Autumn's Fire Abstract

I just sold a giant (40” X 60”) print of this abstract image of brilliant fall (autumn) Maple leaves, so I am sharing the memory with you. Standing on a logging road on the edge of the mash in Northern Maine, waiting for Moose can sometimes be quite dull. When the light is right, and the fall (autumn) colours glow like the embers in an inferno……

We adjusted our camera’s exposure to slow our shutter speed to only 1/5 of a second and quickly moved our cameras up and down while making multiple exposures. This was the only keep I made, but I love it, do you?

Autumn’s Fire Abstract (Autumn Silver Maple Leaves) Sept. 27, 2011, Baxter State Park, Maine Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D MKIV, Canon 7-300mm zoom @300mm. ISO 200, F36 @ 1/5s Manual mode. Full frame image.

Wood Duck FIREWOOD

Wood Duck FIREWOOD (Aix sponsa, Canard branchu, WODU) Quebec, Canada. Image. Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens  with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 400, f/8 @ 1/1,600s Manual exposure. Full Frame.

Here's a Wood Duck with brilliant fall foliage reflecting in the water. Mother Nature put on a spectacular foliage show and the weather was spectacular. Just before the light hit the foliage and the show began, the only other photographer there packed-up and left because there was only one Drake Wood Duck. I'm glad I stayed :)

KUDOS

I found Chris via the strong images on his web site.
 
Having now taken two of his photo workshops, I have seen a significant improvement in my images due to improved capture and post processing techniques.  Having taken many other wildlife photo workshops, Chris stands out for his top notch instruction. His workshops provide many excellent photo opportunities.
 
If you are serious about your photography and want to get better, Chris can help you in many ways.  He is willing and able to explain what he is doing and why he is doing it.  He emphasizes not only the vision but also the execution in the field and the post processing.  
 
It was fun shooting with and learning from Chris.  I give a hearty recommendation to anyone considering a photo workshop with Chris, a recommendation I plan to follow.

Carl Zanoni Connecticut, USA

Thanks, Carl! To learn more about my workshops CLICK HERE.

Fall Fawn Portrait a la Sony a9

Eastern White-tailed Deer Fall Fawn Portrait (Odocoileus virginianus, Cerf de Verginie) Alt Island, Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS and Sony 1.4X 560mm. Full frame image. ISO 2,000 f/8 @ 1/160s Manual exposure mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Another image from my recent outings testing my Sony a9. This time, I was ready with my 100-400 G master lens and the Sony 1.4X Tele-extender while wandering around looking for fall birds when I noticed a pair of White-tailed Deer fawns. I am still blown away by the Sony a9 phase detect auto focus system! 

Here's wha't left of the massive Canon gear sale:


I’m cleaning out the gear closet, and looking for new homes for some great gear. Everything is in new to near new condition:

SOLD: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with Internal 1.4x

SOLD: Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Telephoto Lens

SOLD: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Zoom Lens (Version I)

SOLD: Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

SOLD: Canon Speedlight 580EX II Flash

Feel free to email me for information, or to make an offer!

chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com

SOLD: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens

SOLD: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM Lens

SOLD: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II Body 36,000 actuations

SOLD: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II Body 56,000 actuations

SOLD: Canon Speedlight 600EX II-RT Flash

SOLD:Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS II USM Telephoto Lens

SOLD: Canon EOS 7D Mark II Body

SOLD:Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM Lens

SOLD: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

SOLD: Canon EF 8-15mm f/4.0L Fisheye Lens

Photo Competition: Buyer Beware!

Coyote Autumn pup  (Canis latrans) Quebec, Canada (C) ©Christopher Dodds  www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMark III, 500mm F4 IS, Gitzo Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 500, 1/160s F4 Manual Mode. Full Frame. Click HERE to purchase a print or license image for publication.


So, you work for a magazine and your publisher is trying to squeeze a profit out of your magazine during these difficult economic times. Earning kudos from the boss may be easier than you would think: Just announce a photo competition where all entrants assign all publication rights (editorial, commercial & educational) AND they send a $20.00 bill with each submission. Just 1,000 entrants produces an image bank of at least that many images AND $20,000.00 for the magazine. The grand prize: get you picture published in the magazine. The most shocking part is how hard it was to find the fine print and I'm sure most people who sent off a cheque never read it. Oh, I almost forgot: the magazine does not have to pay publication rights to photographers anymore. Just something to think about next time you think about entering a competition…

Entries become the property of (insert magazine name here), a division of (insert company name here) Inc., which reserves the right, without further consideration, to use all photos and text in any publication, media, and related prodcts or promotions. The company cannot confirm receipt or return entries. By submitting your materials, you agree that your contact information may be given to the contest sponsor, which may use the information for marketing purposes. You further agree that your photo, text, name, and city and state may be posted on (insert company name here)-owned websites and, on sponsor websites, as well. If you are younger than 13 years of age, you will need to provide signed permission from a parent or guardian allowing you to enter the contest. - REAL FINE PRINT FROM A REAL PHOTO COMPETITION 

The Coyote , Canis latrans, runs with it's tail down, unlike domestic dogs with their tail up or wolves with their tail straight. Known as the best runner among the canids, the Coyote cruises at 25-30 mph (40-50km/h), with a top speed of 40 mph (65 km/h). Always an opportunist, Coyotes eat small mammals like mice, squirrels and rabbits, as well as birds, frogs, toads snakes, insects and fruit.

Comments welcome & appreciated.

 

The Many Moose of Baxter State Park. Trip Report Part III

Bull Moose Vertical (Alces, Elan, Orignal) Baxter State Park, Maine ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 and 1.4XII tele-converter Gitzo 1325 Tripod and Wimberley Head II. ISO 500, F5.6 1/200s Manual.

As mentioned in earlier posts, this years trip to Baxter State Park in Maine was one of my most productive. Here's just a few of the 13 Moose we spent time photographing. It's always a thrill to get close, and close we got on a few occasions; It's best to let Moose come to you, rather than go off chasing them around the forest & remember that Bull Moose that are about two and a half years old (like the Moose in the photo above) are the most unpredictable and therefore the most dangerous; If you find yourself feeling a little uncomfortable, then slowly move away. Moose of this age are starting to "feel their oats" for the first time, and unsure of how to behave during this time of hormonal change.

Bull Moose Giant of the Northwoods (Alces, Elan, Orignal) Baxter State Park, Maine ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 and 2XII tele-converter Gitzo 1325 Tripod and Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F8 1/160s Manual.

Named from the Algonquin term meaning "twig-eater", Moose rely most on their strongest senses: Hearing and smell. Their vision isn't the best, but with the placement of their eyes they can see almost 360°. Inhabiting dense forests throughout Canada, Maine and Alaska, Moose (Alces alces) are the giants of the deer family. They may lack the grace of other deer, but they are among North America's most magnificent mammals. A bull moose crashing through the underbrush in a northern bog is a sight not soon forgotten.
Alaska boasts the largest males: they weigh some 1,800 pounds, stand seven feet tall at the shoulder, and have antlers with a spread of over six feet. In addition to a massive body and a big, overhanging muzzle, the moose is characterized by a fold of skin on the throat (its function unknown) called the "bell" or "Dewlap". You may be able to distinguish particular moose by their distinctive dewlaps. Though long and spindly-looking, its legs are well suited for moving swiftly across snow, wading in water, and swimming.
During the fall rutting season, when their low, mooing calls echo through the forest, bulls battle over cows in savage antler-to-antler confrontations. By December the contests end and the bulls shed their hefty headgear.
In summer, moose wade into ponds and streams to eat aquatic plants, and in winter they browse on twigs and bark. Once exterminated in parts of their range- they were used as food by native peoples and early settlers, and their antlers have always been prized as trophies- moose have lately made quite a comeback.

Bull Moose Vertical Portrait (Alces, Elan, Orignal) Baxter State Park, Maine ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 and 2XII tele-converter Gitzo 1325 Tripod and Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F8 1/125s Manual.

Do consider joining me for the Moose and fall colors of Maine Workshop next year.

Comments welcome & appreciated.

 

American Black Bears of Baxter State Park. Trip Report Part II

American Black Bear Curious Cutie  (Ursus americanus, Ours Noir) Roaring Brook Campground, Baxter State Park, ME ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com Canon EOS Ids Mark III, 500mm F4, Gitzo 1325 Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 640, F4 1/200s Manual mode.

We were pleased to photograph these two Black Bear cubs at the Roaring Brook campground parking area of Baxter State Park in Maine, but saddened by their future. Though the park staff called them problem bears, the problem is the people who offered hand-outs and simply didn't listen to the Park Rangers pleas to lock all food inside vehicles. By the time you read this, I hope they have been relocated, as planned, to a rehabilitation centre in New Brunswick in Canada.
American Black Bear Autumn Stroll  (Ursus americanus, Ours Noir) Roaring Brook Campground, Baxter State Park, ME ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com Canon EOS Ids Mark III, 500mm F4, Gitzo 1325 Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 500, F4 1/200s Manual mode.

Do consider joining me for this unique workshop next year. Details HERE.

American Black Bear facts: There are three species of bear in North America: Polar Bear, Brown Bear (commonly called Grizzly Bear), and Black Bear. The Black Bear, Ursus americanus, is the only bear that lives in Maine where they are generally deep brown or black with a tan muzzle. Current estimates place the Black Bear population at around 30,000 in Maine; with as many as 300-400 of these in Baxter State Park.

The average life expectancy of Maine bears is only about 5-6 years; whereas a typical life expectancy in the wild might be 25 years. Most Black Bears are killed well before the end of their natural lifespan by human-related factors like hunting or  vehicular collision. Baiting (or feeding) is legal while hunting bear in Maine: READ THIS

Comments welcome & appreciated.