In my last post, I related the lessons I learned photographing the surface behaviors of humpback whales on a recent trip to Silver Bank, a marine mammal sanctuary near the Dominican Republic. This is one of the few places in the world where soft in-water encounters are permitted with these amazing and giant creatures. The other two are in the South Pacific, in French Polynesia and Tonga. The first question that may come to mind is, what is a soft in-water encounter? In the case of humpback whales, this is on snorkel, on the surface, without … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Humpback whale tales — in the water, part two
wildlife
The Traveling Photographer: Humpback whale tales — topside lessons, part one
I recently spent a week swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales. While we were scanning the horizon from our skiff, looking for telltale blows, we had many opportunities to witness and photograph their topside behaviors. It was a treat to see and a challenge to photograph. I learned many lessons, which may be useful to others shooting in similarly unpredictable situations. As with all wildlife shooting, it’s necessary to be in a place where there is a reasonable likelihood of encountering animals. One doesn’t expect to see marine mammals … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Humpback whale tales — topside lessons, part one
Why are you taking that picture?
(Editor's note: This guest post is from an avid workshop attendee, Thomas Lehman. He is a retired medical school professor with a deep interest in travel and making great photographs on his way. In this post he asks a question all of us will benefit in considering.) The most important question "Why am I taking this photograph?" is one of the points most often overlooked in the field. Most people just point and shoot to document an event.A considered photographer will be worrying about exposure, contrast and composition.But even these details … [Read more...] about Why are you taking that picture?
Keeping your photography equipment safe around sand and salt water
Beaches and coastal waters provide some of the best opportunities for nature photography, from wildlife to scenery, but sand and salt are probably two of the worst substances for your photography gear. Sand can scratch lenses, jam up tripods and focusing rings, and find its way into every nook and cranny in your gear. Saltwater can be death for electronics. While the extreme way to handle sand and salt is to avoid shooting in areas where they occur, doing this limits you from shooting in some great locations. Carry a paint brush In sandy … [Read more...] about Keeping your photography equipment safe around sand and salt water
In-depth review: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera
Photography, as with any pursuit, has its share of trends and fads. Trends — the direction the technology and art is moving, change the way we think and how we create. Think in-camera metering, autofocus, color film, then the move to digital capture and post-processing. Each of these transformed the way we create images. Fads usually have more to do with photographic styles, some style or method of making images becomes popular, but eventually gets replaced with another momentary shiny look and then goes away. Mirrorless: Trend or fad? One … [Read more...] about In-depth review: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera
Photographing in falling snow
In a recent video from LinkedIn Learning, photographer Justin Resnick addressed exposure issues which photographers can encounter when shooting snow. In this post, I’m going to address a related issue I’ve grappled with the last two winters, namely shooting while it is ACTIVELY snowing. Living in Southern California, this isn’t a situation I’ve dealt with much. Last winter, we finally made it to snowy Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where we encountered heavy, constant snow during our one morning shooting Japanese cranes. A … [Read more...] about Photographing in falling snow
The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, part 3
In our last two posts, Off to Antarctica and Choosing a trip to Antarctica, part 2, we’ve discussed the many moving parts involved in deciding on a trip to the White Continent. The biggest decision after deciding to go to Antarctica is whether to also include South Georgia. Comparing Antarctic photo expeditions We’ve traveled with all of these outfits before (though not necessarily on a polar expedition). To varying degrees, they all cater to photographers. All 3 trips we’ve done were fantastic, well run and I wouldn’t hesitate to travel … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, part 3
The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, Part 2
In our last post, we discussed some of the important factors to consider when deciding whether to travel to Antarctica. In this post, we’ll discuss additional choices to consider. As we noted before, some trips go only to the Antarctic Peninsula, while others go to the Falklands and South Georgia, and still others (longer and correspondingly more expensive) go to all three destinations. Trips can be as short as one week, up to three weeks in length. When to go? When you go influences your experience. The season for visitors is the Antarctic … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, Part 2
Shutter Priority and when to use it
Shutter Priority exposure mode is a fantastic tool for controlling how motion appears in your final image. This exposure mode allows the photographer to set the shutter speed while the camera determines the aperture. Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer at least four different exposure modes including shutter priority, aperture priority, program mode and manual. Although I shoot the majority of my images in aperture priority, I regularly use shutter priority for subjects where I’m concerned about properly conveying motion. How to set up … [Read more...] about Shutter Priority and when to use it
Beyond Technique Podcast with Adam Mowery | Photofocus Podcast January 16, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-adam-mowery-photofocus-podcast-january-16-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level. In today's episode we chat with outdoor photographer Adam Mowery. We discuss: How Adam got started as a photographer The things he did to stay focused and chase his dream The role of relationship building as he furthered his career … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Adam Mowery | Photofocus Podcast January 16, 2019
The advantage of Auto ISO
In photography, ISO is a rating of your camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO like 50 or 100 means that the sensor will require longer shutter speeds and larger apertures to properly expose an image. A higher ISO like 1600 or 3200 will require shorter shutter speeds and/or smaller apertures to properly expose an image. What is Auto ISO? Almost all current interchangeable lens digital cameras give you the option to manually select an ISO value or to use a setting called Auto ISO. There are advantages to setting your ISO for a … [Read more...] about The advantage of Auto ISO
Five tips for adding textures to your photos
The term "texture" is a catch-all term for adding either abstract images, detailed photos, or patterns of different surfaces — like metal, cracked paint, sand, etc. — as an overlay on your image. This is a type of "compositing" combining multiple images into one finished work. Adding textures to your images can change the mood, create special effects, strengthen the composition or help better tell a story. These five concepts will help you add textures more easily, realistically and quickly in Adobe Photoshop. Finding textures While there are … [Read more...] about Five tips for adding textures to your photos
Seven tips for killer hunting pictures
As a new hunter, I've been devouring so much information available out there about hunting and I realized that I can contribute back by sharing some simple ideas to help hunters make better pictures. There are so many traditions and beautiful landscapes surrounding hunting that you should really take advantage of the opportunity to make pictures and record memories. These tips will help you do it more effectively and more creatively, and they'll actually serve you well anytime you're traveling with others. Get ready You're likely hunting … [Read more...] about Seven tips for killer hunting pictures
On Nature: How to compose moving wildlife
Every animal has a distinct overall body geometry, but this shape will change dramatically as they move. When you are composing your images, it's important to understand this concept so you are fitting your frame and composition to them, allowing them to be alive in your shot. Confession Time for full a disclosure, my name is Jason and I have a reddish egret addiction. They are just too much fun to photograph! They dance, they canopy, they give dramatic, elegant, and sometimes goofy poses. I have thousands of pictures of them, and I can't … [Read more...] about On Nature: How to compose moving wildlife
On Nature: What settings should I use for wildlife photography?
When we talk about photographing behaviors and events as they unfold, we think about being “reactive,” or shooting on the fly. In a studio setting, we are “proactive,” we make decisions about pretty much every characteristic of the photo before it is taken. My goal with wildlife photography is to be more “proactive” and make as many choices before the action begins as possible, so I am not fumbling with settings when the good stuff goes down! Be a “ready” photographer Being a “ready” photographer means you are prepared for the things that … [Read more...] about On Nature: What settings should I use for wildlife photography?
Wade Right In: A Nature Photographer’s Guide to Wading to Get the Best Shot
I spend a lot of time in the water wading after shots, both in fresh and saltwater, so much so that I often joke I don't know how to work a camera unless I am wet. Wading provides unique opportunities to approach wildlife or capture scenes that you simply can’t get from dry land. However, it can also be difficult and dangerous. But, with education and preparation, you can keep yourself and your gear safe, while getting some amazing photo opportunities. Why Get In? Take 1 part camera, mix in 1 part saltwater, add 1 part clumsy photographer, … [Read more...] about Wade Right In: A Nature Photographer’s Guide to Wading to Get the Best Shot
Rediscovering a lens that I already owned
When packing for trips, I find myself seesawing between my Fuji X system and Nikon DSLRs. We do underwater, street, nature and landscape photography. Do I pack the Fuji X-Pro2, the crop sensor Nikon D500 and my old D800 or complicate things and buy the new Nikon D850? Earlier this winter, we were packing for street and winter nature and landscape photography in Japan. My wife and partner in Aperture Photo Arts is a die-hard Fuji shooter and between us, we have most of the Fuji X lenses and spare camera bodies. This was the logical … [Read more...] about Rediscovering a lens that I already owned
The Life Cycles Approach to Wildlife Photography – Part 2: Capturing the Complete Picture
Wildlife photography from a life cycle approach not only gives structure and purpose to your photography but also adds to the broader knowledge about these creatures that is necessary to understand and protect them. Every time you create a wildlife photo, you can help educate others about the general awesomeness that is nature, and to the specific awesomeness that is this particular animal. Pretty cool when you think about it that way! (Have I mentioned I truly love what I do and this is one of the big reasons why?) In the first part of this … [Read more...] about The Life Cycles Approach to Wildlife Photography – Part 2: Capturing the Complete Picture
The Life Cycles Approach to Wildlife Photography – Part 1: Learning and Telling the Story
Every chance you have with a wild animal in front of your lens is an opportunity not just to capture split-second moments of action or behavior, but to also learn more about its life story. The things this creature does daily to survive and thrive in an often harsh world. As photographers, we are storytellers. By telling an animal's tale through your photography, you reveal one of countless stories being played out as part of a greater whole within the place this animal calls home. Not just the story of an animal, but also a family, a species, … [Read more...] about The Life Cycles Approach to Wildlife Photography – Part 1: Learning and Telling the Story
Get Ready to Remote, Part 2: Advanced Camera Traps
There are places that can be too difficult to stay with a camera and shoot, there are events that are too dangerous to be around when they occur, and there are animals that are too shy of humans to ever get near to photograph. This is when photographers turn to using Photo or Camera Traps, a way to capture these types of images or video from a distance by remote control. In part 1 of this series, I covered the fundamentals of creating a simple remote camera trap. Now that you have that skill in your proverbial photography toolbox, let's … [Read more...] about Get Ready to Remote, Part 2: Advanced Camera Traps
Get Eye Level to Make More Powerful Animal Photos
Whether it’s of a bird or a person, eye contact in a photo engages and draws the viewer into the photo, creating a connection between them and the subject. As easy as it sounds to just shoot when the critter is looking at you, rarely in the great outdoors are we lucky enough to just walk up to our subject and grab an instant masterpiece image of it. Getting eye level and capturing the right type of eye contact for your composition requires thought, a careful approach, and attention not just to the subject, but everything going on around … [Read more...] about Get Eye Level to Make More Powerful Animal Photos
Get Ready to Remote, Part 1: Simple Camera Traps For Wildlife
Go out into the great outdoors. Find a place that animals like to hang out when people aren't around. Set up your camera to automatically take a photo of them when they do show up. Leave it there. Come back tomorrow to see if you got any shots. Repeat it all over again until you get the awesome shots you want of those shy, hard to photograph animals. Welcome to Remote Camera Traps! In previous articles, I've shared the different ways I've used Platypods in my photography. Possibly one of the best uses I have found is in helping set up a … [Read more...] about Get Ready to Remote, Part 1: Simple Camera Traps For Wildlife
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Take Advantage Of Silent Shutter
Many DSLR's have a Quiet Mode. One way this is done is by separating the sound of the shutter from the slap of the mirror. When you press the shutter button the mirror flips up and the shutter is fired, exposing the image. But then the mirror doesn't flip down until you remove your finger from the shutter button. This works surprisingly well to make your camera not sound like a camera and it's far less distracting in quiet situations--I've even photographed live ballet performances this way without ruining the show. Silent Mode Trumps Quiet … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Take Advantage Of Silent Shutter
Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, September 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, September 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
Gear Review: Atlas Packs ‘Athlete’
Atlas Packs is a new company and they have created a good product. They've created backpacks that are extremely comfortable to wear and that carry a lot of weight without leaving you feeling fatigued. What's more, they truly don't look like technology backpacks that are full of expensive tools--they just look like a regular hiking backpack. Who's This Camera Bag For? Atlas Packs would be perfect for anyone who needs to carry their camera equipment as well as other stuff because they are well designed and have plenty of room for coats and … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Atlas Packs ‘Athlete’
Tips For The Hiking Photographer
Sharing pictures from beautiful places is one of my favorite things to do, especially when I've hiked to get there. However, if I suddenly had to choose between never making a picture for the rest of my life or never hiking for the rest of my life...I choose to give up photography. I'd rather continue seeing marvelous places for myself and never share them in pictures than be able to share ordinary places in pictures but never hike. Plus, hiking is one of my favorite ways to torment my kids. I've learned a lot of techniques for hiking … [Read more...] about Tips For The Hiking Photographer
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Focus Priority Settings
Our latest cameras boast lightning-quick autofocus and it's a good thing because my kids and their cousins are lightning-quick subjects, not to mention sports and wildlife subjects. The thing is, your camera has two or three options related to autofocus you may not have considered which will affect your performance. Focus or Release? There's a spot in your menu that dictates whether the camera will make a picture when the subject is out of focus. The default setting is for Focus Priority, which means the shutter will only fire when the … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Focus Priority Settings
Specialty and Style: Why They are Important for Your Photos
In photography, few questions have the power to trip people up as those which seek answers to the concepts of "style" and "specialty". Student: "What is my style? What is your style? Should I specialize? Should I specialize in a style? I would like to style my specialty according to the specialization of the prevalent style, how do I do that?" Instructor: "Ummm… Green?" Style and specialty are frequent topics I'm asked about while teaching photography, and some of the hardest areas to give easy answers. While I have always taken these … [Read more...] about Specialty and Style: Why They are Important for Your Photos
Photographer of the Day: Matt Cuda
Category: Wildlife Photographer: Matt Cuda "Ruby-Throated Hummingbird" A sure sign of summer, and a true delight, is seeing the first hummingbird appear here in New Hampshire each year. Much easier to watch than to photograph as they flit around the yard. The closest thing to fairy-folk that I've ever seen. Matt did a wonderful job of capturing the grace and beauty of these birds, and the added color of the flowers and the pale green background, make this photograph stand out from the crowd. Well done, and thanks for sharing with our … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Matt Cuda
