Photographs, Photography, Workshops Photographs, Photography, Workshops

India Trip Report Part 1

We are about at the midway mark of the India Photo Tour and Workshop.  A brief recap of this first half follows.  A brief night in Delhi and an early morning ride to Agra.  We checked in at the beautiful Taj Gateway Hotel ( A part of the exclusive Taj Group of Hotels).   After an awesome lunch where we were entertained by traditional Rajasthan musicians and puppeteers we departed to see the great Taj Mahal.

This next one is an image shot by one of the participants of the master puppeteer who supposedly has the second longest moustache – 2 meters long – end-to-end.  Notice how it is wrapped around his ears and then back down his face. It is unfortunate that photographers are not permitted to take tripods into most monuments in India and have to resort to high ISO photography to get enough shutter speed to prevent blurred hand held images.Here is an image close to sunset.The evening was spent visiting a local art store where we were treated to the craft of marble inlay work.  These skills have been passed down through the generations of the original artists who carved and inlayed precious and semiprecious gems on the walls of the Taj Mahal.It was planned that we photograph the Taj by moonlight.  Trying to get a good image in the allocated half hour slot that is managed by the security guard at the Taj makes the opportunity very difficult for even a single decent night shot, particularly as you can’t use a tripod or even a monopod inside the secured area of the Taj.   We had arranged to do our photography from the rooftop of a building that overlooks the Taj and where we had access to tripods, and hot masala tea (spiced tea made with ginger, cardamom, and other flavorful spices).We had altered our schedule so as to capture a moonlit image of the Taj but that put us in a predicament for the following mornings sunrise image.  The Taj is closed to the public on Fridays and is open only for prayer at specific times during Friday.  As a result we ventured to Mehtab Gardens for the sunrise.   What worked out even better is that we guided to a beautiful spot across the river that gave us an awesome view of the Taj as the sun rose above the horizon.  It is unfortunate that there is so much smog and pollution in Delhi and in Agra.  This make capturing pristine image a big challenge. After breakfast we checked out of the hotel and drove to Chambal – a small town situated in a terrain that has an extensive network of ravines and the Chambal River (a tributary of the Yamuna river).  We spent the afternoon photographing numerous species of birds.  The Indian roller, yellow and red wattle lapwings, hoopoe, sandpipers, the Eurasian thick knee, red vented bulbul, white cheeked bulbul, spotted owlets, to name a few. While we were photographing the birds, etc., opportunities to photograph local village scenes were ever present.  The next two images are by Hal Oliver.We had dinner and spent the night in the Chambal Jungle Lodge.  This is a lovely lodge with individual cottages for the guests.  During the night we heard at least three large packs of jackals howling in the vicinity of our cottages.The following morning a 10-mile drive took us to the river where we boarded our chartered boat for a river safari. A Red Vented Bulbul en route to the safari.In addition to a number of birds, we were able to photograph the Indian Crocodile and the Gharial (a member of the crocodilians but exclusive to India).Here are a few of the river safari images:

 Post lunch a short drive (few hours) to Bharatpur where we checked in to the Lakshmi Vilas Hotel, which is a converted residential palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur’s brother.The following morning was our first safari in Koeladeo National Park.  On entering the park we were greeted by a group of peafowl silhouetted against the rising sun.Another image of the same sight.

We spent two and a half days for a total of five safaris in this park.  What and abundance of birds and mammals.  A small representation follows:   Here is an incomplete list of birds and mammals we saw and photographed over the course of the first 1/3 of the trip:Grey Francolin (Partridge), Indian Peafowl, Lesser Whistling Duck, Bar-Headded Goose,, Ruddy Shell Duck, Comb Duck, Spot Billed Duck, Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail,  Common Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Brown Headed Barbet, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Hoopoe, Indian Roller, Common Kingfisher, White Throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Greater Coucal, Rose-tinged Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Collared Scops Owl, Spotted Owlet, Brown Hawk Owl, Large Tailed Nightjar, Rock Pigeon, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Laughing Dove, Spotted Dove, Red Collard Dove, Brown Crake, White-breasted Waterhen, Common Moorhen, Common Coot, Purple Gallinule, Marsh Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Eurasian Thick-Knee, Great Thick-Knee, Yellow Wattled Lapwing, River Lapwing, Red Wattled Lapwing, Indian Skimmer, River Tern, Osprey, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture,  Red Headed Vulture, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Shikra, Little Grebe, Darter, Little Cormornt, Indian Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Black Crowned Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, Black Headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Painted Stork, Black Necked Stork, Brown Shrike, Long Tailed Shrike, House Crow, Large Billed Crow, Eurasian Golden Oriole, White-browed Fantail (Flycatcher), Black Drongo, Oriental Magpie Robin, Indian Robin, Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Brahminy Starling, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Wire-Tailed Swallow, White-Eared Bulbul, Red Vented Bulbul, Common Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Large Grey Babbler, Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark, Purple Sunbird, White Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, White-browed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Baya Weaver, Red Avadavat, Indian Silverbill,The Mammals:  Gharial, Marsh Crocodile, a multitude of Turtles,,Rhesus Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Jackal, Indian Civit, Indian Hre, Five Striped Palm Squirrel, Indian Flying Fox, Shortnosed Fruit Bat.Next Update - as soon as possible when I can get a good internet connection.

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Photography, Workshops Photography, Workshops

SW Florida Workshop Update

There are a few spots open for the South West Florida Workshop.  For those planning on getting away and having some fun in the sun photographing birds and landscapes the discounted rates at the hotel require reservations before February 20th.  So make sure you book as soon as possible.  If you any problems making reservations please ask for Jennifer Campbell.Here is a link to the information flier for the workshop Florida 2012

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Educational, Macro, Photography, Presentations, Stacked Image, Workshops Educational, Macro, Photography, Presentations, Stacked Image, Workshops

Comments from this weekend's Macro and Close-up workshop participants

I would like to express my sincerest thanks to all the participants who attended the workshop this weekend.  Most of all thanks for your wonderful comments - I am glad you all came away with something of value from the session.Comments from the participants:Shiv is a very knowledgeable photography instructor. He presents his material so that everyone can understand the concepts. He was very thorough and open to answering students' questions. He gave out a lot of useful, practical information that was well worth the price of the course.This workshop was fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to learn about Macro or Micro Photography.Nothing beats this small group format for a workshop. It really provides a one on one feeling in addition to getting to practice what you learned with your peers. All this plus having someone there with Shiv's expertise to answer and questions, which he encourages you to ask, makes for a great learning experience. I would do this again in a heartbeat. -MattThis workshop was very informative from the presentation right through to the hands on. Shiv's skill as a workshop leader comes with his ability to articulate difficult concepts in a way for the lay person to understand. I highly recommend!!The information flowed well-the presentation was easy to follow. hands on with instructor assistance was outstanding. I would attend another seminar/workshop by Shiv any time. Bob B.Your work lead me to believe that I could learn something from you. Just didn't realize how much. You packed a lot into this workshop....well worth the price.Really enjoyed this and would do it again in a heartbeat.After attending many workshops, this is one of the best. Concepts around macro shooting are difficult to understand and your examples were clear and helped me immensely! I truly appreciate your ability to articulate a concept clearly and concisely. Thanks for a great day...inviting house, lunch and lots of things to work on!I particularly like how other participants more experienced help out those with less. I felt people were not intimated at all and were free to acknowledge their weaknesses and learn...you helped a great deal with that by announcing that no question was weak...everyone learns something.Depending on one's own level of experience...more experienced photographer will get more and those with less, get less but everyone comes away with something...a sign of success in my book. No presenter can meet everyone's needs but can make an impact even in a small way.The presentation included a lot more detail and information than I expected.

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Photography, Presentations, Workshops Photography, Presentations, Workshops

Checking for Monitor Reproduction

Last evening I presented "Screen to Paper" at the Gateway Camera Club.  A number of members and guests requested verification charts for monitor calibration.  So here is a brief and the charts.Shadow Reproduction:Create a Photoshop image as in the image below;  It is a square with three levels of grey:  RGB 0 0 0, 8 8 8, and 12 12 12. Macke sure that your monitor can resolve all three levelsBrightness & ContrastUse the following chart to ensure that the Brightness and Contrast settings are correct.  Each band should be distinct and visibly separate from its neighbor.Now using Photoshop create a 6 inch by 1 inch Photoshop image at 72 ppi.  Using the the gradient tool to create a gradient from black (RGB 0 0 0) to white (256 256 256).  Make sure that the shadows and highlights can be resolved.  There should be no banding or breaks in the display.Color VerificationThe three primary color charts are for reference.  You should be be seeing the full range of color steps as in the grayscale chart above.  Unlike the grayscale chart the extreme ends on the primary color charts ale less distinguishable.  Please do not use these charts to make color adjustments.  they are provided for verification only.All the charts are available as a zip file that can be downloaded. Click Here.

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Educational, Macro, Photography, Presentations, Stacked Image, Workshops Educational, Macro, Photography, Presentations, Stacked Image, Workshops

Macro & Close-up Photography Repeat Session - March 11, 2012

Black Eye Susan Stacked Focus Result

I will be repeating the 1 day Macro and Close-up photography workshop on Sunday March 11, 2012.  We will start at 9:30 AM and conclude at 5:00 PM.  A pizza lunch is included.In this macro photography workshop you will learn how to take beautiful macro photos like a pro. You’ll be able to take eye catching macro and close-up photos with great detail and sharpness.Click on this Macro & Closeup March 11 link for full details and a description of the program.

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NIK Silver Efex Pro 2 - Demo - December 16th

On December 16, 2011 I will be demonstrating NIK Silver Efex Pro 2 at Hunt's in Hanover during their CANON DAY.  Silver Efex Pro 2 will be available for purchase at an unbelievable price of $119.99 for the full version and as a free upgrade if you already own version 1 – this is a $100 discount.  You must come to the store to avail of these prices.Hunt’s will be featuring the new PRO-1 CANON INKJET PRINTER. There will be 2 Canon representatives on hand to answer questions you might have about any inkjet printers from Canon.If you have an interest in black and white prints, the Canon PRO-1 will give you tremendous results. Bring in a couple of files, preferably "black and white", to print out on the new PRO-1 or bring in a RAW file that you would like worked on and I will show you how to make a great monochromatic image suitable for printing.If you do not have a good B&W conversion software application go to www.niksoftware.com and download the trial version of SILVER EFEX PRO. Use this to prep your images that you bring to be printed.Hunts is located at 1207 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339
  Phone: 781-312-1169

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Africa Photo Safari - Nov 2013

We have just finalized the plans and itinerary for the Africa Photo Safari to Namibia and Botswana.  The safari is limited to a minimum of 9 participants and a maximum of 11.  Due mainly to the high season in this region reservations and an initial deposit is required by the end of November.Africa 2013 PDF BrochureAll the details are in the documents as follows:Africa 2013Registration Form SVP AfricaEnrollment SVP AfricaRelease Form SVP

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Glorious Acadia Workshop Report

It sure has been a crazy week - returned from a fabulous 3 day workshop in Acadia.  Despite all the issues with the hotel closing we got rooms at a decent motel one mile from the park entrance.  Some rain the first afternoon resulted in staying indoors but the next two days were perfect.  The winds on Saturday were a force to be reckoned with.  It was impossible to keep the camera steady with constant gusts.Here are a two more images.This was shot with a 2 second exposure to tame the ocean a bit. One bit of creativity:

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Educational, Workshops Educational, Workshops

New Hampshire Fall Workshop Report

Overall the workshop turned out great.  Friday was a bit of a disapointment with very little color along the Kankamagus Higway.  The second day we went up North through Bethlehem, Lancaster, Stark and Gorham.  The foliage was good as were the birch trees in Gorham.    Day three was also up North but not as far as the previous day. Most of the time we explored the Crawford Notch area and ended the day in Pinkham Notch.  Columbus day was spent on the Kankamagus which was now in full glory.  What a dramatic change in two days. Speaking to friend and fell photographer who had gone up yesterday - the colors are gone and the trees are brown.  This is the strangest and most rapid change-over I have ever seen.Here are some images from the trip:[slideshow]

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Educational, Uncategorized, Workshops Educational, Uncategorized, Workshops

The Light of Cape Cod

An excellent three day workshop in the Cape. An intimate group of seven photographers had a great time shooting the incredible light of Cape Cod.  We wound down each day with wine and cheese, image viewing, lessons and laughter.  The mornings were rainy but evolved into beautiful defuse light for the rest of the day.  Evenings presented us with phenomenal color and spectacular sunsets.  Will post participants' images next week.Here are some that I captured:

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Photographs, Workshops Photographs, Workshops

ALASKA - Lake Clark

Have been so busy with the workshops and collecting entries for the PSA International that I have had barely any time to review and process the images from the Alaska Tour.  Blogging for each day may not be feasible so I will cover the trip in short individual blogs interspersed with all my other crazy activities.  Part one of the tour was Lake Clark a relatively small area Southwest of Anchorage.  Lake Clark is at the junction of three mountain ranges with two volcanoes Iliama and Redoubt.  The east coast has rain forests while the West is is tundra and lakes.  There are no roads to the park so we flew in from Anchorage in small planes that landed on the beach.Day one, as we approached the the lodge, high in the pines we sighted our first Bald Eagle. 

Bald Eagle - Day 1

After a quick instructional lecture we headed off to vast areas of  sedges and beach.  The later part of June is too early for salmon runs so the Coastal Brown Bear feed on sedge grass and will also go the the beach to hunt for clams.  the following are a few Coastal Brown Bears from Day 1.

Coastal Brown Bear eating sedge

Coastal Brown Bear Searching for Clams

Sow and First Year Cub Playing in Sedges

Day two to follow soon................. 

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Educational, Flowers, Photographs, Stacked Image, Workshops Educational, Flowers, Photographs, Stacked Image, Workshops

Plymouth - Macro & Close-up - Part 1

Despite poor weather I had a great turnout for Part 1 of a two part series on Macro and CLose-up photography.  65 plus attended.  Great feedback from the participants.  Part 2 (the hand on session) will be this weekend and as there is a sizable waiting list,  August 20 will be a repeat of Part 2.  Thanks to Amy  Davies and Graham Custard for organizing the program and a big thank you to all who attended.A few comments from part one as posted on the Plymouth Groups web:

  • I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture, punctuated with examples and humor. It reminded me of my University days, listening to a professor, a true master and genius in his own specialty. A privilege to attend and absorb the information. But .... I have so far to travel in this macro journey !
  • Great presentation; a lot of information to look over. I can't wait to go to Part II and actually do what Shiv was talking about.
  • Very interesting and I learned alot
  • While Shiv was clear and precise and had a lot of information to give it was way beyond anything I would venture into......but thank you for inviting him to share his EXPERT knowledge with all of us.....thank YOU Shiv.........
  •  Thanks, Shiv! I appreciated all the tips that you had to offer and look forward to learning how it is all done on Saturday! Thanks once again, Amy for opening yet another wonderful venue for all of us at PDP !
  • Very well organized! Looking forward to class on Saturday!
  •  A very enlightening evening! If I heard Shiv correctly, I need to pack some aluminum foil, my granite counter top, and toothpicks for Saturday's shoot. I may add a camera just in case.
  • Excellent presentation. Filled with tons of details about macro and photography in general. I left with a number of new insights.
  • Still trying to process all of the information given out tonite, it was wonderful, intereting, entertaining, what a skilled professional!
  • Excellent presentation. Hopefully will be able to participate in the 2nd part to this lecture when it is scheduled again.
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Educational, Macro, News, Photographs, Stacked Image, Workshops Educational, Macro, News, Photographs, Stacked Image, Workshops

Macro & Close-Up Photography Workshop - Cape Cod Art Association - July 24, 2011

The workshop at the Cape Cod Art Association was a great day despite the occasional rain that did prevent the attendees from photographing in the rain.  Rain drop covered flowers and grasses made for some beautiful images.  Will post a few images created by the attendees when the submit.Below are a few quotes from the attendees:"I thought I knew something about macro photography. This class showed me I had a lot more to learn. Having both classroom and hands on was valuable as was then looking at the work. I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop!""Close Up photography has always been a challenge for me. This course was very helpful in better understanding macro techniques and the various camera accessories that are available to further enhance the effort. I am finally able to look forward to taking close up photos with confidence and enthusiasm."

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