A New Direction
Lincoln’s Sparrow on Lupine from a past summer, near Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.
I want to take my photo blog in a new direction. Well maybe a better description is an additional direction. I still plan to post a photo nearly every day and share experiences from the field and our travels, but I want to do more.
I receive numerous complimentary emails, but the one thing people seem to ask for over and over is for more infomation about the techniques and methods used to capture the photos. I think many of my subscribers would like to improve their photography, and I haven’t done much to help in that area.
Recently I visited the Strobist, which is a very popular photography blog by David Hobby dealing specifically with the use of flash. On David’s website, he has an ongoing series of lessons beginning with the very basics of lighting, including the actual gear he uses. His lessons continue over the years and build to some very advanced topics. I spent a great deal of time on his site recently brushing up on my flash knowledge and found his format very useful, and the website very informative.
This got me to thinking, I don’t believe there is a similar website geared toward nature photography. There probably is, but I’m not aware of one. So to give credit where credit is due, I thought I would present a series of lessons much like the Strobist, but specifically geared to photographing landscapes and wildlife. I would link the lessons together so someone could easily follow them in order, and would start by covering the basic gear I use, things like ball heads and L brackets. This stuff maybe basic to some, but helpful to others. These lessons will have a digital slant, but much of the information is applicable with film as well.
Like most things in life, there really isn’t one right answer or perfect method, but I will share what has worked for me over the years as a full-time photographer. I would like to cover much more than gear, and over the upcoming years also cover techniques, composition, light and topics that are rarely written about like spotting and approaching wildlife, photographing from boats - heck I already have a long list. I think I may even walk through the steps I use on a typical image in Photoshop. Eventually, I would like to get to some more advanced topics such as tilt shift lenses, the use of remotes, and panoramic heads.
So that is my plan anyway. Like I said, by and large the blog will still be photos and stories from my travels, with the lessons interspersed as I have time to write them.
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I can’t wait! Sounds super cool and Strobist is on my daily blog to read list as well. I love the move to “share the wealth” that has been happening in the photography world latley. Looking forward to your new direction.
The little sparrow looks like he’s cold to me…
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Sounds like a great idea. This is a beautiful photo too, by the way.
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
This would be awesome! As an amateur photographer, there is so much to learn that I sometimes am overwhelmed. You know what I would love to see? A MAGAZINE (paper) that has VERY basic photography lessons, not camera and lens reviews and stores in which to buy them! The other ones are so above my head. Are you the man for the job? I would get two subscriptions!!! I do like your new idea, and I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for your beautiful blog. You’re still my hero.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Great idea Ron if you can get it organized so it’s easy for the reader to find what they need.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
‘Sharing the wealth’ is not only honorable, it’s great business sense.
Your plan sounds great, Ron, and I wish you the best with it! I’ve considered doing something similar regarding the how-to’s of matting and framing (materials and techniques), but I need to first come up with a video camera, some filming and editing skills, and some software!
Can’t wait to see your program, Ron!
May 24th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Thank you so much, Ron. This is a great idea that newbies like me will greatly benefit from your generosity of sharing your talent. Though I take pictures only for hobby and only have time to take pictures on some weekends, but I am glad for every pros like you who share your talent and make it easier for us to learn more and improve our skills. I am excited, thanks again.
May 24th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Oh, I am sorry, i my excitement of your great plan, I forgot to compliment your very beautiful photo of the sparrow on lupine. Great shot, always.
May 24th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Sounds great Ron. Can’t wait to see and learn about what you come up with.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
First off, great shot. Always love the lupine! I think this is a great new way to branch out your blog, you’re the perfect voice for this kind of thing! Look forward to this new direction, but please keep up the travel log as well - all the best.
dt
May 25th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Well, I’m not a photogragher, except the Walmart kind, but your wonderful pictures are an inspiration to look at everyday!!
May 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Well thanks everyone for the comments! Comments like these make the extra effort more then worth it!
Ron
May 25th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hey Ron,
I’m sure you’ll do a great job with it. I’ve always thought you undersell how much you know about this stuff. By the way, if you need any ‘don’t do this’ type images, you know where to reach me.
Cheers
Carl
May 28th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Nick work. I have to commend you both on your photography and have recently added your link to my new project, ILovePhotoBlogs.com. Keep up the great work !
May 28th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Hey thanks a lot Rick, I appreciate it!
Ron
June 16th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I’m looking forward to seeing more images, Ron. Nice work!
June 17th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Thanks a lot Bryan!
Ron