Rain-forest, Chugach National Forest, Alaska.
There is more to the Copper River Delta area then just birds – actually, a lot more! This was from my recent trip.
Shorebird Blur
A flock of shorebirds, Copper River Delta, Alaska.
It is fun to return to an area like I did Cordova recently to see what kind of new images I can come up with – I like the challenge. It seems I’m more likely to experiment and try different compositions, techniques etc. on subsequent visits to a location in an attempt to top what I did before. Admittedly, different isn’t better, but the same is never better – let me elaborate. Read More
Semipalmated Plover Photo
Semipalmated Plover, Seward, Alaska.
Since I’m in the bird frame of mind sorta speak, I decided to check out some of our local shorebirds. Compared to the Copper River Delta, Seward gets a tiny migration – but hey, its close!
The favorable tides and wind corresponded with the middle of a bright sunny day which equals harsh ugly light, so I leaned heavy on flash to help tame and overcome the bad light.
I ended up getting pretty wet laying in the mud and water for two hours – but I think it was worth it!
O So Close!!!
Shorebirds resting on the Copper River Delta, Alaska.
Well, as I was mesmerized by the shorebird migration, I was told a wolverine walked down the beach about a hundred yards behind me! I was right there with my camera mounted on my telephoto, all on a tripod – it couldn’t have been better timing, well, except for the part where I was looking the other way! It was spotted by Hugh Rose, who is an excellent photographer and naturalist – so it was a very reliable source. Guess where I’m going to be hanging out!
My pain was greatly eased by the shorebird migration – this was the most I have ever seen. Wow is the word I kept repeating to myself. Unfortunately photographs just can’t do this migration justice. Video would help, but would still fall short.
I used f/22 for this image to maximize the depth of field.
Kayaking and Camera Gear?
Kayaking in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
As part of the ask Ron theme, adventure photographer Ryan Bonneau asks how I handle my camera gear while kayaking. Ryan is going to be spending two months kayaking in Prince William Sound this summer (lucky guy!). He went on to say he has tried storing his gear on deck in a dry bag, as well as in his cockpit in a dry bag, and has never felt comfortable with either system.
Well, unfortunately I don’t have a solution for this one. I do the same thing as Ryan, and have never felt comfortable with those options either. Usually I keep my camera in a dry bag under the bungees on the deck in front of me, kind of like the yellow bag you see in this photo. My camera’s dry bag is red – it is probably sitting on my skirt and just out of sight in this photo. Getting the camera in and out of the bag and stowed away is always a wet, awkward proposition full of risk – I dread hearing that plunking sound of a lens dropping overboard, so far I have been fortunate. I’ve seen this topic come up in photography forums, but have never heard of a better solution.
By the way, the dark area between both bows is a large school of salmon.
I hadn’t seen Ryan’s photography until today – check it out, he has some great stuff. Looks like he just started a blog as well.
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