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. 

Working On technique.

A NutHatch on the Stump.  

I've been working on shooting using Auto ISO in both manual and aperture priority modes for photographing birds. Cecil Holmes had mentioned it while in the Tetons and having not used it much, I didn't use it there much  either. There's a certain amount confidence as a photographer that needs to be built when photographing in various ways with your camera. Like shooting in manual mode or understanding bracketing. Honestly in every aspect of photography. I trust my camera to do what I need it to do. After all I'm telling it what I need it to do. In the end I always want a sharp image with tolerable noise levels. I've always tried to stay at ISO 1600 or less. Because I know I'll get good quality images. Auto ISO has opened options to shooting at higher ISO. High ISO paired with perfect exposure leads to a very sharp image for two reasons. Fast enough shutter speed and no noise from underexposure. I was working with high ISO the other morning and I was quite impressed with the overall image right from the camera. The image above is unedited. I did view it in Lightroom CC. Image made with Canon 7dmii and Tamron 150x600 at 600mm f7.1 Auto ISO at 3200 and shutter speed of 1/600 of a second. On top of my Sirui N3204x tripod snd K-30 ball head. Gear carried in MindShift Gear TrailScape 18L and Peak Design Strap. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.  

Not Forgotten

Black Cap Chicadee.  

I know a lot of people would rather raptors or Blue Birds. But sometimes the Chicadee is just as fun to take picture of. In fact they are sometimes the toughest to capture. They are small and fast! This image was made with my Canon 5dmiii and Tamron 150x600. F/8 ISO 1600 shutter speed 1/1000 of s second. I used a Sirui N3204x Tripod and K-30 ball head. Cropped and tweaked in On1 Photo 10.5 and Light Room CC. Carried with Lowepro Flipside 500 and Peak Design Accessories. 

Parenting

A family of geese.  

So yesterday after Amelia's doctors appointment, we stopped to feed the "duckies". I was hoping to see some geeselings and we found these little older ones. To Amelia they were babies. Well anyhow this shot was at 24mm. So they got pretty close. I had Amelia sit on my lap so I could protect her if I needed too. But this strange thing happened. When I pulled Amelia close the mother (I think) relaxed. We were literally 2 feet away from each other. Naturally when the camera was out she got a little tense. So I kept it short and sweet. She chased several other geese and ducks away. Even after the kids had enough bread to sink them like submarines as they went in the water. Wildlife and nature is about respecting  each other's habitats. People so often think it's our rights to violate animals spaces. Now this was at a park where hundreds of people go every day. But that didn't mean I shouldn't respect the geese and their babies spaces. It meant we needed to respect each other.  Image made with a Canon 5dmiii and 24x105 l series lens. Aperture priority mode f/5.6 ISO 800 resulting in a shutter speed of 1/800 of a second at 24mm. Camera Carried on my Peak Design Slide strap. Edited in LRCC and On1   

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. 

Birds

Red Bellied Wood Pecker

I came home from work and wanted to see what kind of birds might stop by. First was a Male Downey Wood pecker. The sparrows were all over the place. My Boyz went out and ran off the rodents. Then a gold finch couple came for a snack. Two Blue Jays were by. For such large birds they sure do fly away quickly. The albino pigeon along with some morning doves cleaned up some suet. A female Cowbird stopped also. The Downey and two Hairys messed around on the stick. Then he came! I've been waiting for this guy to come by. He stayed but a few minuets. I made the most of them. Canon 7d with Tamron 150x600 at 600mm (960 equivalent)  at F6.3 ISO 640 shutter speed 1/125 of a second. Mounted on my Sirui N3204x Tripod with PH-20 Gimbal Head. Browsed in On1 Photo 10 and tweeted in Lightroom CC. I use Lowepros Back packs. Peak design Acessories. 

Stuck in Manual?

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Nuthatch at the Log

I have used the term stuck in manual as apposed to stuck in auto many times in conversation about whats better manual or auto modes. The truth is there is no "better" mode. I say stuck in manual because often times many shooters get so caught up in the latest thing they forget their camera is a tool. Many tools inside of a tool to be exact. To me a truly skilled photographer will use whatever they need to get the job done. Sometimes its Aperture Priority, Shutter priority or full manual mode...even fully auto mode.  There are situations where the camera is going to make the best decision. I have not use fully auto in many years. But I would if I was stuck. Being proud isn't worth missing the shot of a life time. Or someone else's life time. Today I grabbed my Canon 7d and Tamron 150x600 lens. I mounted it on my Sirui Tripod and PH-20 Gimbal Head. I went to manual mode and took this shot.600mm (960 equivalent) ISO 640 F6.5 Shutter speed of 1/250 of a second for perfect exposure. I also manually focused this lens while hunting for this little guy. Imported to Lightroom CC. Zero editing. Challenge yourself  If you are stuck in manual try other modes and know what your camera is capable of in various lighting. If you are stuck in auto try your skills in manual mode. Happy weekend everyone!