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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Artistic Macro

Back yard macro. Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 180mm f3.5 Di LD IF Macro Lens 

Explore everything. Dissect everything. Make it all your own. View it from every angle and make it special with your own vision. I spent an hour looking at the blossoms forming on our anniversary cherry blossom tree. Sonia and I planted as part of our journey together. It has grown into a very special tree in ways that are obvious and some not so obvious. As your skills and a photographer blossom you will see things is ways you had not in the past. Just like in a marrige. The way you see things matures and really makes your artist vision start to unfold.  These two leaves when I exposed them with the light coming through the branches really made me want to show the veins. The tiny, seemingly meaningless parts of life that have the greatest impact. Canon 5dmiii Tamron 180 macro. On top of my Sirui N3204x tripod and. K-30 ball head. Edited in Lightroom CC Nix silver effects. 

Shooting when you can!

Springfield, Massachusetts Canon 5dmiii Tamron lenses 15x30 F 2.8 Di VC USD  

One of the things I stress to my students in to shoot when ever they can.  It was bestowed upon me as a virtue when I was first starting out. Back then we really had to take our time and make sure we were dialed in and got the shot or we wasted film. But today in the digital world, we can shoot until our hearts content. However I recommend to make those shots count. Random shooting without purpose will not benefit your skills. Take your time! Look at your compositions. Make sure you have the technical settings and proper. No think hey it doesn't matter if I make a crappy image. It does! It's ok to make  so bad shots. We all do it. But have a purpose.  Have an intent as to some aspect of your skills you are working on. When I am practicing I pick one thing every time I have a camera in hand. And even if it doesn't work I have learned from it. Like the great 300 always move forward.  Never retreat! The above image was made the first time I got to shoot with my Canon 5d and Tamron 15x30. I love the set up. It was a hand held shot literally jumping out of my truck while Amelia  slept. ISO 100 f8 at 22mm shutter speed 1/100 of a second. I carry my gear in Lowepro bags and Peak Design Acessories. Edited in On1 PHOTO 10 and Light Room CC. 

Finding Nemo

Amelia at 2 years old  

My very first blog, or lack there of was about my wife Sonia and I having a baby. Well she is two. My blog is about finding balance and learning that life needs a little time for everything. The first year was the craziest year of my life. The struggle to keep my job going and keeping photography business going seemed almost impossible. But Sonia and I managed. The things that didn't get done are starting to be finished. We are starting to settle back to our relationship as husband and wife. Our 5 year anniversary is upon us and we will spend a couple days  in Maine to relax. Finding Nemo!?! Yeah that's right. I can quote the movie. But that's the small part of why I titled this blog post as I have. The movie talks about how we let our past dictate our future. I never wanted to be a parent. I honestly never wanted to be a husband. I never took risk. I never put myself out there in fear of failure. Even though I failed better than I did anything else. I challenged myself only when it was best for me. Then my life changed. I said to myself one day, only you can make you better. Stop hiding behind the fears in front of you and make life great. Well then I met Sonia and life has never been better. It's out there for you people so find your Nemo! 

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! 

The Last Snow

Junco male at the Stick.  

Well I would love to say this is the last snow of this season, but it probably isn't. As many of you know today (April 4) Sonia and I celebrate the second birthday of my little girl Amelia. It was one of my very first blog post when she was born. I've gotten better at blogging. I also got better at photographing birds. For the first two years I got to shoot when Amelia took naps. I fit my passion in when I could. Being a father was very much like taking pictures. Every day there is something knew and exciting to try and be creative with. And Junco's.  I captured this guy on the stick. There was a lot of activity due to the snow. And the Sparrows and Junco's were fighting for their dominance in their little bird world.  As a father, I can only hope my little one has a great life. I hope she's smart like her Mommy and creative like me. She has so much of both of us in her. Thank you to everyone who has shared the past two years with us. And to my "Daddy" mentors. I am fortunate to have some great ones! Happy Birthday Amelia! 

Love,

Daddy and Mommy.  

Composition

Female Gold Finch. 

This little lady sat watching her man eat sunflower seeds for about 10 minuets this morning. I was snapping shots and decided to change my composition by simply turning my camera to a vertical composition on the tripod collar. It's offered me a different look and took a second to do. So look at both options when you are making an image. This image made with the Canon 5dmiii and Tamron 150x600. On top the Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 Gimbal head. Viewed in On1 photo 10 and LRCC. ISO 800 f/8 1/1000 of a second shutter speed.   

These little yellow Bee's

Male Gold Fich

Female Gold Finch  

I was excited to see these two at the stick this morning. They were hamming it up. If you haven't watched Goldie's do their thing, you are missing out. They are very photogenic. Image made with a Canon 5d Miii and Tamron 150x600 on top of my Sirui N3204x tripod and PH-20 gimbal head. I carry my gear in a Lowepro Bag and Peak Desigb Accesories. Editing work Flow through On1 Photo 10 and LRCC.   I get my gear from Gary Farbar at Hunt's Photo and Video. 

The Fury Bird

One of our daily visitors at the Stump.  

Without a seconds notice this black squirrel was up on the Stump and having his way with some suet. I'm sure him and his army of buddies eat a lot of the seed I put out daily and that's ok. The Boyz chase them off for their daily exercise.  I was talking to Sonia tonight about how sometimes focusing on the business end of photography is all consuming. My business has grown to a manageable level over the past year or so. For some reason that drives me to do more. But I have this moment tonight where I said to myself, don't forget to enjoy this journey. I do enjoy my work. I enjoy watching nature unfold in front of me. I love the smiles of people when I capture their special moments for them. And I enjoy capturing my little girl growing up. Saturday I am going to take some photos of her at her first Easter egg hunt. I can't wait! 

Peak Design

Lens Capture  

Lens Capture attached to Slide Mini Strap

I wanted to talk about the Peak Design Lens Capture. I twisted the Peak Design Slide Mini strap so I could show how I attached the strap to the lens Capture. Let me first say there are several ways to use the Lens Capture this was my way of not having to lug a big back pack in a small green house for Macro work. I had my camera on a tripod 90% of the time so it made things easy to use. I had three lenses that I changed between. The Tamron 15x30, 90mm and 180mm Macro (shown attached) the lenses locked in really well. I never felt uncomfortable about them falling out. Even with other people bumping into me. The lenses MUST lock in. I say this because I found that when attaching the lens opposite of the lock the lens didn't stay locked. But once you see how it works it's really easy to use. I pivoted between lenses with no effort at all and literally made lens changes in seconds. I hope you consider Peak Design products for you use. Please click any of the Peak Design logos on my site for discounts on their products.  

Photography Services.

Booking events for 2016  

David and Autum's Wedding. (First Dance) 

Shooting people and events has long been the reason I picked up a camera. I love to capture memories through my creative vision for any occasion. I am booking events for 2016 so please contact me for your photography needs. Custom designed packages for all needs. 

Weddings

Engagements

Year Book Photos/Senior Photos/Proms

Family Functions/ Portrait Sessions

Anniversary's

Birthday Parties

Creative Vehicle Images  

Corprate Images and Events.  

Portfolio Model Shoots  

And more.  

dmcarrigan@comcast.net

413-204-1478