Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case Mini Review

Harris's Hawk  (Parabuteo unicinctus, Buse de Harris,HASH) Martin Refuge, Edinburg, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, Jobu Jr. 3 (save 15% OFF use the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE) & tripod. ISO 1,000, F6.3 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Here's a Harris's Hawk from my trip to the best place in Texas to photograph them, and Crested Caracaras. I'm putting the finishing touches on a new five day workshop at some of Texas' finest ranches for next April - stay tuned for more.

Ridiculous: Last minute workshop deals

I have had a few spots open up in upcoming workshops due to illness. Please contact me by email chris(at)chrisdoddsphoto.com, or phone (450) 827-1007 for a ridiculous offer if you are able to travel at short notice.

Gannets Galore on Bonaventure Island June 15-17, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 1 to 3, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 5-7, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness

Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case Mini Review

The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case is simply the most well designed, and well built protection for your iPad II. This case is made of an inner polycarbonate shell, covered with a shock absorbing layer of silicone. The silicone outer layer makes it easy to hang-on to, and helps prevent it from slipping out of your grip. The included, self-adhering clear film to protect the surface of the screen is far superior to, and much more appealing than most third party screen protectors. The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case includes a polycarbonate snap-on face-plate to protect the screen when not in use, which doubles as a stand that can hold the iPad II at two different viewing angles.
All-in-all, the Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case is bigger and heavier than most sleek designer cases, but it does protect the device like no other! A must have for anyone venturing out in the field with their iPad II (or anyone at home who has ever accidentally dropped a device - smile).

HALF is TWICE as good - JOBU Jr 3

Burrowing Owl PORTRAIT  (Athene cunicularia, Chevêche des terriers, BUOW) Cape Coral, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III & Canon 25mm Extension Tube. Jobu Jr. 3 & tripod. ISO 400, F11 @1/320s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

HALF is TWICE as good!

I was sitting here, in front of my computer, thinking of concepts to help remind people how to make better images, when it suddenly dawned on me: HALF is TWICE as good! Well, it’s no brilliant marketing slogan, but as a concept, I think it works.

Take half the pictures, but spend twice the time composing each one; your images will, most likely, be twice as good. It's a simple principle; make the image, instead of taking the picture.

Take half the number of trips, and spend twice as much time photographing in each place; sounds simple enough, right? But imagine how much more you will learn about the place, the culture, your subject and it’s behavior. If you are shooting landscapes, you will learn about the weather, the light and how the light interacts with the scene. If you are shooting wildlife, then you will develop an intimate knowledge of your subject, it’s behavior and it’s habits. Guess what? You will probably make images that are; you guessed it, twice as good!

Keep half the pictures and those you keep will be twice as good? Well, I’m not certain that this one is true, but I am always telling people to edit, edit, edit! People tend to take so many pictures these days, and I cringe every time someone wants to show me pictures from a trip, birthday or event; they want me to sit there and see all of them! For crying out loud people: keep the best and trash the rest!

My new LOVE: Meet JR.

I confess: I’ve been using the Jobu JR. 3 Compact Gimbal Head since April, and although I got one to reduce space and weight while travelling on aircraft, I haven’t been able to use anything else since! As you all know, I have owned, and used, a Wimberley gimbal head forever. I have tried many other makes and models of gimbal head that are smaller and lighter, but never found anything that I could even settle for. The Jobu Jr. 3 was designed for smaller lenses like the 70-200mm f/2.8, 300mm f/2.8, 100-400mm and 400mm DO, etc., but I have been using mine exclusively since I left for Texas in early April; It works remarkably well with my 500mm F4 IS L, even when working with the 1.4 or 2X extenders! The level of customer service, after sale support and engineering expertise from Jobu is unmatched in the industry today!

At HALF the size and less than HALF the weight of the Wimberley Head II (23 ounces or .65 kilograms VS. 60 ounces or 1.4 kilograms), the Jobu Jr. 3 has become my main tripod head!

I have also developed a love for their one piece flash bracket, so be sure to check that out as well.

I'm thrilled to announce that I am an official distributor of the Jobu line, and have forged a terric partnership with them. Jobu heads, flash brackets and assorted items will be available for you to test-drive and purchase on all of my Canadian workshops, presentations and lectures.

Workshop updates & FREE JOBU JR.3!:

This is a tough business, I have had a few people cancel at the last minute due to illness recently, leaving some new openings is what were full workshops.

Gannets Galore on Bonaventure Island June 15-17, 2011 - 2 spots due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 1 to 3, 2011 - 2 spots due to illness.

Puffins Galore July 5-7, 2011 - 1 spot due to illness

When it's Bright; Work Tight - American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher PORTRAIT  (Haematopus palliatus, Huîtrier d'Amérique, AMOY)  Fort DeSoto Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III & Canon 25mm Extension Tube. ISO 400, F10 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

When it's bright; work tight!

Let's face it; as much as we might like it, the light isn't always soft and golden. Those times I find myself out with my camera in bright, harsh light, I always work close with big glass to make the best of what light there is. The American Oystercatcher is a spectacular bird, one that's hard to stay away from when on a beach with my camera. I arrived on the beach early to scout out what was worth my time, and discovered the most co-operative pair of Oystercatchers standing against strong, sand laden winds. I immediately noticed their beaks were covered with sand, but also saw that I could manage to get a nice background by getting down low, and including the out of focus grass covered dune in the background. Sand, like snow, reflects a lot of light back into the shadowed areas of the image, reducing contrast and opening-up details that otherwise would be lost. Rather than passing up the shot, I worked what was there.

Later that same day, I rediscovered the same birds I had worked earlier, this time presenting with the sand rinsed off their beaks, and in spectacular light.

American Oystercatcher SUNSET PORTRAIT  (Haematopus palliatus, Huîtrier d'Amérique, AMOY)  Fort DeSoto Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III & Canon 25mm Extension Tube. ISO 400, F10 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

American Oystercatcher SUNSET SURF  (Haematopus palliatus, Huîtrier d'Amérique, AMOY)  Fort DeSoto Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 400, F10 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Alligator YAWN and Silver Efex Pro 2

American Alligator YAWN Alligator mississippiensis,  World Birding Center, South Padre Island, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 800, F9 @1/200s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

American Alligator YAWN Alligator mississippiensis,  World Birding Center, South Padre Island, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 800, F9 @1/200s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY!

After submitting the color image of this American Alligator from a recent trip to Texas, the photo editor immediately wanted to know if I could make the image look vintage for a story he was writing about the history of Alligator skin trade. I quickly opened the image and applied the Antique Plate I preset from Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro 2, and shot him another email. Long story short; SOLD! (as a two page spread). It literally took seconds to make the sale; as long as it took to make just a few mouse clicks. Because I was so fast, the photo editor quickly made his choice and moved on to his next task. Having the right software, at the right time, helped solidify the deal and save me and the photo editor a load of precious time; it meant I got the sale. As I sat playing with Silver Efex Pro, I kept thinking of the possibilities and started playing with old files. A fun distraction!

Histogram, Details and Viveza 2.0

Northern Gannets PREENING (Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS,  Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 250, F20 @1/320s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Chris, I am a huge fan of your work and consider it the very best bird photography out there; bar none! I have been a photographer for 30 years, and wonder if you would share how you achieve such amazing details in the whitest feathers; the details that seem impossible for me to capture. I am always blown-away when I visit your works, and I delight in every moment on your site. Many thanks and keep up the great work - Art W.

Art, thank you for your kind words. I will try to keep my answer simple.

The key to getting the most out of your digital camera is exposing the image correctly, as you probably know. I expose “to the right”, but make a huge effort not to have any data touching the right side of the histogram.

With only a little experience, a quick glance at the histogram can tell you if the exposure is correct, and give you and idea of the general appearance of the image; are the highlights blown? Is there enough shadow detail? – It’s all in the histogram.

 The histogram is a tool available on most digital cameras. It is a graph, which maps the luminosity (or brightness) values of your image, from black at left to white at right. The number of pixels at any given value are represented by the height of that value’s column. Once accustomed to reviewing the histogram, analyzing the data contained in it becomes second nature. It is the only way to know if you have exposed your image properly.

I’ll save you the boring science and details, but the idea of exposing to the right is a theory that capitalizes on the fact that the right side of the histogram contains more data than the left; there is more data in the whites, than in the blacks – much more. By overexposing the image slightly, and adjusting its brightness (or exposure) while converting the RAW image after capture, there is more data or details in the image. Conversely, if you were to underexpose an image and try to brighten the image after capture, then you would introduce noise, rather than detail, which was not captured in your RAW file. You have to be very careful not to push the whites up against the right of the histogram, or you risk loosing detail.

A good workflow post capture is another critical key to maximizing any detail contained in the RAW image. I typically use Photoshop to adjust contrast, boost saturation and add a little sharpness. My master .tiff is not created until I use Nik Software's Viveza 2. Viveza 2 is powerful engine that (among other things) adds targeted tonal contrast to any whites via the structure slider – be careful, it’s easy to overdo the adjustment.

 

Image of Histogram of the PROPERLY EXPOSED image above on the camera's LCD screen - The data is to the right of the histogram, but does not show any sign of over-exposure; there is no data touching the right edge of the graph. 

 

Histogram of the same image when opened in Adobe Camera Raw for conversion without any adjustments.

MEEP! MEEP! The Greater Roadrunner

Greater Roadrunner PORTRAIT Geococcyx californianus, Grand Géocoucou GRRO (Also known as: chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, snake killer) Laguna Seca Ranch, Linn, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III . ISO 250, F9 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Greater Roadrunner MEEP! MEEP! Geococcyx californianus, Grand Géocoucou GRRO (Also known as: chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, snake killer) Laguna Seca Ranch, Linn, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III . ISO 250, F9 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

I'm just in the door from yet another fantastic trip; this time to Florida. The Ospreys Galore workshop / safari was a huge success, with 60% repeat clients. I've got tons of new images and new workshops to share over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for some regular updates. In the meantime, here's a couple of Greater Roadrunner images from Laguna Seca Ranch near Lynn, Texas . After many attempts to capture a Roadrunner running straight at me, I was thrilled to finally figure it out at an amazing ranch - stay tuned for more details for Texas workshops next April. The key to these images are a dugout blind and the distant background.

The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus, Grand Géocoucou, GRRO)gets its English name from its great running ability. The Greater Roadrunner, taxonomically classified as Geococcyx californianus, meaning "Californian Earth-cuckoo," is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae. It is one of the two roadrunner species in the genus Geococcyx; the other is the Lesser Roadrunner. This roadrunner is also known as the chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, and snake killer. When it is startled it will run rather than fly. It is a poor flyer but can run at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour (24 KM/H). It uses its long tail as a type of rudder to help it keep its balance while running.
The greater roadrunner is a member of the cuckoo family. It is a ground bird that is about two feet in length. It has speckled brown and black feathers on its back and wings and a lighter throat and chest with dark stripes. It has long legs, a very long tail and yellow eyes. It has a crest on its head  and the male has a red and blue patch of skin on the side of its head. The greater roadrunner can be found in   California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is also found in Mexico. The greater roadrunner is most common in desert areas, but it can also be found in chaparral, grasslands, open woodlands and agricultural areas. It's diet consists mainly of small snakes, lizards, mice, scorpions, spiders, ground nesting birds and insects. It also eats fruits and seeds. The female lays three to six eggs in a stick nest lined with grass. The nest is usually placed in a low tree, bush, thicket or cactus 3-15 feet above the ground. Males do most of the incubating because they keep a normal body temperature at night. The female's body temperature drops at night. If a predator comes too close to the nest, the male will run in a crouch until he is a short distance away from the nest. He then will stand up, raise and lower the crest on his head, flash the blue and red patches on the sides of his head and call out in an attempt to lure the predator away from the nest. The chicks hatch in about 20 days. Both parents care for the young. The chicks leave the nest when they are 18 days old and can feed themselves when they are 21 days old.

Great Horny Toads! The Texas Horned Lizard

Texas Horned Lizard Phrynosoma cornutum (Also known as: Great Horney Toad, Horned Toad, Horny Toad, Horned Frog) Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III  Hand-held grab shot. ISO 400, F8 @1/2000s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

I'm just back from an awesome trip to Texas, and preparing to leave for Florida. I was thrilled to discover this Texas Horned Lizard on a path near the visitor centre after spending the morning photographing birds at Estero Llano Grande State Park. The Park interpreter that I spoke to had only seen this species in the park on two other occasions. Because my tripod was set-up at it's maximum height, and I knew there was a chance the Horned Lizard would run for cover before I could lower it, I quickly removed my camera from the tripod and used my knee (in the crouching position) to stabilize the rig. I pulled off three frames before it took-off (only because someone walked toward it from the opposite side), this is the only one of those three with a catchlight in the eye. Here's what I've learned about the species from Wikipedia:

The Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is one of 14 North American species of spikey-bodied reptiles called horned lizards. P. cornutum ranges from Colorado and Kansas to northern Mexico, and from southeastern Arizona to Texas. There are also isolated, introduced populations in the Carolinas, Georgia, and northern Florida. Texas horned lizards may be native to Louisiana and Arkansas.
The horned lizard is popularly called a "horned toad," "horny toad," or "horned frog," but it is neither a toad nor a frog. The popular names come from the lizard's rounded body and blunt snout, which give it a decidedly toad- or frog-like appearance. Phrynosoma literally means "toad-bodied," and Cornutum means "horned." The lizard's horns are extensions of its cranium and are composed of true bone.
The Texas horned lizard is the largest-bodied and most widely distributed of 14 species in the western United States and Mexico. The length of an average Texas Horned Lizard is 69 mm (2.7 in) snout-vent length, however the upper boundary for males is 94 mm (3.7 in) and for females it is 114 mm (4.5 in). Although its coloration generally serves as camouflage against predation, when threatened by a predator, a horned lizard will puff up its body to cause its spiny scales to protrude, making it difficult to swallow. The Texas horned lizard, along with at least three other species, also has the ability to squirt an aimed stream of blood from the corners of the eyes and sometimes from its mouth for a distance of up to 5 ft (1.5 m). This not only confuses would-be predators, the blood is mixed with a chemical that is foul-tasting to canine predators such as wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs.
About 70% of the Texas horned lizard's diet is made up of harvester ants, though they supplement these with termites, beetles, and grasshoppers. In recent years, the Texas horned lizard has declined in about 30% of its range, though there is some indication it may be making a comeback. The decline is usually blamed on overuse of pesticides and the spread of non-native, but highly aggressive and fiercely territorial, red imported fire ants. Both eradicate harvester ant colonies, destroying the horned lizard's principal source of food. The Texas horned lizard is now a protected species and it is illegal to take, possess, transport or sell them without a special permit.
Some Native American peoples regard horned lizards as sacred. The animal is a common motif in the art of many Native Americans in the Southwestern U.S. and in Mexico. The Texas horned lizard is the state reptile of Texas and, as the "horned frog", is the mascot of Texas Christian University (TCU).

Snow Geese Galore Workshop Safari

Snow Goose Golden Goose (Chen caerulescens, Oie des neiges, SNGO) Réservoir Beaudet, Victoriaville, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Teleconverter II,  Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F8 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

October 22-23, 2011 TWO DAY WEEKEND Workshop Safari. Limit of 6 photographers

October 24-28, 2011 FIVE DAY Workshop Safari. Limit of 6 photographers.

This is the very best place that I have found to photograph Greater Snow Geese up-close, portraits, in-flight and in golden light.

Located just a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Montreal Airport (YUL), Réservoir Beaudet is immediately adjacent to the city of Victoriaville, in the Eastern Townships of southern Québec. I have photographed Snow Geese in many locations around North America including Bosque del Apachee National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, but none compare to the 80,000 to 1,000,000 (one million) Ducks and Geese that frequent the Reservoir in Victoriaville during migration. This workshop is timed perfectly to coincide with peak migration.

Join me, Canadian wildlife photographer Christopher Dodds, for a two, or five day Snow Geese photography Workshop / Safari. These trips will be limited to just six participants and the proximity and volume of geese will astound you.

Snow Goose landing (Chen caerulescens, Oie des neiges, SNGO) Réservoir Beaudet, Victoriaville, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Teleconverter II,  Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 320, F5.6  @1/2000s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

From equipment choice and overview, to portrait and flight shot techniques, Chris will be there to teach and answer your questions. Chris is comfortable teaching and answering questions from any level photographer; from the seasoned pro, to the beginner who has no real experience in the field; all in his usual, casual and easygoing style. Exposure, composition and flash will all be discussed and demonstrated. Chris is very open and always willing to help and share with his students.

REGISTER HERE

Puffins Galore and Puffin Pad Review

 Atlantic Puffin Horizontal Portrait (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS with 2X Teleconverter II, Canon 25mm Extension Tube, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 400, F13 @1/160s Manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Atlantic Puffin REUNION(Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS with 1.4X Teleconverter II, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 1600, F6.3 @1/2000s Manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

PUFFINS GALORE Workshop / Safari

Both of these images were made during last year's Puffins Galore workshop / safari. It's not too late to join-in for the adventure, daily boat voyage and awesome photography. This is the very best place in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills fishing, with fish in their bills, in flight and in golden light. Follow the links to learn more...

July 1-3, 2011 Puffins Galore

July 5-7, 2011 Puffins Galore SOLD OUT!

THE Puffin Pad REVIEW

I have only just received a sample of the Puffin Pad and have not put it through it's paces in the field, but from my testing today, this is a great alternative to your heavy beanbag. It weighs only 3.4 oz and is made of durable automotive foam that measures 7"L x 5"W x 5"H. There is a window groove along the underside of the long side that fits firmly and snugly onto a partially retracted window and a 1/2 thick piece of memory foam on it's top - perfect to keep your lens/camera in place. Turn it over to use it as a support on the roof of your car, or inside a Frisbee on the beach. Be sure to order the optional tether kit for easy transport while in the field. I'm already converted and sure you'll be hearing more from me about this great new product in the future.

Buy The Puffin Pad from Amazon and support this site HERE.

Learn more at www.puffinpad.com HERE.

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Is it sharp enough - LensAlign MKII

Kodiak Red Fox Kit Vulpes, vulpes, Renard Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, Tripod & Wimberley Head II.  ISO 1600, F4 @ 1/250s Manual Mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Is it sharp enough?

I've got to say it; an image is either sharp or soft, there is no in-between, no compromise and no faking it. If you know it's not razor sharp, you are only kidding yourself by trying to fake it. While it is true that an "almost sharp" image can be tweaked in Photoshop to look good at web size, the truth is always revealed when someone wants a big print. There may be more to it than simply good technique; have you calibrated your camera?

LensAlign MKII

I first told you about the LensAlign focus calibration tool in Nature Photography Blog back in August, 2010. Michael Tapes is at it again, he recently sent me the LensAlign MKII. The new and improved knock-down design, lower price and proven consistency from the True Parallel Alignment Sighting System™ are well worth the upgrade, but the most compelling reason for my excitement is the new ruler patterns; it is now much easier to decide where the sharpest part of the ruler is. Truly a must have for any serious photographer, The LensAlign MKII is the key to making consistently sharp images.

Help support this site and PURCHASE HERE

Sandhill Crane and Glider Gloves mini review

Sandhill Crane Field of gold (Grus canadenis, Grue du Canada, SACR) Bosque del Apachee NWR, NM, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter II, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 320, F8 @1/1000s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Sandhill Crane Gear-up for the cold (Grus canadenis, Grue du Canada, SACR) Bosque del Apachee NWR, NM, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter II, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F8 @1/1000s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Don't let the warm light fool you; both of the images above were captured during a very chilly November morning. I love to see the Cranes tuck their legs and feet into their feathers to keep warm.

GLIDER GLOVES

I typically wear loose fitting gloves inside a larger pair of mittens when it's cold, and often have to remove them to check email or text messages on my iPhone 4. I've recently received a couple of review samples of Glider Gloves and thought I would share my experience with you.
Made of insulated, conductive fabric, the gloves preform flawlessly with every touch screen I've tried. They work with phones and iPads, and even my GPS, they work every time. The only problem I have is the fit; the largest pair (L/M size) is simply far too tight to allow blood-flow to my fingers which is vital to keeping them warm (and I assure you that I don't have huge hands). I have been in touch with the producers and they assure me that they will have a larger size and a thicker model available for next winter. I've been promised some samples and will share with you when I receive them.

OSPREYS GALORE WORKSHOP ANNOUNCED April 22-24, 2011 Lake Blue Cypress, Florida

OSPREY Top-Side Dive (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS.  ISO 320, F9 @ 1/1000s Manual.

I'm just in the door from an amazing seven weeks of sold-out Owl Prowls and anxious to share some exiting news and head out to a warmer place. My clients two weeks ago were, as is often the case, gifted photographers that I have known on-line for years. We became instant friends and quickly realized that we all shared the same ego-free love of teaching, and sharing wildlife photography. Alfred and Fabiola Forns are residents of Florida, gifted photographers and experienced workshop leaders; and they will be joining me for a SPECIAL, LIMITED EDITION WORKSHOP / SAFARI from April 22-24, 2011 (with a slideshow on the evening of April 21) at one of the most beautiful places in Florida; Lake Blue Cypress in southern Osceola County (just 20 minutes from Vero Beach).

OSPREYS GALORE (and so much more) a SPECIAL, LIMITED EDITION WORKSHOP / SAFARI

April 22-24, 2011 (with a slideshow on the evening of April 21) at one of THE most beautiful places in Florida; Lake Blue Cypress in southern Osceola County (just 20 minutes from Vero Beach).

Maximum of 8 participants with 3 leaders; Christopher Dodds with Alfred and Fabiola Forns.

The Crown Jewel of Florida, Lake Blue Cypress is the perfect habitat for the hundreds of Osprey nests that cover the ancient Cypress Trees which pierce the pristine water and surround the lake. We will have tons of opportunities to photograph Ospreys on their nests at (or below) eye level, diving for fish or gathering nesting materiel. Our trip is timed perfectly to see the parents bring fish to their babies. We will photograph other species of Florida birds and will have constant urges to capture the true beauty, spectacular sunrises and all it illuminates in landscape images of the unspoiled, wild and spectacular setting of Lake Blue Cypress.

With three veteran photographers / instructors, and a maximum of only eight participants, this workshop / safari represents exceptional value! We'll spend four hours photographing the many Ospreys of Lake Blue Cypress from our two pontoon boats on each of the three mornings. After lunch and a break, we may even head over to Vierra wetlands or Merrit Island for afternoon sessions on Friday and Saturday.

Who should attend: This is a great workshop for any level of photographer from the seasoned pro to a complete novice with basic equipment. Amazing flight images can be made with your crop factor camera and focal lengths of just 300-400mm; a fantastic venue for 100-400mm, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm lenses.

Price is only $1,095.00 per person with a limit of eight participants and THREE instructors. Price includes three 4 hour Pontoon Boat cruises (weather permitting). All Hotels, meals, beverages and items of a personal nature are not included.

REGISTER HERE

OSPREY with green nesting material (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) Image Copyright ©Fabs Forns. Canon EOS 7D, 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L IS @400mm.  ISO 800, F5.6 @ 1/2000s

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OSPREY pair framed by moss (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) Image Copyright ©Fabs Forns. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS.  ISO 2000, F4 @ 1/1250s

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OSPREY pair interaction (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) Image Copyright ©Fabs Forns. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender.  ISO 400, F7.1 @ 1/2000s

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Facebook and WIN a Cotton Carrier

Northern Hawk-Owl TOUCHDOWN (Surnia ulula, Chouette épervière) Low, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds  All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 300mm F2.8 IS, 1.4X Extender III,  Tripod & Wimberley Head II.  ISO 800, F5.6 1/2000s Manual. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Social networking, marketing, or whatever you want to call it; I have a problem. It seems that before I realized it, I have hit the 5,000 friend limit on Facebook. I have now set-up a fan page, which is the direction I should have taken up front had I known. To celebrate my new fan page, and to get you to head over and "LIKE" it, I will be giving some stuff away.

http://www.facebook.com/naturephotographyblog

I like my Cotton Carrier so much, that I thought it would be fitting to give one away. Head over, and LIKE my new fan page HERE before midnight on Friday, March 11, 2011 and I will have my dog, T-Bone (AKA: MR. T or THE T) choose one of you to get a free Cotton Carrier! That's it. Anyone who has already LIKED my page is automatically eligible to win. Simple and shipping is included! Special shout out and thanks to my peeps over @ Cotton Carrier!

Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds(that's me - smile) stylin' with a  a Cotton Carrier over his Canada Goose Parka. Image copyright and courtesy Julie Morrison - thanks, Julie.

Canon 1.4x EF Extender III (Teleconverter) Northern Hawk Owl

 

Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula, Chouette épervière) Low, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds  All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 300mm F2.8 IS, 1.4X Extender III, Tripod & Wimberley Head II.  ISO 500, F5.6 1/2500s Manual. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Canon 1.4x EF Extender III (Teleconverter)

As usual, B & H Photo in the USA has had stock of the new Canon 1.4X and 2X Extender III (Teleconverters) for well over two months, and there is no sign of any arriving in Canada anytime soon. I did manage to get my hands on a 1.4X III a little over a week ago through Canon Canada (who always seem last to get new products from Canon headquarters), and am still waiting for my 2X to arrive in Canada (without an expected delivery date).

The two new EF extenders are direct replacements of the current extenders offered by Canon as essential accessories for professionals. These new extenders have been designed to provide faster autofocusing and improved autofocus precision with compatible EF lenses. Each extender includes an anomalous dispersion lens element for reduced chromatic aberration and enhanced optical image quality. Each extender also features a newly developed microcomputer that increases AF precision when the extenders are used with a IS Series II EF super-telephoto lens. Both extenders are equipped with rubber gaskets and seals to enhance weather resistance. A new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements of both extenders.        -CANON PRESS RELEASE

After only a few uses, I find the new coatings increase contrast, and therefore increase the acquisition speed and accuracy of the 1D Mark IV's auto-focus system. I also see a significant reduction in chromatic aberration (especially when stacked with a 2X). My initial testing is limited to the 70-200 F2.8 IS II, 300mm F2.8 IS and 500mm F4 IS and so far, it's looking like they are well worth the upgrade.

Here's something a little off-topic and different from a recent Owl Prowl. The ice that was lining the shore one morning was simply too good to pass-up. It ain't all just Owls - smile.

Shoreline Ice from Amherst Island (Stella) in Lake Ontario near Millhaven, Ontario. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, 24-70mm F2.8L, Tripod & Wimberley Head II.  ISO 200, F11 1/100s Manual. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

F is for Fabulous

Northern Gannets SPOONING (fencing = pair bonding), Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, Tripod & Wimberley Head II.  ISO 400, F18 1/200s Manual. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

F is for FABULOUS!

I’ve been asked countless times if there is a formula to creating a great image. I’ve spent countless hours scrutinizing my favorite images to try to describe to myself why I connect with them so deeply and make such an emotional response to them. I’m far from finished, but here’s my first attempt at describing a system that may help you; it’s how I create images – in a subconscious way. It’s what makes images a success to me, and to the viewer. Keep in mind that this is a working copy, and I might elaborate more in a longer post in the future.

You have to start by understanding my three Fs of FABULOUS: Fill, Form and Feeling. Every image out there contains at least one of these three ingredients; a photojournalist’s images contain more FILL and FEELING, a fine art or abstract photographer tends to feature the FORM and greeting card photographers often capture FEELING.

Here’s the key: Your most successful images will generally contain a careful balance of all three; Fill, FORM and FEELING.  The Northern Gannet image above is a very careful balance of Fill (it’s about the Northern Gannets), Form (the composition, pose and lines) and Feeling (most images with two subjects evoke some sort of emotion or feeling).

Save 25% on your Season pass to Point Pelee National Park of Canada

Buy or renew your annual pass to Point Pelee National Park of Canada and save 25%. From February 1, until March 31, 2011, take advantage of this great offer to start your preparations for this year's spring migration. Simply call (519) 322-2365, extension 200 from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. I always recommend the Family (or group) pass, as this let's you enter through the automated gate and skip the sometimes lengthy line-ups each morning. 

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Announced

 Coastal Brown Bears Sow & Cub in last light (Ursus arctos or Grizzly Bear) Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, AK. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter II, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 800, F10 @1/640s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

There's been some exciting news for Canon wildlife photographers. I'm still on the road, but wanted to share the exciting news with you. The new 200-400mm f/4 with built-in 1.4X extender has the potential to become the ultimate wildlife photography lens for African safari, photographing mammals in Yellowstone, Bears in Katmai and many other venues. I can't wait to get my hands on this new lens and give it a try. Here's an excerpt from Canon's press release:

Canon Will Exhibit The Prototype Of A New Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens At The CP+ Event: The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x Lens

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 – Canon Inc. today announced the development of a new super-telephoto lens, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x, for use with all EOS SLR cameras. A prototype of the new lens will be exhibited at the CP+ trade show, held in Pacifico Yokohama, from February 9 - 12, 2011.
The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x is being developed as an L-series super-telephoto lens with an integrated 1.4x extender and high-performance Image Stabilizer technology. The new lens will offer exceptional flexibility by incorporating a built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm for sports and wildlife photography. High-quality images with high levels of resolution and contrast will be possible through the use of advanced optical materials such as fluorite crystal. The new lens will also include dust- and water-resistant construction designed for extended usage under harsh conditions.

Nature Photography Workshop Safari update

Coastal Brown Bear Big Boys Play in the Rain (Ursus arctos or Grizzly Bear) Kukak Bay, Katmai National Park, AK. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 1000, F4 @1/320s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION. All Rights Reserved.

Workshop update

2011 workshops / safaris are filling fast! It only took three weeks to sell-out the entire winter Owl Prowls and now the July Bears Galore Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai and the July 5-7 Puffins Galore are sold out. Here's a list of what's still available:

May 9-13, 2011 Songbirds of Pelee An event not to be missed!

June 15-17, 2011 Gannets Galore Action packed daily Zodiac voyage under the colony! Guaranteed Gannets!

July 1-3, 2011 Puffins Galore Puffin Paradise!

September 26-30, 2011 Moose and fall colors of Maine Baxter State Park at it's finest!

Be sure to email me if you are interested in being the first to receive details for the 2012 Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai trip chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com

Manual Mode for More Creative Control

Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus, Petite Nyctale) with sprinkle of snow and Meadow Vole (Field Mouse) Lunch. Ontario. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 70-200 F2.8 IS II @180mm. ISO 800, 1/100s F8 Manual. Hand held.580EXII Flash manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus, Petite Nyctale) Portrait. Ontario. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 70-200 F2.8 IS II @200mm with 1.4X Teleconverter. ISO 800, 1/80s F7.1 Manual. Hand held. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Choose Manual Mode for MORE Creative Control

If you frequent this blog or my website, then you most probably know that I use MANUAL MODE most often; I expose for the ambient light and focus on making pleasing images. There is another compelling reason to choose manual mode; it makes the photographer (you) think about the three variables that lead to the correct exposure (ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture). What is their relation to the image you are trying to make: Are you photographing a landscape and do you need a large depth of field? A bird in flight and do you need to freeze the action? would you rather create a blur? A bird on a perch and do you want a shallow depth of field? Will changing the ISO help me to achieve the desired result? I find that most photographers in my workshops who use anything other than manual mode are completely unaware of all that is available to them. If you find yourself always choosing aperture priority, shutter priority or program mode, then give manual mode a try next time you get out with your camera.

A few of my favorite things from 2010

Common Murre or Common Guillemot Flying (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park) Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 800, 1/2500s F5.6 Manual. Hand held from Zodiac Hurricane 733. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

My Favorite Image

Alright, I couldn't choose just one favourite, so you get two for one. The Common Murre image above was captured during my June Gannets Galore Bird Photography Workshop / Safari and the Atlantic Puffin portrait below was from my July Puffins Galore Bird Photography Workshop / Safari.

Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) Vertical Portrait île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS with 2X Teleconverter II, Canon 25mm Extension Tube, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. 580EXII Flash manual mode. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 800, F16 @1/60s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Your Favorite image

Coastal Brown Bear and Gray Wolf Unlikely FISHIN' BUDDIES (Ursus arctos or Grizzly Bear and Canis lupus) Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, AK. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X II Tele-converter, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 800, F8 @1/125s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

You couldn't choose just one favourite, so you also get two for one as well. The Coastal Brown Bear and Gray Wolf image above was captured during my July Coastal Brown Bears Galore Photography Workshop / Safari and the Herring Gull image below was from my June Gannets Galore Bird Photography Workshop / Safari. I based these coices on the number of views, comments, likes, etc. from Facebook or on-line forums where they were posted.

American Herring Gull Emerging with fish (Larus smithsonianus, Goeland argente, HERG) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds  All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 400, 1/2000s F5.6 Manual. 580EXII Flash manual full power . Tripod & Wimberley Head II. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

My favorite New Camera Bag

Think-Tank Photo Shape Shifter Camera Backpack. I took this photo with my Canon S-95 with built-in flash and natural light.

It's the one eternal quest for any photographer; finding the perfect camera bag. I have a serious problem; I'm a closet camera bag junkie. I have a room full of camera bags and never quite found the ultimate "urban" camera bag for this nature photographer when I'm not out in the field with my 500 or 800mm lens. I'm talking about those times that I want to grab a bag and have it fit what I need while out on a walk in Old Montreal, visiting family, or just out for a drive for landscapes. I've been meaning to write a serious review of the new Shape Shifter by Think-Tank Photo since I received my review copy a few weeks ago. Suffice it to say that this truly is the ultimate urban camera bag. Built to the usual quality standards that the folks at Think-Tank Photo are known for, the Shape Shifter is a camera backpack like no other. There are five neoprene pouches fixed to the inside back panel capable of holding my Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 70-200 F2.8 IS II, 16-35 F2.8 II, 24-70 F2.8. The inside of the front cover can also hold a couple of speed-lights and various light modifiers. There are tons of pockets and a top-load sleeve that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop computer. The beauty of the bag is it's ability to compress to a much lower profile when you decide to venture out with only a couple of items in it. Purchase the Shape Shifter from Think-Tank Photo HERE and receive a free camera bag or accessory while engouraging this site.

My Favorite Conversation

It was a blast visiting with Scott and he is a gifted interviewer with quite a personality. We discussed my recent discovery of Nik Software and how I am introducing it into my post capture work-flow. There's a few good tips and a description of my Gannets Galore photo tour / workshop / safari. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee and give it a listen to hear some stories, tips and techniques. Thank you Scott.

LISTEN TO A LIVE STREAM NOW or DOWNLOAD IN iTunes

My Favorite New Software

 

I can't talk about my radio interview with Scott Sheppard without mentioning my favorite new software suite and Nik Software. Of the suite, Viveza 2.0 stands out as an absolute favorite for it's ease of use and compatibility. This choice isn't only about the software, it's about the company. Nik Software has changed the way the product supports the user; they offer free daily webinars to help you learn to use their products. How many times have you installed a new piece of software, only to discover that you were on your own to learn how to use it? Now all you have to do is tune into a webinar and watch how it's done; and it's FREE! Certainly worth checking-out at NiK Software (Use the coupon code "cdodds" to save 15% at the Nik store).

My Favorite new Point & Shoot Camera with Accessories

Canon PowerShot S-95 with Richard Franiec’s  S-95 Grip and Lensmate S95 Quick-Change Adapter Kit 37mm

My Favorite New Lens

Without a doubt, the Canon 800mm F5.6 IS has to be my favourite new work lens, but my Lensbaby Composer with their 0.42X Super Wide Angle conversion lens, Macro Lens Kit, and 0.6X Wide Angle & 1.6X Telephoto accessory kit has to be my favourite new fun lens. Watch for a full review soon.

My Favorite New Book

The Sibley Guide to Trees is a refreshing new field guide to the trees of North American Trees written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. I had given-up hope of finding a well illustrated field guide to the trees of North America, so I was thrilled when I accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a book.

My Favorite New Gadget

That's an easy one; The Cotton Carrier has got to be it! READ MY REVIEW HERE.

Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds(that's me - smile) stylin' with a  a Cotton Carrier over his Canada Goose Parka. Image copyright and courtesy Julie Morrison - thanks, Julie.

Happy New Year

Snowy Owl Last Stand (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges) Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 IS, 1.4X Teleconverter, Tripod with Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F6.3 1/400s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PRINT OR LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

I would like to wish each of you a very Happy New Year! I loved meeting so many new people through my photography in 2010 and am greatly looking forward to another awesome year! Special thanks to all of my loyal clients and my followers here at Nature Photography  Blog. I love looking back through my blog, my images and my memories of the past year to remember the people, the places and the moments; and there were many great ones!

There's no time better than the New Year to take inventory of what you have accomplished and what your future goals are. It's a great time to make plans for travel, workshops, new gear or trying new styles or genres.

2011 promises to be a busy year for me with lots of travel and workshops ahead. It all starts with a pretty-much sold out winter owl prowl season with just a single opening for my Snowy Owl (and more) workshop Jan. 17-21, 2011. March and April will bring new workshop offerings, so stay tuned for more. Point Pelee in May is always a fun and social workshop, and my annual June Bonaventure Island Gannets Galore trips are simply the very best avian workshops available today. There's a few spots open for the July 1-3 Puffins Galore, but the July 5-7 trip was sold-out when it was announced. My annual Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai is an adventure not to be missed, and this year I secured the very best week for bears and wolves during the Salmon run. Be sure to stay tuned for more and sign-up for my newsletter at the top of the column to the right of this post (subscribers are automatically signed-up when I give great stuff away).

May the light always be golden, and the wind always from your back.