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09 Jun 2014

Camera Settings Checklist

Check the settings each time you use your camera. Use this 10-step checklist to be ready when a wildlife photo opportunity presents itself. Set Exposure Mode: Choose Aperture Priority (A or AV) to control depth of field. Choose Shutter Priority (S or TV) to blur/freeze movement. Choose Manual to control both. Set Aperture f-stop (In Aperture Priority or Manual): f/4 – f/7 will soften or blur the background and enable faster shutter speeds. Set Shutter Speed (In Shutter Priority or…

Camera Settings / Photography Tips 0

09 Apr 2014

Maximizing Autofocus

“Auto” focus is more than one button on your camera. There are actually two functions and multiple combinations that on one hand give you the best possible chance of getting sharp focused photos. And on the other hand, when there are multiple choices, which one do you use when? Here are the two functions and optimal settings for various wildlife photography situations. Auto Focus Mode. Determines whether the camera focuses once or continuously when the shutter is pressed halfway. Choose either…

Camera Settings / Photography Tips 0

09 Jan 2014

If You Can Bring One Lens Only

If you could bring only ONE lens from your camera bag to a wildlife photo outing, which one would you choose? With wildlife photography, your biggest, longest focal length lens or your telephoto lens is not always the best choice. Consider the following when choosing the right lens: Size of the subject. For small subjects, use a short focal length. Distance the subject is from you. For subjects far away from you, use a longer focal length so that the subject…

Equipment Tips / Photography Tips 0

09 Nov 2013

“Capturing the Moment, The Art & Science of Photographing Wild Animals” book is launched and available!

Just in time for the holidays, my new book Capturing the Moment, The Art & Science of Photographing Wild Animals is launched and available for purchase! The book is an easy to understand, how-to guide for creating extraordinary wildlife photographs. It simplifies the technical knowledge needed to effectively operate your camera and prepares you for spending a day with wildlife . It has useful compositional tips for photographers of all skill levels and will fit in your camera bag! There…

Announcements 0

10 Aug 2013

Camera Settings for Hummingbird Photographs

Without Flash Both of the following photos were taken without flash: Photo A: Camera: Nikon D3s, Shutter Priority Mode, Shutter speed: 1/2000s, Aperture: f/5.6, ISO 2000, Matrix metering, Spot focus, Auto-focus Continuous. Lens: Nikon 200- 400mm f/4, focal length 400mm. On tripod. Photo B: Camera: Nikon D3s, Manual Mode, Aperture: f/4, Shutter speed: 1/1250s, ISO 1600, Spot metering, Spot focus, Auto-focus Continuous. Lens: Sigma 180mm Macro f/3.5. On monopod. Shutter speed is the most important setting when photographing hummingbirds in…

Camera Settings / Equipment Tips / Photography Tips 1

10 Jul 2013

How To Increase the Number of Sharp Photographs

There are specific camera settings and equipment factors that influence sharpness of the subject and overall photograph. Get the most value from the camera’s focus functions by understanding and applying these tips: Depth of Field Depth of field is how much of a given photograph is in sharp focus, from front to back. Only the subject you are focused on is tack sharp. Other elements in front of and behind the subject will be somewhat sharp. The following factors control…

Camera Settings / Equipment Tips / Photography Tips 0

10 Jun 2013

Capture Picture Perfect Butterfly Photographs

Follow these tips to get picture perfect butterfly photos: Use a macro lens with a minimum focus distance 12 inches or less so you can capture close-up, full frame detail. Position yourself at eye level to the butterfly. Keep the composition very simple. Do a four corner perimeter check around your frame and physically move your body to eliminate or add elements. Look for butterflies that are in pristine condition (i.e., no chips in their wings, both antennas, all legs, etc.).…

Camera Settings / Composition / Equipment Tips / Photography Tips 0

10 May 2013

Keep Your Composition Simple

The simpler the picture, the better. Focus attention on your subject. An out of focus background will draw the viewer’s attention to the subject. Blurred items should fall in the bottom or side of the frame. Make sure no other elements are sharper, brighter, more colorful, or in any way more attractive to the main subject. Look at the four corners and borders of the frame for distracting elements. It is easier to exclude a distracting element from the frame…

Composition / Photography Tips 0

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