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.  

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.