Mar 31, 2010 | Wildlife Photography
The Platte River and especially its temporary guest, the Sandhill Crane is simple put, one of nature’s great spectacles! I’m here again with my good friend Mark Chitwood revealing in this magnificent event.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4950.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
It all starts kinda late. We were inserted into the blind (a 4×8′ plywood box, has carpeting though) around 16:00. At around 19:30 the first cranes started to float by in camera range and by 20:00, they were in perfect range. Sunset was at 19:59 and we had cloud cover so there wasn’t much to be photographed at sunset. But you’re not really here for sunset.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4965.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The at 07:34 the sun rose but we were up an hour prior. So were the cranes. You sleep in the blind, you are not permitted to get out, for any reason! Going to sleep by the calls of the cranes is one of the best parts of the experience for me. Then before the sun pops, the cranes stir.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5072.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The cranes just mill about for literally a couple of hours and appear to spend the time socializing. Pairs tend to do pair bonding and unattached do that courtship thing. What’s that courtship thing?
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4483.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Well, they pick up sticks, they chase around and they dance. That’s the courtship thing and it is really, truly, the coolest thing to watch!
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4426.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Then, just as the 5000 cranes arrived the night before, by 10:00 they are gone. They head out to the fields to forage for the day prior to returning to the safety of the Platte and its waters.
We were let out of the blind just after 10:00, that’s 18hrs in the box for those who are counting. It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. I love it, it’s an experience that is beyond words and as far as this post is concern at least, beyond photographs. I have little time and a horrible connection to get this posting up but wanted to provide you a little taste of what I’m up to this week. The images are a collection of D3x / D3s with 600VR with one using the TC-20e3. Enjoy!
Mar 24, 2010 | Photography
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3089.swf, 585, 444[/swf]
As the sun slowly set, more life of Ybor came out to greet the night. Against a shadowy brick wall, these young street performers were more than happy to be subjects. We had a giant white wall across the street bouncing in light so making the click required no more than getting the jester in the three faces that I liked best.
It was a great afternoon of street shooting. I want thank Sandy for getting us to Ybor and setting things up and of course the great folks who joined us. I had a great time shooting with them and talking life and photography as we walked the street and drank the beers. Photoshop World, it’s Rocks!
Photo captured by D3s, 24f1.4AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
Mar 24, 2010 | Photography
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3003.swf, 585, 444[/swf]
This is Vinnie, but I bet you knew that before I introduced you. He just shinned and was dressed to kill. I just had to make a click. I’m getting better at asking folks on the street to get in front of my lens. Of course when you have 25 photographers in tow, who can say no? I just made contact, told him what we were up to and moved him slightly. A couple of click as we were good to go. It’s kind of fun. The next character though was much harder, down right scary
Photo captured by D3s, 70-200VR2 on Lexar UDMA digital film
Mar 24, 2010 | Photography
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP2993.swf, 469, 600[/swf]
Photoshop World starts today (say hi if you’re here) but we started yesterday with the NAPP Safari PreCon. I’m incredibly fortunate to co-lead this with my dear friend and fellow photographic but Joe McNally. We spend a little time in the classroom spouting some good trivia and then we head out to shoot. This PreCon we went to Ybor City to take in some local color or better put, character. I think this photo pretty much sums up what the day’s blogging will go, but check back in just in case you don’t get the drift.
Photo captured by D3s, 70-200VR2 on Lexar UDMA digital film
Mar 23, 2010 | Wildlife Photography
The first “FL” bird I photographed way back when was the Reddish Egret. It was so sweet to me, coming right up to my lens permitting a clean head shot, I feel for them instantly. That love affair still runs hot.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_bmp2835.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
They do have an attitude during the spring when their breeding plumes are at their best. You can see it here when all is well.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_bmp3303.swf, 469, 600 [/swf]
Be a male coming into the area another male feels is his territory and the hackles get raised. Of course, us wildlife photographer love this riff and the photo opp that comes from it. One of the problems is it often happens in the early morn or late evening when the light levels are low. Action with slow shutter speed can often mean not tack sharp images.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_bmp3100.swf, 469, 600 [/swf]
The “trick” to making the shot is simply shooting, shooting and shooting some more year after year. That dang old time thing, it always get’s in the way. At least, it seems to.
Be sure to keep an eye on Jake’s blog this week. He has a series going from last week and I know first hand, he has some sweet images to share!
Photos captured by D3x, 600VR w/TC-17e on Lexar UDMA digital film
Mar 23, 2010 | Photography
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_bmp2043.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The Double-crested Cormorant is such a cool bird, during the nesting season that is. They have the greatest blur eye during the breeding season, it’s hard for me to not photograph them. Then they are such a stupid bird, you can’t help but wanta spend some time pointing your lens at them. Give ’em a try, you’ll like it!
Photo captured by D3x, 600VR w/TC-20e3 on Lexar UDMA digital film
