Be
Active: Blog: Outdoor Photography
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Photo Tips from WildBird Magazine |
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Source: WildBird Birding at its Best, Vol. 23, No. 5, pages 14-15.
Finding a good area for photographing in the field might be species-specific. I like to be in a blind, whether it is a tent or even a barrier of branches bundled together.
Movement w hile in the woods will seem predatory to birds, so they aren't going to pose well. Setting up the day ahead can create less confusion. In one area, I can go and sit in my van.
Different lenses to use is a must, on top of possibly having more than one camera ready. Too many times, I have had my big zoom on, only to lose a good close-up.
Trying to catch a bird in flight will take lots of practice. I try to be ready ahead of where they are approaching, but it sometimes might be like shooting from the hip to catch a good action shot.
Where I live, there are lots of Bald Eagles in the early spring. I have tried for years to get them fishing, playing or even landing in a roost. It is very difficult to get close, so a strong lens is needed. I find many active in the early-morning hours, so the early birder gets the shot.
Steve Wenzel, Ottumwa, Iowa
Ready for Action
I have been a bird photographer for about 20 years. In all of those years, I have made just about every dumb mistake that a person can make. I once thought o having a website called "Birdsflyingaway.com"
Photographing birds is difficult, especially when toting around a big lens on a big tripod. Because most people have limited time that they can spend in the field, there is usually a tension between "It's dead here" and "The joint is jumpin'." There are certainly times, if nothing is happening at one of your favorite spots, to pull up and try another location.
The other side of this question is to sit tight and wait for something to happen. Obviously, this only makes sense if you're in a known good spot, perhaps one with a natural draw such as water or food.
My advice for budding photographers is to find a good spot, with proper light and background, where you will not disturb the birds. Then wait.
If I had to come up with only one tip for bird photographers, it would be "Be ready." Have the patience to wait for birds to come into your frame, and then be ready to snap the shutter button when the perfect moment comes.
This is true for all types of shots but especially for the ones you should aim for most: action shots. Look for action that shows something interesting about the behaviour of birds, and shoot!
Mitchell McConnell, St. Petersburg, FL
Adjust the Exposure
I've had an interest in photography and also birding for many years. Because things can happen very fast and unexpectedly, such as the bird that you flush out of the marsh, your camera exposure setup is very important.
Digital SLR cameras have a control dial usually marked with PSAM: P-program, A-aperture control, S-shutter control and M-manual control of both aperature and shutter. These setting allow you the flexibility to preset the exposure.
Correct exposure is the right balance of light. The aperture controls how much light, and the shutter speed controls for how long (ex. 1/500 of a second).
The P mode is like having autopilot and will choose the best combination of shutter and aperture. M, the manual mode, allows you to adjust both aperture and speed; be careful, because you can overexpose or underexpose very easily.
S is the adjustment for shutter speed. You can se the speed to stop movement, 1/1000, for example, will stop movement when that bird suddenly flies out of the brush.
I use the S mode most of the time in the field and preset it to 1/500 or 1/1000, depending on how bright the light is. As things happen, maybe an eagle soaring in the sky, I can point and shoot; with the camera in a continuous shooting mode, I will capture five or more shots and pick the best.
Lastly: Practice, practice, practice.
Don Rotteck, Providence, RI
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Posted 02/12/2010 - by jclare studios |
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View & post nature photos |
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Source: The Baxter Bulletin 10/22/09
Check out The Baxter Bulletin's Nature Photos gallery to see more than 635 photos of the abundant nature of the Twin Lakes Area. Then, add your nature pics to the online reader gallery. Click on "More Photos/Submit a Photo" under Get Published on the homepage, then, add your nature pics to the online reader gallery at http://www.baxterbulletin.com.
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Posted 11/24/2009 - by jclare studios |
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David's Trail 1st Anniversary |
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A year ago this month (10/30/08) was the David's Trail Partnership Celebration. David’s Trail Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement at Panther Bay Day Use Park to build 50+ miles of multiple use trails on public lands around Lake Norfork at Mountain Home. David’s Trail honors and remembers the contributions David Floyd made to his community.
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Posted 10/23/2009 - by Jclare Studios |
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Fall Foliage |
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Arkansas.com features a fantastic article on the fall foliage in the state / our region. The page describes the colors associated with a particular tree, etc. Check it out at http://www.arkansas.com/calendar/fall_foliage_pg1.aspx
Information featured for our region (North/North Central) says:
In Bull Shoals, Mountain Home and Mountain View, maples and black gum are developing to bright red, yellow and orange. On Highway 65, color becomes more noticeable north of Marshall. Scenic Highway 7 also has color developing, especially from the Buffalo River north. Much of the forest is still green around the Buffalo River, but yellow, gold, red and orange are starting to dot the landscape. Expected peak of color: Late October. Predicted peak of color: Late October
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Posted 10/23/2009 - by Jclare Studios |
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Secrets of Selection |
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Source: National Geographic
Quotes: Susan Welchman
The popularity of digital cameras has opened up the world of photography. "People are liberated from film. You never have to worry about changing it or running out. You can take a picture of anything at any time. Some shoot two inches from their face. Some shoot things far away. Others look for design and order." Photographers should always wear your camera around your neck and go off by yourself, listen, and watch.
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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See for Yourself |
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Source: National Geographic
Digital photography encourages experimentation. Try shooting a favorite subject without looking through the viewfinder. The results may surprise you. The best approach is to trust yourself.
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Challenge Cliches |
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Source: National Geographic
Did you get a new camera? Put it to use by finding fresh ways to look at family, friends, even the animals in your own backyard. The key to photographing local wildlife is to find the rare instances and odd vantage points that turn cliches into classics.
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Anticipate the Moment |
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Source: National Geographic
The best photographers often visualize their pictures before the magic moment occures. If you find a place you like that has good light or terrain, park yourself. Then wait for something to come into the frame. It's a trick for any location. You're like a human camera trap.
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Go Minimalist |
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Source: National Geographic
What you like in a picture depends on where in the frame the photographer put the subject.
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Save Your Happy Accidents |
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Source: National Geographic
Memory cards can store thousands of photos, so don't delete your "mistakes."
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Don't Be Afraid of the Dark |
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Source: National Geographic
Turn off your flash. Grab a tripod. Crank you ISO setting to 3200 or higher. Even if you think it's too dark, try it. With digital, what have you got to lose?
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Posted 10/13/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Let others enjoy your photos |
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If you enjoy outdoor photography in the Twin Lakes Area, share it with others - submit your photos to the Baxter Bulletin, KTLO Radio (for their online web site) or even KY3 television in Springfield. They may elect to publish one of your photos you enter in the category of "published" photographers.
FYI, typically there is only a byline provided, not a fee for the photo use - discuss those details before submitting your work for consideration.
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Posted 10/01/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers Association |
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If you're an aspiring or veteran nature photographer, check out the Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers Association at www.monep.org. The mission of the Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers is to provide a forum for individuals interested in the field of nature photography and the environment, provide education, gather and disseminate information, and promote nature photography as an art form and medium of communication.
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Posted 09/30/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Sure you can take photos in the mid day sun! |
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Here are some tips that can help you break the old rule of "never take a photo in the mid day sun".... use a flash to fill in where shadows are cast.....stay in the shadows...best tip may be to watch for a big cloud floating your way - a great cloud can block the sun and create the perfect light you need for the photo.
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Posted 09/30/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Physician is also top wildlife photographer |
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UK-based physician, Miguel Lasa is a well known outdoor photographer. Featured on OutdoorPhotographer.com, Lasa's work includes amazing images of ospreys, snowy owls, bald eagles and other "birds swooping and diving and battling and just generally being birds. Many pro photographers photograph birds, and do it amazingly well. But UK-based Lasa has a talent for bringing the viewer right into the middle of the action with his photos and capturing the birds’ “personalities” as well as their motions." Check out his site at: www.miguellasa.com
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Posted 09/30/2009 - by jclare studios |
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Winter Photography Tips: |
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Falling snow can provide wonderful drama in a photo but keep your camera body and lens dry.
Battery life is significantly reduced in cold weather - if you plan on being outdoors for a while, make sure you take spare batteries and keep them warm (a pocket near your body works well).
Before you strike out on a winter weather hike, be sure to let someone know your path plan and the time you should return.
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Posted 12/12/2008 - by jclare seniors |
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