tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21980255929505393982024-02-20T10:46:59.023-05:00Behind the LensSheen is a wildlife, nature & landscape photographer and writer from Michigan. A long term birder and nature enthusiast who always has a camera nearby. She enjoys sharing photography techniques and knowledge through individual and group workshops.
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<i>"Every moment spent in nature brings joy to the spirit, attitude and heart. Enjoy the journey."</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-56926856570621689222019-04-17T17:45:00.003-04:002019-04-17T17:45:31.824-04:00Can You Try "Too Hard" to Get Your Shot?<div style="text-align: center;">
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What does trying too hard really mean? If you're in a great location surrounded by beauty, does it matter how many tries?<br />
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We took a trip back to my home state of Arkansas. Instead of driving directly back to Michigan, we took a couple of days to driving the long way back. A hike and a bit of photography was on our agenda. </div>
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Every stop surrounded us with rugged, natural beauty. The weather conditions served up some challenges but we take what mother nature delivers which begs the question... </div>
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<b><i>How many tries on average do you take to get the 'one' that you're truly jazzed about? </i></b> </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">As a photographer there are times after a shoot where we have several, even many images that we jump in and start processing as fast as we can. It didn't matter how many images we took, we were in our zone and had a lot to show for it!</span></div>
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<i><b>Then, there are those days. You know them well. </b></i> </div>
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We invest time, use multiple lenses, try many different angles (in some cases in very uncomfortable positions). We can almost predict what's going to happen when we get home. Delete, delete, delete and keep a few for the memory.<br />
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There are both life and photography lessons in each of these situations. During my Arkansas travels I experienced excitement from a shoot with waxwings and creative frustration at waterfalls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04Pzd04ginbUv4NnehF9B0fkAEf6_cxVYgOX6ZZwy39KHKSIw3tBUy9iGkufH1OlGIbrsIGueaxe4s4vM4_0hDf2xDNG6gIZudzscaMAOyFFB4LNj8OxwvbixqhoWFEYYxNSoKWfmcT1z/s1600/Waxwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04Pzd04ginbUv4NnehF9B0fkAEf6_cxVYgOX6ZZwy39KHKSIw3tBUy9iGkufH1OlGIbrsIGueaxe4s4vM4_0hDf2xDNG6gIZudzscaMAOyFFB4LNj8OxwvbixqhoWFEYYxNSoKWfmcT1z/s400/Waxwing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar Waxwing by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<b>Waxwing Adventure:</b><br />
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The Cedar Waxwings in <a href="https://www.arkansas.com/el-dorado" target="_blank">El Dorado </a>were going nuts for the seasonal berries in this historical Oil Boomtown. I saw hundreds swarm trees, diving into bushes in a feeding frenzy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqc9SOSg451gPrxH_vLwv2Gt0RIg1pC9ewVHatc91IIyMOuW3OA0jqLDaBBG19C4l6qsjhpSRs8vJygETahrdMkmG79qDc6nreSiM6_dHaxSKLGSOIyjf7Jtag6F_tCCbSKVTdYPsTFYD/s1600/20190329-500swnaturephotomar31-169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqc9SOSg451gPrxH_vLwv2Gt0RIg1pC9ewVHatc91IIyMOuW3OA0jqLDaBBG19C4l6qsjhpSRs8vJygETahrdMkmG79qDc6nreSiM6_dHaxSKLGSOIyjf7Jtag6F_tCCbSKVTdYPsTFYD/s400/20190329-500swnaturephotomar31-169.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxwings by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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The down side was that I only had my long lens.<br />
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The big scene context shot wasn't going to happen as I needed a shorter lens at that moment. I'm including one image that illustrates a fragment of the flying flock. Alfred Hitchcock might have renamed his movie from the "Birds" to the "Waxwings" had he witnessed this moment.<br />
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In all, I had over 500 images with 10 so far that I'm very pleased with. <br />
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Next year, (lesson learned) I'm also switching to a shorter lens to get a few frenzy shots! I have plenty of ID and close-up images of waxwings now.<br />
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Oh yes, and I was fortunate enough to get berry-bird-poop in my hair in one of the waxwing flyovers. A sign of good luck I suppose. A hat will also be included.<br />
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<b>Falling Short at the Waterfalls:</b><br />
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We drove to Arkansas' first state park, <a href="https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park" target="_blank">Petit Jean State Park</a>. A rugged and beautiful natural treasure. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDGtT_SC7UtX2Uq2Tcwd_026AAPmaNTBnr60SnQrKlGazjDP2OSdUSxuD8k2Q2zFcDL9uQreYy8x6ZqoEDh1Cae3Hi3-jvdmZ4aYHixBlu3eEIEdSMts0RvhpEbhGpK6jBPNfO63TPPC-/s1600/20190406-850swnaturephotoapr10-63-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDGtT_SC7UtX2Uq2Tcwd_026AAPmaNTBnr60SnQrKlGazjDP2OSdUSxuD8k2Q2zFcDL9uQreYy8x6ZqoEDh1Cae3Hi3-jvdmZ4aYHixBlu3eEIEdSMts0RvhpEbhGpK6jBPNfO63TPPC-/s400/20190406-850swnaturephotoapr10-63-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost to Cedar Falls by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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Our first stop was Cedar Falls. We were less than 1/10th of a mile away when the skies, thunder and lightning struck in full force. The common sense safety gene took over and we had to ditch the attempt. <br />
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The following sunny morning, we traversed north to another beautiful waterfall area.<br />
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After 2 hours, I wasn't feeling it. <br />
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The spring colors were still hiding. The light was splotchy. With just a few hours to shoot, I was frustrated in not finding the type of shot I had in my mind. I had all the needed gear, filters, tripod, lenses - when the lighting is bad, it was time to take my tripod and head home.<br />
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I was in effect working and trying too hard, getting frustrated which impacted my creativity.<br />
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There could have been a downside but there wasn't.<br />
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I was able to hear the rush of the water, the power of the falls and breath in fresh, clean air. The <a href="https://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildView?WID=495" target="_blank">Richland Creek Wilderness</a> provided springtime sounds for the senses, along with a few snakes.<br />
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<b>Finding Arkansas Gold:</b><br />
We steered further north to the <a href="https://www.eurekasprings.org/" target="_blank">Eureka Springs</a> area where we discovered Arkansas' own single-lane, "Golden Gate Bridge" in nearby Beaver, Arkansas. Who knew that Arkansas would have a Golden Gate Bridge that was <u>accurately</u> named color-wise versus the one in San Francisco?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43MnQIZ1jK9_CbjZiai-W9qISbF-uGC_-5I61oD52rTObE3QbhJ5_Ri9jaT21QjElh6ATfxpYhmqV4CqbBAYI2XXQaST1DTJzTvqmdwztGiancgWijCaVuQAU-u3bM9fiERHGG3afLH8d/s1600/20190407-850swnaturephotoapr10-201-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43MnQIZ1jK9_CbjZiai-W9qISbF-uGC_-5I61oD52rTObE3QbhJ5_Ri9jaT21QjElh6ATfxpYhmqV4CqbBAYI2XXQaST1DTJzTvqmdwztGiancgWijCaVuQAU-u3bM9fiERHGG3afLH8d/s400/20190407-850swnaturephotoapr10-201-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Gate Bridge by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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Taking a breather from my waterfall plan to explore the area with no expectations refreshed the eye and attitude.<br />
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<b>Seeing Red in the Rearview:</b><br />
As we were leaving Arkansas and heading into Missouri, I noticed the cloud covered sky breaking apart. Pinks, oranges and reds emerged in my rearview mirror as we were driving 65mph northeast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrXBWCmNYpcP7u0xzElz_j2_-xeZ8PDFfay3bb53vcxAI8_e1txnrmfB4i_1uuUhT1_h_awx8KQ_5rukYgo4gvjRWgi23bj90dVCqujad4H5XrvBZ2P9G93g-DAm9wyPw3wvXWoBGkQ17/s1600/20190407-850swnaturephotoapr10-214-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrXBWCmNYpcP7u0xzElz_j2_-xeZ8PDFfay3bb53vcxAI8_e1txnrmfB4i_1uuUhT1_h_awx8KQ_5rukYgo4gvjRWgi23bj90dVCqujad4H5XrvBZ2P9G93g-DAm9wyPw3wvXWoBGkQ17/s400/20190407-850swnaturephotoapr10-214-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing Red in the Rearview by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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The vibrance was quickly becoming a photographer's dream and I met frustration of another kind.<br />
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I didn't know where we were or where to get the shot.<br />
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Thankfully, we topped a hill to see a river, a bridge and a reflection. Just what the photography doctor ordered.<br />
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When we see a moment, stop the car. Pull over. Shoot away. <br />
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We work hard for many, shots. We take advantage of the no-shot situation to savor what is around us. <br />
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When the easy photo moment calls ~ we need to answer!<br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
Sheen<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-54680982376115939422019-04-06T07:35:00.000-04:002019-04-06T07:35:29.241-04:00Finding Your Inner Artist - What You Discover May be Greater than You Imagined<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCq_TcGTtkoqpuJt0-WKFjNN6ahQeL44Lh16Ye-oZGSaquQxqXE4UR8PCK-hQA6xYW8bkVFb027WEIhK0a5PHHMBfqiJJg0lolVmD8Sy2eSza-p71ZI-t6HhsgjfDebP-Yx3wwde0H6_Sf/s1600/icegarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCq_TcGTtkoqpuJt0-WKFjNN6ahQeL44Lh16Ye-oZGSaquQxqXE4UR8PCK-hQA6xYW8bkVFb027WEIhK0a5PHHMBfqiJJg0lolVmD8Sy2eSza-p71ZI-t6HhsgjfDebP-Yx3wwde0H6_Sf/s400/icegarden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Office by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>What do you remember about the long, two hour meeting you sat through a year ago?</b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know the one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was death by Powerpoint. There was a lot of multi-syllable corporate speak followed by scurrying to update action items and craft emails. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Truthfully, we probably don't remember much about that meeting unless something crazy-cool or unique happened (or we took a lot of notes!).</b></i> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsjnRp7RDqJdcimPBybYnyiBNnrRE7hKNhnG7lpTHebpl_uqXUEpemLNaMHgvRJMOErtwBuEkdoXe6UwoKZ2NeLBf_9xyhwgjWt4u-jMRjrDbW8vKPVjUFQKvknYaVAQx2vA8iPWAsoXH/s1600/20180413-500swnaturephotoapr13-DSC_8980-Edit-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsjnRp7RDqJdcimPBybYnyiBNnrRE7hKNhnG7lpTHebpl_uqXUEpemLNaMHgvRJMOErtwBuEkdoXe6UwoKZ2NeLBf_9xyhwgjWt4u-jMRjrDbW8vKPVjUFQKvknYaVAQx2vA8iPWAsoXH/s400/20180413-500swnaturephotoapr13-DSC_8980-Edit-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch with my Co-worker by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bet that you do remember attending your kid's events where you celebrated or wiped away tears afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You probably also remember the days where you <u>intentionally</u> took the time to do the physical activities that you love. You may also readily recall where you spent time engaged in something that spurred your creative mind and spirit.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">How did you feel after investing time in you, your family or your personal creative endeavors outside of work?</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before photography, other than having a deep appreciation for birds, color and nature, I never considered myself an artist. I can't draw, paint, carve, sing (publicly) or effectively do other creative activities that rely on eye-hand/creative coordination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Who knew that when I put a camera in my hands for the first time that a creative fire would be ignited? I surely didn't. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDdnYabmTIwYRRu6iOyOw21VuGeaVHitEDfdfCNihEKUWDhbQHoviAvFdJukPflUijt8rnHJli78BkvjF-YAPUyfshIaj_XnOyosj0muLe0rvWV3C390j_u9liVVtr333eme6WNhw7scH/s1600/20170330-810swnaturephotomar30-DSC_8003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDdnYabmTIwYRRu6iOyOw21VuGeaVHitEDfdfCNihEKUWDhbQHoviAvFdJukPflUijt8rnHJli78BkvjF-YAPUyfshIaj_XnOyosj0muLe0rvWV3C390j_u9liVVtr333eme6WNhw7scH/s400/20170330-810swnaturephotomar30-DSC_8003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee Break by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something else also happened as a result of finding my inner artist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Contentment. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Higher energy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Confidence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A creative and more human perspective surfaced in other areas of my life - work, people, business, relationships. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My writing returned. My work and personal life converged differently. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I felt more human, more creative, while being disciplined to grow personally and professionally. I had more to give.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some say this is balance. Since I'm not a psychologist, I can't confirm. What I do know is that when I found my inner artist, my total life was better. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Home ~ Work ~ Relationships ~ Energy ~ Karma ~ How I felt about me</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With work, family, commitments and hectic schedules, time too easily slips away. So if you love to cook, doodle, photograph, paint, dance or any other creative element - <b>go for it</b> and <b>ramp it up</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>You (and those around you) won't regret getting to know the total you that evolves. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Shooting, Sheen</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryyEBHAtR9q9Png40f-0O5ON8Y2K5wRs9U9Xbi08Wq3QPLdkeZ8N9ohDDMMJbw1kDMbwB4eBrV1CdaGV6OnBG5PACPBWJWBLQ3Mtj5-Iir4VetuxfoZ8PPHmgkDd8JFz8QPKtq1xEOSAZ/s1600/20190103-850swnaturephotojan3-DSC_0488-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryyEBHAtR9q9Png40f-0O5ON8Y2K5wRs9U9Xbi08Wq3QPLdkeZ8N9ohDDMMJbw1kDMbwB4eBrV1CdaGV6OnBG5PACPBWJWBLQ3Mtj5-Iir4VetuxfoZ8PPHmgkDd8JFz8QPKtq1xEOSAZ/s400/20190103-850swnaturephotojan3-DSC_0488-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Hour by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-66282982023744093352019-03-31T08:24:00.000-04:002019-03-31T08:24:25.070-04:00Photography & Vacations ~ The Friends & Family Plan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz-oQ7ocX8tgollgU_2-MzwMvI1w3ltYOn-KbE51r1wqrdG-_EMNfdIBOmve_6KM_LPmzjnxTUUA3TjoMsUNNHM0XPOqGCU1lA8hQDjp2lKw9NpbY5J60Q7v4UHouF7vc1W6YTlmgB4JQ/s1600/20170327-500swnaturephotomar29-DSC_3112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz-oQ7ocX8tgollgU_2-MzwMvI1w3ltYOn-KbE51r1wqrdG-_EMNfdIBOmve_6KM_LPmzjnxTUUA3TjoMsUNNHM0XPOqGCU1lA8hQDjp2lKw9NpbY5J60Q7v4UHouF7vc1W6YTlmgB4JQ/s400/20170327-500swnaturephotomar29-DSC_3112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wormsloe Plantation by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's almost that time. Vacation! You've planned, packed, researched and are ready to venture on to your vacation destination.<br />
<br />
Camera's, lenses, filters ~ <b>check.</b><br />
<br />
Transportation schedule and documents ~ <b>check.</b><br />
<br />
Clothes, shoes, personal care items ~ <b>check.</b><br />
<br />
Shooting plan ~ <b>check.</b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Are you sure? Hold on a minute. </i></b><br />
<br />
As a photographer, traveling with friends and family can be rewarding and fun. But what happens when you - the more serious photographer of the crew - wants to spend quality shooting time at various destinations? Or you see something that just begs to be photographed?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheReh9PKA5qCHEZOX_sqqgAYDjhCOVOe7GIbUCmZn9qFznAOUBqrWXMirJ2cyLda7m2kOyyjrr-J9NxRi6JWlRjOhz_1-pMWS9ahMW0BjB5VOla9vXeiguojrYevKJxMrTziBTS-__rXrR/s1600/20180617-850swnaturephotojun16-DSC_1315-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheReh9PKA5qCHEZOX_sqqgAYDjhCOVOe7GIbUCmZn9qFznAOUBqrWXMirJ2cyLda7m2kOyyjrr-J9NxRi6JWlRjOhz_1-pMWS9ahMW0BjB5VOla9vXeiguojrYevKJxMrTziBTS-__rXrR/s400/20180617-850swnaturephotojun16-DSC_1315-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iceland, Metal Sculpture of Ship Bones by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your travel companions are thinking, "Why is he/she taking so many photos of <i>that</i>? We need to hit our next spot or we'll miss the next destination on our plan."<br />
<br />
You're thinking, "Why don't they <i>understand</i> that I need at <i>least</i> 20 - 30 shots of this subject! It's so unique, so interesting and there's so many different ways to capture it?"<br />
<br />
Some may take their frustrated thoughts to words and they may not be nice ones at that. After all, it is both yours and their vacation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMLdimRUhmav-bOT8DEg5q3iXXG2E32ugXOhYRWIZqaNJtWI5Jk6tujTkVWPa37f026Cnt3ymFmOJTTeA_yOlB5dvz723mjNyz1Z6wBeDF6VrIe-MCMK_MMgrnmu9JOEYnjAd0mnz88LX/s1600/20151114-81swnaturephotonov14-DSC_7039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMLdimRUhmav-bOT8DEg5q3iXXG2E32ugXOhYRWIZqaNJtWI5Jk6tujTkVWPa37f026Cnt3ymFmOJTTeA_yOlB5dvz723mjNyz1Z6wBeDF6VrIe-MCMK_MMgrnmu9JOEYnjAd0mnz88LX/s400/20151114-81swnaturephotonov14-DSC_7039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Human Element by<a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" target="_blank"> Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>What can you do to make vacations fun for all while including time for your photography? </i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Communicating and agreeing to a plan in advance.</li>
<li>Dedicating a set amount of personal time each day or at each location for photography.</li>
<li>Waking up earlier than the crew to go shoot and have a meeting time for you to join the group.</li>
<li>Planning to stay an extra day or a few days if possible to go back and shoot those areas that require extra time.</li>
<li>Involving your friends and family in the the scene. Adding the human element provides a different feel. Plus, if they are involved they become more engaged in the location and moment. Sometimes the memory of making the photo happen is just as good as the photo itself! </li>
<li>Encouraging them to take photos with their smartphone. You might convert someone.</li>
<li>Creating and sharing a vacation photo book makes a wonderful gift that can be revisited over and over.</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Having a few pictures with you in them. You are part of the family and should be included!</li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD_P5a0CVjztZVyeVUETIcQGkHDaE2Qf7_GVxCRmDtxGbm6C5sZ8Kh2PtFwv4rJ03JjqgEaCgN7w-5725jK5T_Gugd8fjs2bJcCA8-oRVmMXkChZdhOHVYf3_tMsYlS2TaRlLKdFnseqT/s1600/20151112-81swnaturephotonov12a-DSC_6687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD_P5a0CVjztZVyeVUETIcQGkHDaE2Qf7_GVxCRmDtxGbm6C5sZ8Kh2PtFwv4rJ03JjqgEaCgN7w-5725jK5T_Gugd8fjs2bJcCA8-oRVmMXkChZdhOHVYf3_tMsYlS2TaRlLKdFnseqT/s320/20151112-81swnaturephotonov12a-DSC_6687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Husband and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
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<div>
Summer is almost here with family vacations on the horizon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How will you plan your time that creates opportunities for you and keeps group harmony - from a photography perspective?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Shooting!</div>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sheen </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-30308293981244134312019-03-21T20:40:00.002-04:002019-03-31T01:03:02.677-04:00Life Changes are Just a Click Away - Always Aim for Your Best Shot!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1B16oO3f9cSmbqmNjDadqQyDVrCnmf1fjPjSXUyQzjBGpWrTBFsuvT2zK3DANtbr8Lcqw7rMNIelOtFBz61rokkBnoi1bG6TV5tF6IpZRuIMKp5ox9sOH5AtWwFol4GgUZCks3ZM0x-q/s1600/20190228-810swnaturephotofeb28--45-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1B16oO3f9cSmbqmNjDadqQyDVrCnmf1fjPjSXUyQzjBGpWrTBFsuvT2zK3DANtbr8Lcqw7rMNIelOtFBz61rokkBnoi1bG6TV5tF6IpZRuIMKp5ox9sOH5AtWwFol4GgUZCks3ZM0x-q/s400/20190228-810swnaturephotofeb28--45-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Moment by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I first picked up the camera, I had no idea that some day it would become part of my DNA.<br />
<br />
It wasn't long after the journey began that I anxiously looked forward to the golden day when I could pursue this either "almost" full time or in a much larger capacity.<br />
<br />
A little over a month ago, that moment arrived. <br />
<br />
We sold our house in four days with the initial intent of working remotely a lot more.<br />
<br />
A couple of days later, I exited the glass doors the last time of where I spent 20+ wonderful years working with many, many amazing folks.<br />
<br />
By the time I walked from those glass doors to my car, I was bursting with an optimism that I couldn't put into words.<br />
<br />
<br />
In retrospect, what I felt on that walk was gratitude. Thankful for the experiences, the life and people lessons, the friendships and knowing that I had given my best. I was also grateful that I knew exactly what I wanted to do going forward - photography!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7kV85M0Y88YvGw9kwoRkSxa3i21eE0RP5hQcC5cRNToS9zAZ2xGPmDSdA-X6KJ_gNhvsEwS3qc3qRbiPCqidJx1GdoaneSDdzccgUYkaWxUDFH1BUMSFGCGSR4d5gKO9__aCwFFxRPCM/s1600/20190203-500swnaturephotofeb3--178-Edit-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7kV85M0Y88YvGw9kwoRkSxa3i21eE0RP5hQcC5cRNToS9zAZ2xGPmDSdA-X6KJ_gNhvsEwS3qc3qRbiPCqidJx1GdoaneSDdzccgUYkaWxUDFH1BUMSFGCGSR4d5gKO9__aCwFFxRPCM/s400/20190203-500swnaturephotofeb3--178-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye on the Future by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My first words came when I got in my car and called my hubby. What came out was simply, "Dave, we're moving to our 'up north', now!" His response? "Let's go!"<br />
<br />
Within a 30 day window we closed on our house, sold a lot of unneeded 'stuff', packed and moved up north to the place we refer to as a little slice of heaven.<br />
<br />
Now my that my photography future is here where will I take it?<br />
<br />
In my prior corporate life, I loved coaching, teaching, learning, working and growing professionally. It was a rush to be all-in the moment, to watch others succeed. With photography, the same principles apply. Yet with photography - it's about growing in our artistry, shooting what gives us joy and sharing our personal eye with others. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88zzEXFsL4RX4HLJgTsRA-Yt6-U1gwsgIaln5UoMQ0it_AvAMaoGmAgWFCTYISwdVZIN-_r39vc2FB9dKlOdO3yuuLwGbL-tYlOa6O3Z36SALG-grdefp3ICvoO5BKogwBAMMmf5wLnuY/s1600/sunriseonice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88zzEXFsL4RX4HLJgTsRA-Yt6-U1gwsgIaln5UoMQ0it_AvAMaoGmAgWFCTYISwdVZIN-_r39vc2FB9dKlOdO3yuuLwGbL-tYlOa6O3Z36SALG-grdefp3ICvoO5BKogwBAMMmf5wLnuY/s400/sunriseonice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing the Sunrise by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've had <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">gallery</a> websites along with using social media sharing (recently <a href="http://www.instagram.com/swnaturephoto">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Facebook</a>) and blogging for a while. I've written many photography articles for <a href="http://www.lightstalking.com/">Light Stalking</a> and <a href="http://www.loadedlandscapes.com/">Loaded Landscapes</a>. Every now and then, I'd lead small and large workshops locally.<br />
<br />
It's so rewarding so see others learn and experience their creativity. I also jumped in on workshops led by others and will continue to do so. I never want to stop learning and growing in this amazing craft called photography.<br />
<br />
Now it's time. Time to get after it. More time with Dave, our doggies, family and friends. More hours behind the lens, more hours learning, spending time with other photographers. And soon....more opportunities to expand the workshop portfolio to experience photography adventures with and for others.<br />
<br />
Happy shooting!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-58379589443995543062018-04-08T07:32:00.001-04:002018-04-08T07:32:18.421-04:00N'Ice Ice BabyAs a 25 year Michigander, I often get the question when traveling "Where are you from?" I already know their response when I say with a smile "<a href="https://www.michigan.org/">Michigan</a>". Usually it's one of these:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Wow, it's cold up there!" </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Too cold and gray for me in the winter" </span></b></div>
<b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> "I hear the summers are beautiful, but short."</span></b><br />
<br />
Who needs a movie when we have more than 50 shades of gray between November and April? Let's start by saying, yes it's cold in the winter in Michigan. We have winters that you can sink your teeth in to. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoEsOXnyc0FZGQy3tkwdbTV017SI93pkE3siuy53lT7CIgnwhxQrrEffbw_6HQry3iB4-mfjUb7jpoTipT3d6ibT4FHbfdjGhEhKR5xcyrlXSxjrW5xukBenC7g8_OHaSGrxVMoI5_cjk/s1600/20180317-810swnaturephotomar17-DSC_7183-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoEsOXnyc0FZGQy3tkwdbTV017SI93pkE3siuy53lT7CIgnwhxQrrEffbw_6HQry3iB4-mfjUb7jpoTipT3d6ibT4FHbfdjGhEhKR5xcyrlXSxjrW5xukBenC7g8_OHaSGrxVMoI5_cjk/s400/20180317-810swnaturephotomar17-DSC_7183-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Ice in <a href="https://www.michigan.org/city/mackinaw-city#?c=44.4299:-85.1166:6&tid=522&page=0&pagesize=20&pagetitle=Mackinaw%20City">Mackinaw</a> City, Michigan by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our ice <i>is</i> nice. Actually, it's more than nice. Our ice rivals abstract sculptures. Our ice is rich with color, texture and depth. <br />
<br />
A trip to <a href="https://www.michigan.org/city/mackinaw-city#?c=44.4299:-85.1166:6&tid=522&page=0&pagesize=20&pagetitle=Mackinaw%20City">Mackinaw City</a>, Michigan during the ice breaking season offered caverns of rich, blue ice formations and blocks.<br />
<br />
I grew up in the sunbelt in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. I happily thrived in the sunshine and heat. When I moved to Michigan to marry my husband, neither of us realized <i>if</i> or <i>how</i> I would adapt to the cold and gray. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcmwxqxWQFIm_SYmooEWFnem22ySHpnVSqyDAz6Jo3vZw5wP5dtC4050UymxeKCNnhQpBHPrpE0I4ia7TixoaFh7x0onlEfPd3_QmOfaN4lwcbk-2RorrP12rKub8X8zkRd3ubA3pLoqb/s1600/20180305-810swnaturephotomar5-DSC_6722-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcmwxqxWQFIm_SYmooEWFnem22ySHpnVSqyDAz6Jo3vZw5wP5dtC4050UymxeKCNnhQpBHPrpE0I4ia7TixoaFh7x0onlEfPd3_QmOfaN4lwcbk-2RorrP12rKub8X8zkRd3ubA3pLoqb/s400/20180305-810swnaturephotomar5-DSC_6722-HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icy Slates at Sunrise in Northport, Michigan by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What I learned is with that the right gear and initiative, I see how Mother Nature adorns Michigan winters with works of art. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You just have to go and explore. </span></b><br />
<br />
The iced tiles at sunrise in <a href="https://www.michigan.org/city/northport#?c=44.4299:-85.1166:6&tid=443&page=0&pagesize=20&pagetitle=Northport">Northport, Michigan</a> on the bay side of Lake Michigan lasted one day.<br />
<br />
The evening before it was one big ice plate. <br />
<br />
Anticipating a potential shift from the forecast gale force winds, the alarm was set for oh-dark-thirty. <br />
<br />
Overnight, the winds picked up and the waves and conditions turned plates into formations that looked like slate tiles. The sunrise brought a color convergence of warm and cool. 24 hours later, they were gone.<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Look for the less ventured view. </span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpk7009ChjRjt0ugFRnR4TNxj1dIUq8KT6gYCMkvEQEDl4H_zcAIGn5uJlzZy_xF317964rELREg-zz_Bt6sH67LHzTCz4rn-Bb5gL3EKxNY6qFfazVh6rLh5w_ssp4P1wTCRpY8dotkT/s1600/20180309-810swnaturephotomar9-DSC_6867-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpk7009ChjRjt0ugFRnR4TNxj1dIUq8KT6gYCMkvEQEDl4H_zcAIGn5uJlzZy_xF317964rELREg-zz_Bt6sH67LHzTCz4rn-Bb5gL3EKxNY6qFfazVh6rLh5w_ssp4P1wTCRpY8dotkT/s400/20180309-810swnaturephotomar9-DSC_6867-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced Cactus, <a href="https://www.michigan.org/city/frankfort#?c=44.4299:-85.1166:6&tid=382&page=0&pagesize=20&pagetitle=Frankfort">Frankfort</a>, Michigan by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On land, ice lasts a little bit longer in a given state. <br />
<br />
One of our most famous lighthouses, <a href="https://www.michigan.org/property/point-betsie-lighthouse">Point Betsie</a> gets a lot of paparazzi with her stoic stance in the face of Michigan winters. <br />
<br />
I initially went to shoot the iconic beauty. <br />
<br />
Instead, a hike around the lighthouse uncovered a field of glistening iced 'cactus'. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Don't let the gray get in the way!</b></span><br />
<br />
For the many days that we don't see the sun, ice still floats through the elements.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWN1rQScTKuj9lxXjjHbUe185Pk5a33lJGYHQQugKhCJAFke41liMQYsFNn1BDE8Tsg7TJCgjhgLjyL1RHcvR2cvZ4PG4J46F3unuEubeeGFNwNVRyR5m90fmyEPefbyz4I0lXYHM-Was/s1600/20171228-810swnaturephotodec28-DSC_4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWN1rQScTKuj9lxXjjHbUe185Pk5a33lJGYHQQugKhCJAFke41liMQYsFNn1BDE8Tsg7TJCgjhgLjyL1RHcvR2cvZ4PG4J46F3unuEubeeGFNwNVRyR5m90fmyEPefbyz4I0lXYHM-Was/s400/20171228-810swnaturephotodec28-DSC_4514.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frazil Ice by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Frazil ice, is a collection of soft, needle shaped ice crystals that form when the mist and water cool quickly. From afar, the water looked like a film was on the surface. A closer look revealed iced pancakes floating and shifting in the wavy waters.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7rvKxbC6Z8B_rQlkFACWEa75XkgOhTRHZZuhIANjL93Yy7IxgfyKFuPj02qwn8vKHKnbzgxBusxTKT_uKRb5YfcJT7Up29PQhaBtyu_hMMNZFnKb0l_iY6AQeWT6QtYbkdoNKRHtnJ5-/s1600/20180317-810swnaturephotomar17-DSC_7202-HDR-Edit+PS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7rvKxbC6Z8B_rQlkFACWEa75XkgOhTRHZZuhIANjL93Yy7IxgfyKFuPj02qwn8vKHKnbzgxBusxTKT_uKRb5YfcJT7Up29PQhaBtyu_hMMNZFnKb0l_iY6AQeWT6QtYbkdoNKRHtnJ5-/s400/20180317-810swnaturephotomar17-DSC_7202-HDR-Edit+PS.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice blocks by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Note: When photographing icy conditions, always use caution. <br />
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Ice is slippery, sharp, can be thin in unexpected places. <br />
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Take a partner.<br />
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Wear warm clothes.<br />
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Have the right foot gear (spikes are good!) and be careful. <br />
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Carry your gear in a backpack when hiking. If you fall with your gear you may be more worried about protecting your camera than you. <br />
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No shot is worth putting yourself in danger.<br />
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Venturing out in the lower part of Northern Michigan in winter is definitely worth donning layers of clothing in winter. <br />
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Oh yes, our summers are lovely too.<br />
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Happy shooting!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-46000602292923911012018-02-04T07:35:00.001-05:002018-02-04T07:35:19.800-05:00"Photographer" Does that Title Define You or Me?It's normal to describe ourselves using titles. Maybe, potentially, we use titles because, describing what we do is easier than sharing who we are.<br />
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You may be a wife, a mother, a husband, a father, a manager, a teacher, an executive, a clerk, an artist or a doctor. Pick one, or add one to the list.<br />
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For years, I've been in corporate America and enjoy it immensely today. I work for an organization with a legacy reputation built on ethics, quality and integrity. Their values reflect mine, and I hope that mine in turn reflects theirs. But while working for that company is a big part of me, my title doesn't completely define or describe who I am.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRrMwYytNZjR-Rxgn58QcjjqPIlv6xCvvuo6zAOtPevU42KcfTo1teM4NyQ5VAKO-K6nz9Y4oOOyNGUeSfXwbmzaF0Ry2UoTHFO7kv9LXMRUraqiM1RS7JgQ-itnbxhCMnGnzFMU_6vyG/s1600/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24a-DSC_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRrMwYytNZjR-Rxgn58QcjjqPIlv6xCvvuo6zAOtPevU42KcfTo1teM4NyQ5VAKO-K6nz9Y4oOOyNGUeSfXwbmzaF0Ry2UoTHFO7kv9LXMRUraqiM1RS7JgQ-itnbxhCMnGnzFMU_6vyG/s400/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24a-DSC_3203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan Sunset by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our passions, how we look at life, how we handle the good, the great, the fun, the hard, the sad and the horrific show who we are.<br />
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With each experience, our 'who we really are' continues to evolve.<br />
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Photography was just something I had always wanted to try. I had no idea that once a camera was in my hands that my eyes and dreams would change so dramatically.<br />
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Photography has been an epiphany, a passion and a way of connecting and sharing nature with the world, or <u>realistically</u>, those who are interested.<br />
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Initially photography was taking images of nature, with birds being front and center. Each day that I have a camera in my hands, I feel a deeper connection with who I am and what I believe:<br />
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<i>Time and experiences in nature and travel are not a given but a gift. I am grateful for the privilege to combine nature gift's with the art of photography.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPT74HHVAfmVhzBtj3CSwwxXvuCUXbk5CZBnkXaWTSvg2fQxZRgnTA9jj9tAvw6-pW7lgpM4gjP43TrPIqdBnuAjz6raYyz1wfZPFRApIoMmk5coPD4pdbb6eMXHLmHpJQROtyYdBOIbc/s1600/20171227-500swnaturephotodec28-DSC_3393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPT74HHVAfmVhzBtj3CSwwxXvuCUXbk5CZBnkXaWTSvg2fQxZRgnTA9jj9tAvw6-pW7lgpM4gjP43TrPIqdBnuAjz6raYyz1wfZPFRApIoMmk5coPD4pdbb6eMXHLmHpJQROtyYdBOIbc/s400/20171227-500swnaturephotodec28-DSC_3393.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite subject, the Snowy Owl by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I believe that nature's gifts should be cherished, shared and protected for future generations. To grow as an artist and photographer, is a continuous and joyous journey. My photography time consists of being in the field is both exploring nature followed by post processing to share my personal eye with others. <br />
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It isn't a one-shot moment and then moving on to the next subject. <br />
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Each image that makes it to the light of day is a result of many photographs of the same subject taken from different angles using different settings. Trial and error is a constant. Then it's finding the 'one' image to process and bring to life on a computer screen or print.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_fIVblTjezQ1ADN5PtLbvuU2T_fAyHkm0EgfbPTHQvynFURxsbAyGXIxgS6utsMP6XlEIYwXLMLdjPM9slRes5so72Oqmu9HbaHaTs08m53UCxJ6n012pIyExfx5dQizXvF7d7eKq5CP/s1600/20160906-810swnaturephotosep6-DSC_8733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_fIVblTjezQ1ADN5PtLbvuU2T_fAyHkm0EgfbPTHQvynFURxsbAyGXIxgS6utsMP6XlEIYwXLMLdjPM9slRes5so72Oqmu9HbaHaTs08m53UCxJ6n012pIyExfx5dQizXvF7d7eKq5CP/s400/20160906-810swnaturephotosep6-DSC_8733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abstract of Forest or the Trees by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other side of photography is not as easy or fun. There's an element of guilt and self-centeredness. <br />
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Photography is costly.<br />
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True, the gear expensive. It's the investment of time in the field, time in thought, time in learning that can take it's toll on family and those close who don't share the same interest.<br />
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Time in the field is time away from family. Many photographers have more than one job to support their livelihoods. <br />
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Time immersed in learning is time distracted from those that are close and want to be with you.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6wYcLbuvsHeiPqeM8UiK8sjh2-hpd2IBxhzU-yBspFHnMj7vWtRXPclX6enLKxzGcwSElJZVqMqa7jcsEuzsZbnyq9HicYsnm_oKb31hK-AydawjkBHN2757YsOnHZ7342qvP72ZCEHW/s1600/Monarch+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6wYcLbuvsHeiPqeM8UiK8sjh2-hpd2IBxhzU-yBspFHnMj7vWtRXPclX6enLKxzGcwSElJZVqMqa7jcsEuzsZbnyq9HicYsnm_oKb31hK-AydawjkBHN2757YsOnHZ7342qvP72ZCEHW/s400/Monarch+Gold.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Monarch with Artistic Edits by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finding the balance between the love of being in the field, the solo time of creating versus spending time with those that are your heart and soul is hard.<br />
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Our passions require sacrifices of ourselves and patience from those we hold most dear.<br />
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Every day, photographers share and display images and imagery that entices the eye and some may even stir the soul of a viewer. <br />
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There <u>is</u> a ton of hard and diligent work. The carrying of heavy equipment. The unpredictability of the subject. Dealing with nature's elements. Studying post processing tools and techniques.<br />
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Behind each image is an artist, sharing their eye, their connection with that brief second of time. <br />
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So if someone says that 'she's a nature photographer,' I'm very comfortable being defined by that title.<br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-6482069104121391562018-01-07T07:57:00.001-05:002018-01-07T07:57:17.889-05:00Wildlife Photographers - Giving Our Profession a Good or Bad Name?<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo0aZWXh7fzrCfQMgolnPgWa8MkfBnaI1Xhrwwp6elcuaDtazemdabiDMLUuPBWfS06LjqLl0tQCMkrhi4Ljyqz3a01zivhGZ_r4xYtd_kwZa9m15cCdQGvw7G0myMlUQX1GhZLohS41k/s1600/20170102-500swnaturephotodec30-DSC_9239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo0aZWXh7fzrCfQMgolnPgWa8MkfBnaI1Xhrwwp6elcuaDtazemdabiDMLUuPBWfS06LjqLl0tQCMkrhi4Ljyqz3a01zivhGZ_r4xYtd_kwZa9m15cCdQGvw7G0myMlUQX1GhZLohS41k/s400/20170102-500swnaturephotodec30-DSC_9239.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwing by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Every day in the field is a gift, and not one to be taken lightly. Birds, animals and our outdoor spaces are fragile. It is up to us to help survival in our co-existence with mother nature. </span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As a nature photographer, I see many photographers show respect for nature, for other photographers and hikers. </span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I've also seen photographers exhibit behaviors that are 'not-so-nice'. </span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What was most surprising is that some of these 'not-so-nice' photographers were not being intentionally careless or rude. They were just caught up in the moment getting the shot. </span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here's a few awareness reminders for all of us to help keep nature and our photography flourishing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Awareness of Distance:</u> Safety first for you and them - avoid putting yourself and wildlife in danger. They need their space and so do you. When you get too close, you may frighten or stress the bird/animal. They could leave their nest, the area for good. Or, on the flip side an animal may feel threatened and feel the need to protect their space. They waste energy instead of nesting and feeding their young. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The two fox kits below were part of a family of 8 kits. Several photographers, including me, had the privilege of watching them frolic, play and learn. We all maintained a safe and respectful distance across the pond. A photographer who had a shorter lens, made his way to the other side of the pond which was way too close to the kits. Mama Fox was not happy. By the next morning, the DNR reported that the fox had indeed moved the family. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgees_pmqVW_xxOoaUuoNfZwAQfH4bG3zaHzi_aGlK1zYhjK-wDX9ynKarJTmr6kk_pUfwhf7DjNhv-9SIWUlyAi1eIeLttz5rC6elVsLWGG7ftji01UgbdkO8oYo6OEMsEoEucLyHUhyphenhyphenMB/s1600/20170424-500swnaturephotoapr24-DSC_4119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgees_pmqVW_xxOoaUuoNfZwAQfH4bG3zaHzi_aGlK1zYhjK-wDX9ynKarJTmr6kk_pUfwhf7DjNhv-9SIWUlyAi1eIeLttz5rC6elVsLWGG7ftji01UgbdkO8oYo6OEMsEoEucLyHUhyphenhyphenMB/s400/20170424-500swnaturephotoapr24-DSC_4119.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Fox Kits by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-family: "merriweather sans", sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">Sheen Watkins</a> using a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-NIKKOR-Vibration-Reduction-Cameras/dp/B010RAB7TK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1514690605&sr=8-6&keywords=nikon+500mm">Nikon 500mm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>The Right Equipment:</u> Telephotos provide an up close image capture at a safer distance for them and for you. Today's lenses offer diversity in quality and cost. Plus there's the used option or the ability to rent lenses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Rules of the Road (or area):</u> If you're in nature parks, wilderness areas, take the time to review the rules of the area. Stay on marked trails, boardwalks and mapped areas. Be a protector of our fragile habitat and ecosystem. Bogs, preserved areas are delicate and footprints last a very long time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Never, ever, ever, ever bait animals: </u> This is the one thing that makes me nuts. There are no winners here. When an animal is baited, you put them at risk. Baiting IS different than feeding chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers at a feeder. With baiting, they are pulled away from their routine, their hunt and even their location. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u>There isn't one photograph that is worth putting any animal or human in danger.</u></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Lead by example</u>: Even when no one is around. We are a only a guest, a visitor on this planet. Treat nature with care. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: "merriweather sans", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuqXG5eC6di2jYHDUGEAKbQzyqZmIQ-xYUqQ_tEQ4HTs424iXSEUmP5EomfTgMH_SRmfjf5iKJAFK7Morpm8_wv3nryOZPj_CAXHRWUUrcbsplaT2r_ICCydSgCvGeglmzjRowO2FEd3L/s1600/20170614-500swnaturephotojun16-DSC_8937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuqXG5eC6di2jYHDUGEAKbQzyqZmIQ-xYUqQ_tEQ4HTs424iXSEUmP5EomfTgMH_SRmfjf5iKJAFK7Morpm8_wv3nryOZPj_CAXHRWUUrcbsplaT2r_ICCydSgCvGeglmzjRowO2FEd3L/s400/20170614-500swnaturephotojun16-DSC_8937.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah Sparrow by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Awareness of Other Photographers: </u> When other photographers are shooting a subject, respect that they were there first. Don't be 'that photographer' that rushed in to join the shooting only to scare the subject away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Cool Heads Prevail:</u> Many of us have come across photographers who give 'photographers' a bad name in how they treat others and nature. When it is evident they don't care, there's probably nothing you can do to change their perspective. Instead of engaging in negative banter, there's the power of reporting them to the local area, photographing their license plate or them when not looking.</span><br />
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With all of our websites, social media outlets, blogs, books, many folks enjoy seeing the moments in nature we get to experience first hand in the field. We do live a pretty amazing life!<br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "merriweather sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-23828758948441708012017-12-21T07:57:00.004-05:002017-12-21T08:25:05.211-05:00Gear Bag List - 2 Years Later<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4d8rFg6CLye4nNI5RiiFzXOGkPqD7JXDYeyR0FqxVGQjeUefblpxHnqgxE8VdgVIz1S1U2XNyF2UT_nSnQWLp_tGK-8gleNeNrDKCxMxZ7sqwyH1ALJk4TmT9MynR1ZMKfEid1XoPgo6/s1600/20160421-71dwswnaturephotoapr26-DSC_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4d8rFg6CLye4nNI5RiiFzXOGkPqD7JXDYeyR0FqxVGQjeUefblpxHnqgxE8VdgVIz1S1U2XNyF2UT_nSnQWLp_tGK-8gleNeNrDKCxMxZ7sqwyH1ALJk4TmT9MynR1ZMKfEid1XoPgo6/s320/20160421-71dwswnaturephotoapr26-DSC_3074.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by David Watkins,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of years ago this month I provided a list of my camera gear in response to many emails and inquiries. Today, it is still one of the top questions I still receive.<br />
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As my photography continues to evolve and expand, so does the gear in the bag.<br />
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Camera gear <b>is</b> an important decision and not one we take lightly.<br />
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Before I dive into my revised list (products with links take you to Amazon) - a few considerations:<br />
<ol>
<li>I am still a believer that the best camera and lens for the task is the one in your hand. You are the one that creates and composes the images. </li>
<li>Time in the field will make you a better photographer - not the equipment. Sure, there is equipment that is better equipped for various situations. You probably won't get the desired 'fill the frame" image of a bird when it is 25 feet away with a 50mm. </li>
<li>Buy the best you can afford. As a continuation to #2 - the glass won't make you a better photographer. I've bought and sold lenses (they hold their value well) when I could afford to upgrade my equipment to faster and sharper lenses. </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVpp_EjCc_U4B23-tIB5Y78MBSXtgLBjPKBBhV91dUvYDTEJpMP9jx-dcBWvO8voYKbA-nKa9CnjrQrQcSPaezxHmxkyheX53iquHMkkgm0H_Wa_ZhqmJbuR70O61SQOgFEZRdIO_TkNk/s1600/20170614-500swnaturephotojun16-DSC_8937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVpp_EjCc_U4B23-tIB5Y78MBSXtgLBjPKBBhV91dUvYDTEJpMP9jx-dcBWvO8voYKbA-nKa9CnjrQrQcSPaezxHmxkyheX53iquHMkkgm0H_Wa_ZhqmJbuR70O61SQOgFEZRdIO_TkNk/s400/20170614-500swnaturephotojun16-DSC_8937.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah Sparrow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">by Sheen Watkin</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">s</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Camera & Lens Brands</b><br />
I continue to use <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon</a> cameras and lenses. Their glass is terrific and I find the cameras to be solid. I would add that Canon, Sony and other brands are high quality and get the job done. I have also added third party lenses as well as sold lenses that I no longer use.<br />
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The camera brand is important, <i>but it's the lens selection based on your photography goals that should heavily influence your decision</i>. <br />
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<b>Camera Bodies</b><br />
For birds and wildlife, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D500-DX-Format-Digital-Body/dp/B01A7Q0J3Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513652995&sr=1-2&keywords=nikon+500d">Nikon's 500D</a> is my camera body of choice as of today. The cropped sensor format, image quality and speed is ideal for photographing birds and wildlife. For landscapes, macro, portraits and street photography, I still use my well-worn, time in the field tested <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D810-FX-format-Digital-Camera/dp/B00LAJQVR6/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513653106&sr=1-2&keywords=nikon+810">Nikon's 810</a>. The bigger sensor renders beautiful details, colors and tones.<br />
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For information on cropped versus full framed sensors, check out my Light Stalking article: <a href="http://www.lightstalking.com/cropped-sensor-vs-full-frame-sensor/">Cropped vs. Full Frame Sensor</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJDpi8l2iAYng6q4498CTmQM4_qKTdy1j1-h51HFPFuVEEbqlwMpQDg07It97CT6apvwVJ13V8WX-VZ_XaT25k-PSf_59RdYqfLu1_UXgsFrynsOEm09mn6SWVVI3fGx5WNpOfS1xKuvp/s1600/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24a-DSC_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJDpi8l2iAYng6q4498CTmQM4_qKTdy1j1-h51HFPFuVEEbqlwMpQDg07It97CT6apvwVJ13V8WX-VZ_XaT25k-PSf_59RdYqfLu1_UXgsFrynsOEm09mn6SWVVI3fGx5WNpOfS1xKuvp/s400/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24a-DSC_3203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Beach by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">by Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Nikon Lenses - zooms - general purpose and great for travel:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-14-24mm-2-8G/dp/B000VDCTCI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513654316&sr=1-3&keywords=nikon+14-24mm+f2.8">14-24mm 2.8 extra wide angle</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-24-70mm-Vibration-Reduction-Cameras/dp/B013D1BMFE/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513654397&sr=1-4&keywords=nikon+24-70mm+f2.8">24-70mm 2.8 mid range zoom</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_12?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=nikon+70-200mm+f%2F2.8g+af-s+ed+vr+ii&sprefix=nikon+70-200%2Celectronics%2C483&crid=340N01X53VY2Q">70-200mm 2.8 telephoto</a><br />
<b><i>When do I use zoom lenses?</i></b> Travel photography, when I'm photographing multiple subject types, when I don't know what I'm going to shoot and want flexibility along with landscapes and wildlife.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=105+mm+nikon+macro&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=1686766875&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7wysfshijf_e">Nikon Macro (Nikon refers to them as Micro)</a> - macro lens for flowers, bees, close-up, 1:1.</b><br />
105mm 2.8<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-NIKKOR-Vibration-Reduction-Cameras/dp/B010RAB7TK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1513651025&sr=8-5&keywords=nikon+500mm">Nikon Telephoto</a>- 500mm FL ED f/4 - telephoto for birds, wildlife<br />
Protective cover for lens (as seen in the photo above) by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lenscoat+&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alenscoat+">Lenscoat.</a><br />
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-TC-14E-Teleconverter-Focus-Cameras/dp/B00KBC1WUY/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513652508&sr=1-3&keywords=nikon+1.4+teleconverter">Teleconverters:</a> </b>Nikon 1.4 III<br />
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<b>Nikon Lenses - primes - lightweight, fast and sharp</b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nikon+prime+lens+28mm&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Anikon+prime+lens+28mm">28mm 1.8</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-1-8G-Cameras/dp/B004Y1AYAC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1513651589&sr=8-3&keywords=nikon+prime+lens+50mm">50mm 1.8</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-NIKKOR-Fixed-Focus-Cameras/dp/B006TAP096/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513651684&sr=1-3&keywords=nikon+prime+lens+85mm">85mm 1.8</a><br />
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<b><i>When do I use primes?</i></b> Walk around photography, out on the town with friends, photographing my pets, nature walks where I have limited time, when I want to <i>act</i> like I have a point & shoot.<br />
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My favorite little prime? There's a reason it's a nifty fifty. A great price performer and just about every time I take this little guy out I have a creative blast.<br />
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<i>I don't pull my primes out as much as I should. The primary reason is that I travel to a lot of my shoots and need to minimize packing and maximize versatility. When I'm local, I love to bring out my primes. Light, fast and fun. </i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy646wDTWFdafsWj3Bp0kTFWvTYdjqyxym0ZjLcbgXksLmJA5H_qXsrmYVMKXKm3ohKTptjchOz6aElcUqm2Uzv1y86GHeDiKa5iimIPjjjAKtP9FMhHPtsohZUHWnyfPeDWg0P8pfILb/s1600/20170916-810swnaturephotooct29-20170916-810swnaturephotosep20-DSC_7973-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy646wDTWFdafsWj3Bp0kTFWvTYdjqyxym0ZjLcbgXksLmJA5H_qXsrmYVMKXKm3ohKTptjchOz6aElcUqm2Uzv1y86GHeDiKa5iimIPjjjAKtP9FMhHPtsohZUHWnyfPeDWg0P8pfILb/s400/20170916-810swnaturephotooct29-20170916-810swnaturephotosep20-DSC_7973-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peach Delight with the Lensbaby Velvet 56mm <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">by Sheen Watkin</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">s</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Art Lens: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lensbaby-Velvet-56-Nikon-F/dp/B00TYWL58Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513653465&sr=1-2&keywords=velvet+56mm">Lensbaby Velvet 56mm</a> - a departure from my sharp, all about the details photography. Lensbaby's tagline is see in a new way. For those wanting smooth, creamy blur and that unique edge, this company has a series of art lenses to choose from.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3sJManQRzxh5mgU37D5SCzRQNCztz5idkuWa32sSjXF2UPRswEjAxi1uLosO0kGGU3EDsTLJouS8SOVsdfxxR2lcR1orgqIctmTDM3oCLRTwykHM5S0SIJJbkrfeba-4-a8SASjz6GE-/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><br /></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3sJManQRzxh5mgU37D5SCzRQNCztz5idkuWa32sSjXF2UPRswEjAxi1uLosO0kGGU3EDsTLJouS8SOVsdfxxR2lcR1orgqIctmTDM3oCLRTwykHM5S0SIJJbkrfeba-4-a8SASjz6GE-/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><br /></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3sJManQRzxh5mgU37D5SCzRQNCztz5idkuWa32sSjXF2UPRswEjAxi1uLosO0kGGU3EDsTLJouS8SOVsdfxxR2lcR1orgqIctmTDM3oCLRTwykHM5S0SIJJbkrfeba-4-a8SASjz6GE-/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<b>Filters:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=schneider+optics+filters&sprefix=schneider+opti%2Celectronics%2C315&crid=1PTVIOA2GY9XC">Schneider Optics B+W:</a> Circular Polarizer, Neutral Density Filters<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=lee+filter+system+sw150&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Alee+filter+system+sw150">Lee Filter System:</a> 150 Extra Wide Filter System for the Nikon 14-24mm and the filter adapter ring for the 24-70. Circular Polarizer, Medium Grad Filter and a 6 stop neutral density<br />
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<b>Tripod:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_16?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=manfrotto+carbon+fiber+tripod&sprefix=manfrotto+carbon%2Celectronics%2C397&crid=2MRE3KQJ17VY6&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Amanfrotto+carbon+fiber+tripod">Manfrotto mt190cxpro4 Carbon Fiber Tripod</a><br />
<b>Tripod Head:</b> <a href="http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BH-40-LR-Mid-sized-ballhead-with-B2-40-LR-clamp">Really Right Stuff BH-40-LR</a> (available through Really Right Stuff) and <a href="http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/PG-02-Pano-Gimbal-Head">and their PG-02-Pano-Gimbal-Head</a>.<br />
<b>Remote Shutter Release:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=promaster+cable+release&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Apromaster+cable+release">Promaster</a><br />
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<b>Camera bags:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=tamrac+anvil&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Atamrac+anvil">Tamrac Anvil</a>. This is a big beast that holds a lot of gear and laptop. When fully loaded, you'll get a workout as the weight adds up. I use this bag when traveling on large planes or on a road trip. This is partnered with one of the following for travel as this bag is too large for me to hike with.<br />
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lowepro&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alowepro">Lowepro</a> </b> They do a great job with lean. I typically pack my 810, 14-24mm, 24-70, 70-200 and the needed filters in this streamlined bag.<br />
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tenba-Photo-Daypack-Blue-637-283/dp/B004OVE2KU/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1513656025&sr=8-12&keywords=tenba+vector">Tenba</a>'s</b> Vector Daypack. This weighs two pounds, holds a 15" laptop and it's completely customizable inside. Great for day trips and hiking. I have two so that when I travel on small planes one goes under the seat and the Lowepro goes in the overhead.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=think+tank+holster&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Athink+tank+holster">Think Tank</a> - for hikes, travel, a muti-short lens bag or camera with a 70-200 attached. This holster is a pretty cool hipster.<br />
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Camera gear is an investment in you. Take the time to read articles, customer reviews on the retailer's site (the good and the bad) and look at images produced by other photographers using gear you're considering.<br />
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Happy Shooting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-14424990874558748752017-12-04T07:04:00.001-05:002017-12-04T07:04:18.112-05:00Eating "Michigan's" Fire for Breakfast<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAIcw36dE5bI06Owqtlok4Xne3A5D9fWDsha_5Iy-jwrnHdgVVFoy4pBrE5tbn_2Zc0Bho2-0_8ZT4Ea60m9aAH86wThCyicm2jY-q4HA98d4ePPSaQWvmjG8_-uKWYJZBcBeWg2WECbC/s1600/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24-DSC_2956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAIcw36dE5bI06Owqtlok4Xne3A5D9fWDsha_5Iy-jwrnHdgVVFoy4pBrE5tbn_2Zc0Bho2-0_8ZT4Ea60m9aAH86wThCyicm2jY-q4HA98d4ePPSaQWvmjG8_-uKWYJZBcBeWg2WECbC/s400/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24-DSC_2956.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire in the Sky - Omena, Michigan by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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Over the course of time, I've experienced many of Michigan's finest sights from behind the lens. My idea of a good breakfast? A fiery, Michigan sunrise!<br />
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I've taken thousands of images trying to reflect the diversity that's commonly known as <i><a href="http://www.michigan.org/">"Pure Michigan."</a></i><br />
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With a vivid, intense sunrise glistening over our Great Lakes, it's an easy and energizing way to start the day.<br />
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If rising and shining is a bit of a challenge, get a jump start with a rich cup of coffee from <a href="http://www.coffeebeanery.com/">Coffee Beanery</a>, one of Michigan's finest businesses operating since 1976. Or it may be the habitat friendly <a href="https://birdsandbeans.com/">Birds and Beans Coffee</a> or a cup of hot tea with a squeeze of citrus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7EzQdg59cGiRTdtekNvay2MqfwQrmYUdYRWkTavkgCtF8UoOA9kE__yPdS2QcWyrwlSVLZ1Jdzhcq3hYelL44j93wcent-I3Jg9MCowbAQ_lJuiPH6bg0RyZ9xowKaR0Rb1ZSyc8Zihyphenhyphen/s1600/20161118-810swnaturephotonov19-DSC_3728-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7EzQdg59cGiRTdtekNvay2MqfwQrmYUdYRWkTavkgCtF8UoOA9kE__yPdS2QcWyrwlSVLZ1Jdzhcq3hYelL44j93wcent-I3Jg9MCowbAQ_lJuiPH6bg0RyZ9xowKaR0Rb1ZSyc8Zihyphenhyphen/s400/20161118-810swnaturephotonov19-DSC_3728-HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norhport's Harbor by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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From late fall to mid spring, Michigan is infamous for our grey, chilly winters.<br />
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For those who live (and photograph) here, we also know that gray is just a temporary state. All you need is an early wake up call to go outside. There...our breakfast may be served sunny-side up with a little fire mixed in. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdj_ezp6HnRSStMSQNjP_eHrXQHd5pncKQfkx7sHgCr3Qj9f4dGvNMDdHicNGH23A_usIfpZVYl0NFJAtfZxb5SrmtL6CRVvLHIKrVfaTMT2qdDWZ0KjJg_8qQP1HizTfUev5PiTYRDfg/s1600/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24-DSC_2972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdj_ezp6HnRSStMSQNjP_eHrXQHd5pncKQfkx7sHgCr3Qj9f4dGvNMDdHicNGH23A_usIfpZVYl0NFJAtfZxb5SrmtL6CRVvLHIKrVfaTMT2qdDWZ0KjJg_8qQP1HizTfUev5PiTYRDfg/s400/20171124-810swnaturephotonov24-DSC_2972.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North of Omena on M22 by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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There are those mornings where the sky's rosy red consumes land and water. Skies go from twilight, shades of rich rose only to layer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Traverse_Bay">Grand Traverse Bay</a> with glistening orange.<br />
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If red's not your taste, just wait a few minutes. The red shifts to tints of oranges and yellows, adding a hint of warmth to the morning's chill.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMijueW8LcducM_CoB3le_9Q70zRZ2xcVKYuPYPqYSfqG-NIlsYcMYG2_Cs2viQW6d7W7md0UsLvX7wRy7wZpZiyZEWLwK2Gq_9I5sDLjTcLWPJBh1lujNM1hhXxl9RExXyq5vM8Sksg4/s1600/20171121-810swnaturephotonov21-DSC_2830-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMijueW8LcducM_CoB3le_9Q70zRZ2xcVKYuPYPqYSfqG-NIlsYcMYG2_Cs2viQW6d7W7md0UsLvX7wRy7wZpZiyZEWLwK2Gq_9I5sDLjTcLWPJBh1lujNM1hhXxl9RExXyq5vM8Sksg4/s400/20171121-810swnaturephotonov21-DSC_2830-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Door to Sunrise by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheenwatkinsstudio" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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When the sun crests the horizon, don't rush the moment. Just wait.<br />
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With a little local knowledge, you can find many interesting little unique treasures for the sun to peak through.<br />
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Some of my favorite spots?<br />
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Just head up Michigan's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-22_(Michigan_highway)">M22</a> on the east side of the <a href="http://www.visitleelanaucountymichigan.com/">Leelanau Peninsula</a>. Quaint towns of <a href="http://www.suttonsbayarea.com/">Sutton's Bay</a> and <a href="http://leelanau.com/omena-michigan/">Omena</a> rest on the Grand Traverse Bay's shoreline. Then the veer up onto 201 along <a href="https://www.michigan.org/city/northport#?c=44.4299:-85.1166:6&tid=443&page=0&pagesize=20&pagetitle=Northport">Northport's</a> harbor and North Shore drive.<br />
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Along the way, savor the moment and let the sun rise to greet you.<br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
Sheen<br />
Sign up for updates: <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/contact.html">Follow me</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-21965570419940767212017-11-19T07:31:00.002-05:002018-12-21T11:33:49.381-05:00Finding Scenic, Hidden Treasures ~ "Go Greyhound"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC10qpK00Ax8gKPft4aZsWBPUzbKjsTG1bBDZ7FsJEw1XYW5pV1umsmjzDCXhdXg8vwgaU1PwrRpYlphtvmMgkbufykCXRtZbdHg5HiwouQ5sNgMkHgD1oEeo2pDLiilMTvQZYz2WbYeS/s1600/20170414-810swnaturephotoapr15-DSC_9067-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC10qpK00Ax8gKPft4aZsWBPUzbKjsTG1bBDZ7FsJEw1XYW5pV1umsmjzDCXhdXg8vwgaU1PwrRpYlphtvmMgkbufykCXRtZbdHg5HiwouQ5sNgMkHgD1oEeo2pDLiilMTvQZYz2WbYeS/s320/20170414-810swnaturephotoapr15-DSC_9067-HDR.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Greyhound Depot by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/541363677/historic-greyhound-station-greyhound-bus?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sheen%20watkins&ref=sr_gallery_20">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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A road frequently traveled may host a few surprises. Sometimes, you just have to look for the unexpected intentionally.<br />
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It's easy to get caught up in reaching your destination quickly, that we may miss some amazing sites along the way.<br />
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My family still resides in the same town and house I grew up in. After many 16-hour road trips from Michigan to Arkansas, I decided to explore the small town we use as a regular stop-over. <br />
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Arriving before sunset, I "googled" <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blytheville,_Arkansas">Blytheville, Arkansas</a> just to see what was there. I was thrilled with the results.<br />
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The small town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blytheville,_Arkansas">Blytheville, Arkansas</a> hosts a historic and fully restored <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blytheville_Greyhound_Bus_Station">Greyhound Bus Station</a> that was built in 1937. What a beautiful little gem.<br />
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<i>Back in the day, this <b>was</b> the way to travel.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6D6uNKVBIlxrMG6T6UfoULYTtWi7EnZIabvMaMzkLk_4yHTPaF9lvLYCW8MKKkDhFX8KskOBUla3f4mXXGDeqodsVMd2oROQV994_MJqX4aWyYKtzoznx1Z_w_0JGzByabzCz8BBWDOP/s1600/20170414-810swnaturephotoapr15-DSC_9168-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6D6uNKVBIlxrMG6T6UfoULYTtWi7EnZIabvMaMzkLk_4yHTPaF9lvLYCW8MKKkDhFX8KskOBUla3f4mXXGDeqodsVMd2oROQV994_MJqX4aWyYKtzoznx1Z_w_0JGzByabzCz8BBWDOP/s400/20170414-810swnaturephotoapr15-DSC_9168-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Greyhound by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/571491085/greyhound-art-bus-station-photo-vintage?ref=shop_home_active_1">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The station, with a small cafe type setting displayed true to the era decor Moderne Art appointments. All that was missing was a few Bing Crosby tunes.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wKJyVlydIE_O0vfuVywccTqmvjit5_OAWsldE1_oTWXDw5dq5h-w3JcNQm6Ovk5Pc66dIZVbHIpvDCbHmlKZTvCC4Tt4-5Sa6lGGsxh5l7uKrriVMTw8WmJ5egjAtL3QQVTKg8MhkmJB/s1600/20170414-810swnaturephotoapr15-DSC_9090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wKJyVlydIE_O0vfuVywccTqmvjit5_OAWsldE1_oTWXDw5dq5h-w3JcNQm6Ovk5Pc66dIZVbHIpvDCbHmlKZTvCC4Tt4-5Sa6lGGsxh5l7uKrriVMTw8WmJ5egjAtL3QQVTKg8MhkmJB/s320/20170414-810swnaturephotoapr15-DSC_9090.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the station - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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Within the state of Arkansas and for transportation historians, it is well-known. From an artistic standpoint, it's modern styling, color and faded neon, it was a fortunate find.<br />
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While shooting the exterior, a couple stopped by and asked if I was interested to see the inside. They had a key, access to the building and loved sharing how the town had restored a colorful piece of history.<br />
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For those making the venture up or down I-55 in northeast Arkansas, it's definitely worth a stop.<br />
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If you plan on stopping by, bring your widest angle lens (I had my <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon</a> 14-24mm extra wide) and also a tripod. The tripod is a must if you want to take a few night shots.<br />
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Happy shooting!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-2979842832939646912017-11-15T06:28:00.001-05:002017-11-15T06:44:51.151-05:00Photography & Packing - Oh the Woe to be on the Go!<div style="text-align: right;">
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Photography and travel pack the perfect punch for adventure. From new destinations to favorite locations we're rewarded with images and many fun memories.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWDljWQPtpis5h6ojWPJvPyDSMugdzL8WEY9T4WtZw79tWtdLD4s_JysaZfA2mr2a91jJzRbk78t5uK9GTWGoPHZZsr99iJFQl1pEZIYXicG6OsjhfNMCNwZvS-3v8yJk-Fd6A-NfwIjS/s1600/Icelandair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWDljWQPtpis5h6ojWPJvPyDSMugdzL8WEY9T4WtZw79tWtdLD4s_JysaZfA2mr2a91jJzRbk78t5uK9GTWGoPHZZsr99iJFQl1pEZIYXicG6OsjhfNMCNwZvS-3v8yJk-Fd6A-NfwIjS/s400/Icelandair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icelandair, a wonderful airline - by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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The good news is that the images and memories don't weigh much. Our gear, luggage and accessories on the other hand, can be a pain in the....back.<br />
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I much rather focus on shooting in smooth waters than worrying about keeping up with too much stuff!<br />
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There are many more efficient packers than me, there are others that are anything but efficient. With a few changes to my planning and packing process, I've significantly reduced my baggage. When traveling with camera gear, every ounce adds up fast!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For clothing:</span></b><br />
I bought a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=packing+cubes">packing cube set</a> (my choice was the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017XCZZES/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Bagail</a>) and also quart and gallon sized <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Slider-Storage-Gallon-Count/dp/B00RBQ0G2I/ref=sr_1_15_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1510624843&sr=1-15&keywords=ziploc+bags">Ziploc Slider Bags</a> earlier this year. Rolling clothes, compressing items into the ziploc bags significantly reduced the amount of storage space needed. I was further inspired by the you tube video below by Storia. I loved the creative use of many household items versus buying more single use 'organizing tools'.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qad1r_k_LPc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qad1r_k_LPc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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On a recent trip, I was able to pack clothing, shoes, etc. for 2 weeks in my 22" spinner suitcase using packing cubes and plastic bags combined with a tripod. The plus? I had room to spare!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Camera Gear:</b></span><br />
Camera bags - another potential "woe". I've been through a few and thought I had made purchasing mistakes. They weren't. Different sizes, configurations work for various situations. For example, my durable, 'hold everything but the long lens' my large, heavy and well padded Tamrac bag is my choice when I can work from and out of the car - which is quite frequent. Fully loaded, it's over thirty pounds with a laptop. Not travel or hiking friendly but it is a workhorse.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ddf0DDfb7DRqAyF_hV66ZYXfDeyHu4mBC0UScq7li3O_NqpS6SI6ZfeQxbOITfgoI9IIXm_-06TdEUNR7ficPtA4soyLJyNG1Vz08DZaqJYySsCckV492ZYAyWnGMLghs8hGeeQdH3AL/s1600/20140624-sheenwatkins600jun26-DSC_8279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ddf0DDfb7DRqAyF_hV66ZYXfDeyHu4mBC0UScq7li3O_NqpS6SI6ZfeQxbOITfgoI9IIXm_-06TdEUNR7ficPtA4soyLJyNG1Vz08DZaqJYySsCckV492ZYAyWnGMLghs8hGeeQdH3AL/s400/20140624-sheenwatkins600jun26-DSC_8279.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to Go by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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The only piece of photography equipment I'll check is my tripod when I need to check a bag. It's just too risky to check any other gear. My cameras, lenses, batteries, filters, chargers, tripod head and my laptop stay with me in 2 carry-on bags.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049ROCQI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Think Tank's Digital Holster</a> - compressed, it holds my Nikon 810 with a 24-70mm + filters, spare battery, cleaners, car keys and wallet. Expanded in length, I can add 2 primes or macro in addition to the camera with the attached 24-70mm.<br />
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I've used the holster when hiking with my Nikon D500 and a 70-200mm 2.8 attached. One of my best bag purchases period!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lowepro+flipside&sprefix=lowepro+fl%2Caps%2C228&crid=3GYW4EI69HBV0">Lowepro Flipside Series</a> - I use an older version of this series. It fits a significant amount of gear snugly, plus I can include my 15" laptop when flying in the same area with my cameras and lenses. I wrap the laptop in a soft, protective cloth. To access gear, the swing-around, table-top like set up makes it easy to change lenses, find and store accessories quickly.<br />
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Here's to making our 'go' a bit lighter and more efficient!<br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-39467800016630968402017-11-11T08:26:00.003-05:002017-11-11T08:26:42.027-05:00Rain~Snow~Ice~Heat: Just Go!<div style="text-align: right;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI8qwk6BRG4BZvgTmBSawsSiljnDylNGJB1y1gtvNq66DR3Jct_HrO5Gk6zDzMbakm5XY9OsBga6VveprQwl68D_6IUTsDbWwf1yspY5ZGCli2qSB0iUQNvH_uP9F3vsxekYfciJdm_Vl/s1600/20170809-810swnaturephotoaug10-DSC_5117-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI8qwk6BRG4BZvgTmBSawsSiljnDylNGJB1y1gtvNq66DR3Jct_HrO5Gk6zDzMbakm5XY9OsBga6VveprQwl68D_6IUTsDbWwf1yspY5ZGCli2qSB0iUQNvH_uP9F3vsxekYfciJdm_Vl/s400/20170809-810swnaturephotoaug10-DSC_5117-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Lauderdale Summer Sunrise by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536696752/beach-sunrise-art-beach-photo-florida?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sheen%20watkins%20fort%20lauderdale&ref=sr_gallery_1">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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I have never taken a good nature photo from my couch.<br />
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I have never photographed a unique, amazing sunrise or sunset from the kitchen table or when hitting the snooze button.<br />
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If it's cold and snowy - being huddled under the blankets won't give me anything to work on in post processing. If it's hot and steamy, staying in the air conditioned house only brings an artificial chill.<br />
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<b>The message is simple: "go"</b><br />
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It's frigid and cold outside? Wear layers and warm clothes. Protect your camera. Then <b>go.</b><br />
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It's foggy, hazy, and humid? Wear water resistant clothing, have cleaners and drying cloths for your gear. Then <b>go.</b><br />
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You're commitments ran over and you may miss your optimal light? Just <b>go</b> anyway.<br />
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It's stormy, unpredictable and not what you planned? <b>Go</b> with your plan or find another subject.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGnpqaLzLuXrXlHt9eq40GZK_NsoWUe0uBM7LwOZ5R1hBeRDxBvcQj6hn0GEgATKibFmUXOnnIPTUHuO7FEa5LnpGgnRA0rCO2A_QP-L0P9q8UFEp_zs_6No_7zmB75BHDbAJZmJ5vhpD/s1600/20170927-810swnaturephotosep27-DSC_0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGnpqaLzLuXrXlHt9eq40GZK_NsoWUe0uBM7LwOZ5R1hBeRDxBvcQj6hn0GEgATKibFmUXOnnIPTUHuO7FEa5LnpGgnRA0rCO2A_QP-L0P9q8UFEp_zs_6No_7zmB75BHDbAJZmJ5vhpD/s400/20170927-810swnaturephotosep27-DSC_0949.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn in the Lofoten Islands, Norway by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/556922750/norway-gold-pond-water-reflection-art?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sheen%20watkins&ref=sr_gallery_23">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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Our photography time is creative time. If you're an outdoor, nature or wildlife photographer, many of our excursions are solo. Photography moments are wonderful escapes into ourselves where we get the opportunity to translate what we see using our unique eye and perspective.<br />
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The more I go, the better and more satisfied I am with my work. I mentioned the "Iced Teeth" image below in an earlier blog. This was taken on an mid morning walk in frigid conditions on Lake Michigan.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQS5BvyiMAmsPkGf9u0bWfyhd9uUResTWNvCRLi1MSc8i-S7gET86Iz7r7iGdInHLWJOR7VBz5x1sjzJo90jtwMHaDcpG-gY9YoL2YqQSt0oyljzWP2H7IQp8zXaaqBqPi7RDDKwqlbdl/s1600/20170114-810swnaturephotojan14-DSC_4467-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQS5BvyiMAmsPkGf9u0bWfyhd9uUResTWNvCRLi1MSc8i-S7gET86Iz7r7iGdInHLWJOR7VBz5x1sjzJo90jtwMHaDcpG-gY9YoL2YqQSt0oyljzWP2H7IQp8zXaaqBqPi7RDDKwqlbdl/s400/20170114-810swnaturephotojan14-DSC_4467-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced Teeth by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/493517834/ice-print-black-and-white-photoicicle?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sheen%20watkins&ref=sr_gallery_17">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wearing layers, sturdy, non-slip shoes and bringing a partner as the area was a bit treacherous. The elements, the textures, the chill all led to a shoot I'll always remember. Plus, I have the evidence to prove how crazy photographers can be. <br />
<br />
Within days, these formations melted and shifted. Those shapes and textures are forever gone in nature. However, they will be preserved in my images and memory for a very long time.<br />
<br />
So let's embrace tomorrow and <b>"go."</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-9575483510742495762017-09-03T07:49:00.000-04:002017-09-03T07:49:24.913-04:00Time to "Eat Crow"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULbQyydyrXnQ70Xv2otcCW9VtEwcmlfqTzOewaU7qKpqdv2v0nkZzA4lc7wIi7JnO1wpixLRT6xov4LEgJtBHoEchvZFuPdEwoAzSSnXj-JxygHfmBYfaZeRzKdoRrdvRCxhDsEXdtjxm/s1600/20170829-500swnaturephotoaug29-DSC_1285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULbQyydyrXnQ70Xv2otcCW9VtEwcmlfqTzOewaU7qKpqdv2v0nkZzA4lc7wIi7JnO1wpixLRT6xov4LEgJtBHoEchvZFuPdEwoAzSSnXj-JxygHfmBYfaZeRzKdoRrdvRCxhDsEXdtjxm/s400/20170829-500swnaturephotoaug29-DSC_1285.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough-legged hawk by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mother Nature, in all of her beauty, is not always kind or gentle. <br />
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We live part time near a remote small town on the <a href="http://www.leelanauchamber.com/">Leelanau Peninsula</a> in Michigan. <br />
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Outside of Northport it's quite common to see porcupines, bobcats, skunks, many species of birds and coyotes. <br />
<br />
This week, I witnessed the brutal dependency of nature's food chain. <br />
I initially thought I was seeing an injured hawk being attacked by crows.<br />
<br />
I rushed to 'rescue' the crow only to discover that a rough-legged hawk had a very live and soon-to-be dinner crow in his talons.<br />
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Had I interrupted the process, it would mean a suffering crow that probably wouldn't survive. Then there would be another needed food target for the hawk if he didn't have this meal. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcegaKFvkCNZRpg9CqX1CzwnaFqyBjniXeLJZkNkGzzpSKwsHnqkm4W4enzpiOC5ArR4P8s88bwRrpPQYRF7hItqWr2Y_PeOg2pGtbk4DEvPVUpLeCJB8EdSa4gcS_x5zaRmofkS0fKSU4/s1600/20170829-500swnaturephotoaug29-DSC_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcegaKFvkCNZRpg9CqX1CzwnaFqyBjniXeLJZkNkGzzpSKwsHnqkm4W4enzpiOC5ArR4P8s88bwRrpPQYRF7hItqWr2Y_PeOg2pGtbk4DEvPVUpLeCJB8EdSa4gcS_x5zaRmofkS0fKSU4/s400/20170829-500swnaturephotoaug29-DSC_1283.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protecting Dinner by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I decided to photograph the episode. <br />
<br />
From capture, to defending his meal, he was he was doing what he needed to do to survive. <br />
<br />
As a bystander, I wanted to save the crow. I also wanted the hawk to eat.<br />
<br />
The balance of nature. The balance of life. Nature in all her beauty has a side that is uncomfortable and painful. <br />
<br />
As a photographer, I'm grateful to see and enjoy nature in her finest. I'm also grateful that she shares her reality - it's up to us to ensure that the complete food chain, the balance, is protected. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbZFkPoUz96DwVo6ydsROSiySfhz7O4pM8mHm6vwKMl2LjsCpMgH0VLZmWJbA9rQG5NRkCGX8UGEfb1jhu0V6EgPEn5cpzZCVjuZMM3oJ69nYy10om6DFKT1kqAO2fCXsUkPDrNpVllO5/s1600/20170829-500swnaturephotoaug29-DSC_1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbZFkPoUz96DwVo6ydsROSiySfhz7O4pM8mHm6vwKMl2LjsCpMgH0VLZmWJbA9rQG5NRkCGX8UGEfb1jhu0V6EgPEn5cpzZCVjuZMM3oJ69nYy10om6DFKT1kqAO2fCXsUkPDrNpVllO5/s400/20170829-500swnaturephotoaug29-DSC_1320.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plucking before eating by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also appreciate that no matter how tough my week, or day may be - I'm not being eaten by a hawk. <br />
<br />
Happy Shooting!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-53562738609261477542017-05-05T07:30:00.000-04:002017-05-05T07:30:05.131-04:00So Ugly I'm Cute: Eyes Peeled/Cameras Ready!Birds when first hatched don't rival their parents in the looks department. With a lot of textured skin, sparse down they are interesting to watch and still adorable photograph.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
A few weeks ago, I travelled to Edisto Island, South Carolina. It was near the state park where I saw an adult Great Horned Owl take flight to search for food during the day. I noticed a small movement which turned out to be a very young owlet. (I named him Einstein, pretty original!)</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujF8U85TonrI3DNERVV6NKHduiy8mzGG0Q15wFDBb9PQqJrt0qJBjBtgalAxAttg_I8jXVto94ARbWfHEV-EJi2lTfZqVqD3oa1BDeizzlVa2I34a-cxjUJZq8n-RzH9YnTqVJeJnpfCp/s1600/20170329-500swnaturephotomar29-DSC_3392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujF8U85TonrI3DNERVV6NKHduiy8mzGG0Q15wFDBb9PQqJrt0qJBjBtgalAxAttg_I8jXVto94ARbWfHEV-EJi2lTfZqVqD3oa1BDeizzlVa2I34a-cxjUJZq8n-RzH9YnTqVJeJnpfCp/s400/20170329-500swnaturephotomar29-DSC_3392.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Einstein" by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />Great horned owls though, even in their earliest stages have that look of intellect that has given them their well earned name of "Wise Owl."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVrbnFzeSd3i6_AK7_SNoe8QLHsZZ_D56LnIAFViHTvubGvS1A6TQlwLo2BNAN9BMAB04I1q7Y6rfyJSKTR9F9bnaooBttvlqytxsHnkYoSJ1j1MRwhfNCli_QLY5wQTQzgqw91Km9ZqN/s1600/20150421-7100swnaturephotoapr21-DSC_5844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVrbnFzeSd3i6_AK7_SNoe8QLHsZZ_D56LnIAFViHTvubGvS1A6TQlwLo2BNAN9BMAB04I1q7Y6rfyJSKTR9F9bnaooBttvlqytxsHnkYoSJ1j1MRwhfNCli_QLY5wQTQzgqw91Km9ZqN/s400/20150421-7100swnaturephotoapr21-DSC_5844.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin, Texas - A Wise One by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
As we are in the heart of migration and nesting season...keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready. Birding is going to be at it's best this time of the year and over the next few weeks. <br />
<br />
Happy Shooting!<br />
Sheen</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-79784081903229887252017-01-23T08:13:00.000-05:002017-01-23T08:13:46.499-05:00Etsy? Website? Photo Sharing Sites? Do You Have the Time?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFs7q_xq_7Gui3QXuqENZhRLh84wSNYup3sSJNZNaUFcVfkDRLuN31CvNv54NH5lbfFd9mrpFO3a6G93EY3vypZJsu4KLJqeq_NIyL6dFgJdI6eFApZ9NLrQ_-JXaWmk1SMhoq3cM1T3O/s1600/20160611-500swnaturephotoJun11-DSC_4172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFs7q_xq_7Gui3QXuqENZhRLh84wSNYup3sSJNZNaUFcVfkDRLuN31CvNv54NH5lbfFd9mrpFO3a6G93EY3vypZJsu4KLJqeq_NIyL6dFgJdI6eFApZ9NLrQ_-JXaWmk1SMhoq3cM1T3O/s400/20160611-500swnaturephotoJun11-DSC_4172.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Bunting by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With all of the options to share and display your work, it can become a huge time commitment just to keep up with your accounts. We're artists and we'd much rather be behind our cameras, photo processing software, paint brushes and other creative mediums of choice.<br />
<br />
In today's environment, it is almost a must to have web visibility. And yes, that also means with visibility comes risk. <br />
<br />
Risk that you won't get traction. Risk that you won't get "likes". Risk that you won't get a return on your time investment. Risk that you won't make the needed income to support your full time, part time or 'just in it to cover my costs'. <br />
<br />
Risk is mitigated by reach and by maximizing your visibility. <i>Here's a few tips to consider as it is continues a journey.</i><br />
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<b>Schedule</b> - If you maintain multiple social media sites, have a schedule of when you are going to post. For example - Facebook: Mondays, Wednesday and Saturdays; Instagram: Tuesdays and Thursdays on occasions. Consider posting different images in a given week as many followers may be following you on both sites. If they see the same thing multiple times a week, the impact is lost and potentially their interest. My schedule on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">facebook</a> page is fairly consistent. My <a href="http://www.instagram.com/swnaturephoto">Instagram</a> is a work in progress.<br />
<br />
<b>Consistency</b> - For those with multiple selling sites with the same offering such as a "nature" web page and a "nature" Etsy Studio, upload your images to each site at the same time. This makes it easier to keep track of your additions and by doing it at one time, also minimizes rework. If you're just getting started with Etsy and you already have a website that's loaded, don't worry. Just start uploading the new mages at the same time. Over the course of time, add your other work you'd like to sell. <br />
<br />
<b>Reach </b>- Tag, tag and tag your artwork. With all of the SEO capabilities embedded into websites, this makes it faster for your work to be identified in a search from a customer looking for something specific. <br />
<br />
For illustration I typed in the phrase: <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=sheen+watkins+snowy+owl&start=0">Snowy Owl Sheen Watkins</a>. Click on this link and you'll find pages of listings (some not all good by the way). This search identified my tagged owl photos, links to websites, my articles for <a href="http://www.lightstalking.com/">Light Stalking</a> and <a href="http://www.loadedlandscapes.com/">Loaded Landscapes</a>, my <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins website</a>, my <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheen-watkins.html?tab=artwork">older website on Fine Art America</a> that's still open and my new Etsy Studio: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/sheenwatkinsstudio">SheenWatkinsStudio</a>. Tagging definitely works.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-FfQ7i1JDqDgnTOY15etEvttwlhPYyQqPbVeIkPAqZRvtkye4ppb_nPZYa37Rz10xDIREtxaQwDm-B5Pv3Np9NZ7wMc_DHs5qpmn5vMYs4a1ovdpD_wSnxQFBiVI6Rk64r-yyDyvNcAI/s1600/20130119-5100northport19-DSC_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-FfQ7i1JDqDgnTOY15etEvttwlhPYyQqPbVeIkPAqZRvtkye4ppb_nPZYa37Rz10xDIREtxaQwDm-B5Pv3Np9NZ7wMc_DHs5qpmn5vMYs4a1ovdpD_wSnxQFBiVI6Rk64r-yyDyvNcAI/s400/20130119-5100northport19-DSC_0114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/489870348/snowy-owl-print-snowy-owl-in-snow-winter?ref=shop_home_active_19">Snowy Owl on Etsy</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/sheenwatkinsstudio">Sheen Watkins Studio</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Recently, a fun website dedicated to owls, <a href="http://www.owlstuff.com/">Owl Stuff</a> posted my snowy owls from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SheenWatkinsStudio">Etsy</a> and the overnight traction was significant. Had my images not been tagged, they would not have been as readily located.<br />
<br />
<b>Blog</b> - Blogs do not need to be long to be effective. Blogs DO need to effectively connect you with your audience. It may be educational, philosophical, a funny story of how you captured a photo.<br />
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Look for an upcoming blog on how I made this photo: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH7S0hs8jBzfOEB-glFpdCDPoOc0C-APVvMa7gRLyIe6xmTtmoeFtqQUZWJRY5tgfUDAwRlfVCzZ94eXCZYQkgmwvvPh8bGNzdyUnKgZ5R_jVPX1LB3-ioAKmkFM4oL0fdOXerskP65Oj/s1600/20170114-810swnaturephotojan14-DSC_4467-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH7S0hs8jBzfOEB-glFpdCDPoOc0C-APVvMa7gRLyIe6xmTtmoeFtqQUZWJRY5tgfUDAwRlfVCzZ94eXCZYQkgmwvvPh8bGNzdyUnKgZ5R_jVPX1LB3-ioAKmkFM4oL0fdOXerskP65Oj/s400/20170114-810swnaturephotojan14-DSC_4467-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced Teeth by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/493517834/ice-print-black-and-white-photoicicle?ref=shop_home_active_4">Sheen Watkins/Sheen Watkins Studio</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Your blog offers insight into the artist behind the work. Initially I blogged weekly and over time shifted to random blogging as I started writing for other sites.<br />
<br />
<b>Final tip: </b> Producing and publishing <b>quality work is a must</b>. Sure, that photo of your dog that's really adorable and funny (and blurred) should be shared. Fido's perfect place (unless you are a pet photographer) is on your personal Facebook page for your dog lover friends to enjoy. Keeping your professional photography site stocked with your professional work will never confuse your customer or send the wrong message.<br />
<br />
Do you have a tip to share? Add a comment or two or email me directly at sheensnaturephotography@gmail.com. <br />
<br />
Thanks for following and happy shooting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-15572870908577492662016-11-21T08:42:00.001-05:002016-11-21T08:42:28.973-05:00How to Keep a Fresh Photographer's Eye? Play!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_qXKZlMirk6I9rv8qzceMhO83xHeXHHCD_O26i8HyRSY5VaMYv3_od5jYFl3CqSxNvipqdUJ0sIw80-XszUZQgq1yF85yTyYUCADE_gWygMRqUfn_SQ4oxfBsv-NvakvHeSDZJ1DmTbR/s1600/20151112-71swnaturephotonov13-DSC_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_qXKZlMirk6I9rv8qzceMhO83xHeXHHCD_O26i8HyRSY5VaMYv3_od5jYFl3CqSxNvipqdUJ0sIw80-XszUZQgq1yF85yTyYUCADE_gWygMRqUfn_SQ4oxfBsv-NvakvHeSDZJ1DmTbR/s400/20151112-71swnaturephotonov13-DSC_0923.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeking at You by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Photographers began their craft being inspired by something. <br />
<br />
Many photographers started as artists, using a camera to document their subjects prior to drawing on paper or other art medium of choice. Others were influenced by magazines, such as <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><u>National Geographic</u></span>,</span> the <a href="http://www.smithsonian.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Smithsonian</span></a> and other magazines known for outstanding storytelling and imagery. <br />
<br />
Some just knew they wanted a camera.<br />
<br />
My introduction to photography was simple. After I became an official birder, I would always say, "I wish I had a camera" whenever I would focus my binoculars on a beautiful bird. I guess I said it more than once or twice because my husband surprised me with my first camera. Since then, it has been many thousands of photos of birds, flowers, bees, deer, landscapes, black and white, and other various nature images.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I do worry about getting stuck in a routine. Are my photos starting to look the same, am I missing great images because I didn't consider another perspective? <br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9J87XngVimKjKOn9E_Nvn2sHKuUAYDQNO3tHNIIl3qe-P62wX2IpHS9qxhAaNkSn8arG2Zk1sSPIO3NU1cfRZ7My9lv9T-bmVRKSOzWCxARUbGTbmbKYxCII8FTUDjXwNwHsKFa-ggJw/s1600/20161023-500swnaturephotooct24-DSC_7070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9J87XngVimKjKOn9E_Nvn2sHKuUAYDQNO3tHNIIl3qe-P62wX2IpHS9qxhAaNkSn8arG2Zk1sSPIO3NU1cfRZ7My9lv9T-bmVRKSOzWCxARUbGTbmbKYxCII8FTUDjXwNwHsKFa-ggJw/s400/20161023-500swnaturephotooct24-DSC_7070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the past year, I've intentionally networked with other photographers. <br />
I've joined the <a href="http://www.motorcitycameraclub.com/Default.aspx"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Motor City Camera</span> <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Club</span> </a>in the Detroit Metropolitan area and have started to occasionally participate in group photo outings. <br />
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Even though my best work happens when I'm solo, my photographic and post processing skills have been positively influenced by joining others.<br />
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Lines, colors, textures, shapes and structures serve as interesting and colorful subjects. <br />
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I'll jump at the chance to photograph city lights, inside and outside of unique architectural buildings and street photography. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQdLwbonk9JY9fQiIOrk7V7HKm0NqcjLV4i6pe-h2aMQa5eHXXz2_9dT7o_jdDaKCRzKSQxLGR-xhVY1LgAs9WNYbFj-ScywQghUznuhD-2T0IcXsz3XpqZhw5o1-MfHfW2xoD-KYfpOk/s1600/20161114-810swnaturephotonov16-DSC_3615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQdLwbonk9JY9fQiIOrk7V7HKm0NqcjLV4i6pe-h2aMQa5eHXXz2_9dT7o_jdDaKCRzKSQxLGR-xhVY1LgAs9WNYbFj-ScywQghUznuhD-2T0IcXsz3XpqZhw5o1-MfHfW2xoD-KYfpOk/s400/20161114-810swnaturephotonov16-DSC_3615.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<br />
The reverse is also true, I've been able to influence and help others in their nature and bird photography journey. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkMOticoHaHFKDXbF6WpbBSS-XvgBj1NJE6_pzc17P7VKFG3pctjG-deRuenOZ8yS5RvljfOsJ09SWZuOX2psT0WQ41ycWVNvgkEeBRshei4Sn-eymjvneOmxXgY9u98kll9ONN8Vi2XC/s1600/20160605-500swnaturephotoJun10-DSC_3799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkMOticoHaHFKDXbF6WpbBSS-XvgBj1NJE6_pzc17P7VKFG3pctjG-deRuenOZ8yS5RvljfOsJ09SWZuOX2psT0WQ41ycWVNvgkEeBRshei4Sn-eymjvneOmxXgY9u98kll9ONN8Vi2XC/s400/20160605-500swnaturephotoJun10-DSC_3799.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There's another benefit ...I have friends that love to 'play' outdoors and talk about f/stops, lenses, settings, camera gear and photography plans. It's expanded the meaning of one of my favorite phrases of "happy shooting" to "happy shooters!"<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-22353851973012159092016-09-08T07:57:00.000-04:002016-09-08T07:57:12.760-04:00A Photographer's Sight: The Forest or the Trees? What does a photographer see? What is it about a subject or moment that one photographer may stop, pause and shoot and another doesn't notice?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5UskA0xNmXKQ59ZfMVg-gs7-Qu9XlGLbxI9hVWgPWH4AWkeAH4xwGyZcR4sioHVwkXnyYTUDSZ9-JNzI6B_C18GLmyPn8LVauzMFUT1z6lRNIOKkeO435dbGEqcqRUwMlkvatDuvFdiQ/s1600/20160906-810swnaturephotosep6-DSC_8733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5UskA0xNmXKQ59ZfMVg-gs7-Qu9XlGLbxI9hVWgPWH4AWkeAH4xwGyZcR4sioHVwkXnyYTUDSZ9-JNzI6B_C18GLmyPn8LVauzMFUT1z6lRNIOKkeO435dbGEqcqRUwMlkvatDuvFdiQ/s400/20160906-810swnaturephotosep6-DSC_8733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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How many times have you used the phrase "you can't see the forest for the trees"? In the images above and below, I chose to not see either. Instead, I was moved by the array of green tints and shades, soft lines and a wash of shapes. <br />
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How this photo was made: I stood in a shady setting with no sunlight streaming through. When I pressed the shutter, I gently moved the camera vertically while the shutter was open. A one second shutter speed is optimal when using this technique. Settings: 1 second shutter speed, f/16, ISO 100<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNILXVc-hubgSvK35LNlEIrQj2K3TOEVNyqoR0dSLnotRINJ-rQvZKRwe-Ja5Ew9spF5zYmHyzwFNLd7tPNAwJyXtyE2DxQ7HGEWwNQSIEsasbL67Tkeqbmn5ACuXFojsI4BOu_FI26Gox/s1600/20160906-810swnaturephotosep6-DSC_8732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNILXVc-hubgSvK35LNlEIrQj2K3TOEVNyqoR0dSLnotRINJ-rQvZKRwe-Ja5Ew9spF5zYmHyzwFNLd7tPNAwJyXtyE2DxQ7HGEWwNQSIEsasbL67Tkeqbmn5ACuXFojsI4BOu_FI26Gox/s400/20160906-810swnaturephotosep6-DSC_8732.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Walk into an art gallery, museum or go to a multitude of artists' websites and you'll see many perspectives of the same subjects. Some may be an accurate representation of the image itself, others may take creative liberty and add another layer of artistry. <br />
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As in the photo below, I applied dramatic post processing adjustments in Lightroom to modify reality. These adjustments included contrast, clarity and increased hue intensity. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatBd7iIDNUNnM60J8JWcj45USu7KhnzhggEHXFDBKKxkCccIuhLYYZcQy9Mw-GKwiiZ4UDthf-C5ZXhazkbmVG1651GmUrLwtePq9MAEawZnb-WnoLj4sd6dhALAPPV_fCjyquLZqEtIC/s1600/20160518-810swnaturephotomay22-DSC_3798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatBd7iIDNUNnM60J8JWcj45USu7KhnzhggEHXFDBKKxkCccIuhLYYZcQy9Mw-GKwiiZ4UDthf-C5ZXhazkbmVG1651GmUrLwtePq9MAEawZnb-WnoLj4sd6dhALAPPV_fCjyquLZqEtIC/s400/20160518-810swnaturephotomay22-DSC_3798.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By seeing through the unique eyes of other artists- painting, drawing, photography, dance - our own eyes can learn new techniques and ideas of communicating our subjects.<br />
<br />
Happy Shooting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-63834760388818039512016-06-02T07:39:00.001-04:002016-06-02T07:39:35.085-04:00"Songbird Sung Blue"It's spring time which means the woods and fields are filled with the delightful songs and colors of songbirds. Birds are flocking together to nest, breed, have chicks and depending on the species, travel south for thousands of miles after their chicks have fledged the nest. <div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJtoqkMDI_-tUFo7DFfQFqOQzPB0oFSCC1FtZ5c0ol0ehxlmA9fqSEaJsETnyGuWqqwY08YVu7ck2q2UkxGRQnrXm-YRMu7u3UmzGlvvkG515ZHX9BNZp-wlAmvrnUg5n22kq5C5-oqxY/s1600/20160419-81swnaturephotoapr19a-DSC_2373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJtoqkMDI_-tUFo7DFfQFqOQzPB0oFSCC1FtZ5c0ol0ehxlmA9fqSEaJsETnyGuWqqwY08YVu7ck2q2UkxGRQnrXm-YRMu7u3UmzGlvvkG515ZHX9BNZp-wlAmvrnUg5n22kq5C5-oqxY/s400/20160419-81swnaturephotoapr19a-DSC_2373.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazuli Bunting by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<div>
It's time to celebrate a few of our magnificent little birds of blue.<br /><div>
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The Lazuli Bunting, taken in Arizona could almost be mistaken for a bluebird. Their white wing bars are an immediate giveaway. </div>
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There's something a little extra special about birds in blue. </div>
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Maybe it's because there are not as many species in this color range. </div>
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They are so striking with their azure plumage. Their sweet songs carry through the distance with unique and brilliant trills, notes and screeches.</div>
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<div>
The Indigo Bunting is a common sighting in Michigan and the midwest. Even though it's a bit more common, that doesn't make it any less special to see....and hear. The melodious song carries a distance from their high perches. </div>
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This little guy is a regular on the <a href="http://leelanau.com/">Leelanau Peninsula</a> on a trail managed by the <a href="http://leelanauconservancy.org/">Leelanau Conservancy</a> in Michigan.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtGICqiYV25zgFMbh1LOI-oLG9lJ909B5V5llrHnzfPMnYDix1iNUuSEnlwnuMfa0Cy8iN439hbUM6HoiPpKJYP1Hsmb4T_Iq9VbKafkPFQTqnQ2l-Ww3kIzGhOuXiVFVR2rqYK7G0BHU/s1600/20160530-500swnaturephotomay30-DSC_3382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtGICqiYV25zgFMbh1LOI-oLG9lJ909B5V5llrHnzfPMnYDix1iNUuSEnlwnuMfa0Cy8iN439hbUM6HoiPpKJYP1Hsmb4T_Iq9VbKafkPFQTqnQ2l-Ww3kIzGhOuXiVFVR2rqYK7G0BHU/s400/20160530-500swnaturephotomay30-DSC_3382.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo Bunting by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
What 'blue' posting would be complete without a favorite for many? The eastern bluebird entertains us by using nesting boxes to build their nest and their family.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMH_7CcbIFHlTdSsaRN_2pVV3mDYfgpoo7wWHcz224bbEvtIQqp2i9NyJ6tirbkJPsF80tAdNgdLN34K4luAB4ZEVIR706eZYxt6-PxJSO_Pn_hUUq4GX8vSKlcVFPMApIKze6WuifGbG/s1600/20160331-81swnaturephotomarapr1-DSC_1535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMH_7CcbIFHlTdSsaRN_2pVV3mDYfgpoo7wWHcz224bbEvtIQqp2i9NyJ6tirbkJPsF80tAdNgdLN34K4luAB4ZEVIR706eZYxt6-PxJSO_Pn_hUUq4GX8vSKlcVFPMApIKze6WuifGbG/s320/20160331-81swnaturephotomarapr1-DSC_1535.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Bluebird by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And lastly, the common but yet so striking Blue Jay. We hear the loud calls when they fly in flocks. We see them visit our feeders. Their bold crest along with the bright blue patterns make them standout from the rest of their family - the crows.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6PKom4d9vZw7__hMmlbjtfKRRhYOfaMjxFUEwpZ1vT5uYHxeosZ5fJPrlQjcgjRjpeDxcQLFodwK-mXvvNRUH1XU17sZ9Qpmmgj4gAVHl_kjIj1F7mETEgA2XlF2qRY9yqGl_w7cjD9T/s1600/20160522-500swnaturephotomay22-DSC_2596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6PKom4d9vZw7__hMmlbjtfKRRhYOfaMjxFUEwpZ1vT5uYHxeosZ5fJPrlQjcgjRjpeDxcQLFodwK-mXvvNRUH1XU17sZ9Qpmmgj4gAVHl_kjIj1F7mETEgA2XlF2qRY9yqGl_w7cjD9T/s400/20160522-500swnaturephotomay22-DSC_2596.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Jay, a member of the Crow Family by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
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<div>
The title of this blog was inspired by <a href="http://www.neildiamond.com/">Neil Diamond's</a> "Song Sung Blue". This is the second blog title that he, along with mother nature inspired: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2198025592950539398#editor/target=post;postID=4687526884044128174;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=18;src=postname">What do Neil Diamond & Northern Michigan Have in Common? Cherry, Cherry!</a></div>
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Happy Shooting!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-11828200354235495062016-03-01T08:01:00.001-05:002016-03-01T08:02:30.481-05:00A Photographer's View<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwsDuU-qJR6L9vSOo1bCYTrr4NQJlZILOTp4_wS33MwnJxCevzhN79pMie7ffEGUxHJSx_i_qmDp8UAsnXrTPnWN-yD_OFxj0e4feW4F5csf4KDYcHAzZreDW7m97B9lc1o6Bbkiybl44/s1600/20150130-600swnaturephotojan30-DSC_5592-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwsDuU-qJR6L9vSOo1bCYTrr4NQJlZILOTp4_wS33MwnJxCevzhN79pMie7ffEGUxHJSx_i_qmDp8UAsnXrTPnWN-yD_OFxj0e4feW4F5csf4KDYcHAzZreDW7m97B9lc1o6Bbkiybl44/s400/20150130-600swnaturephotojan30-DSC_5592-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody Morning <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">by Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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When I became a nature photographer, the world changed. <br />
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The big scenes became less important. <br />
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The little moments and details took center stage. Blue skies became boring, clouds and turbulent skies became a welcomed friend. <br />
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The morning hours<br />
on the weekend can't get here soon enough.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite subjects ~ birds ~ have amazing features. Their beauty, expressions and movement are a pure joy to observe as a bird watcher and a photographer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-XERXJT0UUkpntv6ilh8kUMr0oFbuy1BfK_SDlAy8DqgSsBhJJMl6hkKo1xQREfAwOAn4KLiGzy-9H4GNsaxCwWUYCbdd60XC2_3l-BBkWRI-tDp1uTrzROhtjs9yboXQVdgUjWevj4g/s1600/20160221-81swnaturephotofeb21-DSC_9051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-XERXJT0UUkpntv6ilh8kUMr0oFbuy1BfK_SDlAy8DqgSsBhJJMl6hkKo1xQREfAwOAn4KLiGzy-9H4GNsaxCwWUYCbdd60XC2_3l-BBkWRI-tDp1uTrzROhtjs9yboXQVdgUjWevj4g/s400/20160221-81swnaturephotofeb21-DSC_9051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">White Wings </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">by Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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With landscapes, nightscapes and cityscapes, it may be the large scale view, or it may something as simple as reflections at night that make the scene.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lh7OOh1y1yrt3i3R43UCKtIECoXINVCF0xZHsSZZ7S1H1RftSRuU5zlsCCqdVWyfeS06rDwZEmMc2MYTWtJwH4L10I9kfOy_5RaM66dtddWKe5RMQOQDTj2RhhrMxfPxt4jHS5if7UIU/s1600/20160211-81swnaturephotofeb12-DSC_8760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lh7OOh1y1yrt3i3R43UCKtIECoXINVCF0xZHsSZZ7S1H1RftSRuU5zlsCCqdVWyfeS06rDwZEmMc2MYTWtJwH4L10I9kfOy_5RaM66dtddWKe5RMQOQDTj2RhhrMxfPxt4jHS5if7UIU/s400/20160211-81swnaturephotofeb12-DSC_8760.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Walk in Winter <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography" style="font-size: 12.8px;">by Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finding your moment is just one look from behind the camera away. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-46762084865753868502015-12-17T20:46:00.000-05:002017-11-12T21:14:38.086-05:00My Camera Gear & AccessoriesOver the past couple of months I've received quite a few emails and messages asking about camera brand, lens choices and accessories. I remember asking other photographers the same questions and I found their insight helpful. Sure, there are some lenses I wish I would have purchased earlier and some later. But regardless of which lens I had or didn't have, I kept shooting. The best lens is the one that you have in your hands at that moment - you make it work!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSElnljtBDRrnNG7bfNYclpYAkLSeAd_IE5hAK8rkPwPumLsfD4iVf7BBFdGtcj4YcJQZFoC5cPiycHq5O8jS8YknM0XVGbl-UYmRDRH7e-cDxIDhNjgreTCncwnR0en_0LZCkEkXeEd3y/s1600/20150315-600swnaturephotomar21-DSC_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSElnljtBDRrnNG7bfNYclpYAkLSeAd_IE5hAK8rkPwPumLsfD4iVf7BBFdGtcj4YcJQZFoC5cPiycHq5O8jS8YknM0XVGbl-UYmRDRH7e-cDxIDhNjgreTCncwnR0en_0LZCkEkXeEd3y/s400/20150315-600swnaturephotomar21-DSC_6198.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite family subject! by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen Watkins</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Camera Brand</b><br />
I use <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon</a> and have never regretted this path. Their glass is terrific and I find the cameras to be solid. I would add that Canon, Sony and other brands are high quality and get the job done. <br />
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It's a competitive landscape (pardon the pun) which means reputable camera manufacturers will continue to bypass and catchup quickly on features and functions. The camera brand is important, <i>but it's the lens selection based on your photography goals that should heavily influence your decision</i>. Even then - they are all close with a few differences.<br />
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<b>Camera Bodies</b><br />
For birds and wildlife, the Nikon 7100 is my camera body of choice as of today. The cropped sensor format is ideal for photographing birds and wildlife. For landscapes, macro, portraits and street photography, I used Nikon's 810. The bigger sensor renders beautiful details, colors and tones.<br />
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For information on cropped versus full framed sensors, check out my Light Stalking article: <a href="http://www.lightstalking.com/cropped-sensor-vs-full-frame-sensor/">Cropped vs. Full Frame Sensor</a><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon Lenses - zooms:</a></b><br />
14-24mm 2.8 extra wide angle<br />
24-70mm 2.8 mid range zoom<br />
70-200mm 2.8 telephoto<br />
<b><i>When do I use zoom lenses?</i></b> Travel photography, when I'm photographing multiple subject types, when I don't know what I'm going to shoot and want flexibility, landscapes, wildlife.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVD9osBPHTCDuatkH3UGJyKXwjBBGGITF4Sn-2dXhjFDxT2CpSf5jJmt4Cue-5c06S-pEJpGIxouffedyLIOHDkbTKlm0IC61NVkM_dpqvhZ6URF-cQ-TYgq6zN_Tgj5pKfr-zaC6KSSl/s1600/20151206-81swnaturephotodec6-DSC_7765-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVD9osBPHTCDuatkH3UGJyKXwjBBGGITF4Sn-2dXhjFDxT2CpSf5jJmt4Cue-5c06S-pEJpGIxouffedyLIOHDkbTKlm0IC61NVkM_dpqvhZ6URF-cQ-TYgq6zN_Tgj5pKfr-zaC6KSSl/s400/20151206-81swnaturephotodec6-DSC_7765-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dania Pier by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a> using a 14-24mm wide angle lens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon Macro (Nikon refers to them as Micro)</a></b><br />
105mm 2.8<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon Lenses - primes:</a> </b><br />
28mm 1.8<br />
50mm 1.8<br />
85mm 1.8<br />
<b><i>When do I use primes?</i></b> Walk around photography, out on the town with friends, areas where that focal distance 'works' (i.e. 28 mm for landscapes, 85mm for portraits) nature walks where I have limited time, when I want to act like I have a point & shoot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvjxDyFPtEBi59HuxE71sRuTrA9zEbiy5q6P7S_0Qhv_zxVvP4sljX5RAFvVxFGGMDYclUysOVANF-bdqVGmP25EDXiKJzn5LkUB4U-8FzZCh3Bov1ygFIGdPt4ZU5bCqvyS4-4Ce9-Tk/s1600/20140809-600swnaturephotoaug9-DSC_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvjxDyFPtEBi59HuxE71sRuTrA9zEbiy5q6P7S_0Qhv_zxVvP4sljX5RAFvVxFGGMDYclUysOVANF-bdqVGmP25EDXiKJzn5LkUB4U-8FzZCh3Bov1ygFIGdPt4ZU5bCqvyS4-4Ce9-Tk/s400/20140809-600swnaturephotoaug9-DSC_0294.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Prime Sunrise by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a> using 50mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/16300_vcpzd.php?gclid=CjwKEAiAy7SzBRD_lv7quOnr6XUSJAAOLkW62_64fKUoqay6761mUMz7Sgi_EE0qfNcyl3fIGzXwOxoCKUTw_wcB#ad-image-0">Non-Nikon Lens/Tamron:</a> </b>150-600mm Tamron<br />
<b><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Teleconverters:</a> </b>Nikon 1.4 III<br />
<b><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Speedlight:</a> </b>Nikon 910<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3sJManQRzxh5mgU37D5SCzRQNCztz5idkuWa32sSjXF2UPRswEjAxi1uLosO0kGGU3EDsTLJouS8SOVsdfxxR2lcR1orgqIctmTDM3oCLRTwykHM5S0SIJJbkrfeba-4-a8SASjz6GE-/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><br /></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3sJManQRzxh5mgU37D5SCzRQNCztz5idkuWa32sSjXF2UPRswEjAxi1uLosO0kGGU3EDsTLJouS8SOVsdfxxR2lcR1orgqIctmTDM3oCLRTwykHM5S0SIJJbkrfeba-4-a8SASjz6GE-/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><br /></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3sJManQRzxh5mgU37D5SCzRQNCztz5idkuWa32sSjXF2UPRswEjAxi1uLosO0kGGU3EDsTLJouS8SOVsdfxxR2lcR1orgqIctmTDM3oCLRTwykHM5S0SIJJbkrfeba-4-a8SASjz6GE-/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<b>Filters:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.schneideroptics.com/">Schneider Optics B+W:</a> Circular Polarizer, Neutral Density Filters - a 6 stop and the Big Stopper<br />
<a href="http://www.leefilters.com/">Lee Filter:</a> 150 Extra Wide Filter System for the Nikon 14-24mm<br />
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<b>Tripod:</b> <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010693-REG/manfrotto_mt190cxpro4_190cxpro4_carbon_fiber_tripod.html">Manfrotto mt190cxpro4 Carbon Fiber Tripod</a><br />
<b>Tripod Head:</b> <a href="http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BH-40-LR-Mid-sized-ballhead-with-B2-40-LR-clamp">Really Right Stuff BH-40-LR</a><br />
<b>Remote Shutter Release:</b> Promaster<br />
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<b>Camera bags:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS5iEsX-4k1sku7VR9P5y-L9UGhBtuQEwpweNhmv9DjdenCz4xy-EWPoxzORDgX1eocXi13DTDiCVOIxIU3CsCF9XoDv7leJakZx_lDlAxR3l5nGhNCvXiE5Lg8gh8nOUtczrad-hW9Qf/s1600/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS5iEsX-4k1sku7VR9P5y-L9UGhBtuQEwpweNhmv9DjdenCz4xy-EWPoxzORDgX1eocXi13DTDiCVOIxIU3CsCF9XoDv7leJakZx_lDlAxR3l5nGhNCvXiE5Lg8gh8nOUtczrad-hW9Qf/s400/20150116-7100swnaturephotojan15-DSC_1499.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a> 70-200 2.8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Tamrac</b> 7X - this is discontinued but here is their current model: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=tamrac+7x&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=">Tamrac Anvil</a>. This is a big beast that holds a lot of gear and laptop. When fully loaded, you'll get a workout as the weight adds up. I use this bag when traveling on large planes or on a road trip. This is partnered with one of the following for travel as this bag is too large for me to hike with. <br />
<b>Lowepro </b><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/937756-REG/lowepro_lp36503_pww_flipside_sport_20l_aw.html">Flipside sport 20"</a> This is a lean machine. I typically pack my 810, 14-24mm, 24-70, 70-200 and the needed filters in this streamlined bag.<br />
<b>Tenba</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tenba-637-283-Photo-Daypack-Blue/dp/B004OVE2KU">Vector Daypack that's no longer produced, limited availability out on the web. </a> This weighs two pounds, holds a 15" laptop and it's completely customizable inside. Great for day trips and hiking. I have two so that when I travel on small planes one goes under the seat and the Lowepro goes in the overhead. <br />
<br />
Camera gear is an investment and it is costly. Initially I started with one camera and two lenses. Over time my decisions were made using my own research which included feedback that I used and chose not to use from others.<br />
<br />
Happy Shooting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-57178938015141320962015-10-29T07:50:00.002-04:002015-10-29T07:50:25.090-04:00The Rise & Fall of Autumn<span style="font-size: large;">In the northern hemisphere, Autumn represents football, back-to-school, sweaters and chilly evenings. In nature, an ever changing kaleidoscope surrounds us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Greens, golds and coppers line slow moving streams on crisp, cool mornings.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG46NslK0aoJ_KSLQZDQR2buYa7VXpHjeOcC6GyEfuBiBxGtzT6vk4A7WntzV6bVpAC-U5IHmwT48anCp3AHohGSWGo449aCmP2GX03RMqox_HjMlrgnjJQqK05-HYNcdrjtyQgBSgF-ZH/s1600/20151025-81swnaturephotooct25-DSC_6225-HDR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG46NslK0aoJ_KSLQZDQR2buYa7VXpHjeOcC6GyEfuBiBxGtzT6vk4A7WntzV6bVpAC-U5IHmwT48anCp3AHohGSWGo449aCmP2GX03RMqox_HjMlrgnjJQqK05-HYNcdrjtyQgBSgF-ZH/s400/20151025-81swnaturephotooct25-DSC_6225-HDR-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections of Color <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">by Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxh7ppU8fwmmgv2csXQsPTxpP0mHYsYETleo4uyKXL9_4JA45GYQT7LY3rd-mTZw5D04mDa1KCD7tvyij19me60tm2l_p_ETEnqbuHIihS6EcuvwwDjKPirs8ryeg_u48XFau8B0SwmxP3/s1600/20151020-81swnaturephotooct21-DSC_6015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxh7ppU8fwmmgv2csXQsPTxpP0mHYsYETleo4uyKXL9_4JA45GYQT7LY3rd-mTZw5D04mDa1KCD7tvyij19me60tm2l_p_ETEnqbuHIihS6EcuvwwDjKPirs8ryeg_u48XFau8B0SwmxP3/s400/20151020-81swnaturephotooct21-DSC_6015.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling Up <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">by Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Towering trees topped with yellow, orange and red lead to the sky.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Even with the season's chill, we feel warmth from indian summer days. The golden hour starts a little earlier in the afternoon as the days get shorter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As a long term midwesterner in Michigan, this season is a bit bittersweet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon the leaves will be falling and turning to brown ground cover. Several months of cold and gray are just weeks away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until then, taking advantage of the changing seasons through photography while hiking in the woods is on the weekend's agenda.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jrlbeY8KJLxMbP3jyjpteZ9fW61DyQ6Mfxdx5NalijWfMkw0GFBSyRHvYI3qKC6YgOPbt800dzQhqh62VzDzBAAXZ5a2B1jQy5RedAKwvmdDAlbgpNvJuieGYLbRZOg6gRaGpZmw3CSp/s1600/20151020-81swnaturephotooct21-DSC_5965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jrlbeY8KJLxMbP3jyjpteZ9fW61DyQ6Mfxdx5NalijWfMkw0GFBSyRHvYI3qKC6YgOPbt800dzQhqh62VzDzBAAXZ5a2B1jQy5RedAKwvmdDAlbgpNvJuieGYLbRZOg6gRaGpZmw3CSp/s400/20151020-81swnaturephotooct21-DSC_5965.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Walk by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">by Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The intense and fast falling colors reflects mother nature's lullaby before going to sleep.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-12070539712201726732015-10-08T07:17:00.000-04:002015-10-08T07:17:45.258-04:00It's A Small, Mushroom World in the Woods<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG4k_8Ejal5FBpZDdnrcu7df38q2AMaCwDPUWLH434JBkx5MZ17CA4LiIikqmI6HXlI9UPDAo7P5VxUY0qfaGs5iz0NAqc0NWngMG9n86bOiOYuq5ltRlJ7ExL6ufcWrWL7honm9TtQNl/s1600/20150920-81swnaturephotosep23-DSC_5626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG4k_8Ejal5FBpZDdnrcu7df38q2AMaCwDPUWLH434JBkx5MZ17CA4LiIikqmI6HXlI9UPDAo7P5VxUY0qfaGs5iz0NAqc0NWngMG9n86bOiOYuq5ltRlJ7ExL6ufcWrWL7honm9TtQNl/s320/20150920-81swnaturephotosep23-DSC_5626.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall One by <a href="http://sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sights and sounds of fall in the midwest build each day. Days get shorter, nights grow longer. Warm days are tinged with a hint of cool.<br />
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Ever changing greens merge into yellows. Cool <br />
mornings with floating mist melt into golden hour sunshine. <br />
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In the woods, there's another small world that's loaded with color, texture and purpose. <br />
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Mushrooms, fungi, toadstools emerge in a variety of shapes, colors and locations. They glow, they hide, they cover and also stand alone.<br />
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A recent weekend spent up in the <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=467&type=SPRK">Leelanau Peninsula</a> in Michigan was perfectly timed. Mushrooms were everywhere! <br />
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Tall, short, skinny and stumpy. Bright, dull and somewhere in between.<br />
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Muted browns and vibrant oranges glowed against dark shades while tall brights popped out of nondescript ground cover.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMXuAeM7v31GutW42JR-WTlEKgBbdx7UI4YwAqOQHOI6zs5I-_MnmFY8nnSs3I6j2QuJu2ZiQFcmBgkraM9FSFeUOkbyYEsiXBq8S9gHpoU50N2nFYGu7yiNlY5uK0qb68S83Nxvnmh5h/s1600/20150919-81swnaturephotosep19-DSC_5506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMXuAeM7v31GutW42JR-WTlEKgBbdx7UI4YwAqOQHOI6zs5I-_MnmFY8nnSs3I6j2QuJu2ZiQFcmBgkraM9FSFeUOkbyYEsiXBq8S9gHpoU50N2nFYGu7yiNlY5uK0qb68S83Nxvnmh5h/s400/20150919-81swnaturephotosep19-DSC_5506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Glow by <a href="http://sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When hiking in wooded areas, instead of looking up, look down along tree stumps, dry leaves and crevices in tree trunks. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DlHvwEqO3v7n6qhnV1i9K1VWdvaN4P9cQ9x1P2iHc5RrueU0MrEzr4aiaqV51epsffQYPQDf057IqbYxfZwLcjQVl84oeF-wjonV27hhByPTHKq2EGhpnEBGQbOkHEY53lHtR39UCVEq/s1600/20150919-81swnaturephotosep19-DSC_5478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DlHvwEqO3v7n6qhnV1i9K1VWdvaN4P9cQ9x1P2iHc5RrueU0MrEzr4aiaqV51epsffQYPQDf057IqbYxfZwLcjQVl84oeF-wjonV27hhByPTHKq2EGhpnEBGQbOkHEY53lHtR39UCVEq/s400/20150919-81swnaturephotosep19-DSC_5478.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Small World by <a href="http://sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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A tiny world awaits.<br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-51915471364981303702015-08-31T07:00:00.000-04:002015-08-31T07:55:24.470-04:00Date Night & The Morning After<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBFYjw4JkDcIUaTUzEmGwhpzIdWHe6bvFqm3eagKIna1Htueg8mNIynMPy0b17GfkEPAVEfeEUCVMNmeFEdVlOZKtk417sjF0TeHta4Wu1M_LBdht4AEyi_bnWcE69urkdrCXkNOTmd97/s1600/20150528-71swnaturephotojun5-DSC_7671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBFYjw4JkDcIUaTUzEmGwhpzIdWHe6bvFqm3eagKIna1Htueg8mNIynMPy0b17GfkEPAVEfeEUCVMNmeFEdVlOZKtk417sjF0TeHta4Wu1M_LBdht4AEyi_bnWcE69urkdrCXkNOTmd97/s400/20150528-71swnaturephotojun5-DSC_7671.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Dear by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No, this is not the name of a movie for mature audiences. Friday nights represent so many things. From the end of the work week to the beginning of the weekend, time to chill, time to party, a date with a spouse or significant other, time with your best friend and the list goes on. <br />
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As a photographer, my idea of a great Friday date night includes my hubby Dave, a long nature walk with no specific agenda and my camera. <br />
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Some of my favorite images have been as a result of the surprise photography moments that surfaced while we were chatting along the way.<br />
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The sweet deer to the right popped up in the woods as we were walking along the trail. The fading sun provided soft illumination through the branches while gently lighting his face.<br />
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A walk by the lake is part of the routine but the view is never the same. One day the sky is clear blue (boring!), another day it's overcast with flat light.<br />
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This past weekend, the light breeze and white fluffy clouds celebrated summer color across our neighborhood lake, <a href="http://www.bhamgov.org/government/departments/dps/quarton_lake.php">Quarton Lake</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSqUf8sHRgAIOWp1Y1eROIwZzbjfPUoVAtR7IaSJJHuWgSa-WAqzS1RH7Qg7Usqk65-GycM8bRkpKQ69s9MtF1lit8rOKrV7vSp6wK3jrW2_jPMqw_5tckYsZJ1xnchOoQui6mfxjh4rS/s1600/20150821-71swnaturephotoaug30-DSC_4845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSqUf8sHRgAIOWp1Y1eROIwZzbjfPUoVAtR7IaSJJHuWgSa-WAqzS1RH7Qg7Usqk65-GycM8bRkpKQ69s9MtF1lit8rOKrV7vSp6wK3jrW2_jPMqw_5tckYsZJ1xnchOoQui6mfxjh4rS/s400/20150821-71swnaturephotoaug30-DSC_4845.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date Night Routine by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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The morning after with the same mindset offers its own creative inspiration. <br />
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Drinking coffee on the deck in the warm season while looking over the garden, there's almost always something new to capture.<br />
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The bright white flowers below glowed against a background of rich foliage prior to the sunlight reaching the garden.<br />
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I think part of the enjoyment is that I'm not looking for anything intentional. I may not even snap the shutter once. The times that I do, it's one or two snaps and I have a photo that came from the heart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6ghyJvBFl-zZEuLVtSVgvkaVhiM8dOxdrR0iHF7knT7TNjpqg5cyyFeXdBU80FIZqzQZWFxXbX-8IyNQGtRNF5Vl8SoCdTUv1f5nM__69PjVXDW3glk9P4h3k8sp_i-toA7CvuDSyuOx/s1600/20150504-810swnaturephotomay8-DSC_1301-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6ghyJvBFl-zZEuLVtSVgvkaVhiM8dOxdrR0iHF7knT7TNjpqg5cyyFeXdBU80FIZqzQZWFxXbX-8IyNQGtRNF5Vl8SoCdTUv1f5nM__69PjVXDW3glk9P4h3k8sp_i-toA7CvuDSyuOx/s400/20150504-810swnaturephotomay8-DSC_1301-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning After by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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Sound a bit crazy? <br />
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Part of the enjoyment and inspiration is the spontaneity as a result of using this as down time with my best friend (that would be my husband but he may feel he comes second to the camera at times). <br />
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This next weekend, grab your partner, your camera, a comfortable pair of shoes and see where the journey takes you. <br />
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Happy Shooting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Birmingham, MI 48009, USA42.541043599999988 -83.21312060000002542.494250099999988 -83.293801600000023 42.587837099999987 -83.132439600000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-82565305012445328422015-07-27T07:37:00.002-04:002015-07-27T07:38:26.950-04:00The Blue Door Leads to my OfficeWhere will your work take you today?<br />
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It's Monday, and for many of us it's starting the week with a cup of Joe. After the cobwebs have cleared, it's time for the morning workout. Then it's heading out the front door to our respective office to continue last week's unfinished work and begin new projects. This may be a building, a warehouse, working in our cars or in our homes.<br />
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I prefer my weekend office door. In blue, please.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpYOpXAISghgUDScIbZDWBmFInly2qqFuxGFx0GIr31_lM88lZEDn27A7BmNrUb4A1hzzPQKkgOtpqrP1S-Ed6H_-4CJir1rI7QhmmgJtiJbc2GoPSQlme3j0YXI4PECSBesR04vh1ErB/s1600/20150726-81swnaturephotojul26-DSC_3917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpYOpXAISghgUDScIbZDWBmFInly2qqFuxGFx0GIr31_lM88lZEDn27A7BmNrUb4A1hzzPQKkgOtpqrP1S-Ed6H_-4CJir1rI7QhmmgJtiJbc2GoPSQlme3j0YXI4PECSBesR04vh1ErB/s400/20150726-81swnaturephotojul26-DSC_3917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Door to My Office</td></tr>
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This weekend door opens to the great outdoors where birds sing, butterflies flutter and nature surrounds me. <br />
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In nature photography and for those you enjoy just being immersed in nature, you don't have to go very far. It may be just a few steps and you're in your garden or going for a hike on a nearby nature trail.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8AQffRrzmZ4SK3HGd8Dy3obVbILjdaWwr6NzOtVfmKhpXtdUTjnVBwGN44ovFaaecmREgToqfmVh98LDhp0PaOE4JchuOxtlk2IHfcgUz4JQaYA6lfjYplm6gAMdcjTFMOFMd9ery3Hx/s1600/20150522-71swnaturephotomay22-DSC_7062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8AQffRrzmZ4SK3HGd8Dy3obVbILjdaWwr6NzOtVfmKhpXtdUTjnVBwGN44ovFaaecmREgToqfmVh98LDhp0PaOE4JchuOxtlk2IHfcgUz4JQaYA6lfjYplm6gAMdcjTFMOFMd9ery3Hx/s400/20150522-71swnaturephotomay22-DSC_7062.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Day in the Weekend Office<br />
Female American Redstart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As a photographer, I need and enjoy my regular job to pursue my passion for photography. <br />
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My photography office door opens on the weekend. And while it's not the one above that I photographed this weekend, it is blue. <br />
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Happy Shooting!<br />
~Sheen~<br />
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My website is located at <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">www.sheenwatkins.com</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2198025592950539398.post-67768748978602597422015-07-06T12:19:00.000-04:002015-07-06T12:19:04.706-04:00Celebrating Feathers With SongsOne of the most brilliant sounds in the forest is that of our songbirds. As a bird photographer who spends many hours hiking in the woods, an added bonus is hearing their bright delightful calls and songs.<br />
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The gray catbird below bursts out a cheerful song and also a "meow" call that is the reason for his name. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLsa4wE7M28xmn9stctv1AgMKQYTFZtmKatlixQ9Jpk-yCdWMohteEqNeYsWBRgyvf8Ensc9XCgBdi_BqtNSS7jHR3-XHJod0XPif8qmXzJrfln4xwDgpxiZMlv8vd5cS3hTmT2c1McFF/s1600/20150620-71swnaturephotojun21-DSC_8144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLsa4wE7M28xmn9stctv1AgMKQYTFZtmKatlixQ9Jpk-yCdWMohteEqNeYsWBRgyvf8Ensc9XCgBdi_BqtNSS7jHR3-XHJod0XPif8qmXzJrfln4xwDgpxiZMlv8vd5cS3hTmT2c1McFF/s400/20150620-71swnaturephotojun21-DSC_8144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Catbird by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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Particularly in the spring, birds' songs and calls echo through the woods and in backyards. It's the time in which the males actively seek their partner for breeding.<br />
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The male redstart below sings near the lunch hour at a significant bird migratory spot in Ohio, <a href="http://www.mageemarsh.org/">Magee Marsh.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTukyiHJ-HhE2Gfe0La3Nsul1xXH3bBnqbh1VfOb9bxVkLoMGT-EEhNy8hwM9aKBdw7go8xG1tCga-FC59wsLcpRysp7kX8oItYQXd5hAgapTHyM72jvBxU3MHmwkvU8OKvgzUD_6O4is9/s1600/20150509-7100swnaturephotomay17-DSC_6844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTukyiHJ-HhE2Gfe0La3Nsul1xXH3bBnqbh1VfOb9bxVkLoMGT-EEhNy8hwM9aKBdw7go8xG1tCga-FC59wsLcpRysp7kX8oItYQXd5hAgapTHyM72jvBxU3MHmwkvU8OKvgzUD_6O4is9/s400/20150509-7100swnaturephotomay17-DSC_6844.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Redstart by <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/p813842809">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
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The females, such as the female redstart below, respond in return with their cheerful, melodious songs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyUJyrg69VYu4TpR951xwBUqvryr7pWJz_LMWI-uCJuC79UmHAnH7UIvaP9O-mpFTQvgwe2mRLqaylajRsdYk_6L2kJb_riKrX0FURgE-4XTdL31YnPJP8npSvDh8od3L2ugnHGiYBmpZ/s1600/20150522-71swnaturephotomay22-DSC_7062matrix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyUJyrg69VYu4TpR951xwBUqvryr7pWJz_LMWI-uCJuC79UmHAnH7UIvaP9O-mpFTQvgwe2mRLqaylajRsdYk_6L2kJb_riKrX0FURgE-4XTdL31YnPJP8npSvDh8od3L2ugnHGiYBmpZ/s400/20150522-71swnaturephotomay22-DSC_7062matrix.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Redstart Sings the Morning Away<br />
<a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/p813842809">Sheen's Nature Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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An easy way to connect with nature, even if you are not a bird photographer, is to walk in the woods, stop and listen. Nature will guide your way.<br />
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For a free monthly photography tip, visit<a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/contact.html"> my website signup page</a>. Or, just visit <a href="http://www.sheenwatkins.com/">my website</a> to view nature, landscape, wildlife and nature photographs. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0