Photography Tips, Tricks and Accessories for Bird Photographers

After posting the above picture here on my blog earlier this week, I received several emails asking for some bird photography tips. Here goes!

Above: Behavior shots are often more impressive than portraits. To get behavior shots, you need to be patient and lucky. I was lucky to get this shot, but the dove was not that lucky . . . .

If I could recommend one lens for bird photography, it would be the Canon 100-400mm IS. Image stabilization is must for hand-holding long lenses.

Don't be afraid to boost your ISO when you need a fast shutter speed to avoid camera shade and to stop action. What would you rather have? A picture with a bit of noise or a shot that is out of focus, soft and blurry.

Above: These portraits are okay. However, the background is distracting in one shot and boring in the other. Remember: the background can make or break a shot. Maybe the one good thing about both pictures is that I shot at eye level.

Above: Birds-in-flight shots are cool. To stop the action, use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 sec. In Photoshop, selectively blur part of the wings to add a sense of motion to your still shot.

Above: And speaking of Photoshop, always envision the possibilities that await you in the digital darkroom.

 

Above: Try to get some light in the bird's eye. Select a good shooting position or use a flash. To extend the range of your flash, use a Better Beamer. I use one on my Canon Speedlite 580EX.

Info:

The Flash X-Tender (Better Beamer) FX-3 Flash Output Booster for Canon 580EX, Canon 580EX II, Metz 54-4 & Nikon SB700 Flashes

Above: When choosing a tele-extender, go with one that is made by your camera manufacturer. Also, 1.4x tele-extenders are usually sharper than 2x tele-extenders. I use a Canon 1.4X tele-extender on my Canon 100-400mm lens and Canon 70-200mm lens. 

Info:

Canon EF 1.4X II Extender Telephoto Accessory 

Above: Another cool accessory is the Puffin Bad, designed by my friend Wayne Bennett.

The Puffin Pad was originally designed to fit over the window of your car, via a slot running the length of the underside.  However, the Puffin Pad is so versatile that it can be used on the beach to shoot eye level with shore birds, it can be used on gates, chair backs, tables, side railings of boats and more.

For more information and sales, go to www.puffinpad.com.

Above: Go where birds hang out. I took this picture in Bosque del Apache in New Mexico in early December. I used a shutter speed of 1/30th of a second to slightly blur the action.

Juan Pons and I will be leading a photo workshop to Bosque in early December 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested in joining the photo and Photoshop fun. 

Above: Speaking of hanging out with birds, here is one of my favorite shots from a recent workshops to Alaska on which I was the co-pro leader with photo pro Hal Schmitt. Here is a link to more pictures and tips.

If you want to join Hal/me in 2012 for the Bald Eagle workshop, shoot me an email.

Above: Know everything about your camera - so you can shoot even with one hand. Also master your flash and daylight fill-in flash, so your pictures do not look like harsh flash pictures. The key is learning how to balance the light from the flash to the daylight.

Above: Have fun!

Explore the light, 

Rick

Today's Talented Guest Blogger: Kathie Austin

Kathie Austin is my guest blogger today.

Take it away, Kathie!

• • •

I had the pleasure of attending Rick Sammon's Times Square Photo Shoot with 60 other photographers! Wow! What an event!  

Imagine walking the surrounding areas of Times Square with a group of 60 fired-up photographers, cameras in hand, each of us searching for the 'shot.' Talking, sharing, learning, networking as we walk and snap. When we all wanted to photograph the same thing, it was challenging getting into the position I wanted to get the right angle because my nature is to be front and center, down low or up high to get that shot. I'll move garbage cans if I have to - and Rick and I did just that! Here are some of the images I'll cherish from the event.
 
JOY JUMP
This is my eight year-old assistant for the day. I quickly positioned her in the middle of the road at a red light, kindly asked some oncoming pedestrians to walk around us. Got down on the ground, counted to three, and she jumped at "three!"  Continuous shutter . . . got the shot!  You should know that this beautiful child shines from the inside out, a complete JOY!  Processed through OnOne Focal Point software to blur down some busy background. The sky behind the buildings was overexposed, so I dropped in a cloudy background I had from another image, just to soften the bright white. (Canon EOS 20D, Tamron 17-50 lens, f9.0, 1/100, ISO200).

 
SOULFUL BLUES
Darn, the beauty of a 10mm lens! Rick Sammon's colleague who I just met at the event, Juan Pons, lent me his Canon 10-22 EF-S lens for this shot. I just go crazy for shots from a lens like that!  This man was unique, full of character, some funky music, just a little amp. Gotta love NYC!  Rick Sammon suggested we shoot him because of the cool-colored, blue background. Made for a very vibrant shot, full of personality and character. Processed through Topaz software to emphasize the distinguished facial wrinkles and create more vibrance in the colors.  (Canon EOS 20D, Canon 10-22 EF-S lens, f5.6, 1/40, ISO200, flash).

YOUTHFUL VIEW
Again, my "Chicken Noodle" assistant at work. I was behind her, teaching her how to "tilt" the camera to add personality to a photo and suggested to her that she get herself into the photo via the mirror as a 'self portrait.'  

Am I a bad mama for having a child in the street with a camera in her face with oncoming traffic?  Hell, no!  The round image in the reflection is the original picture she took, but the background is sandwiched in via Photoshop, the image I took to show her how to do the 'tilt.'  Slight processing via Topaz, a little HDR added to the mirror reflection.  As Juan Pons said, "We start them young!" I'm hoping to inspire her entrepreneurial spirit! (Canon EOS 20D, Tamron 17-50 lens, f5.6, 1/100, ISO200).

Thanks, Rick, for an inspiring day! It was super! We're making memories, learning and growing!

 • • •

Thank you Kathie for a great post. 

Explore the light,

Rick

Workshop Digital Diaries: San Miguel de Allende - Day 3

Hey, I will be posting some more how-to stuff here soon, but I could not wait to share this photo with you - the last one I took on my workshop.

Hope to see you here in 2012. For info, shoot me an email.

Tip: See the light.

Explore the light,

Rick

P.S. Talk about luck!!!

Workshop Digital Diaries: San Miguel de Allende - Day 2

It's the end of day #2 of my workshop here in San Miguel de Allende for Foto Workshops Mexico.

 Soooo tired after a long day of shooting. But before I pass out, here are a few of my favorite photos from today's shoots - as well as some tips. Some of these shots were taken in a ghost town that's about an hour away from San Miguel.

Above: Work with shadows. To get shots like this, you need to get up early in the morning or stay out late in the afternoon. You also need to give the subject specific directions.

Above: You don't always need to fill the frame with the subject. Shoot wide and take what is called an environmental portrait - the subject in the environment.

Above: Embrace the distortion of a fish-eye lens. Here you see straight ahead and straight up at the same time. Canon 15mm lens, Canon 5D Mark II.

Above: Shoot at angles to add a sense of depth to an image.

Above: Shoot through objects to give the viewer of your photograph the feeling of being there.


 
Above: Shoot at f/22 to get a starburst of the sun in your pictures.

I hope to see you in San Miguel in 2012. Shoot me an email to get on my workshop list.

What makes this San Miguel workshop special - and different - is that is run by folks who live in Mexico.

Explore the light,

Rick

P.S. I am feeling the love on my Mexico Exploring the Light workshop!  :-)

6.28.11 Tuesday's Talented Twitter Find: Alex Racanelli

This Week's Tuesday's Talented Twitter find is Alex Racanelli.

Follow Alex on Twitter to keep up-to-date with what this talented photographer is doing.

About My Tuesday's Talented Twitter Find: Each Tuesday I pick a talented photographer I find on Twitter - and promote the talented photographer here on my blog and on twitter, etc.

Nice work, Alex

Explore the light,

Rick

P.S. If you are not following me on Twitter, click here to keep up to date with what I'm doing. And, keep posting interesting photo stuff on Twitter!

Workshop Digital Diaries: San Miguel de Allende - Day 1

It's the end of day #1 of my workshop here in San Miguel de Allende for Foto Workshops Mexico.

I was originally going to title this post, "So Few, So Many in San Miguel de Allende," because I have been to so few places where there are so many photo opportunities. This place is a photographer's paradise.

We spent most of the day making pictures, rather than simply taking pictures. Here are a few of my favorite shots - along with some tips.

Above: shoot at an angle to create a sense of depth in an image. Also, photograph subjects in the shade for soft, flattering and even lighting.

Are you loving the colors in this picturesque colonial city? To enhance the colors and details in a scene, check out the effects in Topaz Adjust. For info on Topaz Adjust, click here.

Above: our translator, Adriana Toledo, doubled as our model. When photographing a person, try to isolate the head so it does not get lost in the background.

Above: I used the Crisp effect in Topaz Adjust to add some detail and color to this beautiful street scene.To get max depth of field, use a wide-angle lens, select a small aperture, and focus 1/3 into the scene.

Above: Shoot an action shot as well as a portrait. Thanks Oscar for working with my workshop students. (Yes! Oscar, a local artist, knows about ZZ Top - and he also plays guitar.)

Above: Come on one of a workshop. Great fun making pictures! Lots of learning and sharing, of course.

Above, work with reflections, especially after it rains.

I hope to see you in San Miguel in 2012. Shoot me an email to get on my workshop list.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. What makes this San Miguel workshop special - and different - is that is run by folks who live in Mexico.

A "Baker's Dozen" of Studio Lighting Tips Added to My Flagship iPad App: 24/7 Photo Buffet

I took this photo in my pal's Frank Doorhof's studio. Thank's Frank for the setup!

Dr. Dave Wilson and I have just added a "baker's dozen" of lighting tips to the iPad version my flagship app, Rick Sammon's 24/7 Photo Buffet.
 

Photographers who already purchased the app for the iPad can get the new lighting lessons at no cost simply by updating the app. We are working on the update for the iPhone version of 24/7 Photo Buffet. Hang in.

The new "baker's dozen" of lighting tips brings the total number of tips, tricks and techniques to more than 100.

Many of the new lighting lessons include behind-the-scenes shots. If I don't have a behind-the-scenes shot, I created a lighting diagram to help you see the light.

Here is one of the tips from the new "baker's dozen."

Go Grid

Want to create some totally cool lighting effects? Are you on a budget? Go with a speedlite (or two) and a grid (or two).

A grid is a relatively inexpensive accessory that’s placed over a light source to narrow and direct the beam of the light.

Grids feature a honeycomb or egg-crate pattern that create either a circle or square pattern of light, much like a spotlight illuminates a performer on a stage.

If the grid is positioned extremely close to the light source, the pattern will not show up in the photograph, as illustrated by the light from the main flash that is falling on the model.

If the grid is positioned several inches from the light source, as illustrated by the background flash, the pattern will show up - which is kinda cool!

I used two Canon 580EX II Speedlites for this photograph. Both flash units were fired by my Canon ST-E2 wireless transmitter, which was placed in the hot-shoe of my Canon 5D Mark II.

Flash A, set at full power, was positioned to my right and above the model’s head. The idea was to illuminate the model and to create a circle of light on the wall behind the model. My goal was to have the strong shadow of the model fall within the circle of light.

Flash B, set at one-half power and covered with a blue gel, was positioned behind a fan that was placed to my left. Protective plastic grids on the fan acted as grids.

This behind-the-scenes shot illustrates how easy it is to turn a room with a white wall into a photo studio.That is my friend Rob Knight in the shorts. Thank you Rob for letting us use your studio for the shoot.

The Rogue 3-in-1 Honeycomb grid is a versatile accessory for creative flash photography. 

Expoimaging Rogue Grid 3-in-1 Stacking Grid System With Pouch - Expoimaging ROGUEGRID 

The other new lighting lessons:

Changing your shooting position

Go Hollywood

Add drama

Try top light

Rockin' rim light

Create a mood

Outdoor studio lighting

Learn from the masters

Background shadows

Halo effect

Face the light

Mix light 

Other lighting lessons in the app (from the first release) include:

Fill Flash
Avoiding Hard Shadows
Flash for Action
Backlight Compensation
Exposure Compensation
Soft Portrait Lighting
Bracket Exposures

With all these lighting lessons, it's like getting an app on lighting within a general how-to photography app.

To see all my apps, click here.

Explore the light,

Rick

P.S. For more lighting tips on your iPad, see my Light It! app.

Exploring the Light in Mexico!

 

I just arrived in Mexico City for my workshop and seminar for Foto Workshops Mexico.

What a warm welcome at the airport! Juan Jose Marquez, the director of the workshops, greeted me with a big hug and custom made shirt. More fun to come, I am sure!

The seminar will be held here tomorrow at the World Trade Center.

The workshop will be held Sunday to Tuesday in San Miguel de Allende.

Below are a few shots from my previous trip to San Miguel. I just love the colors of the cool colonial city.

Juan and I are planning an international photo festival for 2012. If you want to get on the list shoot, Juan Jose an email.

More photos to come.

Explore the light,

Rick

300+ Teriffic Images From Times Square Shoot Made Choosing Top Shot A Challenge

Top shot from Times Square Shoot. Photograph by Margie Strange.

Last Saturday, 60+ talented photographers met in Times Square for a fun-filled photo shoot. The event was sponsored by our friends at SmugMug, who designed a custom web site and gallery for uploading and viewing the participants' images. If you want to see some awesome shots, and if you need some city-shooting inspiration, go through the gallery - slowly.

Photo pros photo by David Ortiz.

Part of the project was to selected a favorite image. That daunting task was assigned to the pros who lead the group (left to right): me, Juan Pons and Jeremy Pollack.

After reviewing all the images, we selected the opening shot for this blog post as our group favorite – a cool shot by Margie Strange of a low rider.

Left: Monte Rudze. Right: Tony Marchesano.

Above: These two shots also caught our eye. One for creative lighting, one for creative composition and humor.

A big "thank you" goes to all our Times Square photographers. You did an amazing job of following the assignment: Tell the Whole Story.

Group photo by Jeremy Pollack

Margie: shoot me an email so we can work out the prize: A Free Year of SmugMug Pro and a Metal Print of your image. 

Photograph by Andy Williams.

Our next SmugMug/Sammon shoot will be at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco on October 17th at 5 PM. Juan Pons, Derrick Story and I will be there to help photographers turn snapshots into great shots. Stay tuned.

Hey, if you need some detailed how-to info on how to shoot in NYC, check out Jeremy's book (co-authored with Andy Williams):
Photographing New York City Digital Field Guide

Explore the light,

Rick

P.S. Get 20% off your first year of SmugMug Pro with code RICKSMUG20. Just click here to start a free trial and then click "I'm Sold" to sign up for the Pro account. Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Why use SmugMug? So you can shoot as much as much as you want and upload every photo into your galleries. SmugMug gives you unlimited uploading, a fully customizable website and tons of easy commerce options that help you market your brand and make more money. Shoot, proof and sell for just $20/month.

Guest Blogger: Glenn Taylor

Today's guest blogger is Glenn Taylor. Glenn has been on a few of my workshops and is one talented dude. 

Take it away Glenn.

On a recent trip, traveling through Northern Arizona, my wife and I spent a day visiting some old mining towns along the way to Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. One of the towns we found was Chloride, 20 miles northwest of Kingman. It was named for the chloride silver ore that was discovered nearby in 1863. The mining ended in the 1950s and the town dwindled. Now it’s a cool little place off the highway that’s home to artists and folks that enjoy the wide open spaces.

In the center of town there is a colorful former filling station, with old gas pumps out front, it’s covered with old junk and signs, and mining tracks circling the building. On the front door is a sign, “This is a private home. You may take photos, but please respect my home.” That sign was all the invitation I needed. The structure had character, the sun was bright in the mid-afternoon desert and it was the perfect opportunity for an HDR image.

I shot it a from a few different angles, but when I got back, I liked the wide view from the right side the best. The tip here is to shoot a subject at different angles - so you have a choice when you get back home as to the best view.

I captured the three exposures on my Canon 5D MkII using my 24-70mm L lens at 42mm, ISO 100 at f/9 for 1/400, 1/100 and 1/25 of a second. I normally use either Photomatix or NIK HDR EFEX PRO depending on what feels right for the image and the look I want to achieve.

On this image I liked the look that Photomatix gave the sky and the building textures. I finished the image in Adobe Lightroom by adjusting the tone balance, some color tweaks, a little dodging and burning and some selective sharpening on the building details.

I love the way this image turned out and was thrilled that Rick noticed it. I learned a lot of tips on HDR from his workshop in Florida earlier this year and got to put them to use on this trip.

Here is a link to Rick's 2012 Florida Photo Caravan.

You can see additional images from this trip and other subjects on my Flickr page at:             http://www.flickr.com/photos/gtaylor57

• • • 

If you are new to HDR, you can get discounts on HDR Efex Pro and Photomatix here.


Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. If you need some HDR tips, check out my iPad app, Rick Sammon's iHDR.