Backyard Photography – great way to improve your skills

by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Aug 20, 2011 | Nature, Photo Workshops, Wildlife

While in Virginia teaching a wildlife photography class for the Norfolk Botanical Gardens I had some free time to photograph in the backyard of a friend’s house. Feeders and water attracted cardinals, wrens, titmice, chickadees, and squirrels to the yard. On the back porch railing, I created a natural looking setting using dead logs, pine cones, and Spanish moss. Each morning I placed peanuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter at strategic locations. I photographed from a blind using my 80-400 mm zoom lens and 600 mm telephoto. Results were best with the longer lens since the animals were less timid when I was farther away. Lighting was difficult due to a large number of trees blocking the sun. I used aperture priority using exposure compensation to adjust for the changing light on the fore & background. Using my Nikon D3 camera, I was able to adjust my ISO settings as high as 1250 with acceptable results when the light was low. This experience was a good way to improve my response time, composition, and metering skills. This was a great opportunity since where I live, backyard feeders are not permitted.

Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Wildlife Photo Class

by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Aug 9, 2011 | Nature, Photo Workshops, Wildlife

Been preparing for my next class at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens on Wildlife Photography, 12-14 Aug with a evening program, field practice & critique of images from assignments.  Have had fun scouting the gardens for subjects for participants. Lots of gold finches and a very nice butterfly house with photo opportunities for both butterflies and caterpillars.

Great Book: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge,an Ecological Treasure

by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Jul 26, 2011 | Nature, Photo Workshops, Wildlife

Geese flying at sunse

If you love the ocean, beaches, marshes, and wildlife, you will enjoy my book, “Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, an Ecological Treasure.”  With fascinating images, it takes you on a visual tour of one of America’s best-loved National Wildlife Refuges.  Situated on the Virginia end of Assateague Island, a 37 mile long barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, the refuge protects critical barrier island habitats and their associated wildlife including endangered and threatened species.  It is both educational and beautiful as well.  Available on Amazon and at other bookstores.  http://www.amazon.com/Chincoteague-National-Wildlife-Refuge-Ecological/dp/1565795172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311736171&sr=8-1

In November, join me on a weekend photo workshop at this incredible location when the fall waterfowl migration is at peak.   See my website https://www.ospreyphoto.com/schedule.html for more details.