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