FL Birds 2017!
Dates opened up on my schedule for 2017 so back to FL Birds I go! It’s been a couple of years so I’m doin it up big. Heading to the beach for shorebirds, heading to Corkscrew Swamp for it’s cool birds (where the Red-shouldered Hawk was shot) and even going after Burrowing Owls once more. Yep, it’s a birding trip and I can’t wait. I’ve so enjoyed having folks joining me, I’m opening this up to those who want to hit the sun and photograph birds. The dates are 15-20 March, 2017 (fly in the 15th and flyout 20th). You’re going to fly in and out of Tampa, FL and we’ll base south of there around Ft Myers.
We’re there when birds are coming into their breeding plumage and routine. Shorebirds looking their best before they start back up north and resident nesting birds are setting up shop. It’s a great time to be a bird photographer! The group size is limited to 4-5 folks, the price is $1750 which covers instruction (which includes packet prior to departure), transportation from touch down in Tampa to take off and lots of fun (sun block too). If you’re interested, give Sharon a call 661.204.1506. I didn’t see this coming so I’m excited, hope you can join us!
All Day Fun – Crown Camera!
Hey folks, I’ll be in Redding, CA presenting all day with Crown Camera, June 4th! I am covering all aspects of photography from light (ambient and flash), color, composition, wildlife, landscape, gear and much, much, more. And of course, the D5 and new wireless SB-5000 will be a part a long with new images from the last month. Come, join us, it’s going to be great fun!!!!
Nikon Lens Wipes Rock!
Aviation just makes camera gear messy and oily. So finding something to instantly clean it on the spot has been an on going search until two months ago. Ya, I’ve tried brand X, Y & Z but none I’ve found work as great as these Nikon Lens Wipes. Over the last month, I’ve given these out to many photographers to get their impressions as well. All have loved them so much, they’ve gone and bought them for themselves but there is the rub. You can’t find these at any of your normal outlets. I found this 200 count box on Amazon, but they are not always there and the price can very from $9.99 to $29.99 for the same box. I use these on my front elements, lens barrels, camera LCD and rubber, glasses, computer keyboard, nearly everything and they do a killer job. Thought I would pass the find along, they do make my life in the field a littler easier, and cleaner.
Face Detection Magic?
Ever since we first started shooting with the D5, understanding how it works with its new features has been a fun quest. The first big puzzlement came when photographing Sharp-tailed Grouse using Auto Area AF, the D5 grabbed on and locked focus in low light on subjects BEHIND grasses. Its performance defies IMHO how the classic AF systems work. They need contrast, strong vertical and/or horizontal lines to operate and in this scenario with the grouse, the lines were IN FRONT of the subject yet the AF system consistently locked focus on and delivered sharp images. And if Kevin hadn’t been beside me shooting with his D5 getting the same results, I would have thought it a fluke. But it’s not a fluke!
While at Magee Marsh photographing the warblers as they danced in and out of the tree limbs, at one point the D5 locked on and in the viewfinder I saw what I hypothesize as being how the AF system works. In the upgrade of the D5 AF system (which is a huge upgrade), the Face Detection (Cs a4 turned on) is somehow working its magic with these critters. Now the only thing I have to go on is the performance I’m enjoying and seeing the photographs where it’s working. The fact of the matter is knowing how it works is only a mental exercise in understanding the system. What’s really important is that it does work and works really damn well! Can’t wait to get the D500 in hand and test my theory. Should be more fun.
Our Birds Need You!
Bird photographers, nature lovers, great outdoor enthusiasts, we can make a difference! Give this a read and see where you can help out our feathered friends!