Black and White

Portland Head Lighthouse  

Leading workshops is not black and white. What I mean by that is simple, be prepared to change at a moments notice. Not every scenario can be planned out. Not every student learns the same way. Not everything in life goes as expected. My teachers David and Cecil have shown me how to make things happen so my workshop participants will get some great instruction and images as well. Often times when I lead workshops I feel like David and Cecil are there with me. Thank you guys. I taught with true NIF spirit yesterday. And ate like it too :) 

Pemaquid Lighthouse.

A slow exposure Black and White image  

This was the second Lighthouse for me the day I met up with David, Cecil and Lou in Maine. We worked all the usual and unusual angles of composition. This is one shot I liked.  Image made with Canon 5d Miii and 24x105 lens. On top of my Sirui N3204x tripod and K-30 Ball head. I used a Tiffen IRND 10 stop filter in mid day light. The image is edited in Lightroom CC and Nik Silver Effects. 

Bass Harbor at Night

Night Shooting at Bass Harbor Lighthouse.  

The Nature in Focus Workshops Participants were treated to some Night shooting over Bass Harbor Lighthouse. We got there during the golden hour before sunset. And stayed until around 9 PM. It was a lesson in patients for sure. But also a lesson in risk reward. There are certain risk we should take as photographers and many we shouldn't. There was never a point anyone was put in harms way. We had plenty of lights and each instructor made sure everyone could see their way out safely. The reward was getting an amazing shot. I see far to often these days people going to extremes to get shots that are rare. In the end making it home safe is what it's all about. Getting to go out and shoot tomorrow or playing with your kids or pets. Be educated on taking care of gods gifts to us. Leave the areas you shoot with all you went in with. Image made with Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 15x30 and 15 mm. F/2.8 manual mode ISO 3200 with a 30 second exposure. Mounted on my Sirui N3204x Tripod and K-30 Ballhead. Carried with my Peak Design Leash strap and Lowepro Flipside 500 Backpack. Edited in Lightroom CC. 

Into The Fog

Black Thunder  

Sometimes as a photographer I like to create artistic images out of ordinary subjects. I am in Acadia National Park instructing with Cecil Holmes, David Akoubian, Fukin' Lou Raimondi (Nature in Focus Workshops) we are haveing some amazing foliage. we couldn't pass up Sieur du Monts Gardens on a overcast day. The Participants were really having a great time finding little things to focus their skills on. Ten students with four instructors really allowed for some individual attentions for the participants. This is an image I really hoped to get while here.any others had similar shots as well.  

Proper Lens Choice

A portrait of a giraffe at Southwick Zoo

Proper lens choice. There are so many lenses available today. From primes to super zooms. But what does it mean to choose the proper lens? I have my favorite lenses and my must have lenses that are designed for a particular type of photography. But before I get into a few lenses and why they are must haves for my kit, let me explain how my lens choice makes my work easier.   My most used lens is my 24x105. It gives me a lot of range and is one of my sharpest lenses. With an F/4 aperture through out the focal range, it's a very handy everyday lens. But it doesn't offer me two variables. It doesn't get me closer to subjects far away. And it doesn't open up wide enough for certain situations. Let's focus on reach or the ability to get closer to far away subjects. When I bought my Tamron 150x600 lens. I bought it for wildlife. Mainly to pursue birding. But the lens is so versatile  I never leave home without it. The DOF at 600mm is outstanding. As you can see with the bokeh in the image above. This giraff was a good distance away. I couldn't have made this sort of composition with any other lens choice. (in my bag) on to wide angle. I used to use an 8mm on my Aps-c sensor. But this year I purchased at Tamron 15x30. I use it on my Canon 5dmiii. I have really enjoyed this lens. It offers me a good range and also f2.8 through that range. It's a must have for night shooting. I use it for all sorts of shoots. So with these three lenses always in my bag I can cover my entire focal range. It's the perfect kit for an event and nature photographer. Those three lenses never leave my bag. I keep at 70x200 in my bag also.  I also have macro lenses for specific shooting. Both of those lenses make great portrait lenses. I suggest checking out Tamron Lenses. I plan to add their 24x70 f2.8 in the near future. 

Image made with the Canon 5d Miii and Tamron lenses 150x600 DI VC USD lens. Hand held at 600 mm  

Remembering

White Bellied Nuthatch on the STICK.  

Remembering. After a little family vacation, I decided to take a moment to remember the values my Grandfather taught me many moons ago. Work hard for everything you want. Never take anything from anyone, because they will take more in return. And relax when possible. Never forget the important things in life. Here is where my story today kind of stems from remembering his thoughts. My family and I spent some much needed time at Cape Cod. I didn't shoot a lot. Nor did I really feel like shooting a lot. In fact I took a little break. I spent some time with my wife and daughter. And even played mini golf rather than capture an epic sunset. (It was epic too) This morning I took a few minuets to start my second busy season as a photographer. I love my profession with all my heart. But this break was much needed. Amelia and I captured this and a couple other images together when she woke up. I didn't care if we got great shots we got great moments together. I hope she remembers them many years from now.

image made with Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600 on my Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 Gimbal head. Viewed and tweaked in On1 Photo 10 and Lightroom CC.  

Are you Nuts-hatch?

White Breated Nuthatch on the Stick

I wanted to start this post out by saying thank you to every person I know on social media (the ones who matter :) for wishing me a happy birthday yesterday. I worked last night and today start my vacation. I have big plans on catching up around the house. So I think my photography work will take a back seat for a day or so. This morning the light was spotty and there were a lot of harsh shadows. This nuthatch sat there forever. Are you nuts-hatch? These little birds rarely sit still. Though a few years ago I trudged out in the deep snow to see if one had gotten caught in the feeder. I used the light to my advantage. And underexposed slightly to help balance out the overall exposure. Image made with the Canon 5d Miii and Tamron Di VC USD lens tethered to my a Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 Gimbal head with a Peak Design leash strap. Manual mode f/8 ISO 1600 shutter speed 1/250 of a second.  

The Stick

Young Male red Bellied Wood Pecker. 

Happy Fourth of July everyone. Independence Day! I have been fortunate to capture the Adults of this young male Red Bellied woodpecker. He has been coming every day at around 7 am and once he spots me doesn't come back. But I finally managed a so so shot of him. Independence comes fast for young broods. (If that's the correct way to say that) with in a matter of weeks the adults see their hatchlings into the world.  Our country was founded on the ability to make sound choices in life. And when we make mistakes we grow from them. I hope for generations to come our country remains free and independent. I hope everyone finds their second half of 2016 to be prosperous and filled with love and happiness. Image made with Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600 on top of my Sirui N3204x and Ph-20 Gimbal head. 

Staying With A Subject

A Humpback Whale  

Captain Larry did just that. He kept the customers on subjects all day. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Crew were great. The trip was well narrated and the staff were attentive.  They attended to passengers having issues with the waves and even loaned out binoculars. We went out to Petit Manan Island to view Puffins and other sea birds. There was a seal lounging as well. Then he found us three Fin or Finback Whales and the Captain followed them for quite some time. Last he came upon this Humpback Whale. The whale took a deep dive and fortunate for me came up on the starboard side of the boat. I managed a couple shots, but I stayed on the tail until it was no longer visible. The point of my post is great photographers will often get to a site early and stay until they no longer have a subject. Image made with a Canon 7d and Tamron 150x600 Di VC USD lens. Hand held with the vibrations compensation on. 

Bluebirds!

Male Bluebird at the Stick.  

Female Bluebird

The new tenants. image cropped 30%

I'm sitting here taking some really great bird shots on the stick and stump. Red bellied family stopped in for some suet and peanuts. The Titmouse and Sparrows had some snacks too. Even a juvenile female Cardinal hung around. The albino pigeon and her mate the dove swooped in for some seed. As I was dozing off watching them, Mr. bluebird landed. I snapped about a dozen shots as he sat there watching me. Seconds later he flew away only to land on the bird house my friend Cecil Holmes sent me. Then came the Mamma Bluebird. As many of you know I've been longing to have a pair nest here. I pray they stay! David Akoubian and Cecil are already giving me tips to help nurture them to build and lay eggs in the house. I can't wait to see where this goes. Now for the technical mumbo jumbo. The image was made with my Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600 Di VC USD lens on top of my Sirui N3204x tripod. ISO 1600 f/8 edited in On1 and LRCC.  

Jordan Pond

Slow exposure at Jordan Pond  

While I visited Acadia National Park this past few days, I went with intent on honing some skills that I don't always get to work on locally. I hoped to shoot the Milky Way, long exposures, HDR, Pano's and relaxation. Well I managed all of them but the Milky Way. Mother Nature didn't offer me the atmosphere I needed to accomplish that goal. On the morning of our last day in Acadia the rain gods delivered one heck of a rain storm. Rick and I were driving to the park and he said well we got two great weather days. I responded we got the best day today. Here is a 25 second exposure. I explained to Rick that this is what I needed to do some real slow exposures. Though the day before I did some 30 second exposures over Boulder Beach in night noon sunlight, to my vision this is what slow exposure is all about. Image made with the Canon 5dMiii and 24x105 lens. Tiffen IRND 10 stop filter f/8 ISO 100 25 second exposure. On top of my Sirui N3204x tripod and K30x ball head.  Edited in LRCC and On1 Effects.  

Bar Harbor

Sunset in Bar Harbor  

I had posted an iPhone shot the other day of this scene. Here is one made with my Canon 5d Miii with my Tamron 15x30 Di VC USD lens. I used a vertical composition at 15mm f/8 ISO 200 to show the colorful layers between the docks and the horizon. Showing depth in your composition is important. Turning a two dimensional view into a three dimensional view using the colors and other elements. The wide angle of this lens really allows me a new way to show my vision. It's tack sharp even at 2.8. With a working range of 15x30 the elimination of unwanted subjects is also available to you when moving your feet isn't an option. I used my Sirui N3204x tripod and K-30x ball head. Teathered to the tripod with a Peak Design Leash Strap. Carried with a Lowepro Flipside AW backpack. Viewed in On1 Photo 10 and edited in LRCC. 

Artistic Editing.

One of the boat houses in Cape Ann

When exploring an area keep an open mind to finding your next artistic image. I won't lie, I have found these little boat houses many times and knew exactly where to bring my students. The tides were low so we had to really work the area.  Rockport Harbor offers so many little options for creative editing. I explained to my group that I use my end vision through editing while I'm shooting. In other words, my experience in post processing lend me a visit on how I want to frame and shoot an image. Even ones I've shot many times. Image made with my Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 15x30 hand held VC on. Edited in LRCC and On1 Photo 10.  

Happy Fathers Day

My Dad, Amelia and myself 2016 image by Sonia Carrigan. 

I'm posting for Father's Day a little early. I will be pretty busy tomorrow and have a workshop Sunday morning. The remainder of the day will be spent with my baby. I never planned on being a Daddy. And though I've struggle being a good son, I never doubted how much I love my Dad. I hope Amelia always feels the same.  

I can say this with an open heart. I've never loved bein anything more than I love being a Son. Except being a Dad. My Dad and I had a fairly close relationship even though we were miles apart. There was a part of me who missed the daily relationship part but that's part of life. I knew my Dad was always a call away. And for some reason that mattered. And now with modern technology Amelia can have interaction with her PopPop anytime either of them want too. I have devoted my fathering to making sure my little girl is alway full of happiness and love. No matter what it takes. And honestly the love she has for my Dad is pretty amazing. Happy Fathers Day to my Dad! Thanks for being such a good PopPop to Amelia. 

What you lookin' at?

Female Downy Woodpecker.  

I capture so many typical shots of the birds who frequent the Stick sometimes the unusual ones make me smile. So this was a great way to end my day! Image made with my Canon 7d Tamron 150x 600 at 600mm in manual mode. ISO 640 f8 shutter speed of 1/150 of a second. I was using my Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 Gimbal head. Edited in Lightroom CC and On1 Photo 10.  

Innocence

Amelia at the Park

Innocence of a child is the simplest pleasure of a parent. You always hear about it, but until you are a Daddy you really can't understand it. (Or Mommy) With the recent terrorist mass killing in Orlando, I often wonder silently to myself, why did we offer this kind of world to our little girl? The answer is right there. Innocence. We can't balance out the evil and horror of the world without innocence and wonderful love that comes with a happy child. This image was made with the Tamron 150x600 at 300 mm hand held VC on ISO 800 f/8 shutter speed 1/500 of a second. On my Canon 5dmiii. Carried on Peak Design Straps and Acessories. Edited in LRCC and On1 Photo 10.5. 

Bash Bish Falls

Bash Bish Falls.  

When we arrived at Bash Bish State Forrest today it was really bright and I knew I would have to Isolate smaller sections of the waterfalls to get nice images. I found this small section and spent most of my time focusing on tiny compositions.  Image made with Canon 5d Miii and Canon 24x105 L series lens. At 105mm I used a Marumi CPL and mounted on my Sirui N3204x tripod and k-30 ball head. Carried in a Lowepro Flipside 500 and Peak Design Capture Pro and Slide strap. Edited in On1 Photo 10.5 and LRCC.  

Artistic Photography

Happy Hour.  

The hour before and after sunrise and sunset is Happy Hour for photographers.  The golden hours are the times when true artistry from Mother Nature takes place. This image is a creative artsy vision I had when I snapped a few shots of the fisherman going to work. If you have never visited fishing villages of Maine or Cape Ann in Massachusettes there are always cool images to be created with the many boats and compositions available. Go explore these areas and let your vision grow.  Image made with Canon 7d Miii and Sigma 70x200 F/8 ISO 200 shutter speed of 1/500 of a second at 110mm. Gear on top of a Sirui N3204x and K-30 ball head. Carried in a Lowepro Flipside 500 and Peak Design Slide Strap and Capture Pro. Viewed in ON1 photo 10.5 and created in Effects and Nik Color Pro 4 and LRCC. Join me in Cape Ann in June for a workshop.  

Great Monday's

Titmouse at the stick.  

It is always nice when my days off start. Being Monday, it's the start of most people's work week most won't agree. My Monday started out fantastic and is ending even better. I had a very successful morning shooting song birds on the stick. I had the most variety I've ever had. And I had wonderful light being created from the sun. Yes! The sun! This image was made with Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600 at 600mm f/7.1 ISO 1600 resulting in 1/1000 of second shutter speed. I had it mounted on my Sirui N3204x and PH-20 Gimbal head. I also used a Peak Design Leash for safety.  

Blue?

Blue Jay saying hello at the stick.  

Does the weather have you blue? Day after day of endless rain? Find a way to make your day sunny. I fill the feeders just about every morning during this wet spring weather we have been having here in Massachusettes. In turn I get visitors that like to scream at me! Actually blue jays are very timid when it comes to people taking their pictures. Sparrows, chickadee, nuthatch, titmouse and woodpeckers will patiently eat while I take many images of them. Not these guys. They boogie on out of here. In this case I think this is a female blue jay hung around for about 10 frames. Image made with Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600. On top my Surui N3204x Tripod with PH-20 Gimbal head. Peak Design Leash strap.