Usually, my articles have a lighthearted note, full of photography wit and wisdom (bite your tongue, let me cling to my illusion.) But, I’m going to get a little serious in this one. I am a firm believer that to be a better nature photographer, you have to be a better naturalist - a continuous student and passionate observer of the natural world and all its creatures. To do so requires a core code of ethics; there are lines that you just do not cross in pursuit of your nature pictures. With wildlife, it is very tempting to try to get closer … [Read more...] about Photographing Wildlife Up Close… the Right Way
outdoors
Photographer of the Day: Tassanee
Category: Outdoors Photographer: Tassanee "Celestial" I think the key to a great Milky Way shot is having a strong foreground to provide a sense of scale and wonder. I think Tassanee picked an ideal location, and the Milky Way is a perfect backdrop for this scene. The curving road is a wonderful leading line and the colors are superb. Tassanee's Flickr portfolio is full of many more amazing examples of stellar night photography. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Tassanee
Photographer of the Day: Martin Bishop
Category: Outdoors Photographer: Martin Bishop "Fishing Boat Anchored in Cullercoats Bay" There is beauty in simplicity, and our Photographer of the Day, Martin Bishop, has done a great job of creating a simply beautiful photograph. The silhouette of the fishing boat back-lit by the sun has a wonderful graphic quality to it, and is a pleasure to view. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Martin Bishop
A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
My friends at Mindshift Gear sent over one of their newest bag: the Backlight 26L for me to review. This bag is perfect for anyone looking to fit a bunch of gear for a basic day shoot or even a 2-3 day shoot. Lots of space and superb build quality. Check out the video review for more details! You can order your own Backlight 26L from Amazon using the links below: Backlight 26L (Greenfield) Backlight 26L (Charcoal) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr0PQHFWK98&feature=youtu.be Questions about this column? Just leave them in the Comments … [Read more...] about A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
A Tip from Hollywood: Outdoor Portrait
The other day I received a photo attached with a text message from Hollywood shooter Mike Kubeisy. He was on the set of NCIS LA photographing what they call "Afghani" mugshots of the stuntmen for the show. The message read,Do you understand what I did?. We often send messages like these to challenge each other to think outside the box. This simple challenge intrigued me so much I stopped eating lunch and analyzed the image carefully. It was an outdoor set up for a portrait head shot, but what was Mike really trying to tell me? Camera "T" … [Read more...] about A Tip from Hollywood: Outdoor Portrait
Beat a Rainy Day With a Polarizer and One Tool That’s Practically Free
Today was rainy, and then it was rainy and windy, but what else can I expect in the winter in the Pacific Northwest? Trouble is, I still have to make a living even when it's raining. Fortunately, I had a willing client and two tools that helped me make the most of the situation. Twist to Enrich My client was going to meet me at my office where I had a decent background of greenery available and a covered porch to shoot under. However, things changed, and we ended up going to a different spot. Changing locations can be really terrifying. As you … [Read more...] about Beat a Rainy Day With a Polarizer and One Tool That’s Practically Free
Bill Fortney – Outdoor Photographer & Author
Editors Note: You can catch Bill Fortney at this year's Photoshop World in Las Vegas. Bill Fortney is one of America's premier photographers specializing in Landscape, close-up, nature, Americana, and travel. In his 44 year career, Bill has been a High School teacher and football coach, AP rep, Medical photographer, and Marketing Public Relations person. Bill was an official photographer for the Washington Redskins during his sports photography years. http://billfortney.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/glory_light_small.jpg In 1991 he and his … [Read more...] about Bill Fortney – Outdoor Photographer & Author
Looking Back – My 12 Favorite Landscape Photographs From The Past 20 Years
I did a post called - Looking Back My 12 Favorite Bird Photographs From The Last Decade. It seemed to resonate and some of you asked to see different kinds of shots. It's been a while since I put much effort into landscape photography so I went back further. Here are my 12 favorite landscape pictures from the last 20 years. As with the last post, I am not saying these are the best shots or that they are the best-sellers, they are just my personal favorites. One of my favorite landscape spots is Mt. Rainier National Park. Since it was only … [Read more...] about Looking Back – My 12 Favorite Landscape Photographs From The Past 20 Years
Seven More Outdoor Photo Tips
Summer is coming - really - it is - I promise - sooner or later. And with the better weather comes many a photo opportunity in nature. Outdoor shooters love this time of year because let's face it; while it may not be as interesting to photograph as snowy mountains, at least it's comfortable. With that in mind, and with the hope that you get the most out of your summer photo outings, here are seven tips for outdoor shooters. 1. Vary your lens choice. The super wide angle lens is the tool of choice for many landscape shooters. The ultra-long … [Read more...] about Seven More Outdoor Photo Tips
