with a steady hand I was inhibited by the lack of tripod. I walked around and scoped out some locations and decided to try my luck at coming back. The geese seemed easygoing where they were and the weather seemed consistent day-to-day. So I came back and the geese were in their normal spots and, with the help of a tripod, I took some decent photos of a blurred river and wildlife.
While on a walk on a popular walking path, I happened upon some migrating geese that were somewhat comfortable around people. They'd let you get close, but not too close. The overcast sky was good for slow shutter speed shots of the river and I wanted to see if I could incorporate the geese into the shot. Even with a steady hand I was inhibited by the lack of tripod. I walked around and scoped out some locations and decided to try my luck at coming back. The geese seemed easygoing where they were and the weather seemed consistent day-to-day. So I came back and the geese were in their normal spots and, with the help of a tripod, I took some decent photos of a blurred river and wildlife.
Costa Rica, Winter 2013
Portrait of an alpha monkey
January 2013
Sometimes I think when I call a photo of an animal a "portrait" it is a lazy way of saying I am happy with this photo of the animal while it sits and poses for me. There is something, though, about monkey eyes that catch a sparkle from natural light. Not all animals are like that and sometimes it is after the shoot before I realize there is no twinkle in the animal's eye. Looking at a photo of an animal is nothing like the real experience and viewers should appreciate details that can be captured to add depth or life to a still image. Above is the white faced alpha male as he sits waiting to see if I brought any edibles for him. Below he is yawning. A boring trick to add some action to the photo, but it is still a trick to add some action to the photo.
Sometimes I think when I call a photo of an animal a "portrait" it is a lazy way of saying I am happy with this photo of the animal while it sits and poses for me. There is something, though, about monkey eyes that catch a sparkle from natural light. Not all animals are like that and sometimes it is after the shoot before I realize there is no twinkle in the animal's eye. Looking at a photo of an animal is nothing like the real experience and viewers should appreciate details that can be captured to add depth or life to a still image. Above is the white faced alpha male as he sits waiting to see if I brought any edibles for him. Below he is yawning. A boring trick to add some action to the photo, but it is still a trick to add some action to the photo.
Cascade Mountains, Fall 2012
Double Bird Shots, spring 2012
The Chase
Osprey are territorial -- look here. Above and below are pictures of an osprey chasing another. They'd swoop and grab at each other with their large talons.
Hawk and Eagle
Finally I got a shot of an eagle and a hawk in the same frame. There were hawks, osprey, crows, and an eagle flying around. It was a bird watchers paradise, I think. The birds covered a lot of sky moving in and out of my 200mm range so I moved position doing my best to follow them. I noticed when birds are chasing each other they are unpredictable in where they'll go. It was all about being in the right place at the right time as most wildlife photography is. If I could be down there every day, I would. I would have 5,000 photos with a couple of epic shots, I'm sure. It's important to practice and carry the right gear (missing my 400mm lens) so when opportunities like this arise, you are ready to take full advantage.
Mountain goat, top of the waterfall, June 21, 2012
Portrait
Wenatchee National Forest -- We were leaving the Enchantments when this mountain goat settled in on this rock at the top of a enormous waterfall. It was not aggressive and chose a great spot for photos. One way of photographing wildlife I really like is to make a clear picture of the animal in it's habitat. When I first started pursuing wildlife for photos, I always wanted to capture those classic portrait shots. Now I find the joy and beauty in searching for something a little more unique. After getting this portrait at an interesting angle, (left) I went up the hill to get the goat in the landscape.