Birding (American Birding)

Featured image of my Sirui. 

I am very excited to have an image featured in this beautiful advertisement by Sirui USA. And even more excited that it's featured in Birding Magazine. I fell in love with Birding long before I was a photographer. My Grandfather and actually my Mother after him taught me a lot about birds and their habits. Their habits are what keeps me interested in them. From the unique way they fly to their ways of interacting with other birds. To say I find watching relaxing is an understatement.  This image was captured at the stick using a Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 Gimbal (featured in the advertisement) I was using a Canon 7dmii and Tamron 150x600 lens. Besure to check out Birding Magazine for some great reading on birds and how you can find ways to capture them or just plain enjoy them. 

Mindshift Backlight 26L

The Backlight 26L in Greenfield Color.  

I have had this bag now for about bout a month or so. The versatility is outstanding. I have always been a fan of back opening bags for ease of use and keeping your shirt clean as well. I find this bag to be very useful for both my landscape and event work. Today's itinerary includes a 80's style Sweet 16 birthday party. Complete with L.A. Backstage Pass performing their awsome covers from the 80's Happy Birthday Sam! In my bags today.  

Canon 5dmiii with Sirui L Bracket and 24x105  attached. 

Canon 7dmii with L Bracket  

Tamron 15x30 F/2.8

Sigma 70x200 F/2.8

2 Canon Speedlights  

Think Tank 4 Dslr battery case (full) 

Mindshift House of Cards  

a bag of AA batteries  

13" MacBook Pro/Accessories 

All of that and plenty of room in both mesh pouches for various other doodads. The bag is awesome for many uses. Click their link on my about page for special offers.

Mindshift Trailscape 18L

Front view less than 20" in height and very manageable.  

Here is a day pack filled to cover a lot of photographic needs. 

I started my afternoon intending to shoot some flowers at Smith Botanical Garden. And maybe a little landscape work. So I packed my Mindshift Trailscape for my days work. I loaded it with 8 filters in the Mindshift Nest insert, a Tamron 180 macro, 15x30, 90 macro and a Canon 5dmiii with Tamron 24x70 attached. Also my Peak design strap and a flash light. Along the side is my small Sirui T2005x tripod and K-10 ballhead. And the Mindshift House of Cards memory wallet and the Think Tank 4 DSLR Batter case as well. And there is still plenty of room in the mesh compartments for shutter releases and other things. The front pouch has room for a 13" MacBook or a Tablet and a place for your cell phone, pens and things like that. All that and it's still incredibly light. I have spent many years now talking about my obsession with camera bags. When in reality I never found one that was just right. This is the perfect day bag. I can even fit a Tamron 150x 600 attaché in here with a wide angle and a massive filter system. My friends at Mindshift have done an amazing job. Click the link at in the "About me" section to get their bags as well as some free gear. 

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 :) 

New Years Goals

Junco on the Stick

I like to start my new year setting goals for myself. In all areas of my life. My birding skills are on my photography plate. Being a better husband, father and man is a daily goal I strive to achieve. I don't always manage to do better but at one point in my life I didn't aspire to do it much at all. I was fortunate to find karate many moons ago and that along with Iaido created a new focus in me. I don't train in those disciplines any longer. I've worked towards being a better man in my heart. Best of everything to those of you working towards whatever you set out to accomplish in 2017. 

This image was made this afternoon. I had a large flock of Junco at the stick. Canon 7dmii with the Tamron 150x600 on top of my Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 gimbal head. ISO 800 f/8 shutter 1/1000 of a second at 520mm. Image tweaked in ON1 Raw.  

Boulder Beach

Boulder Beach and Otter Cliffs  

One of the iconic stops we took the Nature In Focus Workshops groups was Boulder Beach for a sunrise. We didn't luck out with the normal vibrant colors that a sunrise brings. But instead we got some cool clouds and did some slow exposures. I also took the time to manually control my exposure compensation while in Aperture priority mode to create three exposures. -1 and +1 stops of exposures. I merged the images in LRCC HDR module. I then tweaked the sharpness and a little vibrance as well as a little noise reduction. image made with Canon 5dmiii and 24x105 at 92mm ISO100 f/11 manually focused at infinity. 

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.  

Daddy's Alone Time

Femal Northern Cardinal.  

On the days where I am not with my little girl, I get to spend sometime with the other lady in my life. I get to spend a little while with my feathered friends. They fill a void when both Sonia and Amelia aren't home. This morning was a perfect morning to capture a few of my visitors. I moved a bird house yesterday and am hoping next season brings back the blue birds. But today I had some familiar faces. Image made with a Canon 7d and Tamron 150x600 on top of my Sirui N3204x Tripod and PH-20 Gimbal head. Viewed in On1 Browse and tweaked in Lightroom CC. I carry my gear in Lowepro Bags and use many Peak Design Acessories. 

Editing

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New England Barns

I sometimes joke with my social media friends that New England had barns and water. It kind of true, but what you make of your surroundings is much more than what is offered. Creative editing offers us a way to make everyday subjects unique to our photographic vision. On1 Photo 10 offers a very quick way to learn complex editing as well as simple one click solutions to your editing needs. Paired with Lightroom CC and the soon to be released On1 Raw platform for a very respectable price, editing is now more affordable than ever.  I do suggest having Photoshop on hand there are some things that program is just simply the only program we can use to make magic happen! I recommend photographers take their editing as serious as their photography. i didn't really enjoy editing when i started shooting digital. But once I decided to embrace it it offered me another perspective in my vision as a photographer.

Image made with Canon 5d Mii and Tamron 15x30 lens hand held at ISO 400 F-11 Shutter speed of 1/500th of a second. Edited in On1 Photo 10 and Lightroom CC  

World Photography Day

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Hairy Woodpecker on the Stump

177 years. So Facebook tells me. I started my journey with a camera many years ago. But around 5 years ago or so, I met my friend David Akoubian. I met him at the NECCC and later shot with him in Cape Ann.  But our friendship started on social media. Like many friendships in this industry do. and I have met many others since through David. Ed Heaton (who I actually met on social media before David) Cecil Homes, Mike Moats, Jillian Bell, Hazel and Dave Meredith, Tom and Lisa Cuchara, Hoke Smith, Lou Raimondi, honestly so many wonderfully talented shooters. Many I have yet to shoot with. I have been inspired, humbled and driven by my friends in Westfield Camera Club. Every single one of you!

When David and I shot out in Cape Ann, we talked a lot when we drove out there at 3:30 am. One of the things he spoke of was being kind. It wasn't that Iam not kind, but I have a very strong way of directing my words. So I changed. He taught me to use my tripod. So I do. He taught me to always use a shutter release. I always do when on my and tripod. (except on my gimbal) He taught me Cecil is always right. And he always is. He taught me vertical composition works as well as horizontal. I use it a lot more than I used too. He has taught me about birds, flowers and bugs. Here is one from this morning. I had not shot in a bit. Well not for my personal enjoyment. This is a Hairy Woodpecker. I dedicate it to David and every photographer out there doing what they are passionate about! Lets hope this art grows for another 177 years!

Image made with my Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600 on my Sirui N3204x Tripod and PH-20 Gimbal Head. Viewd in On1 Photo 10 and Lightroom CC.

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.  

Cape Cod Light.

A little long lens work at Cape Cod Light  

Morning light. I was shooting some early morning light at Cape Cod Lighthouse with my Tamron 15x30 and I noticed a bunch of birds flying in a near by brush area. So I switched to my Tamron 150x600 to hopefully capture them. Well as usual they didn't show themselves again. So while I waited I took a couple of hand held shots. I liked the Shadows. I didn't switch to Monochrome, I converted this in On1 Photo 10 and Lightroom CC. Remeber early morning light and lighthouses can really offer some cool perspectives. Image made on my Canon 5dMiii and Tamron 150x600 carried with Peak Design Slide Strap and Lowepro Flipside 500. 

Black and White Sunrise

A small Cove in Chatham, MA.  

I was driving along the coast from Chatham to Highland Light when I saw the light and shadows on this coastal area. I quickly pulled over and walked down the marsh. I snapped a couple color versions and then a couple monochrome. Though the light was golden and dictated a color composition, I was more pleased with how this looked. Image made with Canon 5d Miii in apeture priority f/11 ISO 100  shutter speed 1/500 of a second. In monochrome mode. Tamron 15x30 at 22mm. Carried with Peak Design Slide Strap.  

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.