September « 2010 « Through the lens with Chris Gamel

Fun and learning at the NANPA roadshow

I spent this past weekend in Houston attending the NANPA roadshow. The event was a great success. Presentations by Sean Fitzgerald, Michele Westmoreland, and Roy Toft were informative and entertaining. The challenge I now find myself facing is the desire to tell you something about the experience without boring you to tears with a step-by-step account of the entire weekend. Instead, I have selected out one key point/new concept/technique from each of the presentations I attended.

Shooting with Flash – Roy Toft

Ironically, my take home point from this presentation had nothing to do with flash. In response to an exposure questions, Roy indicated that he often shoots using the camera’s Tv mode (shutter priority). This surprised me as most wildlife photographers I know prefer Av mode (aperture priority) over Tv (we tend to be a little obsessive about depth of field). As Roy elaborated, he indicated that he was a recent convert to the Tv mode (coming from Av) and the reason for his shift is the new Auto ISO feature on newer digital cameras. By permitting the camera to fluctuate its ISO setting, the photographer can select a specific shutter speed and know that the camera will not be limited by the largest aperture (if the aperture becomes limiting, the ISO changes). I am really looking forward to trying out this approach as my school’s basketball season starts up next month.

Digital workflow 1 – Sean Fitzgerald

Sean’s knowledge of digital is impressive and I took away a lot of information from this presentation. Of greatest use, however, was the information about keywording, especially his recommendation to check out Controlled Vocabulary, a website which sells hierarchical keyword systems. Sean’s demonstration of the use of hierarchical keywords made me a believer and I plan on checking out the site in more detail ASAP.

People in Nature – Michele Westmoreland

While Michele is most well known for her underwater work, she is also an outstanding people photographer who travels the world capturing images of indigenous people in remote locations (such as New Guinea). From this presentation I took away the importance of capturing the entire story. Too often nature photographers (me included) shy away from including people in images. More often then not, however, people are a part of the story and failing to include them leaves holes in the story that is being told. It also has the nice benefit of making images more marketable.

Telling a Conservation Story Visually – Michele Westmoreland

Again, the importance of story was a focal point of Michele’s talk. Actually, it was THE focal point of her talk. After learning about her conservation project and the years of work that went into its completion (or near completion as it isn’t finished yet), I have become motivated to explore my own area and look for a conservation story to tell. Who knows where this little idea might lead.

Finding a Different Angle – Michele Westmoreland

Reinforcing many concepts I have played with over the years, Michele’s message was to play. Don’t be satisfied with the first shot and don’t keep taking the same shot. Try different things. This is something I constantly preach to my students and it is nice hearing others make the same recommendation.

Advanced Techniques – Sean Fitzgerald

I need to play more with smart objects and see how they can be incorporated into my workflow (or if they should be).

Written on September 30th, 2010 , Trip Report

News and Notes – Naturescapes.net

As part of my weekly News and Notes, I though I would share some of the different photography related websites that I have come across. In many cases, these are sites that I visit regularly, often finding an abundance of information that helps to shape and develop my photography as well as provide inspiration. My hope is that this information will help you as you develop your own photographic path.

Recommended Site – NatureScapes.net

If I could only visit one site related to nature photography, NatureScapes.net would be that site. NatureScapes includes a variety of learning opportunities for visitors. First off, it is a nature photography e-zine, providing articles on a wide variety of different photography related topics. Recent articles include: infrared photography, photographing herps (reptiles and amphibians for the non-biologists out there), and bird photography off the beaten path. In addition to their articles, NatureScapes provides discussion forums where visitors can post questions. I have used the discussion forums on numerous occasions to answer specific question about destinations I intend to travel to, often getting an insider’s perspective in a matter of minutes. The site’s image forums let visitors post their image for the community to share and comment on. The feedback provided by these forums is one of the fastest ways to develop as a photographer, provided you are ready and willing to listen to the feedback. Participation on the site is free, though image hosting and portfolio support are only provided for payed members ($40 per year).

Perhaps the greatest thing about NatureScapes is the sense of community that has developed around the site. The photographers participating in the forums are some of the best in the world and constantly amaze me with their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. Nature photography can be an isolated hobby, and NatureScapes has done a wonderful job of bringing nature photographers together to share their passion.

Upcoming Classes:

I will be teaching a two day course “Introduction to Photography and Photoshop” at the Austin School of Film in Austin, Texas (October 17 & 24).

Written on September 29th, 2010 , News and Notes, Recommended Sites

Have fun

(click on image to see larger version)

Two years ago we took my daughter Kara and her cousin to the Frio bat cave for Kara’s seventh birthday. If you have never experienced a bat emergence, it is quite a sight. The Frio bat cave is home to over 10 million bats. Visitors are permitted to stand outside the cave as the bats come out, a spectacle that can last for over three hours! From a distance the stream of bats looks like smoke as it moves into the distance. In addition to the bats, hawks and falcons dance across the sky as they try to catch their limit. Watching the aerial acrobatics is a great way to end the day.

For obvious reasons, I took my camera along on our little adventure. As expected, I got the traditional shots: bats flying out of the cave, a cloud of bats extending into the distance, and groups of bats framed against the sky. It wasn’t until the light began to fade from the sky that I realized a golden photographic opportunity was sitting right in front of me (it involved people, so I can be forgiven for the delay in thinking of it). I positioned Kara and her cousin in front of the bats and let them start to make different faces and poses. The above shot is one of my favorites.

So next time you are out photographing, be willing to take a lighter look at your subject and have some fun. It is amazing how often those images end up being your favorite.

The image was created using a Canon 1D mark 2, 24-70mm lens (set at 24mm), at 1000 ISO. The high ISO setting enabled me to handhold the camera and reposition as the bats emerged from the cave.

Written on September 28th, 2010 , Photography Information, Technique Tuesday, Understanding Photography Series

Image of the day – chatting with wildlife

(click on image to see larger version)

In case you haven’t heard, the wildlife of the Galapagos lets you get amazingly close. One a recent photo tour, Sarah decided to sit downa nd have a little chat with the local marine iguanas. I’m not sure what they talked about, but I think they both learned a lot.

Image captured with a Canon 1D mark 4, 120-300mm lens (set at 168mm), at 200 ISO. The camera was mounted on a monopod to provide extra support.

Written on September 27th, 2010 , Galapagos, Image of the Day

Photo Assignment – Working the Subject

One of the craziest things I hear people say on safari is, “don’t stop, we already saw ________ (fill in animal of your choice).” I am amazed at people who think that seeing something once means they shouldn’t bother looking. Yes, in a literal sense, they are correct. They have seen it, but seeing something does not mean you have learned anything or that you know anything about what you have seen.

Wildlife constantly changes its behavior. One sighting might reveal an elephant slowly walking along the side of the road. A few minutes later, and that same boring subject might enter into a play fight with an older sibling. You never know what is going to happen and the only way you can find out is to by there and wait for the drama to unfold.

From a photographer’s point of view, spending time with a subject, or visiting repeatedly, offers the opportunity to capture a wide range of different images, most of which would not be available after a single, short visit. I am constantly stressing to my students the importance of working the subject. Do not be satisfied with the first picture you take. Beginning photographers are eager to take pictures, but they rarely take enough. One click of the shutter and they think they got the shot. More experienced photographers know differently. The first shot might be good, but the goal is to do better. Look for new angles, interesting perspectives, or something that stands out as different. Only by working the subject from every possible angle will your photography progress beyond the simple record shot.

Oh, by the way, after you are done shooting all of those different images, throw out the bad ones and only share the good ones. It is one of the tricks we use to make people think we are good.

So, the assignment for this week is to pick a subject and work it. You can pick a specific subject (a child) or a type of subject (cars). The challenge is for you to capture a wide range of images depicting that subject in different ways. How many images do you need? There really isn’t a set number, but when you reach the point of where you just can’t think of another image, you are probably half-way there. Trust me, if you stick with it you will come up with more ideas. The difficult ones are usually the best. Enjoy.

In keeping with my elephant theme (some might call it an obsession) this week, I though I would share a collection of elephant images from my most recent safari (my subject of choice). I enjoy spending time with elephants in the field and hope to spend more time with them in the future because I never know what images I am going to capture. The one thing I do know is that it will be fun.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

(Click on images to see larger versions)

Written on September 24th, 2010 , Photo Assignment, Photography Information, Uncategorized

Don’t forget to look up

(click on image to see larger version)

Throughout our lives we look to the left, the right, in front, and even behind, but we almost never look up. The result is missed photo opportunities. Several years ago I spent some time photographing in Bosque del Apache, a National Wildlife Refuge south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bosque is famous for its winter populations of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes. While there are ample opportunities to photograph birds, I really wanted to capture an image of an American Kestrel. For anyone who has never seen a Kestrel, it is a small raptor that is be found through the United States. Often perched high up on phone lines, its distinctive coloration makes them a great photographic subject. It is also the first raptor I ever saw up close, an experience which caused me to spend my first three years of graduate school studying raptors.

For three days, I wandered around the refuge hoping for an opportunity to photograph one of these colorful birds of prey. On my third, and final, day in the refuge I had all but given up. Then, in a moment of inspiration (more likely despair) I lifted my head and looked up. There, sitting on a branch over my head was a Kestrel! Not only a Kestrel, but a Kestrel with a mouse clutched in its talons.

Since that wonderful moment, I try to look up more often, and you know what? It usually pays off.

The image was created using a Canon 1Ds, 600mm IS lens with a 2.0 teleconverter attached, at 125 ISO. The image was shot from a vehicle and a beanbag was used to support the lens.

Written on September 23rd, 2010 , Photography Information, Understanding Photography Series

News and Notes – NANPA Summit registration now open

NANPA Summit Registration is Now Open

Few events focus on wildlife and nature photography as much as The North American Nature Photography Association’s (NANPA) annual summit. Showcasing keynote speakers like Daniel Beltra, Jack Dykinga, and Michele Westmoreland as well as breakout sessions ranging from birds to Facebook (yes, it does relate to photography), the NANPA summit is an ideal place to join other nature photographers for education and inspiration. This is a great event for anyone interested in nature photography. In fact it will be my 8th time attending the summit!

This year the summit will be held in McAllen, TX one of the premier bird photography destinations in North America, so come for the summit, stay for the birds (or the other way around if you like). The summit runs March 9-12, 2011.

I am also happy to announce that I will be presenting one of the breakout sessions this year. Join me on March 10th as I discuss Wildlife Filmmaking for the Still Photographer. It is going to be a lot of fun and with a little bit of luck you might even learn something.

You might have noticed that most of my recent News and Notes have been about NANPA related events. I want to make it clear that I have no affiliation with NANPA other then being a satisfied member of the organization who believes that the organization is an asset for all nature photographers.

Upcoming Classes:

I will be teaching a two day course “Introduction to Photography and Photoshop” at the Austin School of Film in Austin, Texas (October 17 & 24).

Written on September 22nd, 2010 , Announcements, News and Notes

The importance of anthropomorphism in wildlife photography

(click on image to see larger version)

In yesterday’s post “Elephant Entertainment” I mentioned how much I enjoy photographing elephants. The above image is one of my favorites and clearly shows the humor exhibited by elephants. It began as a typical day in the Serengeti as we followed a large herd of elephants. After about an hour, the herd began to move towards a waterhole and we all grew excited. As predicted, the elephants began to drink and the action started. Young elephants chased each other through the grass as adults waded and splashing in the water. As the excitement died down, one juvenile (maybe 8-10 years old) decided to lie down and rest. This caused one of his younger siblings to cautiously approach, evaluate the situation, and then respond in that time honored tradition of all younger siblings. He sat on his brother’s head! Imagine the laughter as the older elephant struggled to get up and imagine the chase that followed! The whole experience reminded me of past interactions between my own two children.

This story brings me to the point of today’s post: anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is defined as the “attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.” As a wildlife researcher (in my previous life), the idea of anthropomorphism was always viewed with suspicion. It was not suppose to be done. The assumption that animals share the same motivations, emotions, or desires as humans was frowned upon by scientists for fear that those assumption would not only turn out to be untrue, but would in fact distract us from discovering the truth. The danger of applying anthropomorphism to wildlife behavior was shown repeatedly. Ever seen a chimpanzee smile? Does he do it because he is happy? Humans smile when we are happy, so it is a logical assumption that chimpanzees do to. Unfortunately that assumption would be wrong. What we call a smile is a chimpanzee’s way of showing fear. Imaging the typical chimpanzee’s reaction to hundreds of smiling school children as they visit the zoo. Can you say terror?

So what does this have to do with photography? Simple, photography is not science. The goal of science is to answer questions in an unbiased manner. The goal of photography is to share the vision and message of the photographer. Yet, on a number of occasions I have listened to photographers talk about the evils of anthropomorphism as if the same restrictions should be applied. Lets be real here, there is nothing unbiased about photography. Each image we take contains our world view, preconceptions, and dreams. Trying to remove those things from the image results in boring images. In wildlife photography, we want the viewer to fall in love with the subject. We want them to share the awe, the laughter, and the sadness we experienced while out capturing images. To do this, photographers need to use anthropomorphism to our advantage. Use emotions, beliefs, and assumptions to make a connection with the viewer. If an animal looks like it is exhibiting a human emotion, celebrate. We are not scientists. We are photographers and in that context, anthropomorphism is OK.

Written on September 21st, 2010 , Africa, Animal Behavior, Photography Information, Tanzania, Technique Tuesday, Understanding Photography Series

Image of the day – Elephant Entertainment

(click on the image to see larger version)

Elephants are one of my favorite animals to photograph. Not only are they charismatic, but they exhibit a constant desire to explore their surroundings. As humans, we tend to explore our environment with our hands. Elephants, not having hands, have had to come up with another option. Their solution: the trunk. An elephant’s trunk is made up of 40,000 different muscles and can be used for impressive feats of strength (knocking over a tree) or gentle motions (picking up an egg without cracking the shell). The trunk is also the primary way elephants interact with and explore their environment. Using the trunk, an elephant can lift items of interest for closer inspection, move items into their mouths for an exploratory taste, or conduct simple manipulations to see what happens. Of greatest interest to me is that fact that elephants also use their trunks to play.

The image above shows an adult female elephant holding a stick. On numerous occasions I have watched elephants pick up and play with sticks. Why? What do they possibly gain through this behavior? Mimicking my three year old son, I have watched elephants swing sticks around, bang them against nearby objects, and walk around as if holding a security blanket. In the captured on film, this matriarch put one end of the stick in her mouth and sat resting her head for a few minutes. Perhaps, after years of searching, she accomplished the greatest dream of all long distance travelers: she finally found the perfect walking stick.

The image was captured using a Canon 1Ds mark 3, a 120-300mm Sigma lens with 1.4 teleconverter attached (shot at around 310mm), at 400 ISO. The elephant was photographed from a vehicle with a beanbag used to support the lens.

Written on September 20th, 2010 , Africa, Animal Behavior, Image of the Day, Tanzania

Photo Assignment – Freezing Motion

With the two previous photo assignments focusing on panning and sports, I thought it fitting that this week we look into freezing motion. Our lives are constantly in motion and it can be fun to bring that motion to a stop with the press of a button. By freezing the motion we experience the image in a unique way, sometimes with humor (a silly expression) and sometimes with awe (as a bear snags a salmon out of the air). The challenge is to capture the right moment (you didn’t think it was going to be easy did you?).

Good frozen motion images require three things: a fast shutter speed, excellent timing, and a subject worth looking at.

Fast is a relative term. How fast a shutter speed do you need? It depends on what you are photographing (click here for more information about the relationship between shutter speed and motion). A flying vulture will require a faster shutter speed then a yawning leopard. Still, I recommend that you use the fastest shutter speed you can reasonably achieve. A setting of 1/250 of a second is a reasonable place to start, with the understanding that the shutter speed can be modified based on results. Faster subjects will need faster shutters speeds while slower subjects permit slower shutter speeds. Just remember to use the display screen on the back of your camera to review your images as you seek out the perfect shutter speed. If you are having problems obtaining fast enough speeds, don’t be afraid to crank up the ISO.

Timing is another essential element when freezing motion. To early and the viewer wants to know what happens next. Too late and the viewer feels she missed the moment. The key is to capture the action at its peak. The top of the jump, a fully extended yawn, maximum extension when reaching for one more leaf.

Finally we come to subject. Be it wildlife or something else (I admit that not everyone likes photographing wildlife……oh, the horror), we need to be conscious of what the subject is doing. Just as not all subjects are created equal, not all actions are equal. Some actions look great when frozen; others don’t. How do you know which is which? In the beginning you don’t. The only way to tell is to shoot everything and then look at the results. Only then can you tell what works and what doesn’t. With experience, it will become possible to predict (with some success) which situations will produce interesting results. In the meantime, just shoot and only share the good stuff.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]