The Story Behind the Photo !

Several years ago on a birding trip to Florida, I stopped in at Gatorland and shot for several days. This shot was one that I checked on every hour to get the right pose at the right time. Finally on the day I was leaving, I was able to take this photo with a Great White Egret in the foreground and a Snowy Egret in the rear. I have this hanging in my office as my centerpiece for the other bird photos. I will admit that this was a lucky shot, but I would rather be lucky than good, any day :) This moment came on March 28, 2008 at 4:19 pm with a Canon Mark III, set manually at 1/250 sec, F11, at ISO 400. Happy Shooting and as always comments are welcome.

Crutch

Photo Tip of the Week - Christmas !

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

Time to get out the camera to make sure the batteries are charged and the flash is working properly. The season makes this is a great time and opportunity to get photos of friends and family. This is one of my favorite times of the year. There will be photo ops everywhere you look. Don't forget the photo of the family tree and the dinner table with all the food, before the crowd jumps in. Don't forget to get outside and shoot, especially if there is snow. If you have bought your family member a new camera, don't forget to open it long enough to get the battery charged so they can use it immediately after opening. Be prepared to get that childs reaction to opening a gift, it will be priceless. Best of all, have fun and be prepared for the holidays. As always, happy shooting and have a great holiday season.

Crutch

Link to my Flickr and Youtube sites!

If you would like to see some of my photo sets on Flickr.com....Here is the link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53388637@N00/sets/ and my Youtube site: http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhum with all my videos, in case you missed some :)
I will try to add some sets with other places I have visited in the last couple of years. Thanks for tuning in, I really appreciate everyone's encouragment and comments. As always, happy shooting...

Crutch






Crutch

Savannah Video on YouTube.com

I finally got time to put together a video of some of my photos taken over the Thanksgiving weekend in Savannah, Ga.

Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTven9E3-KE

The photo here is typical of the homes, in the historic district. The elevated doorways are common as Savannah is below sea level. I could have used more time in this great city, but I will return again and again, as photo ops are everywhere.

Crutch

The Mercer-Williams House

Located on Bull Street in the historic district, this is the home made famous in the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". This home was owned by music composer Johnny Mercer (Moon River, When a Man Loves a Woman and Days of Wine and Roses). He wrote or co-wrote over 1100 songs. He died on June 25, 1976 in Bel Air, California. Mercer was buried in Savannah's Historical Bonaventure Cemetery. This home is typical of all the homes in the historic district. The home was later occupied by Jim Williams,
a knowledgeable collector, an ardent student of history and architecture, and a born storyteller, who was the main character in the above mentioned movie. There is daily tours of this home and many others in the area. If you get the chance to see Savannah, please do so, you will be glad you did.
Crutch

The Pirates House in Savannah !

I have been very busy since I arrived in Savannah. I have walked from one end of this place to the other. I finally decided to take a break and eat, since it is Thanksgiving :)...All the "locals" recommended this place here and I must say they were right. The food and service were absolutely wonderful, even though it was Thanksgiving and everyone was there. I enjoyed roast beef, fried chicken, garlic potatoes, real cranberries, fried shrimp, hot biscuits, w/real butter and an apple/pecan dessert that was out of this world! Now, I will not need to eat again until Saturday or Sunday. Having a great time and enjoying the great weather! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Crutch

Thanksgiving in Savannah !

I decided to take a short trip to Savannah, Georgia, during the Thanksgiving break. I arrived on Tuesday and immediately went to work on photographing the city. Some friends of mine, told me I was really missing out on some history and beauty of this city. I'll admit, they are right and I will try to do it justice this week. This is a fantastic city and alot of our history is embedded here. I will have to return several times to do this properly. This is a great destination, that everyone should visit, if they have the opportunity. This photo was taken at the City Market in the historic district. The shops and market was closed at 8:30 am, so I decided to take this photo, before the crowd arrived.

This photo was taken at 8:30 AM with a Canon 1d Mark 4 set at 125 sec at F 4.....Iso 400

with a 16mm lens setting. Happy Thanksgiving to all ! ... and Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Photo Tip of the Week !

Tips for taking Camera Phone Pictures !

Whether you're a novice, or a pro with your camera phone, here are some tips that will help you get more camera out of your camera phone. So grab your camera phone and get started! Since your camera phone is always with you, take advantage of capturing those spontaneous moments. Take lots of pictures to increase your chance of capturing just the right shot.
Use pictures to communicate - it may be faster and easier for both you and the recipient.
Many camera phones lack a zoom lens, so make sure you move in close to capture your subject. Fill your phone's display screen with your subject to create pictures with greater impact. Up close, you can reveal telling details. But, don't get too close or your pictures will be blurry ! :(

Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the person's eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles.

To create impactful pictures, move in close and fill your viewfinder or LCD with the subject.

A plain background shows off the subject you are photographing. When you're ready to take your picture, force yourself to study the area surrounding your subject. Make sure a tree isn't growing from the head of your subject and that no cars seem to dangle from their ears.

Jittery hands cause blurring. Keep your hand still a second or two after shooting, since the shot is still processing. When you hear the click sound, it doesn't mean you captured the photo, it just indicates that you pressed the shutter.

Cell phone etiquette includes being mindful of the camera. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Always, ask permission before taking someone's picture. Never photograph a strangers child without first asking permission. Don't use your camera phone in places like health clubs or theaters or bars....Especially BARS ! :)

As they say, your best camera is the one you have with you. Since you always have your phone, you're in business. I took this photo by simply turning around. I force myself to look behind for a better shot. Practice...Practice...Practice! and as always Happy Shooting!

Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo !

I have always enjoyed shooting skies and interesting cloud formations. I saw this cloud arriving home late and ran to get my camera. Colors often dissipate before I can usually get ready, but this one stayed long enough for me to take this image. I really liked all the different colors in this frame. When out taking photos, no matter where I am, I have taught myself to always look up and always look behind after snapping the shutter. Sometimes the best shot is right above you. I used a Canon Powershot G10, handheld at 1/100, F4 to get this fast pic on January 27, 2009 at 7:32 ....As always, Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Fire at site of our Video !

I was out of town, Saturday when I received a text message that there was a devastating fire at Morristown College, in Morristown. This is the place we shot our recent video "Ordained Vengeance". If you watched the "Making of " video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_pVbcMtraU, I mentioned that seven of these structures are on the National Register of Historic Places. The main building, in the photo here, sustained the most damage. This is where we shot the final fight scene. Everything was
gutted by the fire including the abandoned theatre. I am personally devestated by this news. This was such a great place and was even scheduled for remodeling at one time. In recent times, the buildings have fallen into the hands of vandals and mother nature. At first look the investigators think it is the work of arsonists. Everyone that worked on the video has expressed their sadness and dismay.

My good friend, Daniel Munson and I, have talked recently about making a documentary on the history of this school. I'm ready and motivated as I'm sure everyone is. Maybe this can be a winter project. I sure hope so....

Crutch

Photo Tip of the Week - Halloween !

Fill Your Frame !
Halloween is a time of drama and you can add to this in your images by getting in nice and close and filling the frame with your subjects. Whether it’s people or objects – getting in nice and tight will usually add punch to your shots. There are plenty of subjects around to photograph at Halloween ranging from the traditional jack-o-lantern, to people in costume, to trick or treat ‘treats’ etc. It’s a time of color, emotion and lots of interesting subjects. The keys to capturing them are not that different from the normal keys to good composition in photography. As you photograph Halloween this year keep in mind some of the basics of good digital photography. Keep an open mind and by all means keep your camera in hand, be ready when the action heats up. It will be over before you know it. If you have alot of trick or treators, have someone else dish out the goodies, so you can shoot unimpeded. Shoot..Shoot..Shoot ! You will be surprised at the results. Happy Halloween ! & Happy Shooting!

Crutch

The "Making of Ordained Vengeance"

We have posted the "Making of" video for Ordained Vengeance here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_pVbcMtraU

As always, comments welcome!

Crutch

Update on movie "Ordained Vengeance"

Our team is currently taking part in a film contest. The Secret City Film Fest in Oak Ridge, Tn. is sponsoring a contest for local filmmakers in our area. The competition has 16 teams competing for cash and prizes. Each team has a catagory, ours is disaster. We have a prop (doll) and a line of dialogue ( If you are nice to them, they will bring you things) that we must use in the film. The film can be no longer than 7 minutes. We have finished three days of non-stop filming and now the editing process has started. This is one of the sets that we used in our film. We must turn over our entry no later than Thursday evening by 8:00. The judging will be on Sunday at 3:00. I will keep everyone posted on the results and our movie will be posted on YouTube, after the competition is over. As always, Happy Shooting!
Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo !

The Brush Mountain School at the Hensley Settlement (circa 1940). While visiting the Cumberland Gap Historic Park in Kentucky, I was fortunate enough to have a fisheye lens in my bag. This allowed me to stand just inside the front door and get all of this school room.
As the settlement grew to its peak of 100 people, the school was moved to its present site. Restored to its mid-1940s appearance. The schoolhouse is stripped-down simple. A wood-and-coal stove dominates the room; cast-iron-and-wood desks stand in neat rows; light filters through the windows & chinks in the log walls. When the school closed in December of 1947, only four students remained -- the children of the three remaining Hensley-Settlement families.


If you ever get the chance to visit the Hensley Settlement you will find photo ops everywhere.


This photo was taken on October 11, 2009 at 3:30 in the afternoon with a Canon 5D and a 15mm fisheye lens set at 1/6 sec F5.6 ISO 100. As always, Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Clingmans Dome

Pete and Liz Michael and I recently took a trip to Clingmans Dome, to photograph the full moon and sunset. Pete said it was just a half mile walk, from the parking area, so I decided to carry my heavy tripod and some other accessories in a back pack. He FORGOT to tell me the walk was straight up. So, this was my first and last trip to Clingmans Dome. We did manage to see a beautiful sunset and a great full moon. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGtr-occUZY We had a great time and I was glad I went. As always, comments are welcome.
Crutch

Photo Tip of the Week

Direction of Lighting.
Photography is all about light, the direction of the light falling on your subject is most important, you must look at your subject carefully and see how the shadows fall.
If you are able to choose the time of day to shoot your pictures, try to pick a time when the sun is low in the sky, either shoot in the early morning or late afternoon. Shooting pictures with the sun too high in the sky, tends to mean the subject's eyes will be in shadow or your subject will be squinting in the strong light, both of which tend to look horrible. A nice side effect of shooting in the early morning or late afternoon is that the color of the light is 'warmer', reds and yellows are stronger which generally gives a more pleasing effect. Shooting in the early morning or late afternoon is known as the "sweet light" among photographers. I'm sure you will agree :)
Happy shooting !
Crutch

Michigan 2010 Part 9 - Summary

This is the last segment of our trip to Michigan & Indiana. You can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwgsVQzN0rY For best results, click on 720p HD. I hope everyone enjoyed this series. Pete and I will probably be working on other projects and I will be sure to keep you updated here. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome.
Crutch

Michigan 2010 Part 8

New video...Part 8, from my Michigan trip at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU4PBU0wqNY
Be sure to watch in 720p for best viewing. Comments welcome!
Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo !

I have been to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, in the Smoky's, several times and have always enjoyed the fall colors there. In 2008, I decided to go inside this small building that appears to have been some kind of milling room. I really liked this angle and decided to set up my tripod inside and shoot out. Because of the different dynamic ranges (being inside and shooting into the sun) I decided to make three images at different exposures and combine them in Photomatic Pro, HDR software. This made all the difference and the dynamic ranges were completely covered.
If you get to Gatlinburg, Tn., look for traffic light number 8 (Airport Rd) and travel about 5.2 miles to the oneway road entrance. The loop road is about 5 miles and meanders through the foothills of the GSMNP. The photo ops are everywhere. Lots of cabins and streams. The fall is my favorite time to visit here as the colors are breathtaking. This was the case in 2008 on November, 12 at 4:35 in the afternoon. I made this image using a Canon 5D camera, 16-35mm lens, set at 1/6 & F8. ISO 400
As always, happy shooting!
Crutch

Michigan 2010 Part 7

This is part 7 of my Michigan trip. This includes Sleeping Bear Dunes, Crooks bridge and Nevins bridge. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhTCjBFGz5M For best viewing, click on 720p HD .....As always comments are welcome

Crutch

Michigan 2010 Part 6

This is part six of my Michigan 2010 videos. This includes Point Bessie lighthouse, in Michigan and Bridgeton bridge, in Indiana. Check it out here ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JgHXN5Hjs . For best viewing click on 720 P and as always, comments welcome.

Crutch

Michigan 2010, Part 5

My friend, Pete Michael snapped this photo of me trying to shoot video of this old boat. Check out the results in the new video posted at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYxOqSvTjxU Check it out...As always, comments welcome.

Crutch

Michigan 2010, Part 4

This is part 4, with several more to come. Check it out at. http://www.youtube.com/user/crutch1948#p/a/u/0/paMVSZeY_n8. Thanks to Pete Michael for all the great photos. As always, comments are welcome.

Crutch

Michigan 2010 Part 3

This is the McAllisters Bridge in Indiana...

I have posted a new video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUdpL2l8f84 This is the third of the series. As always all comments welcome.

Crutch

Michigan 2010 Part 2

Here is the second part of our trip to Michigan and Indiana. The photos in this part were all shot by my buddy, Pete Michael. I am working on Part 3 already and hope to have it posted soon. The lightouse here is St. Joseph Lighthouse in Michigan and the bridge is Mansfield Covered bridge in Indiana. Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_IVPKriz-k You can also catch Part one on Youtube. As always, comments are welcome and encouraged.

Crutch

Video ! Michigan 2010, Part 1

New video...Part 1 of my Michigan trip is now on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncuJ9-WT_eI Be sure to click on 720 HD to watch in high definition....Several more parts coming as soon as I have time to edit.
As always , comments welcome.
Crutch

Return to Michigan 2010

Pete and I returned home Saturday night. I have just completed downloading all my videos and photos. I know Pete took alot more pics than I did, but I ended up with over 600 video clips & 500 photos. We really accomplished alot on this trip. We photographed a fishing village, several lighthouses, a half dozen covered bridges, two abandoned ships, one national lakeshore, several sailboats, one massive sunflower field and alot of other stuff. In total, we covered four states and 2400 miles. Two things were settled...I don't sleep and Pete does not eat.....:) Here is a shot of the Bridgeton covered bridge in Rockville, Indiana. This was one of our favorites and is a HDR photo I put together for this post. In all, we had a fantastic trip that ended all too soon. Many thanks to everyone, especially Petes sister, Sandy and her husband, John of Elks Rapids, Michigan, for their hospitality and "midnight shower"...:) hehehe....I will post some videos to YouTube as soon as I can.

Crutch

Back to Michigan 2010

Well....I finally got to a wi-fi location. I will try to bring everyone up to date, very briefly. Pete and I arrived at the first lighthouse on Tuesday. Here he is trying to take a photo of me. The weather has been great and the lighthouses are magnificent ! Pete said he has taken close to 2,000 pics and we still have four lights to visit today! We plan to move into Indiana tonight for some covered bridges on Saturday. Much more to come, if I can get online. It's 6:00 am as I type this....coffee is ready.

Later...Crutch

Return to Michigan 2010

Well, Pete and I have made our final plans and will leave for a week long trip to Michigan on Monday morning. I hope to post some updates as we move along. I plan to do some off the wall video on this trip, along with lots of different camera angles, that I have wanted to try, for some time. We also plan to find some waterfalls and covered bridges. Last year I made this shot at Copper Harbor, Michigan, which is the northern most tip of Michigan' upper pennisular. They took about eight of us out on a boat 2 miles into Lake Superior to this lighthouse. I was able to get this shot as the sun was setting. I really liked the way the sun's rays highlighted the shrubs and bushes. This magic moment came at 7:44 pm using a Canon 5d, 16-35mm lens (set on 16) 1/60 of a second at F14, with ISO at 100. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

New video on You Tube !

I have been very busy this summer with work, but hope to slow down and take a trip to Michigan later this month. I will keep everyone posted.

I have posted a new HD video On YouTube. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU_CjKuPAG4 This is a short compilation of several trips I made to Florida this spring.

For best viewing, click on "HD 1080p" .....All comments welcome.

Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo !

On a trip to Las Vegas last year, we decided to make a trip to the Zion National Park in southern Utah. After the bright lights and hectic pace of Vegas, we welcomed the solitude and peaceful setting of this beautiful park. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. If you ever make it to Las Vegas, rent a car and make this 100 mile trip and don't forget your camera. The canyon walls were in sun and shade most of the time, due to the height of the canyon walls. This drives your camera crazy. It was a great time to shoot high dynamic range to allow your camera to take advantage of the details in the light and dark areas. After waiting for the sun to get in the best possible position, I took this shot on March 6, 2009 at 1:24 in the afternoon. Canon 5D...Iso 100 ...1/40 sec at F16 using Photomatic Pro to convert three images. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Slow Motion Water Photos

By adjusting camera speeds manually, the appearance of moving water can be made to look smooth and very soft. This technique will require your basic tripod, in order to reduce shake and blurriness. The results will be dramaticaly different from your cameras automatic settings. The slower the speed (Tv) settings are, the softer or smoother the water will appear. It is best to start somewhere around 1/8th of second and adjust from there, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. In almost all circumstances, the speed (Tv) should always be set slower that 1 second. Also remember that a small aperture (Av) will help keep everything else in your frame sharp. Experiment with different speeds, apertures and ISO's. This photo was shot at F22 (Av) at 2.5 seconds (Tv), with the ISO set at 100. Remember to shoot at several ISO settings and compare when you get to your computer. If you have a cable release, use it, if not use your self timer to trip the shutter and to avoid touching the camera . As always, take plenty of shots and do something off the wall :).....Happy Shooting !

Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo !

When Pete and I were about ready to pack it in and head home, Mike Godwin, told us of a nesting wood stork with baby chicks. I took off, with my big lense and a 2x teleconverter as fast as I could. When I arrived on the seen, there were several other photogs already in position, but I managed to horn my way in amongst them. These little guys were putting on a great show for us and I managed to click off several pics. This is the pic, I choose to include here, as both chicks where in perfect head position and matched up well with their mother. The moment came at 8:35 am, with a Canon 1D Mark IV, a 400 mm F2.8 lens with the teleconverter attached. The settings where 1/4000 sec at F6.3 , ISO 800.

Sorry it to so long to post something on our trip, but I have been very busy since returning, from Florida. This trip was a great success, as Pete and I were very pleased with the results. This location was an eleven hour drive, one way. Pete did most of the driving :)....I'm sure we will try it again, soon. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Fishing if Florida ?

Pete and I were watching these guys fishing this morning. This guy caught the biggest, so far. We are experiencing some great weather and some great photo opportunities. We are taking a break now, but will return to the marsh around 3:30. This place is really buzzing. Looking for some nesting spoonbills later today.

Crutch

Last of the Spring Trips to Florida

My good friend, Pete Michael and myself will be headed to Florida to photograph some nesting birds. Little Blue Herons, Cattle egrets and Tri-color herons should be on their nests at this time. We hope to see some nesting spoonbills, too. This will be a very fast paced trip. We will drive all day on Thursday and hope to be up early Friday for all day shooting and again on Saturday morning. We hope to be back at home late Saturday night, if everything works out. This is a woodstork bringing nesting material back to a large nest. I'm hoping this nest will have some chicks now. I will try to send a report from the field...:) Happy shooting !

Crutch

Photo Tip of the Week - Things I've learned in the last 35 years !

With spring just around the corner, I have compiled this short list of tips I have learned over the last 35 years.... These are 10 of my favorites.



1. Shoot and shoot again. I cannot overemphasize this.

2. Carry your camera everywhere you go. The best camera is the one you have with you.

3. There is no such thing as bad weather.

4. Find your own style. "Do something crazy".

5. Take photos of your friends and give them the prints. This is a personal gift that no one else can give them.

6. Show your work. Even if you don't think it's worthy. No risk..No fun !

7. Short photo trips are fun too...You do not have to spend the whole day taking pics.

8. The worlds best photographers sometimes fail. So can you.

9. Never, never, never.... go shooting without a tripod.

10. Always turn around....sometimes the best shot is behind you.



These are some off the top of my head. I'm sure I have missed a lot more. Happy shooting !



Crutch

Return to Florida - Saturday 1:30

Another early morning. I was in the marsh at St. Augustine at 8:00. The morning light was very good. The nest building here is just getting underway. Great White Egrets and Snowy Egrets where evident, but no Great Blues or White Ibis. There were three Rosette Spoonbills, but they were very shy and did not come close enough for capture. I captured these guys in the process of building a nest. I would guess, that because of the weather being so cold, that St. Augustine is about three to four weeks behind. April should be real good here and I will try to get back. It's been a great week and I will head home tomorrow. In addition to the photos, I have shot a lot of HD video this week and plan to put together a DVD, in the coming weeks. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Return to Florida - Friday 6:00

Arrived at the marsh at 7:30 again...but this time the sun was actually coming up. I caught this soon to be mom, in that sweet early light. This is truly my favorite time of day to shoot. Stayed way to long, but I have moved on to St. Augustine. I will hit it again early and hope for some more of that fantastic light !

Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Return to Florida - Thursday 7:35

Just left the marsh area and the activity was great, but the light was fading fast . I got this guy as a last shot of the day. This great white egret was returning to its nest. Most of the birds are roosting and sitting for the night. Up and back in the morning at first light. Headed to St. Augustine in the afternoon. Everyone says it's really picking up there. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Return to Florida -Thursday 1:25

I was in the marsh at 7:30 and found lots of activity with the birds. I caught this limpkin making a pass through the marsh. This one was the only limpkin I saw this morning. Lots of other photographers arriving as the action here is spreading throughout the birding world. Mike says the birds are about three weeks behind normal nesting activity because of the cold weather. It was 50 degrees at 7:30 and only warmed up about 5 degrees by noon. Taking a lunch break now and will head back around 4:00 for the sundown action. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Return to Florida

After a trying drive, I arrived late yesterday and decided to unpack and use the time to clean cameras and lens. I was sound asleep at 10:00 and awoke at 6:00. I was in the marsh area about 7:30 and was thrilled to see so much activity. Mike Godwin and myself had the place to ourselves for about an hour and a half. I was surprised to see so many nests with chicks. Some were several weeks old and some that just recently hatched. The Great Whites are nesting just about everywhere and the wood storks are plentiful too. There are about 6 rosetta spoonbills cruising the area, but no nests so far. This pic was the same nest I posted before...sadly on one chick remains out of the three I photographed last month.

The weather is fine and I look forward to a great week of shooting. If you know of anyone that may like to sign up for my emails, just have them send me their name and email address and I will be glad to add them to my mailing list. If you would like to be removed, just shoot me an email and I will delete you from the notifications. As always thanks for following me and all comments are welcome. Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Back to Florida

Leaving tomorrow morning, early. Headed back to Florida for the birds. Plenty of nest building and newborn chicks. Hope to shoot some close up videos of nesting birds, this time around. Look for daily updates here. Maybe even a short video.

Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo

In November 2005, I made a trip west to the four corners area. This is where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado come together. I was at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Area to photograph migrating birds in the western flyway. I was after sandhill cranes and was not having much luck in the early morning hours, until I noticed a pattern of these birds leaving the shallow pools and flying into the morning breeze which was coming in from the north. I followed this bird from the time he left the water, until he was out of sight. I shot 108 photos of this bird in 22 seconds. This was number 47. The moment came at 11:12 am on Thanksgiving Day, 2005. Canon 10D, EF 400mm Lens at F7.1, 1/2000 second. ISO 400.

Photo Tip of the Week

Stay close to your subjects ! You'll capture your subjects personality much better, if you fill the frame, with their faces. A great exercise is to take one shot from a medium distance and another from much closer. You will be surprised at how much better the second portrait is compared to the first. This technique is easier if you have a zoom lens, because you can zoom in close, without having to stand right on top of them. If you have a fixed focal lens, limit your portrait to the upper body, as getting close with this type of lens will sometimes distort the facial features. As always experiment and shoot from different angles. Happy shooting !

Crutch

Lastest from Kissimmee

I was at Gatorland at 7:30 this morning. There was a light rain for most of the morning. I did manage to get this rosetta spoonbill, but most of the birds were undercover and just did not come out. Headed to St. Augustine and hopefully clear skies.

More from Kissimmee ! The Great White Egret Dance

Always heard this mating dance happens, but never seen it, until today. It was pretty inpressive and very engaging. I was looking for more of the baby egrets, but mama never got off the sleeping chicks, so this was the best next thing. The weather was perfect and the bird activity was amazing. I will return in March, when most of the activity will be under way. This is a wonderful place to shoot birds. I will hit it again in the morning and then off to St. Augustine, where I hear the activity is also very good. Thanks for following me on this special trip.

Crutch

Kissimmee Rookery at Gatorland !

Wow! Look what I found. I was pleasantly surprised when the mother egret stood up and revealed these chicks. I quickly put on a 1.4 teleconverter to get closer and fill the frame. I would guess these chicks are 3 weeks out of the egg. They are strong enough to hold up their tiny heads and look around for a minute or so. I will definitely go back this afternoon and try it with my 2.0 converter. There are many, many nests everywhere including, great egrets, great blue herons, wood storks, snowy egrets and several rosetta spoonbills. I feel like this is where I should have been all this time. Will definitely shoot here this afternoon and Saturday morning. Several other guys here are saying that St. Augustine is very good too. I will try to be there Saturday afternoon. The weather has improved to daytime highs near 65.

Crutch

Ft. Myers , Florida

I was up early this morning in Cedar Key, but the weather was just to cold. My next stop was the Ft. Desoto Park, but the wind was hurricane-like so, I moved on to The Venice Rookery, in Venice, Fl., but the birds were not around. So, I continued south to Ft. Myers and the Little Estero Lagoon. The birds were finally moving around and I got these guys. I have talked to some friends and they tell me Kissimmeee is crawling with birds. I will leave early and try to be there for the morning light.