Better Bird Photography Portraits

Christopher Dodds November 10, 2011

Parakeet Auklet Portrait (Fratercula cirrhata, Macareux huppé, TUPU) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS , 2X Teleconverter III & Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3. Full Frame. ISO 400 f/14 @ 1/200s Manual Mode. Fill flash Canon Speedlite 580EX II with Better Beamer @ -1&2/3. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Better Bird Photography Portraits

Bird photographers are often guilty of spending all of their time photographing the action and drama of birds in flight, and often skip the investment of the time required to create great portraits. I sell far more static portraits than action, or "birds-in-flight" images. Don't get me wrong; Birds-in-flight are my favorite challenge, just remember to diversify your images by going for portraits as well. It can be quite rewarding to see and study the intricate details revealed in a good portrait - check-out the unique (and cool) bill of this Parakeet Auklet. Here's a few tips to help you out next time you are out and about with your camera.

Try to get closer your subject without disturbing it. This one sounds easy, but wild birds are wild, take your time and avoid walking or crawling directly at your subject. Take your time and make regular stops to let your subject accept you.
Use a long lens and extender to help you get close without disturbance, and to take advantage of the long focal length to help blur the background and isolate the subject. I often add an extension tube to get even closer.
Try to choose an interesting background. Finding an interesting background will help you stand-out among the many. In this Parakeet Auklet portrait, I carefully chose the out of focus lichens as my background to set it apart from the typical blue sky of a clear day, or the white, or high-key, background of a cloudy day.
Invest in the composition. Carefully compose your portrait so that it is visually pleasing. Try to avoid a boring compositions with centred subjects. Compose a full frame image in the camera - to get the most pixels on your subject and as a challenge to get better and make better image in the camera.
Wait for the pose and head angle. All to often, I see portraits that resemble snap shots. This is often the result of poor head angle or a bad pose. I try to get the subject and it's head parallel to my sensor for most head shot type portraits, but do sometimes strive for the head-on look; the latter often in overcast conditions to avoid harsh shadows.
Choose your light. On clear days, choose the golden hours of sunrise or sunset to get the soft warm tones without harsh shadows. Be sure to point your shadow directly at the bird when the sun rises and gets harsher, and be sure the near side of the face is illuminated and there is a catch-light in the eye. Bright, cloudy and overcast conditions are great for digital portraits; there's no shadows to worry about, and we can photograph all day long. Avoid flash when the light is golden, but do try to add a kiss of fill flash when its overcast.
Be sure the image is sharp and properly exposed. Sounds easy enough, but try to remind yourself to use good long lens technique, a good tripod head and a sturdy tripod.

Second Annual Photo Geek Christmas Party

More prizes have arrived from these great sponsors! Jobu Designs (makers of my favorite Gimbal Head - the Jobu Jr. 3), FirstPass Image downloader & Editor, Think-Tank Photo, Cotton Carrier and DigiMarc for Images have all jumped on-board and offered tons of prizes to show their suppoort for my Second Annual Photo Geek Christmas Party. I expect other sponsors to make offerings and encourage contributions - email me if you would like to donate and promote your product chris(at)chrisdoddsphoto(dot)com

Join me, Canadian nature photographer Christopher Dodds, on November 30, 2011 at 7:30 PM at the Hudson Village Theatre (28 Wharf Road, Hudson, QC J0P 1H0) for an hour and a half long slideshow presentation to benefit this great cause which is so close to my heart. The show is designed to be entertaining and informative to all; nature lovers and photographers alike. Stories of adventure, natural history facts and information are all on the menu and this show is designed to offer helpful tips & techniques sure to improve your photography efforts with everything from a camera phone, point & shoot camera or professional SLR camera system. Over one hundred of my images will be projected, many unseen. Everyone is welcome!
Hurry! Only 148 seats. Tickets are only $15.00 each and are available for advance purchase only - every penny is collected by, and goes to Le Nichoir. Please call or email Le Nichoir (communication@lenichoir.org 450-458-2809) to secure your tickets, or make a donation if you can't make it (be sure to tell them it's on behalf of Chris' Photo Geek Christmas Party) Major credit cards and cheques accepted. Finger food and hors d'oeuvres are included and there will be a cash bar (please drink responsibly).
There will be ample time to mingle, meet my friends and contacts and share some of your images with others, so feel free to bring prints, iPads or laptops with your favourite images to share. I hope to see you there and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

How to photograph birds in flight in low light

Christopher Dodds November 2, 2011

Tufted Puffin In Flight #1 (Fratercula cirrhata, Macareux huppé, TUPU) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM @300mm. ISO 1,600, f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s Manual Mode Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Photographing birds in flight in low light is quite challenging; it's not easy. I love photographing seabirds, and that often means shooting small, and often erratically moving targets; fast and unpredictable little fliers from the top of coastal cliffs in bad weather. The biggest problem to overcome is our need to always grab our longest lens and our reluctance to shoot wide open at high ISO (for Canon users, anyway). I recently had a discussion with a photographer who told me he didn't need a camera capable of shooting 10 fps (frames per second); he timed the wingbeats and only took one frame at a time. Well, let's just say that was one photographer who had a couple of good birds in flight images in his portfolio, but Florida Great Blue Herons are tame, huge, fly slowly and do have predictable wingbeats. What I want to share today is how I succeed (more, or less) at shooting bullets that move at 55 MPH with 100-400 wing beats per minute; I'm talking, of course, about photographing Puffins in flight. I was fortunate to photograph all three North American species of Puffins this summer, on both the East, and west coast. In June I hosted my annual Puffins Galore (and so much more) workshop for the Atlantic Puffin, and then I photographed the Horned and Tufted Puffins of Saint Paul Island (more images to come soon).
Tufted Puffin In Flight #2 (Fratercula cirrhata, Macareux huppé, TUPU) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM @300mm. ISO 1,600, f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s Manual Mode Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

First of all, get over your phobia of shooting wide open and using a high ISO. You are going to need a shutter speed of at least 1/2,500 of a second, but I prefer 1/3,200 of a second to freeze the fast action; this usually means using an ISO of at least 1,600 and an aperture of at least f/5.6 (always in manual mode). I try to get as close as possible in low light and low contrast conditions; I try to use the shortest lens possible, while trying to fill the frame. Using only the centre auto-focus point only usually helps the autofocus system lock onto your subject, but it's going to take more than relying on your camera to acquire focus. I generally try to pick-up repetitive flight patterns; I try to predict where the bird I am trying to shoot will fly and pre-focus on something near there so the auto-focus system doesn't have to spin the lens much to acquire sharp focus. Once locked-on to my subject, it's all up to me to keep the focus point on the subject and hit the stutter button at 10 fps; the best way to be able to do that is practice; over, and over again.
Tufted Puffin In Flight #3 (Fratercula cirrhata, Macareux huppé, TUPU) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM @300mm. ISO 1,600, f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s Manual Mode Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

I decided to post three sequential, full frame images of Tufted Puffins from a recent trip to Saint Paul Island (The Pribilof Islands), Alaska to demonstrate that it is possible to pull off what seems like the impossible. I left my tried, tested and true Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens at home, instead opting for my favorite new 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM and threw it on my Canon EOS 1DMKIV. I set-up my exposure in manual mode and checked the histogram to make sure the blacks from the wet rocks below the cliffs I was standing on weren't blocked-up against the left edge to minimize noise, and carefully made sure I had no over-exposed whites on the right edge to ensure the most detail in the whites. Once sure of my exposure, I watched for the Puffins flight path and pre-focused on a rock where I thought the bird would fill the frame. Now pre-focused on the rock, I saw the bird fly in and followed it until it started to fill the frame, partially depressed the shutter button to activate the auto-focus system and hit the trigger at its maximum capture rate of 10 fps. Truth be told; I waited a fraction of a second too long for this sequence, and ran the risk of clipping the Puffin's wing-tips, but it worked-out fine with three action shots that I liked enough to keep (No, I won't teach you how to reconstruct the wingtips if you clip them, but I will teach you how to capture the image right, in the camera - smile).

Which of the three images here is your favorite & why? Leave a comment and you could win a free copy of the new Mac editing software FirstPass.

Second Annual Photo Geek Christmas Party

Great news! Jobu Designs (makers of my favorite Gimbal Head - the Jobu Jr. 3), Think-Tank Photo, Cotton Carrier, have all jumped on-board and offered tons of prizes to show their suppoort for my Second Annual Photo Geek Christmas Party. I expect other sponsors to make offerings and encourage contributions - email me if you would like to donate and promote your product chris(at)chrisdoddsphoto(dot)com

Second Annual Photo Geek Christmas Party

Christopher Dodds October 21, 2011

American Bald Eagle SNOWFLIGHT (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay, Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS ISO 800, f/6.3 @ 1/1,600s Manual mode. Full Frame. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Here's a favorite Bald Eagle image from my last Eagles Galore Photo Safari Workshop in Kackemak Bay, Alaska. I love being out in bad weather; this one hand-held from a boat in a blizzard. Fun times! Modern digital cameras have multiple, user selectable, auto-focus zones; here, I selected a point on the left of center, as I knew the Eagle was flying from my left and I wanted some space in the frame for it to fly into as a compositional element. Give it a try next time you are out with your camera.

I'm hosting my second annual PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY!

It's a PARTY with a CAUSE!

Le Nichoir Wild Bird Rehabilitation Centre was founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization (#894112358RR001) and is located in Hudson, Quebec. Le Nichoir is a licensed centre, part of a community of North American rehabilitators, supported by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA). Their mission is to conserve wild birds as part of our natural heritage.
Le Nichoir provides proper care and treatment for injured or orphaned wild birds and releases them back into their natural habitat. Le Nichoir also provides advice and information about wild birds and their environment through educational programs and annual public events. In 1995 Le Nichoir received 478 birds. Today, it is the largest rehabilitation centre for songbirds in Canada. They admit more than 1400 wild birds and receive 5000 telephone calls each year. There is no charge asked for any of their services, but they need our help! It costs about $6,000.00 each for the six wildlife biology students who work tirelessly for the summer at minimum wage. Officially, I hope to raise $1,500.00, but secretly, I'd love raise $3,000.00, so please help this worthy cause!

Join me, Canadian nature photographer Christopher Dodds, on November 30, 2011 at 7:30 PM at the Hudson Village Theatre (28 Wharf Road, Hudson, QC J0P 1H0) for an hour and a half long slideshow presentation to benefit this great cause which is so close to my heart. The show is designed to be entertaining and informative to all; nature lovers and photographers alike. Stories of adventure, natural history facts and information are all on the menu and this show is designed to offer helpful tips & techniques sure to improve your photography efforts with everything from a camera phone, point & shoot camera or professional SLR camera system. Over one hundred of my images will be projected, many unseen. Everyone is welcome!
Hurry! Only 148 seats. Tickets are only $15.00 each and are available for advance purchase only - every penny is collected by, and goes to Le Nichoir. Please call or email Le Nichoir (communication@lenichoir.org 450-458-2809) to secure your tickets, or make a donation if you can't make it (be sure to tell them it's on behalf of Chris' Photo Geek Christmas Party) Major credit cards and cheques accepted. Finger food and hors d'oeuvres are included and there will be a cash bar (please drink responsibly).
There will be ample time to mingle, meet my friends and contacts and share some of your images with others, so feel free to bring prints, iPads or laptops with your favourite images to share. I hope to see you there and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

FirstPass mini review and Thick-billed Murre

Christopher Dodds October 15, 2011

Thick-billed Murre PORTRAIT (Brünnich's Guillemot, Uria lomvia, Guillemot de Brunnich, TBMU) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS & Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 Full Frame. ISO 1,600 f/9 @ 1/400s Manual Mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

FirstPass Mini Review

One of the most important things I do each night, after a day in the field, is download and edit (or cull) the images I shot that day. If you think of how much time I spend in the field, I’m sure that you appreciate how important it is for me to deal with that day’s shoot without delay; it’s my way of preventing a massive overload of editing between trips, and returning to my studio with Terabytes of images to deal with.

A friend recently released new software called FirstPass in the Apple App Store. FirstPass is built, from the ground up, by a photographer for Mac OS and is available from the App Store for only $9.99. It is designed to download multiple cards automatically (you can even download to a second destination like a back-up drive simultaneously), motor through your images and make that critical First Pass edit; view each image and delete the obvious rejects and rate the obvious prizes. Re-naming files has never been easier and I love the large screen previews, accurate color space and ease of use. There are other solutions out there, but they are all much more expensive. This is a refreshing new tool that I see myself becoming dependent upon to get my job done!

I often see folks on my workshops importing every image they shoot into Aperture or Lightroom at a painfully slow pace – FirstPass is the perfect companion to quickly speed through their day’s shoot, delete the obvious misses and rate the obvious winners before import. It’s brilliant in it’s simplicity and the value at $9.99 is extraordinary.

The next version will remember recently downloaded cards, to ensure that you don’t accidentally download duplicate images if you forgot to format a card.

Check out Firstpass in the CANADIAN APPLE STORE HERE

Check out Firstpass in the US APPLE STORE HERE

Common Murre Kudos & Gear for Sale

Christopher Dodds October 4, 2011

Common Murre or Common Guillemot Vertical (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park) Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 800, 1/1,600s f/5.6 Manual. Hand held from Zodiac Hurricane 733. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

TESTIMONIAL

"In September 2011, I attended Christopher Dodds’ “Gannets Galore” workshop in Perce, Quebec, Canada. I have attended many wildlife photo workshops over the years and this workshop was a 10+ without a doubt. The trip was exactly as he described on his web site; no overpromising and under delivering.

Chris provided access to a colony of 63,000 nesting pairs of Northern Gannets (and at least as many non-breeding birds) and his relationships with the local park staff allowed us to get to locations in the park that were closed to the public. Throughout the trip he was cheerful, very well organized and took care of all those details (and this was a complicated location) that can ruin an experience.. I was able to concentrate on what I came to do…..photography.

As a professional photographer I know my field, but it is a major bonus to find someone who can provide instruction to me. My flight shots improved dramatically! Chris has an uncanny understanding of composition and light and presented me with many opportunities to test my skills. He understands creativity in photography as well as being a technical master. This trip was perfect for a beginner or a professional and he gives as much instruction and guidance as you need without arrogance, attitude or making you feel too shy to ask. I would encourage any photographer, no matter what level, to sign up for Chris' workshops."

- Terry Turrentine San Francisco | CA | USA www.terryturrentine.com

Equipment for sale

I have a Canon 1.4X II & Canon 2X II Extender for sale. Both items are in excellent working codition, but have slight signs of wear as expected when used professionally. Both have brand new caps (front & back) and are available to the first person who agrees to send US$250.00 or CAD$250.00 each via PayPal (Post Office shipping to Canada or USA and PayPal fees included). Visa, MasterCard or check are fine if I know you. Contact me chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com

I have a friend who is selling the following mint gear (email me chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com for details):

Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L USM Version I - US$1,150.00

Canon 100-400 f/4-5.6 IS L - US$1,300.00

Canon 600mm f/4 IS L USM (includes LensCoat Cover, Really Right Stuff replacement foot and case.) - US$8,000.00

Includes PayPal fees and shipping.

Bald Eagle Workshop Announcement

Christopher Dodds September 23, 2011

American Bald Eagle REFLECTION Screamin' Eagle II (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay, Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 800, f/16 @ 1/100s Manual mode. Full Frame. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Eagles Galore A Christopher Dodds Nature Photography Workshop / Safari.

It's back - by popular demand.

Join me, Christiopher Dodds in the Kachemak Bay where many of my famous Eagle images were made. This is your chance to make a truly awesome portfolio of Eagle images; dramatic flight shots, dynamic portraits and there is truly no prittier place than this for Eagles in their enviroment with mountains as the background. Don't miss this limited opportunity - SPACE IS LIMITED!

March 12-16, 2012 Five Days

March 19-23, 2012 Five Days

March 17-18, 2012 Two Days

MORE INFORMATION AND SIGN-UP HERE

Blue Fox and Stealth Gear Photography Clothing

Christopher Dodds September 21, 2011

Blue Fox Kit Wildflower Slumber (Vulpes lagopus pribilofensis, Arctic Fox, Renard polaire) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS . Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 Full Frame. ISO 800 f/11 @ 1/400s Manual Mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's a Blue Fox from my recent trip out in the Bering Sea to Saint Paul Island in Alaska. It was a thrill to find this Kit sleeping in a field of wildflowers. I am currently setting-up a trip there next June 16-23, 2012, so be sure to email me to get on the short list for the trip. Many more images to follow..

Stealth Gear

Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds wearing Stealth Gear Extreme Urban Photographers Jacket/Vest. Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright and courtesy of Alfred Forns - thanks, Al.

I have been testing the Stealth Gear Extreme Urban Photographers Jacket/Vest since June. So far, the jacket has been to Bonaventure Island for my Gannets Galore workshops in June and again in September, it was perfect for my Puffins Galore workshops in July and it's traveled to Alaska with me for my Brown Bears Galore workshop, and again to Saint Paul Island in the Bering Sea. Overall, it's seen about 75 days of intense, dawn to dusk, field work. There is a little room for improvement, but as I examine the newest version of their Extreme Urban Photographers Trousers 2N, I can see how hard they are working to make them perfect. I'll write a full review when I get back from Maine where I hope to put the trousers to the test. I can say that I know of no better photographers jacket out there; it's particularly suited to the coastal climate in Alaska and that of the East coast in Canada. SAVE 15% OFF your purchase at the STEALTH GEAR store and support this site just by using the coupon code "NATURE" at the STEALTH GEAR website store checkout HERE.

Kudos, Jobu Jr. 3 and Workshop Updates

Christopher Dodds September 16, 2011

Northern Gannet FEED ME MAMA seven weeks old (Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III. Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 Full Frame. ISO 400 f/13 @ 1/500s Manual. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Despite a rather wet and cold summer, which halved the nesting success of the Gannets on Bonaventure Island, we had a fantastic workshop (even at such a successful Gannet colony, bad years happen; there's nothing to be alarmed about). The surviving baby gannets were located at the top of hills, making them easier to isolate against the deep blue of The Gulf of the Saint Lawrence. We enjoyed calm water,fine weather and diving Gannets - loads of fun & I can't wait to get back there in the spring!

Jobu Jr. 3

My trusted Jobu Jr. 3 gimbal head continues to be my “go to” tripod head for any lens I choose from 70-300 through 800mm. It's simply rock solid and offers a much better lock-down when the knobs are tightened; no creeping like the 4th Generation Designs Mongoose Head. The knobs are easy to grip and rubberized which helps in cold and wet conditions and the brilliant design of lens plate clamp knob keeps it from getting in the way! Easy to use, light and small - it's still half the size, half the weight and half the price of the full Wimberley Head II. This is the ONLY gimbal head I have used since January, and I don't see any reason to use anything else out there - ever! SAVE 15% OFF your purchase at the JOBU store and support this site just by using the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE.

Kudos

"I want to thank you for a great "Gannets Galore" workshop. The Gannets and Bonaventure Island were an incredible experience for me. The workshop was enhanced by your knowledge of the birds behavior and great relationship with the officials on the Island gained over more than 25 years. It's incredible that you are able to recognize individual birds, remember their nesting sites, and predict their behavior so well. I felt that I had made a wise decision when I decided to experience Bonaventure with you.
The highlight of the shoot was the early morning Zodiac trips. I've always been fascinated by Gannets diving for food and experiencing it from the boat, so close to them, was something I'll never forget. In addition the photography from the Zodiac was great.
I'm in the process of editing the thousands of images I photographed. I appreciate your expert advice on how I should improve my photography. Your technical grasp of digital photography and the toys used to create it was another benefit of doing this workshop with you.... Best regards, Shelly"

- Seldon "Shelly" Goldstein Boynton Beach | FL | USA

Workshop updates

Moose & Fall Colors of Maine. September 26-30, 2011 - a fabulous five day workshop/safari with Christopher Dodds and co-leader, E.J. Peiker.

Snow Geese Galore October 22 & 23, 2011 weekend and October 24-28, 2011 five day.

Winter Snowy Owl Prowls January and February, 2012

9/11 TRIBUTE

Christopher Dodds September 11, 2011

American Bald Eagle MOURNING SONG (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay, Alaska ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com Canon EOS 1D MKII, 500mm F4 L IS ISO 400, F4 1/250s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

The world changed ten years ago on September 11, 2001. My wish, as we move into the next decade of remembrance, is more peace, less hate and cynicism in this world.

May those who fell during the attacks, and those who have fallen since the attacks rest in peace. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones.

American Bald Eagle REFLECTION (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay, Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D MKII, 500mm F4 L IS ISO 400, f/7.1 @ 1/250s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Color management & i1 Photo Pro mini-review

Christopher Dodds August 31, 2011

Atlantic Puffin Portrait (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 800mm f/5.6 L IS, Canon Extension Tube EF 12 II & Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 800, f/5.6 @1/500s Manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Color Management & i1 Photo Pro Mini-review

Achieving consistent color from camera to monitor to print and projector is easier than ever with X-Rite's new and improved X-Rite i1Photo Pro . I have owned a GretagMacbeth Eye One Photo since I switched to digital with the purchase of my Nikon D1X (2001). It seems like a lifetime ago now. I realized that I wanted my prints to mach my screen, and my projected images to match my prints. So much has changed since then; I switched to Canon when they released the EOS 1D Mark II and GretagMacbeth was bought by X-Rite.

I was thrilled to learn recently that X-Rite had released the all-new X-Rite i1Photo Pro and was offering upgrade kits to existing users. I quickly got an upgrade for review and am delighted. The heart of the system; the spectrophotometer remains best in class, so it's easy to see why you need only upgrade the software, a few accessories and the bonus is finally having a proper case to keep everything together and safe.

With X-Rite i1Photo Pro you can quickly and easily create custom profiles for cameras, monitors, digital projectors and RGB printers, ensuring color accuracy from capture to output. With the new i1Profiler software, which combines the best features of its predecessors i1Match, ProfileMaker and MonacoPROFILER software, users can choose between a 'basic', wizard-driven interface, or an 'advanced' user-driven interface to create high quality, precise, custom color profiles.

With an all-new user interface, i1Profiler offers an unprecedented level of flexibility to address the needs of a photographer's workflow. i1Profiler seamlessly combines the ease of use of the wizard driven interface found in the basic mode, and the flexibility of the menu driven user interface found in the advanced mode. Whether a novice, expert or somewhere in between, i1Profiler easily adapts to any skill level and workflow needs, while maintaining the ability to produce outstanding profile quality results.

All-in-all, I don't think there is a better color management solution on the market for a photographer wanting to deliver consistent color results over various output mediums and devices.

Be sure to support this site and order yours here: X-Rite i1Photo Pro Professional Color Management for Photographers

Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai Alaska

Christopher Dodds August 8, 2011

Coastal Brown Bear OVERLOOK (Ursus arctos, Grizzly Bear) Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, AK. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, Jobu Jr. 3 gimbal head & tripod. ISO 800, f/4 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Coastal Brown Bear FISH ON! (Ursus arctos, Grizzly Bear) Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, AK. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III, Jobu Jr. 3 gimbal head & tripod. ISO 800, f/5.6 @1/1,000s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Here's a couple of images from my recent Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai, Alaska photo safari. It is always quite remarkable to watch and see just how much patience a hungry bear has; they know that the salmon will eventually swim up the creek, all they have to do is wait for it. Seeing a 1,000 pounds, or more, of sleeping muscles pounce into action and catch a salmon at a close distance is an exhilarating experience!

There's quite a good lesson to be learned from the bears; wait along a salmon creek, and as sure as the Salmon will show, so will the bears ;) I have heard myself (more than once) explaining to workshop participants that being patient is far more productive than chasing around after every bear seen. We watched (more than once) as other groups chased off the very bears they wanted to photograph; against park rules and a somewhat foolish approach to photographing wild bears.

Be sure to check-out my new and improved Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai, Alaska photo safari July/August 2012. New and improved 100 foot boat for stability and a calmer ride, better, and more consistent cuisine (90% seafood with a gourmet chef interested in satisfying your special diet), all the snacks and drinks (non-alchoholic) you could want and lots of hot water for daily showers and lots of good, clean fun, clean quarters and a willing, happy crew there to help make this a trip of a lifetime!

Be sure to check out: Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai, Alaska Photo Safari Workshop July 27th to August 3rd, 2012

KUDOS

"I recently went on the Gannets Galore workshop with Chris.... It has been 3 weeks now and I still can not come up the the words to describe this experience. The world Chris takes you to defies description. The colony is beyond words. Everything about your day on this workshop is special. This is a trip of a lifetime for anyone who loves birds. Chris runs his workshop so all you have to do is show up at the appointed time and shoot for 10 hours, every detail beyond that is taken care of. The Day is spent with no other care than to photograph beautiful gannets, whales, murres, razorbills, kittiwakes, seals, and he threw in 2 bald eagles for good measure. I had so many great shots when I returned home that I still can not believe it. My birds in flight technique improved 100 percent. Chris gives you as much or as little instruction as you want. He even let me shoot a couple of cards in his camera with his lens. All I can say is, if you love birds, and want to see gannets, I don't believe you can do any better than a Chris Dodds workshop." - Carole Wiley Torrington | CT | USA

There's still room for my Sept. 7-9, 2011 Gannets Galore photo safari workshop be sure to check it out HERE. This is, by far, the very best place in the world to learn bird photography flight technique. My years of experience there is the critical key to offering you the very best Bonaventure Island has to offer. This is such a magical place, it has drawn me back for more than 365 days (I stopped counting after reaching a year of days there).

Puffins Galore and so much more

Christopher Dodds July 15, 2011

Atlantic Puffin SOLITUDE (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 800mm f/5.6 L IS Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 800, f/6.3 @1/3200s Manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Atlantic Puffin FLIGHT ON WHITE (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 800mm f/5.6 L IS Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 800, f/5.6 @1/2000s Manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

I'm just back from two fun and exciting, back-to-back PUFFINS GALORE AND SO MUCH MORE workshops. What a trip! We had tons of fun photographing tiny Atlantic Puffins that fly at 55 mph. Here's just two of the more than 1,200 keepers from the trip that I still have to edit and cut down by a great deal. I've just announced two trips back there next July. Be sure to book early!: PUFFINS GALORE AND SO MUCH MORE

Jobu Jr. 3 Does it again!

My tried and trusted Jobu Jr. 3 Gimbal head proved itself yet again! This time we noticed that it also is the right choice for getting down low. It's smaller size means that you are closer to the ground when your tripod is at it's lowest; not only offering a lower perspective, but also putting less strain on your back and neck as you look through the viewfinder. The lock-down of both the vertical and horizontal adjustment knobs are still holding strong, and second to none! Be sure to check out my mini-review of the Jobu JR. 3 and find a discount code HERE.

Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM ROCKS!

Christopher Dodds June 30, 2011

OSPREY head-on (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) Lake Blue Cypress, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM @300mm. ISO 640, f/5.6 @ 1/2000s Manual. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's an Osprey from my workshop on Lake Blue Cypress in Florida last April; it's full-frame, at the longest focal length of 300mm and wide-open at f/5.6. It's razor sharp. During the last day of the workshop, friends and long-time repeat clients, Rick & Melody, loaned me their Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM lens. To make a long story short; I loved it so much that it is a new favourite carry everywhere, mid range zoom lens. The auto-focus is snappy and accurate and it's relatively compact and lightweight lens.

Like the new 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM, this lens auto-focuses down to 47.1 inches (mine will focus to 41 inches @ 70mm and 44 inches @ 300mm if focused manually), making it a great all-purpose lens ready for a close encounter with wildlife, or point it straight at the ground and start shooting details in nature. The new tripod and monopod sensing, 4 stop IS unit works just as advertised when used in low light conditions; I was blown away with sharp results at 1/4 second at it's widest 70mm, and 1/8 second at it's longest 300mm focal length.

Overall, the build quality, image sharpness and auto-focus accuracy is all there; this is a sweet lens. Will it replace my 70-200mm L f/2.8 IS II USM lens? No, but I will have to own both from now on. This will be the most used nature, travel and general purpose lens, but the 70-200mm L f/2.8 IS II USM lens will remain in my kit when photographing events, people and extremely low light work, or when a really narrow depth-of-field is needed. As for the over-the-shoulder go-to lens? That's an easy one; it is now the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM.

Moose and Fall Colors of Maine with Chris Dodds and E.J. Peiker Sept. 26-30, 2011

Christopher Dodds June 22, 2011

Moose Cow & Calf MOOSE MOMENT (Alces, Elan, Orignal) Baxter State Park, Maine Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKII, 500mm F4 and 2XII tele-converter ISO 500, F8 1/250s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

I'm thrilled to announce that E.J. Peiker will be co-leading my Moose and Fall Colors of Maine Workshop / Safari Sept. 26-30, 2011.

REGISTER HERE

Join Christopher Dodds and E.J. Peiker in Baxter State Park and surrounding areas (near Millinocket, Maine) for a truly unique workshop. Our primary focus will be the Moose that are renowned for allowing close human approach. Our trip is also timed to coincide with the amazing fall colors that illuminate Baxter State Park every fall. Though not guaranteed (Moose are wild and free, after all), We often have Moose walking so close to us that we can feel their warm breath in the cool, fall, Maine air. We have traveled far to photograph these majestic giants of the Northern forest, so we won't be spending much time indoors at the computer (like many other photography groups); this trip is all about being out there with the Moose - seeing, being and documenting their behavior during the annual Rut. Other subjects may include White-Tailed Deer, Black Bear (we photographed two cubs in 2009 SEE HERE) and various birds.

REGISTER HERE

Bull Moose Giant of the Northwoods (Alces, Elan, Orignal) Baxter State Park, Maine Image Copyright ©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. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Like all wild and free mammal photography, there will be quiet times in the field while we wait for our subjects to appear, that's when we'll be focusing on the natural beauty of Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin and the magical fall colors that will surround us.

REGISTER HERE

Bull Moose Vertical (Alces, Elan, Orignal) Baxter State Park, Maine Image Copyright ©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. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Who should attend:

This workshop is highly recommended for any level photographer. Whether you are completely new to nature photography, an experienced amateur, or a seasoned pro. There will be something to photograph all day long and we will have plenty of time to tailor your instruction to your abilities. The seasoned pro can take full advantage of our site and subject knowledge.

What's included....

Five full days in-the-field photographic instruction and introductory slideshow and information session on the evening before the workshop on September 25, 2011. Transportation to Baxter State Park, local transportation during the workshop, meals, snack, beverages, etc. are not included. Accomidations are not included, but we have a block of rooms reserved at a reasonable price.

Group size....

Our group will be limited to eight participants with two instructors.

REGISTER HERE

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. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Price....

CAD$1,695.00 per person. Non-refundable, non-transferable Deposit of CAD$695.00 is due with booking, non-refundable, non-transferable balance of CAD$1,000.00 due July 26, 2011.

REGISTER HERE

Questions....

Feel free to email me at: chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com or call me at +1 (450) 827-1007

White-tailed Deer Doe & twin fawns at Sandy Stream Pond (Odocoileus virginianus, Cerf de Virginie) Sandy Stream Pond (Roaring Brook Campground), Baxter State Park, Maine, USA ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 24-70mm F2.8 @ 70mm, ISO 400, F14 1/200s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

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 called the bell. 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.

REGISTER HERE

Eastern White-tailed Deer Fawn Portrait (Odocoileus virginianus, Cerf de Virginie) Sandy Stream Pond (Roaring Brook Campground), Baxter State Park, Maine, USA ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, 500mm F4, 2X II Tele-converter Gitzo 1325 Tripod and Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F8 1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

REGISTER HERE

Kudos and Gannets Galore September 7-9, 2011 Announced

Christopher Dodds June 21, 2011

Northern Gannet Portrait on the sea (Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D MK IV, 800mm f/5.6 L IS. ISO 1,250 f/5.6 @ 1/1,250s Manual. Hand-held from a Zodiac. Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Northern Gannet Missing Man (Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D MK II, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L @ 70mm. ISO 400 f/6.3 @ 1/1,000s Manual. Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

September 7-9, 2011 Gannets Galore Announced

By popular demand, I'm thrilled to announce that I will be heading back to Bonaventure Island from September 7-9, 2011. This is the best time to photograph baby Gannets up-close and personal. Workshop/Safari includes four nights accommodation, park access and 3 highly sought after Zodiac voyages under the seabird colony (weather permitting). REGISTER FOR THE SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2011 GANNETS GALORE PHOTO SAFARI/WORKSHOP HERE.

KUDOS

"In June of this year, I joined Chris Dodds on one of his Gannets Galore Workshops on Ile Bonaventure in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Quebec. Wow! What a place. Not only is the area surprisingly beautiful, the sheer number of Gannets nesting on this island is mind boggling - several hundred thousand Northern Gannets. In addition to Gannets there are other species photographable along the sea cliffs which Chris's participants get to experience like no others. Under a special clause, exclusive to Chris's workshop a zodiac with the participants is allowed to get up close to the sea cliffs to photograph Razorbill, Common Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake, Harlequin Duck and much more in their habitat. In addition, we spotted Blue Whale and Minke Whale and photographed Gray Seal and Humpback Whale. Nice touches like transportation of photo gear the 1.8 miles to and from the nesting colony really make this a worthwhile and productive trip. For seabird lovers, Ile Bonaventure is a must and the way to experience it is with Chris Dodds who has nearly 30 years of experience on this island." - E.J. Peiker, Nature Photographer

Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case Mini Review

Christopher Dodds June 8, 2011

Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus, Buse de Harris,HASH) Martin Refuge, Edinburg, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, Jobu Jr. 3 (save 15% OFF use the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE) & tripod. ISO 1,000, F6.3 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Here's a Harris's Hawk from my trip to the best place in Texas to photograph them, and Crested Caracaras. I'm putting the finishing touches on a new five day workshop at some of Texas' finest ranches for next April - stay tuned for more.

Ridiculous: Last minute workshop deals

I have had a few spots open up in upcoming workshops due to illness. Please contact me by email chris(at)chrisdoddsphoto.com, or phone (450) 827-1007 for a ridiculous offer if you are able to travel at short notice.

Gannets Galore on Bonaventure Island June 15-17, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 1 to 3, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 5-7, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness

Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case Mini Review

The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case is simply the most well designed, and well built protection for your iPad II. This case is made of an inner polycarbonate shell, covered with a shock absorbing layer of silicone. The silicone outer layer makes it easy to hang-on to, and helps prevent it from slipping out of your grip. The included, self-adhering clear film to protect the surface of the screen is far superior to, and much more appealing than most third party screen protectors. The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case includes a polycarbonate snap-on face-plate to protect the screen when not in use, which doubles as a stand that can hold the iPad II at two different viewing angles.
All-in-all, the Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case is bigger and heavier than most sleek designer cases, but it does protect the device like no other! A must have for anyone venturing out in the field with their iPad II (or anyone at home who has ever accidentally dropped a device - smile).

HALF is TWICE as good - JOBU Jr 3

Christopher Dodds May 28, 2011

Burrowing Owl PORTRAIT (Athene cunicularia, Chevêche des terriers, BUOW) Cape Coral, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III & Canon 25mm Extension Tube. Jobu Jr. 3 & tripod. ISO 400, F11 @1/320s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

HALF is TWICE as good!

I was sitting here, in front of my computer, thinking of concepts to help remind people how to make better images, when it suddenly dawned on me: HALF is TWICE as good! Well, it’s no brilliant marketing slogan, but as a concept, I think it works.

Take half the pictures, but spend twice the time composing each one; your images will, most likely, be twice as good. It's a simple principle; make the image, instead of taking the picture.

Take half the number of trips, and spend twice as much time photographing in each place; sounds simple enough, right? But imagine how much more you will learn about the place, the culture, your subject and it’s behavior. If you are shooting landscapes, you will learn about the weather, the light and how the light interacts with the scene. If you are shooting wildlife, then you will develop an intimate knowledge of your subject, it’s behavior and it’s habits. Guess what? You will probably make images that are; you guessed it, twice as good!

Keep half the pictures and those you keep will be twice as good? Well, I’m not certain that this one is true, but I am always telling people to edit, edit, edit! People tend to take so many pictures these days, and I cringe every time someone wants to show me pictures from a trip, birthday or event; they want me to sit there and see all of them! For crying out loud people: keep the best and trash the rest!

My new LOVE: Meet JR.

I confess: I’ve been using the Jobu JR. 3 Compact Gimbal Head since April, and although I got one to reduce space and weight while travelling on aircraft, I haven’t been able to use anything else since! As you all know, I have owned, and used, a Wimberley gimbal head forever. I have tried many other makes and models of gimbal head that are smaller and lighter, but never found anything that I could even settle for. The Jobu Jr. 3 was designed for smaller lenses like the 70-200mm f/2.8, 300mm f/2.8, 100-400mm and 400mm DO, etc., but I have been using mine exclusively since I left for Texas in early April; It works remarkably well with my 500mm F4 IS L, even when working with the 1.4 or 2X extenders! The level of customer service, after sale support and engineering expertise from Jobu is unmatched in the industry today!

At HALF the size and less than HALF the weight of the Wimberley Head II (23 ounces or .65 kilograms VS. 60 ounces or 1.4 kilograms), the Jobu Jr. 3 has become my main tripod head!

I have also developed a love for their one piece flash bracket, so be sure to check that out as well.

I'm thrilled to announce that I am an official distributor of the Jobu line, and have forged a terric partnership with them. Jobu heads, flash brackets and assorted items will be available for you to test-drive and purchase on all of my Canadian workshops, presentations and lectures.

Workshop updates & FREE JOBU JR.3!:

This is a tough business, I have had a few people cancel at the last minute due to illness recently, leaving some new openings is what were full workshops.

Gannets Galore on Bonaventure Island June 15-17, 2011 - 2 spots due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 1 to 3, 2011 - 2 spots due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 5-7, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness

When it's Bright; Work Tight - American Oystercatcher

Christopher Dodds May 17, 2011

American Oystercatcher PORTRAIT (Haematopus palliatus, Huîtrier d'Amérique, AMOY) Fort DeSoto Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III & Canon 25mm Extension Tube. ISO 400, F10 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

When it's bright; work tight!

Let's face it; as much as we might like it, the light isn't always soft and golden. Those times I find myself out with my camera in bright, harsh light, I always work close with big glass to make the best of what light there is. The American Oystercatcher is a spectacular bird, one that's hard to stay away from when on a beach with my camera. I arrived on the beach early to scout out what was worth my time, and discovered the most co-operative pair of Oystercatchers standing against strong, sand laden winds. I immediately noticed their beaks were covered with sand, but also saw that I could manage to get a nice background by getting down low, and including the out of focus grass covered dune in the background. Sand, like snow, reflects a lot of light back into the shadowed areas of the image, reducing contrast and opening-up details that otherwise would be lost. Rather than passing up the shot, I worked what was there.

Later that same day, I rediscovered the same birds I had worked earlier, this time presenting with the sand rinsed off their beaks, and in spectacular light.

American Oystercatcher SUNSET PORTRAIT (Haematopus palliatus, Huîtrier d'Amérique, AMOY) Fort DeSoto Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III & Canon 25mm Extension Tube. ISO 400, F10 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

American Oystercatcher SUNSET SURF (Haematopus palliatus, Huîtrier d'Amérique, AMOY) Fort DeSoto Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 400, F10 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Alligator YAWN and Silver Efex Pro 2

Christopher Dodds May 12, 2011

American Alligator YAWN Alligator mississippiensis, World Birding Center, South Padre Island, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 800, F9 @1/200s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY!

After submitting the color image of this American Alligator from a recent trip to Texas, the photo editor immediately wanted to know if I could make the image look vintage for a story he was writing about the history of Alligator skin trade. I quickly opened the image and applied the Antique Plate I preset from Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro 2, and shot him another email. Long story short; SOLD! (as a two page spread). It literally took seconds to make the sale; as long as it took to make just a few mouse clicks. Because I was so fast, the photo editor quickly made his choice and moved on to his next task. Having the right software, at the right time, helped solidify the deal and save me and the photo editor a load of precious time; it meant I got the sale. As I sat playing with Silver Efex Pro, I kept thinking of the possibilities and started playing with old files. A fun distraction!

Histogram, Details and Viveza 2.0

Christopher Dodds May 11, 2011

Northern Gannets PREENING (Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 250, F20 @1/320s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Chris, I am a huge fan of your work and consider it the very best bird photography out there; bar none! I have been a photographer for 30 years, and wonder if you would share how you achieve such amazing details in the whitest feathers; the details that seem impossible for me to capture. I am always blown-away when I visit your works, and I delight in every moment on your site. Many thanks and keep up the great work - Art W.

Art, thank you for your kind words. I will try to keep my answer simple.

The key to getting the most out of your digital camera is exposing the image correctly, as you probably know. I expose “to the right”, but make a huge effort not to have any data touching the right side of the histogram.

With only a little experience, a quick glance at the histogram can tell you if the exposure is correct, and give you and idea of the general appearance of the image; are the highlights blown? Is there enough shadow detail? – It’s all in the histogram.

The histogram is a tool available on most digital cameras. It is a graph, which maps the luminosity (or brightness) values of your image, from black at left to white at right. The number of pixels at any given value are represented by the height of that value’s column. Once accustomed to reviewing the histogram, analyzing the data contained in it becomes second nature. It is the only way to know if you have exposed your image properly.

I’ll save you the boring science and details, but the idea of exposing to the right is a theory that capitalizes on the fact that the right side of the histogram contains more data than the left; there is more data in the whites, than in the blacks – much more. By overexposing the image slightly, and adjusting its brightness (or exposure) while converting the RAW image after capture, there is more data or details in the image. Conversely, if you were to underexpose an image and try to brighten the image after capture, then you would introduce noise, rather than detail, which was not captured in your RAW file. You have to be very careful not to push the whites up against the right of the histogram, or you risk loosing detail.

A good workflow post capture is another critical key to maximizing any detail contained in the RAW image. I typically use Photoshop to adjust contrast, boost saturation and add a little sharpness. My master .tiff is not created until I use Nik Software's Viveza 2. Viveza 2 is powerful engine that (among other things) adds targeted tonal contrast to any whites via the structure slider – be careful, it’s easy to overdo the adjustment.

Image of Histogram of the PROPERLY EXPOSED image above on the camera's LCD screen - The data is to the right of the histogram, but does not show any sign of over-exposure; there is no data touching the right edge of the graph.

Histogram of the same image when opened in Adobe Camera Raw for conversion without any adjustments.