photography

Scott Bourne – Gifts from A Life in Photography

Jeff

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” – William James

Let me preface this post by pointing out what a great time it is to be interested in photography or to be a photographer whether it is from a hobbyist or professional perspective. It is so easy to take for granted the wealth of information available to us today because of the Internet.

There aren’t many artists, professionals in any field or accomplished practitioners of a given skill who would willingly and freely give away their hard-earned knowledge. Many of us, when we learn a special trick or secret, would like to hold it as though it would give us an edge. Scott Bourne is not one of those people.


picture of Scott Bourne
Picture Courtesy of a screen shot from YouTube Video, The Grid #49 – Guest: Scott Bourne

For those who don’t know Scott, I would like to make the introduction. He can be found almost on a daily basis sharing his knowledge and skills. This is information he has worked years to codify and embrace and he offers it to anyone with the inclination to read or listen.

Recently, for example, he posted an article describing the use of the relatively new Adobe Portfolio option. Naturally he tried it first and then wrote about his experiences and not only that, he posted his portfolio (not completed at the time I am writing this; just experimental) for all to see. This isn’t just theory, this is real!

Another thing I have to appreciate is that Scott is a no-nonsense guy. You wouldn’t have to read too many posts or listen to more than one podcast to find that out! And that’s a good thing! When he says that he has tried almost every new camera, he means it. He can speak to the pros and cons of many cameras available currently and he does. I don’t have the resources, time or skill to assess these things, but you can get a head start in such matters by listening to Scott on his photofocus podcasts or by reading his posts at photofocus.com

Enough by way of introduction. Let me share some of Scott Bourne’s work and explain why I admire and follow him. (By the way…I am not a relative of Scott’s. I have no vested interest in writing this post except to recommend his work as a resource for those who want to become better photographers in general, and especially those interested in bird photography.)

It is not easy to pick out the work I like best because there is so much goodness out there.

Let me just share a few pictures.


Wolf with pup
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

This is a beautiful, tender picture capturing the relationship of the adult with a pup. The viewer can sense the emotional connection and the wariness of the ever-vigilant adult.

Perhaps Scott is best known for his bird photographs and this picture of a barn owl is amazing. Not only is this a beautiful picture of the animal, but the composition is perfect. (arrows are from the screen capture and are not part of the original photo)


Barn owl in window
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

I enjoy bird photography and one of the most difficult pictures to capture is an excellent photograph of a bird in flight. There is even an abbreviation for it..BIF. Realize that one must capture the bird while it is flying by making sure to track it correctly with perhaps a zoom lens and making sure that the lighting and composition are as good as possible. Go into your back yard and try this even if it is not with a zoom lens. It is difficult. That’s what makes some of these pictures truly outstanding!


Egret in flight
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

The picture above is one of my favorites. It shows the motion of the bird and yet the face of the bird remains sharp. The viewer can sense the motion. I just find this captivating. NOTE – This was a screen shot and was slightly cropped on the right and left sides.


Tufted puffin
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

Who doesn’t like puffins? Doesn’t this Tufted Puffin look majestic? The details and colors are truly stunning!

Scott has made many trips to specifically photograph eagles. And he has a bevy of pictures of these regal birds so I will just include the two following as examples.


Fishing
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne


Juvenile Eagle
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

This (above) is a juvenile eagle which has not grown into his adult coloring.

Not only does Scott Bourne have “the eye” to capture the essence of the bird such as plumage, movement and coloration. He also demonstrates his flare for the drama and beauty to be found in nature such as this shot at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.


Cranes at sunset at the Bosque
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

And it is not just birds. Scott enjoys all wildlife such as this Coastal Brown Bear; Grizzly.


Standing coastal brown bear
All Photos used with permission and Copyright by Scott Bourne

Thank you Scott Bourne for being so generous and giving so much to the photographic community. I know you have inspired many others and will continue to do so!

*********************


Some bird photography resources created by Scott.

A Simple Primer on Photographing Birds in Flight

How To Photograph Birds | 20 Tips & Some Resources

About Bird Photography – Finding The Birds

Photographing Birds – What NOT To Do

More “general” resources from Scott:

10 Things Beginning Photographers Should Know

Details Matter – Going The Last Mile For A Better Photograph

On the Light Stalking website, Scott has several e-Books that are available free of charge. I have read some of them and I an assure you, just studying the photographs will be inspirational and educational.

Essays on Inspiration, Vision and Creativity in Photography, by Scott Bourne

A Photographer’s E-Guide to Making Sharp Photographs, by Scott Bourne

Nine Motivational Essays on Photography, by Scott Bourne

You can see more of Scott’s work at his 500px site – Click Here

Video – Dogs through the Eyes of the Dogist

Jeff

Do you know who the Dogist is? Well, you aren’t alone. I am apparently, out in the cold on this one and maybe it is because I don’t have a dog (although I do like dogs; a lot!). There are many who do know and enjoy the work of Elias Weiss Friedman aka “The Dogist.” He is doggin’ it and really having a good time!

The Dogist from E.J. McLeavey-Fisher on Vimeo.

Photography – A Check List

Jeff

Whenever I travel, I have a packing list to make sure I bring everything that I need to have a safe, comfortable trip. I actually have two lists; one for long trips and one for short trips.

It only makes sense to have a packing list for a photography gear and supplies whenever you are preparing to take pictures. Christian Holberg got me thinking about this in his article A Helpful Checklist to Use Before Photographing Anything.

Giotto Rocket Blaster
Picture Courtesy of Amazon.com

The items below are mentioned in his article and are important, but I do not think the list is complete. For one thing, every photographer has their own preferences and special gizmos and gadgets that they might like to bring. I make sure to always have my Giotto Rocket Air Blower with me to keep dust of my lens and I use it a couple of times a day on some occasions. My suggestion would be to use this article as a starting point to create your own list.

ALSO…read the comments below the article which include more good ideas for your photo shoot. The “we is smarter than the me!”

Before you leave

  • Are your batteries charged?
  • Is your memory card full?
  • Did you clean your equipment?
  • Is all your gear (and maintenance supplies) packed?


In the field – Target Subject

  • Check your ISO
  • Check your White Balance
  • Focus Mode

Back at the Ranch

  • Batteries to charge
  • Import your photos
  • Clean your equipment

Tin Man Lee – Vision and Talent of a Wildlife Photographer

Jeff

Readers of JBRish know that I enjoy photography and especially bird photography. Today, however, I want to share with you the work of Tin Man Lee. NOTE – The images used in this post are all taken by Tin Man Lee or are captured via screen shot from his website with his permission. All rights are reserved.

Tin Man Lee is a very modest person. If you read his about page, you will sense his humble tone. Wildlife photography has touched his soul.

Let’s take a look at Tin Man Lee as he is accepting his award for the Grand Prize at the Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards – 2013.

Tin Man Lee Accepts his Award

If you prefer, you can watch a brief video (below) about the exhibition and the award.

 

Nature’s Best Photography Smithsonian Exhibit 2014 from Tin Man Lee on Vimeo.

The award winning picture is difficult to see in the above resources so here is that picture.

Powerful bear catching a salmon

Can’t you feel the power? And look at those claws!

I had to smile when Lee explained in one of his blog posts that he was frozen in the moment as the bear was powerful and although he was relatively sure the animal was going for the salmon, he couldn’t be certain!

As you will also notice, Lee exhibits a penchant for bears

Beautfull, golden lit picture of an intense bear

This bear is “thinking.” I can feel the bear’s intensity. The lighting is incredible!

Mother bear stands as lookout for cubs

Momma bear with two cubs. She is making sure the “coast” is clear.

Bear family bond

I don’t think a picture of any living creatures, including humans, can portray the family bond better than this one.

As you will see, Tin Man Lee is not a “one trick pony” (of course no pun intended here) as he demonstrates with his photos of birds.

An Alert Great Horned Owl

This picture not only captures the focus and concentration of this Great Horned owl, but also the ambiance of the forest. Harry Potter would be at home in these woodlands.

In an article about his firsts, Lee shows this picture as he explains how using long lenses was difficult for him as it is challenging to make sure the subject is in the frame and in focus. This shot is made all the more amazing by the subject matter and the demands of the equipment used.

Osprey carrying a fish for dinner

Osprey with fish

I have never met a person who did not smile when they saw a picture of an Atlantic Puffin. They are more than cute, they are endearing. Here is one in flight. Tin Man Lee was fascinated by Puffins even as a child.

Atlantic Puffin in flight

I could go on and on about Lee’s work. These pictures are amazing. Let me leave you with just these last two images which were taken from his website as screen shots.

Remarkably lit owl

Could the lighting be more perfect to create a mood?

A young fox carrying leaves

Endangered San Joaquin kit fox pup with a leaf. Central California.

One of the reasons, perhaps, that the work of Tin Man Lee is so engaging can be found on his website when he writes:

“TO BE HAPPY, ONLY DO IT FOR YOURSELF. I take pictures for my own self-satisfaction—to create images for my own enjoyment and viewing, so that I can remember special experiences with my “wild brothers and sisters.” I only go looking for the specific species I dream of photographing, and I only take photos of them the way I want—not to please anyone else but me. Nothing else really matters. It’s a way of finding myself.”

While he may be happy with his work, we are thrilled to experience these natural wonders along with him.

One of the best posts on the blog (IMHO) is Last Moments of a Bison Calf. I could feel the anguish described and for those who are sensitive, prepare to have a heartfelt experience.


Quotes from Tin Man Lee that struck a chord with me:

Speaking of his wildlife idol, Michio Hoshino, Tin Man Lee explains:”…you can feel the deep love he had with the animals he photographed.” Lee has learned well as we can feel his love and respect for the animals portrayed in his work.

“Wildlife photography is about capturing the natural behavior of wild animals in an artistic way that you prefer, and be able to tell a story and touch as many people as you can.”

“That’s when we need to learn our craft so that every time we see something, our vision and our technique come together to express what we feel in a way that touches others too. We need to learn the ‘language’ in photography to communicate.”

One of Lee’s secrets to becoming a better wildlife photographer – “B.I.F. – BIRDS IN FLIGHT Photography. It’s the mother of all action wildlife photography.” Lee continues to explain that before any meaningful wildlife photography can be practiced, the photographer must first learn the technology so that it becomes second nature.

A Final Note:

If you found these images as captivating as I have, the good news is there is much, much more on Lee’s website. I urge you to click here or on the blog tab at the top of his website. If you encounter a post in Chinese and that is not your language, scroll down and you will see many posts in English and I guarantee you will find at least one of them very inspirational. I intend to read nearly all of them.

Thanks to Tin Man Lee for giving permission to JBRish to publish his work and to share it with others via our website.

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards – 2015

Jeff

Photography – Comedy Wildlife Awards

Did you know there was a wildlife comedy award for photographers? I’ve heard of a number of National Geographic photography contests and awards, but wildlife comedy?

Well, here are some of the submissions:


THE WINNER – This little “fella” has a full mouth with pouches stuffed nearly to capacity. Perhaps they ordered out for dinner and s/he is running home with the delivery


Hamster with stuffed pouch

These two aren’t monkeying around. They are obviously getting ready for Dancing with the Stars!

 

Laughing Seal

I guess you’d be laughing too if people stopped to take pictures of you just chillin’!

 

Two Monkeys Readying to Dance

You can see more of the top submissions at the link below.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Professional Bird Photography Tips

Jeff

One of my favorite photographers to follow is Scott Bourne. If you don’t know of him, just do a search on the Internet. Scott’s name will show up many times because even as a very talented and gifted professional, he gives freely of his knowledge to help others advance their skills.

Blue Heron
Picture by Jeff Ross, Scott Bourne’s pictures would be much, much better!

One of Scott Bourne’s favorite subjects is birds. I enjoy photographing birds as well, but I am a rank amateur. I do my best, but as indicated in the referenced articles below, capturing the best bird pictures is hard!

Scott provides twenty tips for capturing your best shots in the articles:

10 Down & Dirty Quick Bird Photography Tips

How To Photograph Birds | 20 Tips & Some Resources

Here are three of the tips just as a sample…

“Start Big. Practice with larger birds such as pelicans, gulls and herons. Also practice at local zoos. Captive birds will give you a chance to study behavior, hone your skills and become familiar with bird photography (and your gear) and guarantee enough keepers that you won’t be frustrated.

Track the Sun. I’m not much for photography religions but if I were – this would be the one I would practice. Photograph birds with your back to the sun. Especially when you are just starting out. Birds look best when front lit. Sidelight may be the landscape photographer’s friend, but it’s the avian photographer’s enemy. Keep the sun at your back, or in other words, point your shadow at the birds. Believe it. Practice it. Live by it. You’ll get better shots.

Shoot Shutter Priority. When shooting birds in flight, use shutter priority. A fast shutter speed is essential to capturing birds in flight. Unless you want to blur the subject for creative reasons, a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second should be your minimum preferred shutter speed. Also use the lowest ISO you can and still get a fast shutter speed.”

Notice Scott’s advice about side light which may be good for landscape, but not for birds!

You can also find Scott Bourne on the photofocus website which I believe he founded.

Of course, one of the best ways to improve any photographic skill is to get out there and practice. Take pictures and examine them. Which are good, which are best, which are worst? Find out why and you are well on your way to doing your best work.

Photography of the Italian Eye

Jeff

The Painter Constructs, The Photographer Discloses

Photography is a significant interest of mine and to stay motivated and informed, I follow quite a few photography blogs. Through these blogs, I become aware of other photographers and their work. I am awe struck by the photography talent that is exhibited across the globe.

If you like unique, insightful, intimate and often very beautiful photography, I urge you to visit the site of Danilo Piccioni, The Italian Eye. You Won’t be disappointed!

Guitar player in the bathtub

You don’t have to leave the home page of the website to understand that Danilo is not only talented, but he brings a fresh new perspective to the art form.

It was difficult to pick just a small sample of Mr. Piccioni’s work to demonstrate his breadth and scope, but these are some of the shots I found interesting.

In the picture below, which is the master? Can you feel the bond between these two lives?

Man and Dog Relationship - Love

Two young girls, perhaps sitting together on a train, might be sharing a secret. This is a truly intimate look at friends being deeply connected. I can feel the intensity both in the telling and in the listening.

Best Friends Share Secrets

Danilo certainly understands how to capture female beauty. Without being blatant, the picture expresses sensuality; they eyes, yes the eyes! She is looking at you! The trick here, as in his other photos, is that the picture reveals to the viewer more than is actually shown.

They Eyes of Beauty

Oh…this cat. “What are you looking at?” the cat might be thinking. Don’t you love the lighting and the colors? Where do those stairs lead? Does anybody own this cat?

Marmalade Cat Has Attitude

I want to thank Danilo Piccioni/The Italian Eye for allowing me to use the images for this post. It is a pleasure to be able to learn from so many gifted photographic artists!

If you do nothing else at the website,http://www.theitalianeye.com/, scroll to the bottom of the page until you see:

“Mag-EYE-zine
Here is a magazine format small selection of my work for your enjoyment, click on EXPAND and start flipping thru the pages.”

And click and expand the pictures presented in large format in all their beauty and often juxtaposed thematic presentations. I couldn’t help but be inspired.

A True Artist Is Not One Who Is Inspired, But One Who Inspires Others

All Photographic Rights are reserved by Danilo Piccioni and the Italian Eye

 


JBRish.com originally published this post

Missy Mwac’s Photography Glitterbombs

Jeff

One thing that I understand really irks people who are accomplished photographers is the general public’s belief that anyone can create a wonderful picture. It may be true that if a person captures enough images, they may have a great picture among the many exposures they make.

The trick, of course, is to be able to create a high percentage of remarkable images. It really isn’t about the gear. It is, in a major part, about the vision and skill of the person behind the camera.

Photographer Missy Mwac has put much of this in perspective with her column “Glitterbombs of Truth for Photographers.” If you enjoy photography and the above comments resonate with you, I suggest you take a look at her column. I think you will have a couple of smiles and perhaps a sneer or two as well.

 

Photography Glitterbombs