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. 

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 :) 

Bass Harbor Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Lighthouse Sunrise.  

Before the Nature In Focus Workshop started we headed over to Bass Harbor to scout some ideal spots. This shot was about a foot to the right of the best spot. The four of us took turns shooting from there as well. I worked a little manual HDR on this image in manual mode. Sure it's easy enough to set the camera to do the increments for me. But I like to see the variable in the exposure as I'm shooting. This  is a perfect exposure with +1.3 stops and -1 stop of exposure. I merged them in Lightroom CC. I like using Lightroom to keep the HDR more natural looking. Image made with my Canon 5dmiii and 24x105 lens. Using a Marumi Circular polarizer. On top of my Sirui N3204 tripod or Cecil's W2204 (I'm not sure) with. K-30 Ball head.  

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.  

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.

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.  

Working Compositions

Goldmine Brook Falls

The other day I was inspired by my friends who were working waterfalls and water ways in the Smoky Mountains. My friend David Akoubian had posted various compositions of one place they had visited. I always work an entire area. Seeking larger  composition as well as close up shots. Different focusing distances and even exposures. Here I choose to use a black and white conversion because the colors were not popping and lacked the awe factor the normal spring greens offer. Try different things. Move around. Bend over. Get up high. Try longer shutter speeds as well as faster speeds. You never know what you will find in a waterfall! :) 

Slowing Down

Slowing Down

In photography circles, we talk a lot about slowing water so we an get a dreamy effect. Take a few moments if you would to think about that. But apply it to your life and to a different degree, your photography. Slow down and look at things in new ways. Disect your subjects and appreciate all the perspectives offered to you. 

This image isn't from the Smoky Mountains. In fact it is from Enders Falls in Conneticut. It's been almost a year since I went on a workshop with my friends David Akoubian and Cecil Holmes. But one thing I learned was to slow down. It had a lot to do with really taking in the beauty that GSMNP has to offer. But even more it was about enjoying the time and memories. David and Cecil have sold out the Smoky Mountain workshop but head over to Nature in Focus Worshops page   http://www.natureinfocusworkshops.com/ to check out their other workshops. I believe there are still a few opening for the Grand Teton and Acadia NP workshops! 

Sirui Tripods

Golden Brook Falls  

My post this morning is a bit of a congratulations and a thank you in the same. My friends David Akoubian and Cecil Holmes were selected to be Sirui Pros. Awesomeness. I have made the switch to Sirui products as well. David and Cecil both have told me how incredible the Sirui line is. But words can not describe the quality and the ease of use these products offer. I bought the P-204s monopod around a year ago. It was just the start of what was to come. From the box to the wrist strap Sirui didn't miss a detail. From its table top minipod to the tilting and swiveling three foot section, this is the best monopod I've ever used.  And my three recent Sirui products. The K-30 ball Head, PH-20 Gimbal and the N-3204x tripod. Absolutely amazing products! I have said many times, words can not express how good these products are. The image above was taken with the Canon 7d 24x105 lens with a Tiffen IRND 10 stop Filter. ISO 400 f-8 15 second exposure. on top of the Sirui N-3204x k-30 ball head. I ordered all my Sirui Products from Gary Faber at Hunt's Photo and Video. Thanks again and congrats to you both!

Learning to push your comfort zone!

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I have been fortunate along my path of photography. I have been pushed and pushed and pushed to see things in different ways. Here is an image I have passed many times. This is Rockport Harbor. I shot this with an 8 mm Rokinon Fish Eye lens. David Akoubian and Cecil Holmes have bestowed a confidence in me through there teachings. They have asked me to join them as an instructor for their work shop in Acadia National Park next October. I have a link on my "Workshops" section if you are interested in taking your skills to a new level! Join us!