Check our Upcoming Photo Workshops & Tours

A Passion for Wildlife, the Stories Behind the Images

Road Runner

Program scheduled for 2 Jun @ Assateague Island National Seashore Visitor Center has been postponed until late Aug or early Sep. Will post new date as soon as available. However identical program Saturday, 12 May at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge visitor center at 11:00 as part of the International Migratory Bird Celebration. For info, contact: www.ospreyphot@aol.com; http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco

A Passion for Wildlife, the Stories Behind the Images

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2 June, 2012 (11:00-12:30), Assateague Island National Seashore Visitor Center. 

This program is based on my 30 years of experience photographing birds and other animals. It covers the considerations, strategies, techniques, and equipment required to produce high quality wildlife images.  Topics of discussion include composition; lighting; safety in the field; ethics; and tips for locating, attracting, and approaching wildlife.  I include several entertaining stories behind the creation of some of my favorite images.  (Program Free to the Public)    http://www.nps.gov/asis/index.html    https://www.ospreyphoto.com

Quality Images & High ISOs

Over the past two years my appreciation for D-SLR cameras capable of producing quality images at high ISOs has grown exponentially.   My early experience with D-SLR cameras and ISOs of 400 and higher was disappointing.  Images contained random specks of color and were grainy in appearance due to high noise levels.  Because of the negative results of the past, I have been hesitant even on newer cameras to use high ISOs unless absolutely necessary.  With the purchase of my Nikon D4 camera, I have begun to seriously explore the possibilities of using ISOs of 640 and much higher on a somewhat regular basis.  For my applications, resulting images have been remarkable.  See the photos that follow for examples. (1) The waterfowl shots were taken late in the afternoon as the light was fading.   To freeze the splashing action of the ducks, I used ISOs of 640.  (2) The interior of this tulip was shot under soft light.  Since the magnification was high, light low, and the use of a tripod was difficult due to the camera angle, I shot this image with an ISO of 1200 to capture the needed depth of field and fast shutter speed to assure image sharpness. 3) The jelly fish was photographed under low light inside the Martine Museum in Solomon’s Island, MD at 10000 ISO with the camera hand held.  The use of a tripod and flash were impractical due to space constrictions and reflective surfaces.  Pleased with these results, I am continuing to explore new applications so see my next blog. See www.ospreyphoto.com for photo workshop details.Image

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Wildlife Photography Lecture @ Chincoteague NWR, VA, 24 Sep

Join me for my lecture entitled, “A Passion for Wildlife Photography, The Stories Behind the Images.” The program is to be held at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, VA in the Herbert H Bateman Administration and Educational Center, 24 Sep, 2011, at 1 PM.

This lecture focuses on the stories behind some of my favorite wildlife images intermixed with practical photo tips. I will discuss equipment and techniques for locating, attracting, and approaching animals as well as safety and ethical considerations. During the lecture, I will reveal insights into my passion for wildlife photography along with the skills and personal characteristics required to capture memorable images.

Check out my book “Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, An Ecological Treasure” at local book stores and visit my web site www.ospreyphoto.com for future programs.

Wildlife Photography Lecture @ Assateague National Seashore

Join me for my lecture, “A Passion for Wildlife Photography, The Stories Behind the Images.”  The program is to be held at Assateague Island National Seashore in the Visitors Center Auditorium. 18 Sep 2011, at 3 PM.

This program focuses on the stories behind some of my favorite wildlife images intermixed with practical photo tips.  I will discuss equipment and techniques for locating, attracting, and approaching animals as well as safety and ethical considerations. During the lecture, I will reveal insights into my passion for wildlife photography along with the skills and personal characteristics required to capture memorable images.

Check out my book “Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, An Ecological Treasure” at local book stores and visit my web site www.ospreyphoto.com.

Dealing with the heat when photographying

If it is as hot where you are as it is here and you are photographing outside, consider filling a spray bottle with cold water and spraying it on yourself. I use photo blinds at times in Texas and the fine spray kept me cool enough to work. I sprayed the inside of blind as well and the temp seemed to drop by 10 degress. This is my first blog. Still learning how to improve the site.