Occasionally I come across a Photographer's work that is in my opinion, so exceptional that I have to give him / her a shout out.  The post below is just such an exception.  Enjoy.

Incredible Wildlife Photography

WILDLIFE — BY STEPHANIE 

Canada goose protects her young

Ever have one of those moments when you think to yourself, “Boy, I wish I had my camera?!”  Well, you can enjoy the good fortune of the photographers who were not empty handed when they shot these amazing animal pictures.

These high-speed images are treasures that tell stories we rarely get to see – let alone capture – in stunning detail.  Incredible wildlife photography like this takes a steady hand and sharp eye.  And perhaps just a bit of luck!

Bringing home the bugs....

If you oohed and ahhed over the first couple of pictures, you might have to prepare yourself for the next image…. open wide!

All in one bite?

The best wildlife photography is often expressed through the unexpected.  Like these giraffe kisses for a squirrel!

Hey! How well do I know you?

What is more adorable than a curious monkey – particularly one that wonders what all the photography fuss is about?

Among cute animal photographs, you’ve gotta agree… this one tops the charts!

Ready for my close-up!

Looks like a Chorus Line is coming to a desert near you!  These foxes appear to be warming up with some synchronized stretching and yawning.  All together now….

Synchronized stretching

This gazelle is probably thinking that grooming is for the birds!

A little more to the left, please

Stunning pictures of animals are often captured in high-speed.  You can practically smell the dirt and feel dust in your eyes when you consider this image of two greyhounds closing in on their target.

Who would believe that a rhinoceros could be so precious?  Baby animals, no matter their species, make wonderful photography subjects.  Especially when a mother’s love is so obvious.

Baby and momma rhino

You thought those greyhounds above looked fast?  I’m not sure this mouse will get away with the stolen kitty kibble!  And just check out the look on the cat’s face.  Can you say intent?

The expressions say it all

This trio of owls in a Pacific Northwest forest is the epitome of wild beauty.  Just imagine coming upon this scene while walking through the woods.

Owls in a fir tree

Yikes!  Another example of perfect photographer timing.  What a lucky killer whale…. fast food!

Penguin's final dive!

Kung-fu squirrel executes a perfect split between the birches!

Master squirrel

I’m not sure if this last image was photoshopped or not (my guess is “yes”).  Either way, the artistry of this photograph is incredible.  Here’s your chance to use the words “frog” and “beautiful” in the same sentence…

Incredible wildlife photography 

How To Photograph Wildlife Action Shots

JUNE 9, 2014 BY JIM BRASWELL 

If you enjoy wildlife photography, then you’ll surely love to capture action shots:

Photo by Jim Braswell

Capturing action or behavior gives impact to your images. Sure, an image of a bear just standing in a creek can be a nice image, and it certainly has its place. But, an action shot of that bear can bring your photography to the next level.

To increase your chances of capturing action shots, here are a few techniques you can use:

Use a Fast Continuous Shooting Speed

To make the job of capturing animal behavior easier, the frame speed (often called the continuous shooting speed) in frames/second, is probably at the top of the list. Simply put, the more frames you can shoot in a given timeframe, the better your chances of capturing the wanted behavior. This is particularly important when trying to capture those intimate little details, like the bear about to catch the salmon in the opening photo. I think you will agree that taking 10 images per second will capture more potential actions than shooting 6 images per second. And by making multiple images, you will increase your odds that at least one will be in focus and sharp.

Use a Fast Shutter Speed

A fast shutter speed is critical in capturing animal actions and behaviors. A fast shutter speed is required to capture tack-sharp images of wildlife; if the shutter speed is too slow, movements by the animal (or by you) will cause the image to be soft-focused, or even blurry. What is a fast enough shutter speed? Well, that will depend on the speed of your subject, but a good place to start is 1/500 second. Be aware that even wildlife that appears to be sluggish and slow, such as a large grizzly bear, can move at extreme speeds without warning!

Use a Moderately High ISO

ISO is important to control to assure you can get a fast shutter speed. If the ISO is set too low, then you will be unable to get a fast enough shutter speed. However, be aware that a very high ISO will make it more likely that you will encounter electronic noise in your images. This noise manifests itself as either a very grainy appearance, or even green/red flecks in the darker portions of the image. So know your camera’s sensor capabilities and try to use an ISO only as high as you need to ensure a fast shutter speed.

Use a Wide Aperture

For action images, the aperture setting should be set to a large opening (i.e. small “f-number”), which will help you obtain a faster shutter speed. Fortunately for us wildlife photographers, a large aperture opening also gives us a shallow Depth of Field (DOF) which is preferable for an aesthetic look to our images.

Keep the Hammer Down!

When capturing action photographs, it is imperative to shoot a lot of frames. Why? Many images will be slightly out of focus, either from movement of the subject or “camera shake” caused by camera movement as the images were made. So, shoot a lot of images and you will likely be rewarded with at least one sharp image.

Know Your Subject and Anticipate the Action

To better capture action or behavior, always do your research and understand your subject’s behaviors and habits. Knowing how your subject moves and acts will often give you a heads-up for what they’ll do next. For example, did you know that large birds of prey (eagles, hawks, etc.) will often defecate before they launch into flight? So, if photographing a bald eagle sitting on a tree stump, if you see it suddenly stretch forward and defecate, you know to be ready for an in-flight shot.

Use Continuous Focusing and Limit Your Focus Range

Focusing for action photography is best accomplished by using a continuous focusing mode (Canon calls it “AI Servo”, other manufacturers may have different names for this mode, so please check your camera manual). In this mode, the camera’s focusing system will sense and maintain focus on the subject, should it move either closer to, or farther from the camera. And in action photography, this is typically the case!

Another focusing tip is to place the lens’s focusing distance switch (sometimes called a “focus limiter switch”) into the appropriate mode. For example, if you are shooting a subject that is 50 meters away, and it will not be approaching to less than 6.5 meters, by placing the switch into the distant mode (i.e., “6.5m to Infinity” on my Canon 100mm-400mm lens), my lens will focus quicker on the subject than if it is placed in the “1.8 meters to Infinity” setting. This added speed will definitely be an advantage to your focus speed.

I also try to pre-focus on the subject, before any action begins. Then, when the action heats up, you will already be focused on or near the subject, and focusing will be very quick. And if the subject is moving towards you, pick out a spot in front of the animal and pre-focus at that spot. When the animal reaches that spot, you will be in focus.

What Are Your Thoughts?

What have I missed? Are there any special tricks or tips that you use to capture action wildlife shots? If so, please leave a comment and let us know!

About the Author: Jim Braswell is a lifelong resident of Missouri, photographing nature in Missouri and beyond. His photographic passion is wildlife and wildflowers. When working with wildlife, his goal is to capture animal behaviors and actions. Besides photographing nature, Jim teaches photography and Photoshop at a local career center and participates in several art fairs/festivals every year. View more of his work on his website at: http://www.showmenaturephotography.com/

2014 INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

The International Photography Awards conducts an annual competition for professional, non-professional, and student photographers on a global scale, creating one of the most ambitious and comprehensive competitions in the photography world today.

Closing Date

30 June 2014

Categories

Advertising, Architecture, Book, Deeper Perspective, Editorial, Event, Fine Art, Moving Images, Nature, People and Special.

Prizes

Photographer of the Year Award wins $10,000 cash prize.
Discovery of the Year Award wins $5,000.

Entry Fee

From $35 for professionals and $25 for non professionals.

Entry Requirements

The IPA competition is open to any photographer, 18 years of age or older, from any country. Professional photographers will be judged against other professionals and non-professionals against other non-professionals and students.

GO TO CONTEST WEBSITE

Take Your Portfolio To The Next Level With The Help Of A Model Scout

by: PETER HOUSE

Do you want agency grade models in your portfolio but can’t quite cut through the competition vying to test with the same talent? Do you want agency grade models in your portfolio but can’t afford the agency rates? Modelling agencies are a fantastic source of top models but they are not the only way to acquire this elusive talent and build your portfolio very quickly to a professional standard.

Professional models have beautiful faces and bodies but they also have incredible control and awareness of their posing while maintaining a natural and comfortable feel on camera. These models can make all the difference in your images and ultimately your portfolio. Finding such models can prove to be much harder than it seems. The simple fact is that most people don’t posses these qualities. That means photographers must search in places where such models are available. Agencies can be a great source to find reliable and experienced models but rates can be prohibitive for many who are simply building a portfolio and being accepted as an agency photographer puts you at competition with a lot of your peers vying for the same opportunity.

There is however a road less traveled and it offers MANY benefits.

Introducing The Model Scout

A talent scout is an individual in your community who has a knack for spotting the traits that are in demand by a particular industry. Talent scouts work in all varieties of industries. The music industry has talent scouts that attend local shows and venues on behalf of record labels looking for the next big sensation. Sports teams have talent scouts which scour local colleges looking for the next addition to their roster. Even corporate America has “talent scouts” that poach the top performers from their competition.

In the modelling industry we have model scouts. These are individuals who can spot a beautiful face in a crowd. They have the experience and know how to see modelling potential in a person. Model scouts will find these gems and polish them by offering them coaching and building up a portfolio for them. The model scout will do what it takes to prepare the model before they presents them to various agencies who will then buy the model from the scout. You heard that right. Most of the models these scouts find end up being agency models within a few short months.

By pairing up with a good model scout you have a chance to work with some agency grade models before they get snatched up by the agencies. You won’t get paid for this but you also won’t be paying to do this either. Just as much as you are looking to build your portfolio, the scout is looking to build each of the models portfolio’s. It is a truly mutually beneficial relationship.

A Good Scout Makes The Difference

The scout I work with was a successful model herself. She has graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue and Elle. This gives her a unique advantage over some model scouts due to her vast experience in the industry. She has the network in place to benefit many of her potentials and one look at her past roster will showcase her success in placing the models she works with into highly desirable positions. Since the model scout I work with was a model herself she also has incredible experience with posing and is able to coach and guide her potentials to very strict and world class standards. Pairing with a good model scout should offer you access to professional grade faces and training.

No Pressure Environment

Working with model scouts can offer a pretty relaxed shooting arrangement. Although you are always trying to capture each model at their best you also have the freedom to experiment and to get a bit creative. These are luxuries you may not have when working with clients or with agency models because of time constraints and pre-approved expectations. These shoots can be a great opportunity to test new techniques, equipment, or poses and expressions, many of which you can later transfer over to your paid work.

Fresh Faces

Model scouts have a constant supply of fresh talent. Their business revolves around finding undiscovered faces so in essence they are doing all the leg work for you. They are weeding out the ones who more than likely won’t cut it in the real world leaving you to shoot with some truly talented and beautiful people before the rest of the camp gets there. If you’ve got a good rapport with your model scout by creating work that suits their style they will send you quite a bit of work and that can very quickly build up an incredibly diverse and professional portfolio.

Long Term Potential

Working with model scouts is a long term investment. In addition to being able to build up your portfolio you also have the added benefit of being the first person to ever professionally shoot some of these potential models. Should any of these models wind up crossing over into the supermodel sphere you will always have the original and first images of that person. I find that a neat commodity. Can you imagine being the first professional photographer to shoot with Heidi Klum or Gisele Bundchen?

The real long term potential however comes from having access to the model scouts network. They show your images directly to the modelling agencies and later to various potential clients which the model might be considered by. Your images are out there. Your work is being constantly evaluated. Your name is being engraved in the minds of the influential decision makers at the highest levels. If you put out a constant stream of quality work it is only a matter of time before a call trickles through to you for a paid job.

How To Approach

Approaching a model scout can be a very tricky proposition. They can be extremely selective when it comes to who they work with and rightfully so. Most of the talent they scout ranges from 15-20 years old. When I signed on with the model scout I work with I went in for a face to face interview where I presented my work, but I was also questioned about my intentions and personality. The model scout wants to keep their roster safe from predators and unfortunately our profession does not always have the cleanest reputation. If this is a road you pursue be prepared to answer questions, have references in place, and showcase your friendly personality.

Esben Bøg Jensen Shoots Film & Reveals What Is A Good Photograph 

By Admin

Film Photography at its very best, Esben Bøg Jensen shows us some brilliant examples of portraits filled with classic emotions all through his portfolio. The grains of film stock and the undying colors adds subtle feel of artistic brilliance to these pictures. Its interesting to find out his approach while shooting portraits, it seems to be more natural for him to shoot emotions. Listen to this interview which is really inspiring in all aspects. His idea of photography feeding his creativity and his answer for what is a good photograph will keep you thinking.

Could you Introduce yourself?

I’m a student at the University of Copenhagen where I attend The Department of Arts and Cultural Studies. I’m currently writing my thesis and will soon be done. Fingers crossed. Other than that I’m just a pretty average guy I believe. I have a huge passion for music though I don’t play myself, and enjoy a good movie as well. I try to read a lot too.

What makes Photography special to you & How has it changed you as a person?

I think/hope that it has made me more aware of the world around me! I like the small things in life that stand out and become much more when you think about it. That’s what I try to capture as well. There are so many different types of photography and they are all wonderful to me, and one day I’ll hopefully get to investigate and try them all. For now it’s all about me really. It’s a diary of my life and all that I hold dear. When I’m done with my thesis I’ll hopefully have more time to experiment and make some full-grown projects with a bit more depth. Not that what I do now don’t have that, but I do long to try different things. In that way photography has made me a more curious person – towards everything around me. And just being creative is very healthy – no matter what type of creativity you display. And I’m very happy photography has made me a creative human being.

What is a good photograph?

It’s whatever you want it to be. The French theorist Roland Barthes talks a lot about the winter photograph is his book Camera Lucida. It’s a photo of his mother in a winter garden. To us the photo holds no meaning. To him it’s everything. We never get to see the photo and some argue it doesn’t even exits. But he makes a great point. Everything is subjective to the individual. What means a lot to you might mean nothing to me.

I do however believe we are born with certain archetypes – like the ones Jung talks about – and that these appear in pretty much everything that we produce from the depths of our mind. It’s the reason I’m able to connect and understand when a photographer from Thailand takes photos of a completely different culture than mine. A good photograph resonates with all of us and it can come from anywhere.

Few words on the portraits you do?

Not much to say. I pretty much go with the flow of the situation and try to capture everything as it is. I don’t think I put much thought behind it. As long as the portrait is true to the situation we’re good.

How do you interact with your subject before a shoot, because these pictures are rocking with emotions?

I usually don’t do anything. The situation just arises and then it’s all about grabbing the camera as fast as you can. I almost only photograph my friends so I know them well and don’t have to say much more than “hey, look that way again and move a little closer”.

Your Gear & Inspiration?

My inspiration comes from anywhere – other photographers, music, movies and so on. Right now I’m really into Andrei Tarkovsky and he has definitely been a huge inspiration. Right now mainly use a Hasselblad 500 CM and a Canon 1v. But I also have an Olympus mju II as a quick point and shoot film camera. I use any film I can’t get my hands on. Whatever is cheapest I guess.

Any final words of advice for young aspirants here?

Don’t dwell to long on which camera to buy if you just getting into photography. It pretty much doesn’t matter. I’d also recommend looking through tons of professional photographers portfolios and website. Try to recreate your favorite photos and understand what makes them stand out. All the while bringing your camera with you everywhere and just shoot as much as you can.

Click on the image for better and enlarged view.

Photo Casting Call

Posted on June 6, 2014

A variety of talent is needed for an upcoming Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau photo shoot the week of June 16.

Models needed for 14 positions:

• Male mid to late 30s;
• Female mid to late 30s;
• Father and Son (mid 30s with grade school age);
• Family of 4 (parents in their 30s or 40s with grade school age son and daughter);
• Trendy Couple (mid to late 30s); and
•  Four-some of Golfers (varying male ages.)

If interested, send headshot or photo to Alicia.erickson@springfieldil.us. Selected models will be notified by June 11.

Compensation will include a $50 gift card per adult actor. Commitment is two hours.

Tri-X Film Celebrates 60th Birthday

Wayne Hinshaw: Tri-X Film celebrates 60th birthday

PHOTO BY WAYNE HINSHAWNASCAR driver Darrell Waltrip gets a kiss from Zsa Zsa Gabor at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Tri-X film has a birthday. What? Who cares? Maybe not many. What is Tri-X film anyway? Will anyone dare to waste their time reading this column?

For those of you who are still with me, Tri-X film is the greatest black and white film that the photojournalists of the world ever used. It has been called “an artifact, a practice, an art form” that cannot be matched by digital photography. The film image has a different, less perfect look. It was the black and white film that we used at the Salisbury Post until we moved on to shooting all color negative film. It was the perfect look for the “Bean Shooter Man,” Rufus Hussey, taking aim with his slingshot.

It is the one film that has defined many “cultural moments” in our lifetime just by the way our photo images looked and are burned into our minds’ memories. My own photo of Zsa Zsa Gabor giving race car driver Darrell Waltrip a kiss on the cheek could be one of those cultural moments. He has the long shaggy hair and sideburns of the 1970s. Agriculture Commissioner Jim Graham, sitting in a convertible wearing his hat and puffing a cigar, could also be defined as a cultural moment from a by-gone era. The film qualities fit the culture of the time when the photo was taken.

Powerful photos from the Civil Rights era, the Vietnam War, or even our great rock’n’roll music stars were made on Tri-X film.

Remember the “British Invasion” of the Beatles arriving in New York? Tri-X film was there to record the moment. Remember the photos of the police dogs attacking marchers in Civil Rights protests or the fire hoses turned on marchers? Tri-X was there.

Remember President John Kennedy’s funeral with little John Kennedy saluting his daddy’s casket? Tri-X was there.

My photo from the Outlaw Motorcycle veteran’s burial in a pouring rain storm is a powerful local one where the qualities of the Tri-X film actually added to the emotion of the event.

Tri-X film affected how we saw these events and what we saw in the events. The trusted black-and-white film is 60 years old this year and is still being manufactured. Appearing first in 1940 as sheet film for the big 4-by-5 large format cameras of the era, until 1954 when it was released as roll film and 35 mm film. Photographers rode the “back of Tri-X film” through the “Golden Age” of black-and-white photography on into the 1980s.

This new film created an “urgent style” and look that newspapers like the Salisbury Post and magazines were eager to use to capture images. Examples are Sen. Al Gore on a campaign tour at the Statesville Airport or Jessie Jackson and Sen. Joe Biden in a presidential debate.

At the time, Tri-X was considered a very fast film with an ASA 400 speed. Instead of ASA, we now call that measurement ISO but the higher the number the more sensitivity the film is to light. With high sensitivity to light comes “grain” as part of the image.

The film was flexible and forgiving if your exposure was not perfect. You could “push process” the film to ASA 800 or 1,000 for photos in low light such as sporting events and the theater. It was a great film to photograph Andy Griffin and Bob Hope at the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Awards ceremony. The qualities of the film added to the image of Pat Boone singing under the lone spotlight.

Tri-X was grainy, contrasty, had good dark black tones that added drama to the photos, but kept the details in the shadows and highlights much like the tones of my own photo of Elizabeth Dole at the White House with President Ronald Reagan. Some say the tones were “steely” and not warm. Some say Tri-X was a “dirty film” always looking hard and never producing flat images like the photo of the MLK Parade marchers singing “We Shall Overcome.” It provided the more real, hard look of the ’50s and ’60s photographs.

Photographer Anton Corbijn said, “Grain is life. There’s all this striving for perfection with digital stuff. Striving is fine, but getting there is not great. I want a sense of the human, and that is what breathes life into picture. For me, imperfection is perfection.” Again the motorcycle gang member burial is an example of grain giving the photos added life and imperfection.

With a Nikon camera and a few rolls of Tri-X film and maybe a darkroom, you were ready to take on the world of photography.

You were ready to produce images with urgency, contrast, grain and drama. You were ready to make images that looked natural and true in black and white.

Seeing the world in the ’60s and ’70s on Tri-X film was like looking at “truth first hand.” It was a time of rebellion, not perfection. It was a time of experimentation, looking for answers.

Some say that “Film is honest and Tri-X is honest.” A photo of folk singer Paul Stookey or a portrait of racing king Richard Petty are truthful images of the true men that they are. One photographer went so far as to say, “A photo on Tri-X film is like being in Heaven.”

It was a time when the old slogan “F8 and be there” applied. F8 was the lens aperture setting where the lens gave the best results and being there speaks for itself. You need to be where the action was to take place. Maybe “F8 and be there” with Tri-X film in your camera was Heaven. Photographing Susan Maxwell planting flowers with her two young children at her side had to be close to Heaven for her at the time.

If you are still with me, thank you for celebrating the life of Tri-X film.

Happy 60th birthday, old friend, Tri-X film!

Article Author: Wayne Hinshaw, is the retired photography chief of the Salisbury Post.