Recently I visited the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory to test out some Kenko DG Extension Tubes. I mounted the extension tubes and a M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens on my Olympus OM-D E-M1X. At times, this high magnification gear combination required some additional hand-holding support. I had the opportunity to use my forearm camera support technique during this photo session. One of our readers, Ray Miller, joined me at the facility and took a photo to help document this camera technique.
Category Archives: Photography Techniques
High ISO ETTR Test
Before we get into this article I’d like to thank one of our readers, Motografia, for providing the creative spark for this article. During a recent visit to Bird Kingdom I decided to try a high ISO ETTR test. The term ETTR stands for ‘expose to the right’. This is a somewhat controversial technique in which a photographer purposely exposes an image ‘to the right’ in order to maximize highlight details.
Achieving Shallow Depth of Field
Achieving shallow depth of field is something that many folks want to do with their photographs. While some people may associate full frame cameras with shallow depth of field, it is also possible to achieve this with smaller sensor cameras. This article discusses some simple techniques that can be used when applying this creative approach to flower photography. All of the photographs in this article were captured with M4/3 camera equipment.
Adapting to a Changing Birding Environment
After my wife and I arrived at our resort in Cuba in late January, the first thing we did after dropping off our bags in our room, was visit the wetland area adjacent to the hotel. During our previous visits to this resort, the area had been a terrific spot for birding and bird photography. During past visits I had typically spent hours every day on the walkway over the water photographing a wide variety of bird species. This year my challenge was adapting to a changing birding environment. Continue reading Adapting to a Changing Birding Environment
Tips on Photographing Dragonflies Hand-held
If you’re like me, one of the insect subjects that you may find challenging to photograph handheld is dragonflies. While on a recent tropical holiday I took the opportunity to practice my approach capturing images of these interesting creatures. This article shares some tips on photographing dragonflies. Continue reading Tips on Photographing Dragonflies Hand-held
Photographing Small Birds Using Extension Tubes
A few days ago I took a break from a number of projects on which I’m working, by visiting Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls Canada. It was a marginal day at best. The sky was overcast with rain falling. This later turned to a light snow, making the indoor shooting conditions at Bird Kingdom dark and difficult. This article discusses photographing small birds using extension tubes. This topic will be included in my upcoming bird photography eBook. Continue reading Photographing Small Birds Using Extension Tubes
Using Slow Shutter Speeds to Photograph Wild Birds Handheld
Readers who enjoy bird photography can attest to the fact that many people go out early in the morning to capture their images. This can be a challenge, especially when using a camera with a smaller sensor, as higher ISO values are often used during this time of day. This article shares a few images and discusses using slow shutter speeds to photograph wild birds handheld. Continue reading Using Slow Shutter Speeds to Photograph Wild Birds Handheld
Simple Composition Technique to Reduce Wide Angle Distortions
One of my recent client assignments was to photograph a heritage building that was constructed in 1879. The building has been lovingly restored and is now used as a longer stay guest house. Photographing the inside rooms of this property presented a couple of interesting challenges. These included quite poor lighting and the need to shoot using a wide angle lens. While photographing this property, it occurred to me that some readers may be interested in an article that shares a very simple composition technique to reduce wide angle distortions. Continue reading Simple Composition Technique to Reduce Wide Angle Distortions
Selecting a Frame Rate When Photographing Birds in Motion
As regular readers will know, for the past several months I have been focused on photographing birds as part of my field work for an upcoming eBook on hand-held bird photography. Part of that field work has involved experimenting with various frame rates when photographing birds in motion. This, in turn, has been generating a good number of personal emails from readers asking about ‘the best’ frame rate to use. This article discusses some of the considerations when selecting a frame rate when photographing birds in motion. Continue reading Selecting a Frame Rate When Photographing Birds in Motion
Great Blue Heron Appearing to Walk on Water
While at the Hendrie Valley Sanctuary yesterday, I had the opportunity to capture a continuous auto-focus (AF-C) run of a Great Blue Heron appearing to walk on water. This article shares a selection of 18 images and provides insights into the thought process that led to the creation of these photographs. Continue reading Great Blue Heron Appearing to Walk on Water