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August 20, 2006

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This is a hummingbird, just like always, trying to avoid having it's picture taken. But with enough time and patience, eventually I sometimes get lucky.

Since I've had so many questions, here's a little note about using my pictures.
So many people seem to be afraid that they may be infringing on my rights by downloading any of these and using them for their backgrounds and personal use. Well, they're up there on the web for all to see and download. And well, these are all small, low quality and low resolution versions of my originals. So they are basically samples for all to enjoy.
 Always feel free to download any of my images from my web site to share them or use them for your backgrounds or wallpapers, or print them or whatever you personally want to do with them.. However, I would feel rather abused if you were to sell them without my permission, or use them for any financial or lucrative gains. Well, and that's where it actually becomes illegal and infringing on my rights. But you can always use them for your own personal enjoyment or amusement. If you'd like to purchase any prints or larger versions of them please feel free to email me and I can always work out a deal with you.

Digital Photography Tip: "Don't Leave Home Without It!"

"Without what?" you may ask. Well, without your camera, of course. Always keep it with you and always at your side. And always be prepared.
After all, think of this very apparent and obvious fact; I would not have captured any of my pictures or photos if I hadn't had my camera with me. It's that simple.
So this must also apply to everything else involved with your photography. Always have an extra battery and plenty of memory or film with you at all times. I don't know how many times I've been hiking through the woods and came across big foot and realized that I didn't have my camera with me. Boy did I ever feel stupid. 

Also always try to carry a good tripod with you. I actually have several of them. One of them I try to keep in my house, another in my car, and a really small and very portable one that folds up and fits nicely inside of my bag. There's too many times that you might want that really steady shot, and it's really cold outside. Trust me, it's hard to hold a camera steady when you're shivering.

I also have grown accustomed to leaving my camera out of my bag as much as possible, and even leave my lens cap off quite often. I know the cap keeps the lens protected. But how often do you think you are going to get it that dirty or damaged? Not too much. Only leave the lens on when the camera is not being used. I know some of you might value and cherish your camera equipment a bit more than that. So it's up to you.

I do have friends that actually carry all their equipment in a nice and neat case. They remove their lenses and put everything all in their appropriate slots and sections within that case. Well, when big foot runs across the road, you most likely won't have the time to get that camera ready for him, and he will just walk back off into the woods laughing at you. But think of the fact that most of my best shots happened when I least expected them, and I almost always struggle with trying to get my camera out and ready. And quite often I didn't even bother getting my camera out, knowing that the moment would be gone by the time I got everything out and ready. So I've tried to restructure myself and the way I carry my equipment around. If I have to carry my camera in the bag, like during hiking or long walks, I usually leave the zipper and top flap open, and have the handle of the camera at the right angle, so all I have to do is reach in and grab the camera and pull it out. Hmm, maybe I need a holster.

Always keep your most common camera settings ready for that quick moment. And don't just stand there with your mouth wide open. Because, when you send out that daily email about big foot, nobody will believe you unless you have a good picture of him. 

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