tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67995507338859307242024-03-13T05:18:59.933-07:00Dan Williams Bird PhotographyDan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-43251649214962058382014-12-16T10:54:00.000-08:002014-12-16T10:54:14.693-08:00<h2 align="center">
The Gift of....... STOPPING</h2>
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Sadly, we live in a world that seems to be moving faster and faster. We're all in a hurry to get some where, and we seem to have little patience for waiting for anything. Our devices are getting faster, while our personal time is getting shorter. Most of us work far too much, and we play far too little. Like I said, "Sad."</div>
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Recently, I found myself in Richmond, Va., where I spent several days exhibiting my photographs and enjoying some time with fellow artists. The morning I left for home, I awoke before dawn and decided to hit the road for home. Leaving long before sunrise, I found myself traveling south along Interstate 95, which has to be one of the busiest and most boring highways in all of America. Driving through the darkness of predawn, while listening to a local PBS radio station, I certainly wasn't thinking about doing any photography. </div>
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That changed, however, when just before daybreak, I caught a distant glimpse of a small pond in a rural area of what appeared to be farm country. It was that hour of the morning just before dawn when the smallest hint of light begins to show itself and reveal the forms in the darkness. It's the time of the morning that grabs the attention of photographers, and it grabbed me hard. </div>
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With no place to stop, I found the next exit and decided to attempt to find the pond I had seen a mile or two back. Like some homing pigeon, I took the first gravel road and headed back in the direction I thought the pond to be. Still more dark than light, I wound my way back into the darkness and eventually found myself at the edge of this incredible slew. </div>
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The cold air of the morning was causing a fog to form over the waters, and as the light began to break across the pond, magic began to happen. Angles of light began to play on some trees, while leaving others in the darkness. Fall colors sprang from the leaves of Oaks and Maples, and a single solitary duck lay still in the waters just feet from me. Magic........that's the only way to explain it. Magic!</div>
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I could have drove on that morning and made it home a couple of hours sooner. I could have talked myself out of making the extra effort. I could have considered the cold weather outside and made a different choice, but I stopped. I stopped, I captured some amazing images, and I said Thank You. I can't imagine a better way to start the day.</div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-35260533618147777552014-06-21T12:19:00.001-07:002014-06-21T12:19:55.061-07:00Hummingbird Hints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU6g2OnS3mw/U6XWWXcYZII/AAAAAAAAA1k/m1Grx3Xp8Ng/s1600/2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU6g2OnS3mw/U6XWWXcYZII/AAAAAAAAA1k/m1Grx3Xp8Ng/s1600/2068.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had lots of folks asking me about my Hummingbird photos, and I thought I would just take a moment to share some ideas with everyone. These are difficult subjects to capture, and I have a few little tricks that might help. <br />
First and foremost is to encourage everyone to put out some hummingbird feeders. Simple sugar water will do the trick nicely, but think carefully about where you place them. You want them some place with a clear view, and you want to place them near other plants. I use "attractor plants" to help me lure them into the garden. By planting bright red flowering plants in pots, you can easily move them around your garden into areas with pleasing photographic backgrounds. While these plants may not be a favorite food source for your hummingbirds, they will still act as an attractor to bring the birds into the garden, where they will quickly locate your feeders. Once you get the birds coming to the feeders, you can reposition the potted plants to areas that share the "flying space" with your hummers. Suddenly you'll discover the wonderful images you can capture, where hummers and flowers appear within the same frame. <br />
When shooting hummingbirds, you'll need to crank up the ISO on your camera. I suggest at least 800iso, and I often shoot in the 1600iso range. This is important, as you need to set a shutter speed of at least 1000th of a sec, and preferably even higher. Most of my hummingbird images are shot at between 1500th to 1/2500th of a sec. This will stop the action in mid-air, and produce the pleasing level of detail you need. As for focus, most of today's cameras offer excellent continuous focus mode shooting. I recommend setting the focus to your cameras tracking mode, and let the camera do its' thing. In most cases, you'll be rewarded with a high percentage of well focused images. <br />
I hope this helps some of you take better hummingbird shots. Nothing replaces hard work and lots of practice, so get out there and make some pictures. Good Luck. Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-92131805609095824822014-04-04T10:48:00.000-07:002014-04-04T11:05:03.018-07:00Making Weather Conditions Work for You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiHQynMUAzY/Uz7s9R0oPSI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/WI3jXmSJOds/s1600/2029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiHQynMUAzY/Uz7s9R0oPSI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/WI3jXmSJOds/s1600/2029.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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When weather conditions make it difficult to think about photography, it may just well be the time to get off of the sofa and grab your gear. Experience has taught me that some of the best photo opps can open up for us when we least think it possible. Sometimes we miss wonderful opportunities for prize winning images, by simply not getting out there and embracing the weather the day has given us. <br />
One of the many tricks that pros have learned is that humidity (often in the form of rain) can produce wonderfully saturated colors in our photos. Moisture has a way of bringing out rich colors in our photographs that look natural and pleasing to the eye. If you take a close look at leaves or rocks after a soaking rain, you'll notice just how saturated their color has become. This, of course, can be an asset to a nature photographer. Many of my best images are "wet images." Not only are they rich in color, but made more interesting by the water droplets that add to the overall interest of the image. <br />
The Bluebird image above is a classic example of how weather conditions can work on our behalf. Not only has the rain given us water droplets and enhanced our colors, but the fog that often comes after a rain, has worked to soften our background and assist in bringing our focus to the forefront of the image. Weather Works folks. Rather than fight it.......embrace it. Trust me, your images will thank you. Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-51283161645534243352014-03-26T20:13:00.000-07:002014-03-26T20:19:15.255-07:00Old Images......New Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LN4KCjRuZ3s/UzOT9rurvXI/AAAAAAAAA1A/-VVyd0_xtG4/s1600/2019+Grt.Blue+Marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LN4KCjRuZ3s/UzOT9rurvXI/AAAAAAAAA1A/-VVyd0_xtG4/s1600/2019+Grt.Blue+Marsh.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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More and more I find myself searching through old images in hopes of finding something good that I may have overlooked months or even years ago. It's easy to miss something, when you shoot the huge number of images that I do each year. While I make every effort to carefully edit my images promptly after returning from a shoot, sometimes I just simply download the images to an external drive and forget about them. It's just one of those things that happens when dealing with large volumes of images. </div>
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The image above is one of those shots that somehow got lost in the archives, and only recently got rediscovered. It's always fun to stumble on to one of these shots and make the connection all over again. It's almost like being on location and getting the chance to reshoot the image.</div>
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One thing that I continue to discover is just how good some of the older digital cameras were in their ability to capture wonderful images. This shot was taken with my old Canon 30D and my trusty Canon 100 - 400 L lens. This combination was my "go to" gear just a few years ago. Like so many of us, I have upgraded my equipment several times since then, but this image makes me ask the question "Why?" The old camera did a great job, and I have to say that it still does. Perhaps we all need to dust off some of the old gear and see what it can still do for us. </div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-31551769597573529342014-02-20T08:05:00.000-08:002014-02-20T08:05:27.065-08:00<h2 align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">On the Wing.....</span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVaKxTeTAi0/UwYhC5To4QI/AAAAAAAAAy0/ep_9vMcrpXw/s1600/Sandhill+Trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVaKxTeTAi0/UwYhC5To4QI/AAAAAAAAAy0/ep_9vMcrpXw/s1600/Sandhill+Trio.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sandhill Cranes 600mm f.5.6 @ 500th sec.</div>
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Osprey 600mm f.4 @ 750th sec.</div>
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Hummingbird 300mm f2.8 @ 1500th sec.</div>
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Action photographs can be extremely challenging, but not impossible if you keep your wits about you and concentrate on the action before you. Whether photographing sports, race cars, air shows, or wildlife, it's technique that matters most. In this case, understanding the importance of shutter speed and how it can affect the final image. </div>
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Most of us tend to underestimate how fast things happen. Our eyes have an amazing ability to stay with the action, regardless of its' speed. For the most part, the human eye can discern incredible detail even when an object is moving. But, of course, even the eye has its' limitations. Our cameras can help in this regard by stopping the action for a closer inspection. That is, in large part, the fascination with "stop action" photography. By freezing a moment in time, we give ourselves a chance to see what the eye may have missed, and see that moment with amazing detail. </div>
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When shooting action subjects, it important to shoot in Shutter Priority Mode. This allows the photographer to select a specific shutter speed to match the action of the scene. The faster the shutter speed, the more chance you have of freezing your subject. However, faster shutter speeds demand more light. Fortunately, many of todays' newer cameras have the ability to produce wonderful images in very low light situation. By simply increasing the ISO setting, we can now achieve some very high shutter speeds. Most actions shots are going to demand shutter speeds in excess of 1/250 of a sec.. In fact, I often find myself shooting in the range of 1/1000 to 1/2500 of a sec. to stop the action of flying birds. Even with those speeds, not all of the images make the final cut. </div>
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If action photography is your game, then your next camera purchase should take a serious look into the low light capabilities of the camera you're considering. As a bird photographer, the ability to shoot at ever increasing ISO's is a primary factor. Producing "clean" images at 1600 - 3200 ISO is a dream come true. Fortunately, that dream has become a reality, and the images of the future will just keep blowing our minds. What a fun time to be a photographer!</div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-23214217656646946002014-02-20T04:37:00.000-08:002014-02-20T04:37:00.030-08:00<h2 align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Selective Focus for Impact</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLSKftzsEPQ/UwXy1-G8FUI/AAAAAAAAAyc/rjdA-1GtKxc/s1600/Cardinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLSKftzsEPQ/UwXy1-G8FUI/AAAAAAAAAyc/rjdA-1GtKxc/s1600/Cardinal.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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600mm lens @ f 4</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-up_Sj2DlF9M/UwXy7kTCX5I/AAAAAAAAAyk/7n4LI7--BYk/s1600/Goldfinch+and+Milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-up_Sj2DlF9M/UwXy7kTCX5I/AAAAAAAAAyk/7n4LI7--BYk/s1600/Goldfinch+and+Milkweed.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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300mm lens @ f2.8</div>
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There are lots of ways to add impact to our images, but my personal favorite may well be the simplest. Shooting in Aperture Priority Mode is a great way to control backgrounds and force the viewers eye immediately to your primary subject. Opening your lens' aperture to its' widest setting will cause your photos background to go soft and concentrate the focus on the main subject of the image. For me, that generally means that my birds are going to be sharply focused, while my backgrounds are going to appear extremely soft. Nothing really earthshaking here, as portrait photographers have been using this technique since the beginning of time. While landscape shooters tend to want everything in the image in sharp focus, lots of wildlife photographers seek just the opposite. </div>
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Your lens are going to dictate just how well you can execute this technique. Better lens have wider aperture settings, and that translates to even softer backgrounds. There's a good reason we pay more for lens with openings of 1.4 to 2.8. They focus faster, and they simply give better results. However, experiment with whatever you have in your bag, and I think you'll be surprised with the results. Happy Shooting. </div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-61919233049214996292014-02-19T10:42:00.002-08:002014-02-19T10:42:58.925-08:00<h2 align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ask Yourself The Basic Question</span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKF5D_KrfUA/UwTz9e3NLPI/AAAAAAAAAyM/0cLr26W86AQ/s1600/Winter+Scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKF5D_KrfUA/UwTz9e3NLPI/AAAAAAAAAyM/0cLr26W86AQ/s1600/Winter+Scene.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have often been asked for advice in helping amateur photographers make the leap from hobby to professional photographer. This is a difficult one for me to answer, as my answer is not usually what people want to hear. But.....as they say, "The truth will set you free."</span></div>
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Let me begin by saying that very few individuals should actually contemplate such a move. Quite frankly, the odds are stacked against you, and most will be completely shocked by the capital investment that must be made if you want to succeed. I'm not talking about cameras and lenses, as that is what most amateurs focus on in the beginning. The real expenses come from travel and exhibition fees, not to mention printing supplies. Those things alone would bring many to their senses. Even more.....it's the dedication and the time one devotes to the craft that can be daunting. </div>
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We all tend to think we have great images that others will want to purchase. Sadly, this is not actually the case for most photographers. Often what we think is great, well, it's not "great" to the general public. That incredible image you have that makes you weep at the sight of its' beauty, might get zero reaction from the general public (the folks with the money in their wallets). My experience is that most photographers, and that includes really good photographers, haven't got a clue as to what images will succeed in the marketplace. How many times have I seen young photographers fail, not because they aren't good photographers, but because they are lousy editors. While they may have countless images in their files, they just can't seem to pick out the right images for display and sales. </div>
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So, let's now get to the big question. Do I love this thing called photography? Do I love it so much that I can't live without it? Do I love it so much that I'm willing to take huge risks to make it happen for me? Do I love it enough to spend most of my time "working" at it? Finally, Do I love it enough to be open to failure? Passion does not always translate to success. We need to know this going into any adventure. Photography is no different. </div>
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I love seeing individuals succeed in life. I especially love seeing artists succeed. Success is not something we are promised in life......it is something we earn through hard work, and it is often attached to a kind heart. My advice........Dream large, Work hard, and let your heart be gentle in all things. Good Luck. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-31143870982012017462014-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:002014-02-12T14:16:11.156-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Moment of Capture</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuIX90WmooI/Uvvu9XznN4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/xRqckfOhkWc/s1600/1986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuIX90WmooI/Uvvu9XznN4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/xRqckfOhkWc/s1600/1986.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes a click of the shutter just doesn't tell the whole story. Even with the best of gear, it's ultimately the eye of the photographer that makes or breaks a photograph. Luck rarely plays any major role in a meaningful image. Planning and persistence are far more significant than the luck of being in the right place at the right time. </div>
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This image was taken a few days ago in a location that I have been visiting for several years. This exact spot has been a favorite of mine, and it's been a location that calls to me often. I can't begin to tell you how many sunsets I have witnessed in this precise spot. Some have been beautiful, while others have been disappointing, but all have been important in making "this" photograph. What I have learned through countless shoots have taught me lessons enabling me to make this image possible. Because of previous successes and failures, I came prepared for this image with the right lens and the knowledge needed to make this exposure. Experience does count, and practice does make perfect. Pushing yourself toward perfection can be a tough road, but the end of the road can be an incredible adventure. We all have it within us to improve and grow, and it's our personal challenge to follow our own road to success. It's time to start your journey. I wish you success. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-6729113875882258652014-02-03T12:17:00.002-08:002014-02-03T12:36:00.167-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Shooting White...exposure issues and more</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4toLpCSSrM0/Uu_yfShsW2I/AAAAAAAAAxg/vze2BpQZ7jE/s1600/Red-bellied+in+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4toLpCSSrM0/Uu_yfShsW2I/AAAAAAAAAxg/vze2BpQZ7jE/s1600/Red-bellied+in+Snow.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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As many photographers can tell you, it can be very difficult to get great shots, when much of your frame is filled with white or near white. Modern exposure meters in our DSLR cameras are programed to balance our exposures in a manner that tends to underexpose images like the one above. The camera's meter sees the image and immediately decides the image is too bright, and then underexposes it in a way that it thinks is going to give us a better image. However, what we end up with is an image that is often at least two full stops under what is needed to record the image as we see it in the moment of capture. </div>
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The solution is a simple one......we need to set our exposure compensation dial for +2 stops, and we end up with the correct exposure for the scene. No great brain drain here, but something we need to remember. Of course, shooting in RAW can make this correction a simple task. If you're shooting in jpeg format, however, you'll need to keep this in mind at all times. </div>
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With the image above, the reverse is true. The meter reads the majority of the frame as being dark and tries to lighten the image by opening the exposure by one or two stops. The result is that the whites get over exposed, or sometimes referred to as "blown out." By setting the exposure compensation dial to minus one or two stops, this type of image is once again properly exposed. </div>
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<strong><em>Final Thoughts</em></strong>: Too many photographers are just plain sloppy with their exposures. The digital age of photography has made it far to easy to "correct things after the exposure is taken." I believe that is a huge mistake. There is just no replacement to hitting the exposure on the head with the original image. Your photos will be so much richer in so many ways if you take the time to do it right the first time. If you really want quality images, then you need to put forth the effort to nail the exposure. Don't be one of the "sloppy" photographers. We have far too many of them amongst us already. </div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-38835879024768298792014-02-03T07:57:00.000-08:002014-02-03T07:57:40.248-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Experimenting With Still Life</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVN7K-G2fro/Uu-4_weyy-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/EyquD3p_NcA/s1600/_Wren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVN7K-G2fro/Uu-4_weyy-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/EyquD3p_NcA/s1600/_Wren.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm always looking for new ways to highlight my feathered friends, and lately I've been having some fun with a radio frequency remote shutter release. This is one of the toys that I've looked at for years, but only recently added to my arsenal of photographic tools. It simply enables us to capture images, while not actually sitting in front of the camera. From the comfort of my favorite leather chair, I can activate the shutter and capture images that would be nearly impossible any other way.</div>
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My son-in-law, without knowing he was doing so, inspired me to experiment with some still life scenes. He recently had an assignment to create some still life images for his employer, and I was blown away by their beauty. That lead me to begin thinking along those same lines regarding my own work. How could I put my love for birds together with the beauty of a classic still life image. </div>
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I ended up putting together a grouping of some antique objects that I've collected, and placed them in a setting of soft light ..........and then introduced some "bird seed." It didn't take long until I had attracted a suitable subject, which resulted in the image above. From the comfort of my (indoor) chair I clicked the shutter, and I'm now thinking about all sorts of new uses for my remote shutter release. Watch for some interesting images in the weeks to come. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-56918594445204774672013-07-27T10:12:00.001-07:002013-07-27T10:47:26.532-07:00<h2 align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What Makes a Winner?</span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFoJJAz5ELA/UfPyZrTmGeI/AAAAAAAAAw4/Q9VlA1B7SZo/s1600/chickadee+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFoJJAz5ELA/UfPyZrTmGeI/AAAAAAAAAw4/Q9VlA1B7SZo/s640/chickadee+framed.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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What you see above is a photograph that I took several years ago. It was captured early one winter morning in a pasture area that adjoins my yard. It's one of those photos that I didn't have to work very hard to get, but it has been one of the most popular images in my entire collection of bird photographs. In fact, it would easily rank in the top five selling images within my entire library of photos. But, why this image?</div>
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I'm making this post as a result of so many requests from photographers. I get this question all the time. "Why are your images so popular with the public, and why do some of your shots continue to sell year after year?" Well, that's a tough one, and it's not a question that I can fully answer here in a few short paragraphs. But, I might shed some light on the subject by simply discussing this image.....a classic shot of a Chickadee.</div>
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As most of us know, good photography starts with good light. Directional light is imperative to any successful image. Without a strong sense of light, most images lack what I call "punch." Light is what sets the mood of a photo, and without it an image cannot tell a complete story to the viewer. Simply put.....this backlit image has punch.</div>
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This image also has a wonderful tonality about it. The soft shades of gray become defined by the warm tones of red and orange that appear in the frozen blackberry branch. Without these hues of color, the image would appear flat and not nearly as interesting to the eye. Also, the frost on the leaves catch the light and further define the branch by increasing the overall contrast within the composition. It's actually the frost that helps the viewer identify the light source. </div>
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Finally, the small Chickadee presents us with a focal point, but it does so without "stealing the show." What do I mean by that statement? For years now, I have worked hard at creating images that show us birds in a way that allows us to appreciate nature, and I mean all of nature. Sometimes a clump of weeds can be just as interesting as a colorful hummingbird. Sometimes that which surrounds our subject......becomes our subject. In the image above, our little chickadee shares the spotlight with a simple frozen blackberry branch. Both equally share the spotlight. While the softness of the bird stands in dramatic contrast to the icy, thorn covered branch, they actually compliment each other in a way that only nature can show us.</div>
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So....back to our original question. Put another way, "Why has this image remained so popular for so many years?" My best guess is this......It's a wonderfully simple composition that doesn't confuse the viewer with distracting elements for the sake of "detail." Its' limited color palette is calming to our senses. It's frosty leaves make us feel winter, but its' powerful morning light gives us hope for a warmer day. This image shares its' story without making us dig too deep, and I suspect it will be doing just that for many decades to come. </div>
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Let me end with this. Fine art photography is a tough field. It's highly competitive, and that's a good thing for all of us. Success is this field is measured in so many different ways, but for those of us who support our families with our images, sales cannot be ignored. Photographers can improve their personal sales by elevating the quality of their images. Sharp, clear, vibrant "snapshots" cannot compete in this field of endeavor. The public wants more, and successful photographers are presenting images that reach a much higher standard. I would encourage everyone to have a good hard look at your own images and assess if they are individually telling a complete story. If not.....work is needed. Good Luck. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-46286340489265106692013-06-19T12:52:00.000-07:002013-06-19T12:52:39.829-07:00<h2 align="center">
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As many of you already know, I spend allot of time photographing hummingbirds. They have long been one of my favorite species, and I love the challenge of catching them in flight. Thankfully, digital imaging has made the task much easier than just a few years ago. Thanks to the development of increasing low noise digital sensors, we now have the ability to shoot images at very high iso's with very little digital noise. Those higher iso's have enable us to shoot at incredibly high shutter speeds, which are demanded by this kind of photography. Typically, I shoot hummers at 1600 iso, and I try to achieve a shutter speed of between 1/2000 th of a sec. to perhaps 1/4000th of a sec. The shot above falls somewhere in the middle. </div>
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I'm often ask if I use either a flash or filters to get the job done. The answer is neither, as I don't like the effect of a flash, nor do I like filters, as I think they tend to degrade my images. I try in all cases to capture my images without adding anything to the lens or lighting. I just feel it gives a more natural feeling to the photograph. Others may disagree.....this is simply my personal approach. </div>
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Fortunately, I live in an area of the country where we are blessed with lots of hummingbirds. My gardens are generally buzzing with them all summer. However, that is not to say that I don't employ the use of feeders to attract even more. In fact, I have lots of feeders that can be easily moved around the gardens. These feeders are extremely helpful in bringing the hummers to areas of the garden that have the most flowers in bloom. The above photo came about by moving several hummingbird feeders into a area of the garden filled with Iris. While hummers aren't especially attracted to Iris' for feeding, my feeders brought the birds to the Iris and I managed to capture some interesting images. Very few photos come from luck alone. Good photos are generally well planned in advance, and then executed with skill and patience........at least that is my take on it. Enjoy your photography.</div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-16417355013165894912013-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:002013-06-15T11:24:21.127-07:00<div align="center">
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It's time to have another look at some of our old photos. Images that you may have stored away, thinking they weren't up to par, may surprise you when you reprocess them with new updated software. Lately, I have been going through some of my older files and taking a second look at images that disappointed me just a few years ago. Fortunately, I still have many of those images, and I am now thrilled with them, after seeing them reprocessed with todays' software. If you haven't tried this yet, don't wait any longer. Some of those images that are buried deep in your old folders may turn out to be some of your new prize winners. </div>
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The latest versions of software converters make it easy and efficient to get the most from our files. For example, the latest version of Lightroom (Adobe) can take an old file and make it sparkle. With all of the software improvements, you won't believe the quality that has been hiding within your files. Could well be that you're a better photographer than you think. I suggest you pull out a few of the those old images and run them through a new converter and see just how good you really are. I think you'll be surprised. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-9851042157042095302013-06-13T09:03:00.002-07:002013-06-19T14:45:18.297-07:00<h2 align="center">
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It's always been a bit of a mystery to me as to why some photos seem to have such mass appeal, while others, some of which I think are great, simply do not. The photo above has been one of my most sought after images for the past two or three years, and it seems to have something special that the general public finds appealing. It's been one of those images that I have to print over and over to meet the demand of buyers. </div>
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In this post, I'd like to discuss why this image has held the position of #1 for so long now. Let's begin by looking at what the image has to offer the viewer. Clearly, the red screen door demands your attention first and foremost. The green plant entering the image from the left and attaching itself to the door adds some interest. The Bluejay, while just a minor figure in the image, still adds some interest and perhaps even a focal point to the photograph. The peeling paint of both the door and the old house provide an interesting texture to the image, while the arched windows in the front door give us another area of interest. The angle of the screen door, which is hanging only by one secure hinge, adds yet another component to the overall impact of this photo. Finally, the shape of the photograph, which is long and narrow, usually printed 20 x 40 inches, replicates the shape of the door itself. All of this makes the photograph an image viewers seem to enjoy. </div>
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I believe it's important to look at our photographs in terms of the various elements within the image. Strong images are made up of many components, and it's those individual pieces that work together to create something special. Photographs are different from "Snapshots", in that they are thoughtful in their preparation. Good photographs need a degree of thoughtful examination before one hits the shutter button. In order to call oneself a photographer, we need to commit to creating images that are thoughtful in their execution, and that take the viewer into their own thoughtful journey. I believe the success to this image "Visiting the Old House" is due to the fact that it takes the viewer on his or her own secret journey. It takes the viewer to a personal memory or a fantasy of a place they wish to be. A good photograph should do just that.........take you on a journey. Good luck on your own journey toward photographic excellence. </div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-39800199283996025332013-05-13T11:32:00.002-07:002013-05-13T11:32:48.770-07:00Mass Appeal in Your Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Selling your photographs, especially if you are attempting to sell them in a fine art market, can be extremely difficult. Trust me on this one, as I have been doing just that for over thirty-five years now. I've seen just about everything one can imagine, when it comes to marketing photography, and I've watched countless photographers fail. The truth is that this is one of the most competitive fields one can find anywhere. It's a tough business that simply is not for everyone, and certainly not for those who think it's going to be easy. </div>
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Over the years, I've been asked over and over again, "Why don't my photos sell?" "Why do folks flock to some photographers booths, while bypassing others?" "Are my photos just too expensive?" "Why .....Why......Why?" Well, let's get real here for just a few minutes. Photography is like any other business. Either you have a product that people want, or you don't. Either your price points are targeted correctly for your audience, or they are not. This is not rocket science, although so many beginners want to make it that way. It's easy to look at your business and rationalize your failure, but the truth is much harder to accept. The question you need to ask yourself is this, " Do I really have a product that appeals to a large audience of buyers, and are my price points going to entice their purchase? " This is a simple question that may need some help in answering, because we all love our own work, and value it accordingly..........a huge mistake. In truth, only the marketplace can answer both segments of that question. Success comes from not loving your own work, but from listening to the buying public. Every successful business understands this basic concept. </div>
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Granted....you may have incredible photos from your trip to Europe, or you may have eye-popping images from your flower garden, but are they really images that someone else can visualize hanging in their home or office? If the product you are offering to sell is photography, then it has to be images that lots of folks can see in their special "limited" space. As with most things, quality counts. In this ever-growing field of digital imaging, your images must stand out as something very special. They must say in a very loud and clear voice......"I am Special, and I bet you can't match me with your camera and abilities." Today's marketplace has no room for the "average". If your goal is to sell your photos, then first recognize that you must excel in your efforts. Outstanding images sell themselves, and price is rarely the reason. Set your goals high, be honest with yourself and your abilities, and be prepared for hard work. Simple really........</div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-23448931204280877092013-05-10T08:29:00.000-07:002013-05-10T08:29:56.863-07:00Looking Beyond the Target Image<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems like the longer I photograph birds, the more I seem to be looking beyond the bird itself. In the earliest years of my career, like so many other photographers, I focused most of my attention on the main subject of the photograph......and for me that meant the bird. However, as the years have quickly passed, I have seen a change in my own work, and that change has been dramatic, and, I believe, very positive. </div>
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The photo of the sparrow above is representative of my approach today. While birds remain my primary subject, my images are as much about the habitat and the light as they are the bird. In fact, in many of today's photos, the bird might actually be thought of as a secondary subject. While the image above contains many of the elements required to make a good photo, it's the tiny sparrow that completes the image and gives the photo an interesting focal point. Try to imagine this same photo without the bird, and you will see that the photo could not stand on it's own merits. It needs the bird to complete the composition and bring some sense of relevance to the image. </div>
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Color also plays a vital role in this image. With only small amounts of color, it is still the patches of color that pull us into the image. Without the hues of green and red, the image would die. The muted colors of the sparrow and rocks desperately need the greens and warm reds to make the photo visually interesting. </div>
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I think all photographers can profit by looking beyond their target image. Before I click the shutter, I believe it's important to have a close examination of the entire frame. Does the frame contain what you envision for the final image? Does the image need to be expanded or perhaps tightened? Is there enough content to the photo to make it interesting for the viewer? Can you see the final print in the viewfinder? So many questions need to be answered before we make the shot final. Maybe we all just need to slow down and think about the image before us. I believe doing so will result in real and meaningful growth. What do you think?</div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-16929803866106434152013-05-03T10:44:00.001-07:002013-05-03T10:44:57.146-07:00Photographing Hummingbirds<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Gardens Are Once Again.......Buzzing with Hummers</h2>
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Every Spring, sometime during the first week of April, my resident hummingbirds return to my gardens. This year they made their first appearance on the 7th of April, and now three weeks later, the gardens are buzzing with activity. As a pro bird photographer, this time of year marks the beginning of a busy season to come. As the flowers in the gardens mature and begin flowering, the hummers numbers continue to increase, and my job truly takes on a new excitement. </div>
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Needless to say, hummingbirds present a challenge. Not only are they tiny, but they move like little rockets being launched into space. The are extremely territorial, which simply means they don't play well together. Those with hummingbird feeders will certainly understand what I mean. Sharing space with others is not something they are likely to do. Instead, generally one dominate bird will lay claim to all of the feeders and attack any other bird wishing to feed. Nobody actually gets harmed, but the fighting can be intense. This makes photographing the species very difficult, and it brings a real challenge to my work as a photographer. </div>
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Fortunately, with the onset of digital cameras, this task has been made somewhat easier. Todays' new high end digital bodies permit the use of very high iso settings, which in turn allow the photographer to use extremely high shutter speeds. This combination of higher iso's and lightning fast shutter speeds is now making it possible to capture images that were not possible just a few years ago. I routinely set my Canon 5D mkII to iso 1600, and my shutter speed to a minimum of 1500th to even a 4000th of a sec.. Using AServo focus on my Canon makes it easier to track these speed demons as they shoot past my lens. While not all of today's new cameras offer this kind of speed, many new SLR bodies routinely include all of the features needed. </div>
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One last thing. It's easy to get lost in the moment and forget about the importance of composition, when shooting hummingbirds. Their speed sometimes overwhelms us, and we just want to capture a clear image. The real challenge, of course, is capturing an image that also tells a story. Even photos of hummingbirds should give the viewer a sense of place and time. The photo should share with the viewer something about the species and his behavior within his environment. Digital photography has increased our chances for success, but it's still in the hands of the photographer to create a meaningful photograph. Challenge yourself. Make the effort to excel, and good luck.</div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-45915007455507667802013-04-05T14:53:00.000-07:002013-04-05T14:53:18.602-07:00<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Last Gift of Winter</span></strong></div>
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For several years now, I have dreamed of finding the perfect snow, on the perfect day, and filled with the perfect light. In my mind, I visualized the powdered snow covering everything in sight, and then discovering a flock of Cardinals fluttering about in some playful game of tag. I saw myself capturing their beauty again and again as I fired off countless frames, all of which would exhibit the perfect exposure, resulting in an award winning print. </div>
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Well, it almost happened as I had hoped, but the "flock" never appeared. Only one beautiful red Cardinal decided to join me on this day, but I soon realized that I only needed one to make my dream come true. Cardinals and snow are a natural combination for any photographer, but catching them in the right place, with just the right kind of snowfall is a trick that eludes so many of us. On this day, a day that I had not really planned to do photography, all of the elements came together and I managed to grab the gear and work the scene until I felt I had the shot I wanted. After nearly and hour of tracking through the newly fallen snow, I found my Cardinal posing on the top of a fence post calling to his mate. His singular spot of red made the shot complete, and his willingness to sit motionless for several minutes made my task a joy. It is times like this that I simply say thank you, and then go on my way, knowing I have just witnessed a magical moment in time. Some would say I am blessed. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-31477015213229831402013-02-11T11:21:00.000-08:002013-02-11T11:21:42.410-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Osprey......It's like they pose for me.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROKoOs3FivQ/URlBpSiE-UI/AAAAAAAAAuM/GQsVzRpb2Fc/s1600/Osprey+with+Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROKoOs3FivQ/URlBpSiE-UI/AAAAAAAAAuM/GQsVzRpb2Fc/s640/Osprey+with+Fish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfoEzZvLm_o/URlBwajz7zI/AAAAAAAAAuU/qaciIp5x7UY/s1600/Osprey+Ultimate+Family+Portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfoEzZvLm_o/URlBwajz7zI/AAAAAAAAAuU/qaciIp5x7UY/s640/Osprey+Ultimate+Family+Portrait.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxUvoJSEWj0/URlB1xxd-EI/AAAAAAAAAuc/pP5qEVHjnNo/s1600/Osprey+Wings+Spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxUvoJSEWj0/URlB1xxd-EI/AAAAAAAAAuc/pP5qEVHjnNo/s640/Osprey+Wings+Spread.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the past several years, I've been fortunate to have a pair of Osprey nesting near my home. This same pair of birds has returned year after year to this nesting sight, and it seems like every year they become more accepting of me and my camera. It's as though we have come to know each other in a way that allows us to trust and respect the other. The pair of birds have been kind to me, in that they have allowed me countless photo ops, and done so without fear or expectations. I feel a kindred spirit with these birds, and I have a deep respect for them and how they lead their lives. They dedicate themselves to their family, and they are relentless in their pursuit of food for their young. Without any concern for weather conditions, they find a way to provide for their chicks. Hard working doesn't really seem to describe the intensity of their daily struggle. We all could learn so much from the example of these birds. Perhaps they serve to teach us all about what really matters in life. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-45941820866229590222013-02-06T19:49:00.000-08:002013-02-07T06:09:10.590-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A Quiet Cove on the Potomac.....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCA07jiApMA/URMfIP7g4LI/AAAAAAAAAt4/sGjHQMrJE-Q/s1600/GW+Cove,+Va..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCA07jiApMA/URMfIP7g4LI/AAAAAAAAAt4/sGjHQMrJE-Q/s640/GW+Cove,+Va..jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In March of 2012 I found myself staying with a friend at his home in the Northern Neck of Virginia. I had done a wildlife art show in the area, and he was kind enough to host me for the week. I decided to leave before dawn, and see if I could find something interesting to shoot at sunrise. My drive took me along the Potomac River heading north toward my next stop in Baltimore. The road is an historic route through a beautiful section of the Virginia countryside. </div>
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Along the way, and shortly before dawn, I came across a sign that pointed the way to George Washington's birthplace, which has now been turned into a national historic park. Although still dark, the sky was just beginning to get light, and so I decided to pull in and check it out. Even though I had arrived long before anyone else who might work there, I decided to park and do some exploring. Just behind the visitors center was a quiet little bay that meandered out into the Potomac River. I climbed down a steep slope to the shoreline and began walking toward the river. </div>
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As the sun was starting to rise across the bay, the cove began to light up and reveal itself to me. Looking first at the rising sun, I quickly noticed this motionless heron standing before me in the shallows of the water looking to find a fish for his breakfast. I had not bothered to carry a telephoto lens with me, so I had to frame a composition that would lend itself to my 24 - 105 lens. I knew I only had seconds to frame my shot before the sun would break the horizon and the heron would decide to fly away. I set the camera to aperture priority mode, the lens to F16 and took the shot. Knowing that the lighting was going to be tough, I shot the image in RAW, as it would give me the best latitude in post-processing the image. All in all, I am pretty pleased with it, and I feel blessed to have shared this moment with the heron. Too bad every morning can't begin this way for everyone. I hope you enjoy the image. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-87125979999900532222013-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:002013-02-02T08:48:32.128-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Using Fog to Create Depth in Your Photos</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSzMuU0kHV8/UQ0-7wzJatI/AAAAAAAAAto/4yyZBpbee2A/s1600/Sandhills+in+the+Fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSzMuU0kHV8/UQ0-7wzJatI/AAAAAAAAAto/4yyZBpbee2A/s640/Sandhills+in+the+Fog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Waking up to a foggy morning is a wonderful way for a photographer to start the day. Nothing creates a "mood" quite like a misty fog just after sunrise. It can be just the ticket for an otherwise boring photograph. </div>
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Fog has a way of layering a photo. Depending upon the placement of subject elements within the photo, it's actually possible to achieve an almost 3D effect. In the case of the Sandhill Cranes above, the photo appears to have three very distinct layers. The background of trees sits deep into the fog, while the bird on the far right appears to sit in the middle of the fog. The two birds in the foreground, because of their sharp focus and lack of filtering from the fog, appear to lay on a plane that extends beyond the rest of the image. As you study the image, you need to assess just how important a role the fog has played in making this image work. Imagine the same image without the fog, and you have an image that might very well never see itself made into a print. The fog seems to battle for a place in this photo.........perhaps even the real focal point of the entire image. </div>
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The next time you see fog in your area, I suggest you get out and experiment with what role it can play in your images. If you want to add some depth to your landscapes, your flower photos, your macro images, or whatever else you like to shoot, then don't let the fog escape your lens. Good Luck. </div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-61946774383374895412013-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:002013-01-30T09:07:50.703-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Composition and Light</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcaSoM6Sr9w/UQlCRKGhlYI/AAAAAAAAAtI/koIbA_5-zN8/s1600/Cardinal+and+Palm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcaSoM6Sr9w/UQlCRKGhlYI/AAAAAAAAAtI/koIbA_5-zN8/s640/Cardinal+and+Palm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nG8fbmL3D-A/UQlTKaXJQsI/AAAAAAAAAtY/xKqjsb4b4Pg/s1600/Cardinal+female+on+Corn+Stalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nG8fbmL3D-A/UQlTKaXJQsI/AAAAAAAAAtY/xKqjsb4b4Pg/s640/Cardinal+female+on+Corn+Stalk.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Unlike most bird photographers, I'm not really interested in capturing a "portrait" of a bird. I think that kind of photo is fine to perhaps illustrate a bird ID guide, but it falls way short of stretching the boundaries of fine art imaging. My goal has always been to capture images that look more like a painting than they do a simple bird photograph. </div>
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As I have mentioned so often in this blog, "Photography is about composition and light." Truly meaningful images need to demonstrate the use of both if they are to achieve any success in the field of art. Snapshots are just that.......quick snapped images with little thought or planning. Fine art photographs require thought and skill, and I think a special kind of eye. The artist eye is one that sees within a subject a sense of space and time. The artist looks at light and how it plays with the subject. He or she makes decisions based upon a visual composition, and how the light source reacts to that composition. The artist looks for lines and curves within the composition and how they add to or subtract from the impact of the image. The artist/photographer restrains from the "snap" of the shutter until the compositional elements resolve themselves in his or her eye. The magic moment comes only after all of the artistic details have been worked through in the viewfinder. At that single moment, an image is born........and with luck and skill........a work of art. </div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-81828602917520223062013-01-28T17:21:00.000-08:002013-01-28T17:21:55.135-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do We Really Need All of the New Gear?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XixBILOaPg0/UQceb16cqNI/AAAAAAAAAs4/-6ujq-4ql3g/s1600/River+of+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XixBILOaPg0/UQceb16cqNI/AAAAAAAAAs4/-6ujq-4ql3g/s640/River+of+Gold.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After years of answering questions regarding what kind of camera gear I use, I think it's time to share a few thoughts regarding this subject. </div>
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Like so many of you, I enjoy learning about all of the new technical stuff that is being loaded into all of the newest cameras. Today's cameras are capable of doing so much more than just taking a simple photograph. Simply put, they are more like a computer than just a camera. The higher end cameras can now record video, do in camera HDR, in camera panoramas, auto adjust for dynamic range, and countless other tasks. Depending upon your own personal pocketbook, you can pretty much find one that will do just about anything you want. The question, however, is just how much do we really need?</div>
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The photo above is one of my top three selling images, and it has held that title for nearly eight years. By today's standards, it was shot with an antique camera. Not really, but would you believe a six mega pixel APS sensor. While we have all been convinced by the manufactures that we need a full-frame 20+ mg. sensor, the simple truth is that we don't. Good photography is about composition and light, not about mega pixels. Although the image above was shot with the Minolta 7D and its' 6 mg. sensor, I am still continually printing the image at 20 x 40 inches with remarkable results. In all of the years that I have exhibited the image, no one has ever suggested that it was in any way inferior to those shot with my newest gear. Why? ........because the image speaks for itself. It does not reflect the voice of the camera, but rather the heart of the photographer. The eye and the vision of the man or woman holding the camera will always trump the camera being held. I hope all of you will remember this lesson, and that you'll decide to spend your money on seeking out great images rather than filling your camera bags with more gear. I love new cameras.......but I cherish making new images with whatever camera is in my hand. We are not limited by our gear, but only by our dreams.</div>
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Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-44249376199349727432013-01-24T09:39:00.000-08:002013-01-24T09:39:48.349-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Pulling Back and Taking It In.....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukJofqSGRsw/UQFtp2AiFrI/AAAAAAAAAso/gJer_qWlyME/s1600/Elk+Pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukJofqSGRsw/UQFtp2AiFrI/AAAAAAAAAso/gJer_qWlyME/s640/Elk+Pond.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Sometimes we are tempted to reach for the long lens and fill the frame of our image with what our brain tells us is our subject, but occasionally we need to take a moment to reflect on the entire scene. As photographers, we need to "slow down" and allow our hearts to speak to us. Too often, the messages we receive from our brain are of a technical nature, but those from the heart are of a softer side.......and perhaps a more artistic side. </div>
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In the photo above, while roaming the countryside near Yellowstone National Park, I came across this quiet pond, which had been formed from recently melting snow. I was taken by the serenity of the place, when suddenly an Elk stepped into view. I happen to have two camera around my neck, one with a 400mm telephoto attached and the other with a 17 - 85mm zoom. Instinctively, the brain told me to grab the long lens and capture the detail of the bugling elk, but instead I raised the wide angle lens and captured the entirety of the scene. This image best takes me back to that moment in time and the splendor of that morning. The image conveys the vastness of the mountain range and speaks to the wildness of the place and the animals that live there. Had I selected the telephoto lens, much of the story would have gone untold. As nature photographers, our mission is to share the entire story with our viewers, thereby allowing them to "feel the moment." Happy Shooting.</div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799550733885930724.post-5032251324088486872013-01-24T08:16:00.000-08:002013-01-24T08:17:59.074-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What's Really Important.......</span></div>
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Nature photography is often about making decisions. We have to ask ourselves what is important in an image, and why are we shooting this image. We make decisions about lighting angles, f stops, shutter speeds, iso settings, and so much more before we even hit the shutter. Too often, however, we shoot without making the most important decision of all........."What is it I am trying to convey with this photo?"</div>
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While I am a bird photographer, I like to think that my images are about so much more than birds. I consider myself to be an environmentalist and an advocate for conservation of our natural resources around the planet. I love the world in which I live, and I attempt to share that love in my photographs. Nature has provided me with an amazing life, and it seems only fair that I should be working to give back to the cause of protecting our environment. </div>
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I look for images that bring the beauty of our surroundings into our homes and offices. More often than not, I am blown away by the simple splendor that shows itself in all aspects of nature. The often ignored ditch along the side of the road can hold a special moment in time just waiting to be discovered. The lesson for us all is to simply slow down and allow ourselves to see what is already there. Another lesson is to look beyond our intended target to see that which surrounds us. </div>
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In the photo above, the movement of the little warbler caught my eye, but the real beauty seemed to be in the weeds that formed a natural frame for the bird. In this photo the question becomes "Was the target the bird or was it the weeds?" Both are beautiful, and each compliments the other. Nature is like that in all things. We need only to look closely, allowing our eyes to see the whole picture......not just what we thought was the target of the shot. Happy shooting folks.</div>
Dan Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09002551908909279058noreply@blogger.com0