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NatureScapes.net Monthly Newsletter - September 2012

Final Moments by Judd Patterson

Mount Rainier may be classed as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in North America, but each summer it welcomes a peaceful blanket of wildflowers that masks any threats. In this view from the northwest side of the park, a carpet of paintbrush glows in the final moments of sunlight. I was traveling very light this trip, and I found myself without a tripod during fantastic light. Thankfully I felt comfortable using the Canon 5D Mark III at a higher than usual ISO, and was able to capture the full depth of this scene.

Equipment Used: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 17-40mm f/4 L USM at 17mm, 1/100s, f/18, ISO 800, single exposure.

To see more of Judd's images visit his web site at: www.JuddPatterson.com.

 
  Table of Contents - September 2012  
Take 10% off your total purchase through Saturday in our store! New articles by Kari Post, Chuq Von Rospach, and Denise Ippolito Greg Downing's summer trip reports from Alaska and Canada Workshop updates on Bosque del Apache and this winter's DuckShops™ with E.J. Peiker
HAPPY LABOR DAY - Take 10% off your purchase - Use code 10OFF at checkout. Expires Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:59 AM PST. Restrictions apply - see below for details.
  Featured Articles  
  Copyright Kari Post Photographing Icons vs the Unknown
by Kari Post

In the digital age, just about everyone has a camera. Thanks to social media, everyone knows it, and we are constantly bombarded with images from thirteen year olds with iPhones, retirees with 1D Mark IVs, and budding amateurs and pros alike, some who are constant sources of inspiration and others whose talent always seems to underwhelm our own. Not only is everyone a photographer, but everything worthy of being photographed has… Continue reading »

 
  Copyright Chuq Von Rospach Some Thoughts on Lightroom Keywords
by Chuq Von Rospach

For most photographers, adding keywords and other meta data to their photos is a necessary evil. Many of us prefer to take photos, and putting in the time and energy to describe them during post-processing isn't—fun. So we tend to do a minimal job of it. Continue reading »

 
  Copyright Denise Ippolito Photographing at the Barnegat Jetty
by Denise Ippolito

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in New Jersey, located at the northern end of Long Beach Island, is where you will find the famed "Barnegat Jetty." If you are a birder or bird photographer as I am, this is a must visit destination during the winter. Continue reading »

 
  Greg Downing's Summer Trip Reports  
  ALASKA
Puffins & More and Coastal Brown Bears Adventures
I've just come back from Alaska and two successful shoots where I met lots of great friends (some old and some new), shared in fun and adventure, exchanged tons of laughs, and took advantage of as many photographic opportunities as we could muster. While a trip to Alaska is never without challenges, especially when it comes to weather and light, the photographer that travels with the right attitude and the willingness to adjust to conditions always comes away with memorable images and an appreciation for the Alaskan wilderness, its wildlife and the challenges they face.  
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Horned Puffin in Flight · Capturing puffins in flight requires some luck, a great deal of tenacity and patience and the right gear. The new 5D III proved to be a great performer when coupled with the tried and true 400/5.6 lens but "pumping the shutter" (letting off the shutter and allowing the camera to re-focus) was still necessary for fast flying birds. EOS 5D III, 400/5.6  
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Thick-billed Murre Portrait · A walk back from exploring the top of Zapadni cliffs revealed this approachable Thick-billed Murre perched with the bearing sea as the perfect backdrop. Approaching seabirds at cliff edges should be done slowly and carefully so as not to spook the birds off the edge. These birds balance their eggs, and their chicks, precariously enough that a quick flight might knock them off!  
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Coastal Brown Bear Silhouette · On the first morning of my annual Coastal Brown Bears workshop we got off to a great start with a beautiful sunrise and a cooperative clamming bear! EOS 5D III, 600/4  
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Brown Bear Mom and Cubs · Two weeks before I arrived at Lake Clark National Park I learned that there was a mom with 3 spring cubs that had just arrived a bit late in the season. We had lots of opportunities to observe this family from a safe distance as the three cubs fought for food and mom's attention. Coastal Brown Bear cubs have a survival rate of less than 50%—we hope these three beat those odds and that we see them next year!  
Join us in Alaska in 2013!
Copyright Greg Downing Puffins and More Adventure - St. Paul Island, Alaska
August 2–9, 2013

This exciting adventure takes us to the tiny remote island of St. Paul in Alaska's Pribilofs. Situated in the Bering Sea, St Paul Island attracts hundreds of thousands of seabirds to nest in its vertical cliffs, and the majority of the world's population of Northern Fur Seals to bear and raise young on its shores. Register Now »

Copyright Greg Downing Coastal Brown Bears Adventure! - Lake Clark, Alaska
August 18–23, 2013 SOLD OUT!

Contact Erin Masters ([email protected]) for another upcoming 2013 bear trip to be announced!

  CANADA
Loons & More
Earlier in the summer I spent three weeks in Canada and conducted two of my annual "Loons and More" workshops. It was a great year for the loons with two sets of chicks on the main lake and lots of other birds at various stages of breeding and brooding. We had two fantastic, cohesive groups and lots of fun!  
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Flapping Loon · When loons dive they generally give you a flap or two upon re-emerging from the water. Learning the patterns of your subjects and spending quality time observing from a distance affords you a greater chance at predicting their behavior and at being ready when they spring into action. EOS 1D Mark IV, 600/4  
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Loon Family · Capturing adult Loons with chicks riding in their back requires a little bit of luck and the right timing since it only lasts about 10–14 days after the chicks are born. My annual Loons and More workshop offers the best "historical" chances at seeing and capturing this behavior. EOS 1D Mark IV, 600/4  
Coming next year - Loons and More
with Greg Downing and Alan Murphy
"Alan brings a whole new element to my Loons and More workshop with his knack for songbird and woodpecker set ups we will expand this workshop to include too many subjects to mention and lots of learning and laughs!" –Greg Downing
Copyright Greg Downing Loons and More - Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
June 15–19, 2013 SOLD OUT!
June 20–24, 2013 3 openings left

Take advantage of this opportunity to photograph Common Loons, with chicks, at close range, as well as many other species that nest in the area. In a small group setting you will learn Greg and Alan's techniques to capture images of these birds. Register Now »

   
  Copyright Greg Downing  
  Bosque del Apache
Socorro, New Mexico

Join Greg Downing for this sought after and affordable workshop at Bosque del Apache NWR. Greg has been visiting Bosque since the late 90's and knows every corner of the refuge and surrounding areas intimately. A visit to Bosque with Greg will take your photography to the next level help to make your images stand above the rest.

JOIN US!
  • Nov. 29–Dec. 2, 2012
  • Dec. 2–5, 2012
  • Nov. 29–Dec. 5, 2012
Register Now
 
  Copyright E.J. Peiker Check out E.J. Peiker's DuckShops™ this winter!

E.J. is a North American Duck expert and has photographed every North American species! Check out his comprehensive eBook Ducks of North America - The Photographer's Guide.

 
  Copyright E.J. Peiker Arizona DuckShop™
Phoenix, Arizona
December 11-14, 2012
January 15-18, 2013
Learn More & Register Now »
 
  Copyright E.J. Peiker Southern California
DuckShop™
February 13-18, 2013 Learn More & Register Now »
 
  Stay tuned next month for new workshop announcements including Ultimate Iceland 2013 - Birds and Landscapes with E.J. Peiker and Greg Downing!  
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10% off coupon is not valid on Wimberley, Gura Gear, or Think Tank Photo items. Use coupon code 10OFF at checkout. Expires Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:59 AM PST. Not valid on previous orders. Limit one coupon per customer.