Christmas with Teddy!

Favorite Landscapes!

Warming Up!

I saw this Red-Tail Hawk up in a tree with her wings spread, as if warming herself in the chilly temperature.  Normally I wouldn't photograph a bird with such a bright and uneventful background.  However, the dying rustic leaves matched perfectly with that of the majestic raptor's feathers.  Even though I was limited to my 300 f/4 (450mm full-frame equivalent), I wanted to capture the leaves in the photograph, as they complimented her tones. 

Yes, she is looking away from the camera, but there are exceptions to all rules at times.  This is one of those times.  She looks so proud as she scopes the terrain for food, and after a few minutes of shooting, off she went! 

Nikon D7000 + 300 f/4 AF-S

I Was Ready!

Just as I was about to head home from the Wildlife Refuge I spotted a coyote hunting in the fields.  Good thing I didn't pack away my gear!  It is usually my luck when I put away my gear something worth photographing pops out.  This time I was ready!  I was using my Nikon D7000 and 300 f/4 AF-S which gives me a field-of-view of 450 mm.  The 300 f/4 AF-S is very sharp, has great colors, and superb contrast.  Plus, it is light and easy to maneuver in the field, or car. 

D7000 + 300 f/4 AF-S

The coyote didn't seemed bothered by me during its search for food.  I stayed as quiet as possible while waiting for a good photo opportunity.  Even though I didn't capture it in action, I was able to snap a portrait in beautiful light.  The eyes are a blazing yellow and the glare is intense.  This is a perfect example of a shot that wouldn't have happened if I had packed away my gear.  Even if you think an area in nature will be uneventful, as this field usually was, always be ready for the big shot!

Salmon Creek Trail

On Saturday I, along with my buddy Heath, went down to Salmon Creek Trail to take some photos.  I hadn't been to the trail in about four years.  I use to ride my bike down the trail almost daily during the summer months when I was in high school. 

The temperature was a comfortable 75 degrees although the humidity was high.  The harsh sunlight was shielded by high clouds, and we photographers really appreciate the softer light.  Even though it was a sultry Saturday afternoon, there were glimpses of fall peeking through the moist air.  Leaves were slowly changing colors and were beginning to fall to the ground.  I love fall!

I brought along my 300 f/4 and my 90 macro lens.  Simplicity was my goal for the day!  The 300 has a really close focusing distance, so it acts almost like a macro.  There were little critters (insects, spiders, and frogs) all over.  Luckily for us there were few mosquitoes. 

Below are 3 of my favorite shots from the outing.  Enjoy!

Nikon D7000 + 300 f/4

Nikon D7000 + 300 f/4

Nikon D7000 + Tamron 90 Macro

Recent Favorites!

It has been a while since my last post.  With school starting, things have been a bit busy around here....grading or planning.  I love it though!   Nonetheless, I decided to post some of my favorites from recent photo sessions / events.  Enjoy! 

 

Officers Row Car Show

On Saturday I went to a local car show at Officers Row in Downtown Vancouver.  A family friend and I arrived bright and early to snap some photos of the cars.  It was fun walking around with Doug because he knew all about the cars (I knew about the Ferrari....or at least recognized it).  The craftsmanship and detail back in the day was amazing.  

My focus with car photography is more on details rather than the entire car.  The following shots are some of my favorites from the event. 

Gear:  D7000 + Tamron 90 / D7000 + 50 1.8G / Panasonic G2 + 14-42