Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) by KK Hui FRPS - Deep Bay, Hong Kong

"I was extremely fortunate to have a close encounter with a small flock (15) of Dalmatian Pelican at Deep Bay, Hong Kong on a typically warm, humid and foggy spring morning in March 2005. From then onward, and until 2010, only one or at most two were seen. Sadly the Mongolian population continues to decline and because of possible recent climate and/or habitat change the Dalmatian Pelican does not come to Hong Kong any more..."

To see more of KK's work visit his website at kkhui.zymichost.com.

Equipment Used: Canon EOS-1D Mk II, EF500/4L IS + EF1.4x, Manual, ISO 200, 1/1000, f/7.1

"This image was captured at Mirs Bay in the North Eastern part of Hong Kong in August. I was shooting on board of a rocking boat. Photographing fast flying seabirds, such as this Roseate Tern, is challenging particularly
with its random and erratic flight path. Adding to it is the constantly and varying background making auto-focusing that much more difficult.

When shooting birds in flight, you want to pre-focus as much as you can and have all the AF points activated in AI Servo AF/Dynamic AF mode in order to capture the peak of action here. Always use Manual mode to obtain precise metering especially when the background is constantly changing. Keeping a high shutter speed setting in the region of 1/2000s or above is the key to success, overcoming any movements of the subject as well as the photographer. For all flight shots turning off the IS or VR, if any, is recommended. In fact anything over 1/800s would render IS unnecessary. Also use the fastest frame rate possible in your camera for capturing the decisive moment. Last but not least practice makes perfect and all these techniques become second nature to you when you're shooting birds in flight!"

–KK Hui, NatureScapes.Net Forum Moderator, Birds Forum »

1. How did you get started in nature photography?
I have always had a love for nature, and photography has been part of my life ever since I was young. I got my first SLR, a Pentax Spotmatic with a standard prime 50mm f/1.4 lens, in the late 60's. I'd photograph almost anything that interested me then. My enthusiasm and passion for bird photography was not triggered until I casually took a single image of a Little Egret flying over a river next to blocks of high-rise buildings… Continue reading »

Just got in from Costa Rica after a very successful workshop! Participants were treated to unprecedented opportunities to photograph some of the most sought after species of birds in Costa Rica, including toucans, parrots, parakeets, macaws and, of course, lots of hummingbirds! Look for a complete trip report in the September edition.
–Greg Downing, NatureScapes.Net Publisher

Also, look for other upcoming Costa Rica workshops with Greg Downing and Greg Basco including a special Macro workshop as well as new itineraries for 2013 focusing on a diverse range of photographic subjects!

One opening for September 10-12! Contact Erin Masters for a late registration discount.

Register by September 1 and save $100. Only 6 openings.

The trip of a lifetime - receive a $500 flight credit if registered by September 1!

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
by Kari Post

"Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a true coastal treasure as far as nature observation and wildlife photography are concerned, and it is my favorite place to shoot in the Mid-Atlantic. Located on the lower half of the Assateague Peninsula in Virginia right near the Maryland state border, Chincoteague (pronounced CHIN-KO-TEEG) is named for the small residential island through which visitors pass through to enter the refuge." Read full article »

When Life Gives You Lemons…
by F.M. Kearney

"My Early Morning Pass got me into the botanical garden hours before it officially opened to the public. The daylily garden, running adjacent to a narrow pathway, was at its peak. With no swarming throngs of curious onlookers to deal with, I practically had the whole place to myself…" Read full article »

West is a downloadable eBook pdf (23.83 MB), featuring a collection of 70 Landscape and Wildlife photos taken in the Western United States. The American West is one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on Earth. This eBook is a celebration of these lands.

"An eye opening experience and now a feature at my workshops - every lens should be calibrated for peace of mind and ultimate sharpness! This is THE tool to ensure accurate and easy calibration!" -Greg Downing

The most lightweight, durable, and comfortable equipment bag you will ever own!

• Greg's Costa Rica trip report
• Featured Photographer: Christopher Dodds
• PowerEx product review by Glenn Bartley

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