When shooting birds it is better to shoot with the mouth open or something in the mouth

Mar 29, 2016 | California Nature Photography, California Wildlife Photography

A bird with something in it’s mouth, or singing the blues is more interesting than a tight billed bird.  I understand that sometimes there is an outstanding shot of a bird with nothing in its mouth and it is not singing. But, in general try to get that type of action.  Fighting or using its  claws is fair game too. Note too that all four photos tell a story. The Belted Kingfisher with the minnow in its mouth was a lucky high percentage shot. Kingfishers are one of the toughest birds to photograph. They are fast, elusive and don’t like a lot of people around. The settings using a 5oomm canon lens with a 1.4x extender was: f/9.5, iso 800, 1/2000. Nice shot of the Spotted Towhee but compared to the other “action” shots it is out of the...

Nik software is now free

Mar 29, 2016 | News

This is a short and simple blog today. One of the premier software programs that millions of photographers throughout the world have used. The company use to be called Nik software and was then bought by Google.  Some think that Google bought Nik for the Snapseed technology. I was a big user of Nik at one time. It made my life a lot easier. As soon as they got purchased by Google, I heard less and less from them as far as specials , upgrades and news.  I think this may be the end of Nik now that it is free. Click Here for the news from...

When good shots get lost in the clutter

Mar 11, 2016 | California Nature Photography, California Wildlife Photography, News

There are times when a really good shot is just lost in the clutter of what is around the focus of the photo.  I remember seeing a flower that was in competition and it was a great shot, but I had a problem seeing what was the subject due to the clutter around the flower.  Sometimes, it is better to move on and wait for another opportunity. Belted Kingfisher on the left and far right and a Green Heron in the center.  Take my word the shots are in focus, especially the heron and the Kingfisher in flight give me a break. The problem is the clutter around them.  Sometimes it takes more effort to creatively get rid of the clutter. It can be done but then it really does not look natural.  Time to move on and wait for another day.  Also, take it from me- Don’t fall in love with your photo. Get over it and move on. The trick is to… you’ll just have to wait to find out how to solve the problem in another blog. Keep shooting for...