BosStrap LLC to sponsor Iceland 2
I am so happy to announce that BosStrap is sponsoring the Iceland 2 Photo Tour and Workshop. The designers of the original BosStrap Camera Sling System now have the full range of sling straps for you professional DSLR to your Point and Shoot cameras. The BosStrap is MADE IN AMERICA - here is a link to their web site:
All my camera bodies are equipped with the BosStrap - they are light, strong and so very convenient - read more on their website and support American Made.
December 2012 - One Day Workshops
The One-Day workshops for December 2012 are now available. Please reserve your spot early as these do fill up fast.Click Here to be directed to the One Day Workshop Page and the reservation form. Call 617.759.0010 if you have any questions.
The Light of Cape Cod - Fall Workshop
The last of the New England location workshops is over and it was a great one.Despite the poor forecast we lucked out and had great weather, beautiful skies and great clouds. The Cape is truly an awesome place with beautiful light all year round. The tourist can become a bit much so we plan our workshops "OFF SEASON" in the spring and the fall - it is quiet and no traffic to deal with.As usual we planned our days based on the weather, the tides, sunrise and sunsets. We covered the Cape from Brewster and Orleans all the way to Province Town. Some of the most dramatic clouds and skies were in the Dunes in Truro.We were hoping for more fall colors around the Brewster Grist Mill but it was minimal yet made for great photography.There are two workshops in Cape Cod next year so check out the schedule and start planning now.
An Image Found
It was a strange day with no internet, no phone and no TV. Spent time discarding a number of images form my library when I came across this one. This was shot this past summer at Buttonwood Farm in Connecticut.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Just realized I had not posted this image on my blog. The image was captured on the last evening in San Francisco, Sept 30, 2012. It was an unusual evening the temperature was a balmy 82 degrees and no breeze so I headed out to Marin Headlands. There was no fog, no clouds, a night after full moon, a calm bay, tons of mosquitos but fun. This is stitched this panorama. At 240 DPI this is 74 inches long.
Glorious Acadia - Fall Workshop
Got back late last night after a wonderful 3 1/2 days in the Bar Harbor region. A great group of photographers and tremendous learning experience for all.The first (Friday) evening was tricky atop Cadillac Mountain with strong gusts and a cloud/fog cover that was constantly obscuring the views. This was not wispy fog but pea soup.
The forecast was not the best for the next two days but we sure did luck out with near perfect days and rain only after sunset.The following are in camera captures:
How can one go to Acadia and not shoot Monument Beach at sunrise.
Sunday evening we drove over to the Blue Hills region for cocktails and wine with some very close friends. The boat house is one of my favorites. This following image was textured with two textures and then I used the Oil Painting filter in PS6 not only to give it more texture but to add dimension and depth.
Yosemite & Mono Lake - Day 5
Early morning trip back to the lake to photograph the tufas at sunrise. One good thing as the water level rises the walk to the edge of Mono Lake will be shorter but the bad thing is that you will not be able to get as close as you can today.A quick breakfast and we headed out to the Ghost Town of Bodie. After a long drive we realized the back road into Bodie was no longer accessible and a new gold mining company owns the property and has closed assess. We back tracked and arrived around lunch time. It is impossible to photograph all that Bodie has to offer in a day but you do what you can.These two images of the church interior were photographed through large opening wire mesh.
This final image is modified to give the impression of evening (at mid afternoon)
Plans to photograph the Tufa Towers at sunset and then the full moon did not materialize as dark clouds rolled in preventing any image capture.
Yosemite & Mono Lake Day 4
A leisurely breakfast and we check out for a trip across the Tioga Pass from Yosemite to Mono Lake. On the way there we stopped briefly at Olmstead Point and arrived in Lee Vining. The Mono Lake visitor center is very interesting and full of great information about the history of the Lake, how humans nearly destroyed it and how a California Act will permit its recovery restoring the balance of salt and water that is so essential to the lake.On the north side of the lake there is a nature center and a boardwalk that takes you to the lake shore. This is a very unique area that attracts migratory shore birds and a place where 90% of the California gulls come to breed. Mono Lake is 10% salt and so does not support any fish life. The only forms of life are the Brine Shrimp and the Alkaline Flies (millions of them). The gulls appear to feed primarily on the flies and the rest feed on the shrimp. This time of year the bird species are: Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, green wing teal, mallards, eared Greebe, Wilson's Phalarope to name a few. You do need 400 mm or more to get a decent image.The evening was devoted to tufa tower photography. We captured images before the sun set, at sunset and subsequently after dark when we did some light painting.
It was worth waiting for the after glow.
How can one resist some light painting. The temperature of the light on the tufa towers has such a a varied impact. 
Yosemite & Mono Lake Day 2 & 3
After a leisurely start we headed to the valley to see if there was any water at Bridal Veil falls. No such luck there was a trickle but even that allowed us to see the magnitude of the height and widths of Bridal Veil as wing sways the falls from side to side. We drove one way loop photographing the iconic landscapes and finally got to the Merced river bed at Cathedral Beach to photograph El Capitan and its reflections. The first image is of Don photographing El Capitan while the second is an unobstructed view with the reflection in the river. The Merced is quit dry at this time and give some new opportunities to capture images from the river bed.
A reflection of El Capitan.
We did a fe more locations including the views from Swinging Bridge and the river bed below.
After lunch at the Mountain Room we went to the Meadows across Sentinel bridge in preparation for a sunset image of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge.
Day 3 - A significant forest fire has been burning near the Cascades. The fire started as a result of a lightning strike and has been burning since mid June. The firs two days were not impacted but this morning the smoke was evident as it blew into the valley. The haze created by the smoke makes of difficult photography.
After a day photographing from various vistas we headed out to Washburn and Glacier Points.
A 10 image panorama of the view from Washburn Point:
- Half Dome at Sunset - Washburn Point
Yosemite and Mono Lake Workshop Day 1
After driving from San Francisco to the Yosemite Valley - our first destination was to capture "Tunnel View" at sunset. i will be posting images that were captured by participants as I receive them. I shill have a few spots open for the next two workshops in Acadia and the Cape.The weather was exceptional and the clouds were perfect for photography. The first image is a late sunset image where the light is just kissing the top of El Capitan:
This second image is from the same location capturing the brilliant after glow:
The flight path over the valley will ruin most images but on occasion a dissipating con trail can be an interesting feature:
This next image is a 20 second exposure of the "blue hour" looking left from Tunnel View:
Before packing up and returning for dinner I decoded to shoot one more image to capture the valley and the stars. The face of El Capitan and Half Dome show the lights from climbers headlamps as the bed down on the rock face for the night.
California - September 2012 PSA Conference
September 30, 2012 - It is good to be back in San Francisco with a decent internet connection. I took a few images during the conference in and around Golden Gate Park and the Headlands. Will be posting images from the Yosemite and Mono Lake workshop in a subsequent post.
2013 Workshops and Photo Tour additions
As the first Iceland Photo Tour and Workshop is full, we are adding a second workshop in January. Details below. In addition the 2013 SW Florida workshop will be held March 16th to the 23rd, 2013. Followed by the Spring workshop in the Smoky Mountans and Cades Cove. The May 2012 Cape Cod Workshop was over subscribed and a huge success so we have a May 3 to 5 Light of Cape Cod workshop for 2013 followed by a mid spring workshop to Yosemite and Monolake. Two post PSA Conference workshops to Acadia and the Cape followed by a Fall workshop in Acadia. Additional workshops and photo tours are planned for Africa and the Bosque, details to follow.More information is on the Workshop page of this web site.January 25 – 31 Iceland Aurora and Winter Landscape This is a second workshop as the first workshop is over subscribed. Co-Leader Olgeir Andresson - The northern lights rank at the very top of the night sky's most awe-inspiring phenomena. In 2013, the flickering curtains of dancing light known as aurora borealis are anticipated to be the most vibrant and spectacular. These magical lights are just one of the many photographic opportunities on this workshop and tour. Please book early as the last workshop filled to capacity in a few days. Click Here for DetailsFeb 15 – March 11 India Click Here for DetailsMarch 16 – 23 Southwest Florida – Little Estero, Sanibel, Venice, Marco Island Florida is famous for bird photography. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Little Estero Lagoon and the Venice Rookery are some the finest locations and provide us plenty of great opportunities to capture great wildlife images. Click Here For DetailsApril 20–26 Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity—over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants are found in the park, more than in any other North American national park. In fact, the park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” Click Here for DetailsMay 3 - 5 The Light of Cape Cod – Spring in Cape Cod is a time where the cape has some of the most spectacular light and rovides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes. We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and wildlife (including migratory birds). Click Here for DetailsMay 18 - 25 Yosemite in the Spring & Monolake Photographing the phenomenal grand vistas of Yosemite. Half Dome, El Capitan, the Tunnel View and Mirror Lake. The springtime snow-fed waterfalls will be in full glory as will the the dogwoods and other spring blooms. This is the time of year for the most incredible light both morning and evening.(Awaiting Hotel Confirmations)POST PSA Conference Photo Tour/WorkshopsSept 22 to 26 Glorious Acadia – Acadia National Park fall and coastal scenery photography workshop is an exciting opportunity for photographers of all levels enhance their skills capturing what Acadia presents. October is a unique month with unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods, berries and reflections. The rugged coastal scenic are exceptional for both sunrise and sunset. Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques. Click Here for DetailsSeptember 26 - 29 The Light of Cape Cod – Early fall in Cape Cod is truly spectacular. The Cape provides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes and the light in late September is exceptional. We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and wildlife (including migratory birds). Click Here for DetailsOctober 18 to 21 Glorious Acadia –Acadia National Park fall and coastal scenery photography workshop is an exciting opportunity for photographers of all levels. October is a unique month with unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods, berries and reflections.Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques. Click Here for Details
Iceland - possible second trip
First here is an image of the Aurora captured by by my co-leader Olgeir. All I can say is wow and cant wait to be there in Jan. Given the demand, if I have at least six photographers willing to go I will arrange a second trip in late March after my SW Florida Bird Workshop. So email or call me soon if you are interested.
Spring Wild Flowers - Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove - Workshop
Announcing the Smoky Mountains/Cades Cove Workshop - April 20 to 26, 2013.Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity—over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants are found in the park, more than in any other North American national park. In fact, the park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” From the earliest hepaticas and spring-beauties in the late winter to the last asters in the late fall, blooming flowers can be found year-round in the park. Wildlife is fairly abundant in Cades Cove and we will have opportunities if lucky, to photograph bears. There is approximately one bear per square mile in the Great Smoky Mountain National park although they are rarely seen except in Cades Cove. Other wildlife include bobcats, both red and gray foxes, coyotes, beavers raccoons, red wolves and the river otter. Elk have been reintroduced in Cades Cove and white-tailed deer are abundant.If you are interested in driving from MA, RI or the vicinity we can split the cost of the car rental and gas and save on air and car rentals in the smokies. The total cost is approx $1000 that can be split 4 ways.
Other workshops and photo tours for 2012 and 2013 are on the Workshop tab of the site.
The Light of Cape Cod - Fall Workshop
October 19 to October 22 (three or four days, your choice)Mid Fall in Cape Cod is a multi faceted photo opportunity with truly spectacular scenics and some wildlife. The tourists have all gone, the Oyster festival is over and traffic is not a nightmare. This very special workshop is for all levels of photographers from beginner to advanced. The Cape provides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes and the light during fall is exceptional. We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and some wildlife (including migratory birds).Click Here for a PDF with more information.Registration forms are available on the workshop section of this site or click here
- Outgoing Tide and Marsh Grass
Glorious Acadia - Fall Photo Tour and Workshop - Oct 5 - 8, 2012
Glorious Acadia - Workshop - Bar Harbor, MaineOctober 5 to October 8, 2012
Acadia National Park fall and coastal scenery photography workshop is an exciting opportunity for photographers of all levels enhance their skills capturing what Acadia presents. October is a unique month with unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods, berries and reflections. The rugged coastal scenic are exceptional for both sunrise and sunset. Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques.Excellent hotel accommodations and rates have been arranged and we expect another full house.
I learned a lot about digital photography from this hands-on, highly flexible workshop, and met a great network of people with a shared interest in becoming better photographers.
It was a wonderful experience to be around the two of you. We learned so much. Both technically as well as rushing up our concepts. We also really value the personal touch. Thank you.Click here for details - Acadia WorkshopPlease go to the workshop link for the necessary forms.
India Photo Workshops and Tours - February and March 2013
After a very successful trip this past February we now have a trip that gives you a unique opportunity to photograph three endangered species, The Asiatic Lions, Wild Asses and Black Buck. In addition to these mammals we will have opportunities to photograph over 300 species of birds, other mammals, reptiles and insects. We will photograph ancient monuments including the Taj Mahal, and have a lot of opportunity to photograph village people and their ways.
Iceland - Aurora Borealis and Winter Landscape Photo Tour & Workshop
After extensive research and planning the photo tour and workshop to capture the Aurora Borealis and the beautiful Icelandic landscapes is ready. The tour starts in Reykjavik on January 19 and concludes January 25, 2013. You do not want to miss this opportunity.I have teamed up with a world famous photographer Olgeir Andresson who has made photographing the Aurora his hallmark. He won the highest honor of photographer of the year in the Danish Zoom Magazine and his work has been shown in Times Square in New York sponsored by Kodak. You will not find a more experienced Northern Lights’ photographer.Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice – is an experience for non-photographers and photographers alike. In addition to the Aurora, we will have opportunities to capture mighty glaciers, waterfalls and spouting geysers. Majestic mountains, magnificent coastlines and smoking volcanoes.We are now in the period known as 'Solar Max'. This means that sunspot activity which produces the aurora borealis is heightened, offering more chances to see the northern lights. Solar Max happens every 11 years in accordance with the solar cycle.More information is in the brochure and links to the registration forms are available from the workshop pageClick here for a PDF Brochure
Canon Releases EOS 7D Firmware version 2.0
Canon finally released its significant upgrade/update to the EOS 7D.The firmware can be downloaded from this linkVersion 2 of the firmware will provide users of this body the following:Speed, the 7D will now shoot 130 Large/Fine JPEGs or 25 RAW. This compared to 126 and 15. The big jump is for RAW files. The shooting rate remains at 8 fps.The 7D will now be compatible with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2 using the 7D’s USB connector. GEO Tagging is not possible with Video.For Video buffs the camera will provid custom audio recording. The firmware will enable manual control of sound recording levels in 64 steps. Visual indicators will warn you of custom recording.Something that Nikon has had now will be available in the 7D. Customization for Auto ISO in M, P, TV, AV and B modes. You will be able to set upper limits up to ISO 6400. The 7D will always auto adjust ISO for best exposure.The firmware will now allow in camera processing to modify White Balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Noise Reduction, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, Distortion Correction and Lens Aberration Correction to RAW images capture.JPEG images can be resized in camera from “L” to “M “ and from “M” to “S” JPEG.An in camera rating system will be available. A five step star rating will be available during image playback/review.Using the “Q” or quick control button you will now be able to apply protection to images, rotate and resize then, see the highlight alerts and AF point displays.A real neat feature with this upgrade is custom file naming. You will be able to set the first four characters of the file name, no more _IMG. Image quality can be applied to the file name too.How about this: “time zone settings”, you can not only define time zones, but also daylight savings time.Significant improvements in the speed of scrolling images that have been magnified for review.
Bosque del Apache & White Sands - Nov 23 to 29, 2012
The Bosque del Apache and White Sands Workshop and Photo Tour planning is done and we are ready for enrollment. Workshops fill up fast so book early.
Bosque del Apache which translates to Woods of the Apache is a most spectacular congregation of birds. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a 57,331-acre wildlife oasis of upland desert and floodplain that was established in 1939. The refuge is located in south-central New Mexico about one hour from Albuquerque. The Rio Grande flows through the area providing water to the refuge. Close to 15,000 Sandhill Cranes and over 30,000 Snow and Ross’s Geese migrate here for the winter.The refuge is an ideal location to capture large flocks of snow geese, particularly when they are flushed by the presence of a predator. At dusk numerous flights of geese and cranes return to the refuge to roost, making for great evening “birdscapes.” At dawn, the “Fly Out” is another phenomenal experience. In addition to these magnificent birds, opportunities to photograph wild turkeys, pheasants, roadrunners, owls, golden eagles and bald eagles abound. Mammals like the coyote and black tailed deer are also presentThe late November tour serves up the opportunity for autumn colors and potential for some light snow cover.We will spend the majority of our time at the refuge but will head out to photograph White Sands National Monument. The gypsum sand dunes stretch for miles and we will spend a day to capture the dunes in the early morning and evening light with the full moon as a bonus.CLICK HERE for a PDF document with full details and the itinerary.