N'Ice Ice Baby

As 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 "Michigan".  Usually it's one of these:

"Wow, it's cold up there!" 

"Too cold and gray for me in the winter"                          

                                                             "I hear the summers are beautiful, but short."

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. 

Blue Ice in Mackinaw City, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

Our ice is nice.  Actually, it's more than nice.  Our ice rivals abstract sculptures.  Our ice is rich with color, texture and depth. 

A trip to Mackinaw City, Michigan during the ice breaking season offered caverns of rich, blue ice formations and blocks.

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 if or how I would adapt to the cold and gray. 

Icy Slates at Sunrise in Northport, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

What I learned is with that the right gear and initiative, I see how Mother Nature adorns Michigan winters with works of art. 

You just have to go and explore.  

The iced tiles at sunrise in Northport, Michigan on the bay side of Lake Michigan lasted one day.

The evening before it was one big ice plate. 

Anticipating a potential shift from the forecast gale force winds, the alarm was set for oh-dark-thirty. 

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.

Look for the less ventured view. 

Iced Cactus, Frankfort, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

On land, ice lasts a little bit longer in a given state. 

One of our most famous lighthouses, Point Betsie gets a lot of paparazzi with her stoic stance in the face of Michigan winters. 

I initially went to shoot the iconic beauty. 

Instead, a hike around the lighthouse uncovered a field of glistening iced 'cactus'. 

Don't let the gray get in the way!

For the many days that we don't see the sun, ice still  floats through the elements.

Frazil Ice by Sheen Watkins

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.

Ice blocks by  Sheen Watkins

Note:  When photographing icy conditions, always use caution. 

Ice is slippery, sharp, can be thin in unexpected places. 

Take a partner.

Wear warm clothes.

Have the right foot gear (spikes are good!) and be careful. 

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. 

No shot is worth putting yourself in danger.

Venturing out in the lower part of Northern Michigan in winter is definitely worth donning layers of clothing in winter. 

Oh yes, our summers are lovely too.

Happy shooting!

"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.

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.

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.

Lake Michigan Sunset by Sheen Watkins

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.

With each experience, our 'who we really are' continues to evolve.

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.

Photography has been an epiphany, a passion and a way of connecting and sharing nature with the world, or realistically, those who are interested.

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:

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.

A favorite subject, the Snowy Owl by Sheen Watkins

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. 

It isn't a one-shot moment and then moving on to the next subject. 

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.

Abstract of Forest or the Trees by Sheen Watkins

The other side of photography is not as easy or fun.  There's an element of guilt and self-centeredness. 

Photography is costly.

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.

Time in the field is time away from family.  Many photographers have more than one job to support their livelihoods. 

Time immersed in learning is time distracted from those that are close and want to be with you.

Fall Monarch with Artistic Edits by Sheen Watkins

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.

Our passions require sacrifices of ourselves and patience from those we hold most dear.

Every day, photographers share and display images and imagery that entices the eye and some may even stir the soul of a viewer. 

There is 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.

Behind each image is an artist, sharing their eye, their connection with that brief second of time. 

So if someone says that 'she's a nature photographer,'  I'm very comfortable being defined by that title.

Happy Shooting!






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Wildlife Photographers - Giving Our Profession a Good or Bad Name?

Cedar Waxwing by Sheen Watkins

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.  

As a nature photographer, I see many photographers show respect for nature, for other photographers and hikers.  

I've also seen photographers exhibit behaviors that are 'not-so-nice'.  

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.  

Here's a few awareness reminders for all of us to help keep nature and our photography flourishing.

Awareness of Distance:  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. 

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.  

Two Fox Kits by Sheen Watkins using a Nikon 500mm

The Right Equipment:   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.  

Rules of the Road (or area):  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. 

Never, ever, ever, ever bait animals:  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.   

There isn't one photograph that is worth putting any animal or human in danger.

Lead by example:  Even when no one is around.  We are a only a guest, a visitor on this planet.  Treat nature with care.   

Savannah Sparrow by Sheen Watkins

Awareness of Other Photographers:  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.  

Cool Heads Prevail:  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.

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!

Happy Shooting!

Gear Bag List - 2 Years Later

Photo by David Watkins,

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.

As my photography continues to evolve and expand, so does the gear in the bag.

Camera gear is an important decision and not one we take lightly.

Before I dive into my revised list (products with links take you to Amazon) - a few considerations:

1. 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. 
2. 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.  
3. 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.  

Savannah Sparrow by Sheen Watkins

Camera & Lens Brands
I continue to use Nikon 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.

The camera brand is important, but it's the lens selection based on your photography goals that should heavily influence your decision. 

Camera Bodies
For birds and wildlife, Nikon's 500D 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 Nikon's 810. The bigger sensor renders beautiful details, colors and tones.

For information on cropped versus full framed sensors, check out my Light Stalking article: Cropped vs. Full Frame Sensor

Winter Beach by by Sheen Watkins

Nikon Lenses - zooms - general purpose and great for travel:
14-24mm 2.8 extra wide angle
24-70mm 2.8 mid range zoom
70-200mm 2.8 telephoto
When do I use zoom lenses? 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.

Nikon Macro (Nikon refers to them as Micro) - macro lens for flowers, bees, close-up, 1:1.
105mm 2.8

Nikon Telephoto- 500mm FL ED f/4 - telephoto for birds, wildlife
Protective cover for lens (as seen in the photo above) by Lenscoat.
Teleconverters:  Nikon 1.4 III

Nikon Lenses - primes - lightweight, fast and sharp
28mm 1.8
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.8

When do I use primes?  Walk around photography, out on the town with friends, photographing my pets, nature walks where I have limited time, when I want to act like I have a point & shoot.

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.

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. 

Peach Delight with the Lensbaby Velvet 56mm by Sheen Watkins

Art Lens: Lensbaby Velvet 56mm - 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.

Filters:
Schneider Optics B+W:  Circular Polarizer, Neutral Density Filters
Lee Filter System: 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

Tripod: Manfrotto mt190cxpro4 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Tripod Head:  Really Right Stuff BH-40-LR (available through Really Right Stuff) and and their PG-02-Pano-Gimbal-Head.
Remote Shutter Release: Promaster

Camera bags:

Tamrac Anvil.  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.
Lowepro   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.
Tenba's 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.
Think Tank - for hikes, travel, a muti-short lens bag or camera with a 70-200 attached.  This holster is a pretty cool hipster.

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.

Happy Shooting!

Photography & Packing - Oh the Woe to be on the Go!

Photography and travel pack the perfect punch for adventure.  From new destinations to favorite locations we're rewarded with images and many fun memories.

Icelandair, a wonderful airline - by Sheen Watkins

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.

I much rather focus on shooting in smooth waters  than worrying about keeping up with too much stuff!

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!

For clothing:
I bought a packing cube set  (my choice was the Bagail) and also quart and gallon sized Ziploc Slider Bags 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'.

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!

For Camera Gear:
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.

Waiting to Go by Sheen Watkins

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.

Think Tank's Digital Holster - 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.

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!

Lowepro Flipside Series - 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.

Here's to making our 'go' a bit lighter and more efficient!

Happy Shooting!

Rain~Snow~Ice~Heat: Just Go!

Fort Lauderdale Summer Sunrise by Sheen Watkins

I have never taken a good nature photo from my couch.

I have never photographed a unique, amazing sunrise or sunset from the kitchen table or when hitting the snooze button.

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.

The message is simple:  "go"

It's frigid and cold outside?  Wear layers and warm clothes.  Protect your camera.  Then go.

It's foggy, hazy, and humid?  Wear water resistant clothing, have cleaners and drying cloths for your gear.  Then go.

You're commitments ran over and you may miss your optimal light?  Just go anyway.

It's stormy, unpredictable and not what you planned?  Go with your plan or find another subject.

Autumn in the Lofoten Islands, Norway by Sheen Watkins

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.

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.

Iced Teeth by Sheen Watkins

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. 

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.

So let's embrace tomorrow and "go."

A 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?

Sheen's Nature Photography

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.  

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

Sheen's Nature Photography

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.

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.

Sheen's Nature Photography

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.

Happy Shooting!

A Photographer's View

Moody Morning  by Sheen's Nature Photography

When I became a nature photographer, the world changed.

The big scenes became less important.

The little moments and details took center stage.  Blue skies became boring, clouds and turbulent skies became a welcomed friend.

The morning hours
on the weekend can't get here soon enough.

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.

White Wings  by Sheen's Nature Photography

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.

River Walk in Winter by Sheen's Nature Photography

Finding your moment is just one look from behind the camera away.

My Camera Gear & Accessories

Over 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!

A favorite family subject!  by Sheen Watkins

Camera Brand
I use Nikon 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.

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, but it's the lens selection based on your photography goals that should heavily influence your decision.  Even then - they are all close with a few differences.

Camera Bodies
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.

For information on cropped versus full framed sensors, check out my Light Stalking article: Cropped vs. Full Frame Sensor

Nikon Lenses - zooms:
14-24mm 2.8 extra wide angle
24-70mm 2.8 mid range zoom
70-200mm 2.8 telephoto
When do I use zoom lenses? 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.

Dania Pier by Sheen's Nature Photography using a 14-24mm wide angle lens

Nikon Macro (Nikon refers to them as Micro)
105mm 2.8

Nikon Lenses - primes:  
28mm 1.8
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.8
When do I use primes?  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.

A Prime Sunrise by Sheen's Nature Photography using 50mm

Non-Nikon Lens/Tamron: 150-600mm Tamron
Teleconverters:  Nikon 1.4 III
Speedlight:  Nikon 910

Filters:
Schneider Optics B+W:  Circular Polarizer, Neutral Density Filters - a 6 stop and the Big Stopper
Lee Filter: 150 Extra Wide Filter System for the Nikon 14-24mm

Tripod: Manfrotto mt190cxpro4 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Tripod Head:  Really Right Stuff BH-40-LR
Remote Shutter Release: Promaster

Camera bags:

Golden by Sheen's Nature Photography 70-200 2.8

Tamrac 7X - this is discontinued but here is their current model: Tamrac Anvil.  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.
Lowepro Flipside sport 20"  This is a lean machine.  I typically pack my 810, 14-24mm, 24-70, 70-200 and the needed filters in this streamlined bag.
Tenba Vector Daypack that's no longer produced, limited availability out on the web.    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.

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.

Happy Shooting!

The Blue Door Leads to my Office

Where will your work take you today?

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.

I prefer my weekend office door.  In blue, please.

The Blue Door to My Office

This weekend door opens to the great outdoors where birds sing, butterflies flutter and nature surrounds me.

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.

A Day in the Weekend Office
Female American Redstart

As a photographer, I need and enjoy my regular job to pursue my passion for photography.

My photography office door opens on the weekend.  And while it's not the one above that I photographed this weekend, it is blue.

Happy Shooting!
~Sheen~

My website is located at www.sheenwatkins.com

Celebrating Feathers With Songs

One 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.

The gray catbird below bursts out a cheerful song and also a "meow" call that is the reason for his name. 

Gray Catbird by Sheen's Nature Photography

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.

The male redstart below sings near the lunch hour at a significant bird migratory spot in Ohio, Magee Marsh.

American Redstart by  Sheen's Nature Photography

The females, such as the female redstart below, respond in return with their cheerful, melodious songs.

Female Redstart Sings the Morning Away
Sheen's Nature Photography

 
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.

For a free monthly photography tip, visit my website signup page. Or, just visit my website to view nature, landscape, wildlife and nature photographs. 

Flower Power

It's spring and it will soon be summer in a couple of weeks.  Colors line highways, parks, cities and gardens.  Flower photography season is on us offering a rainbow of vibrants to pastels.

Photographing flowers ranges from honing in on the tiniest detail to capturing a collection of color, shapes and movements.

All that is needed is your lens in hand, a quick study of your subject to find the single point of interest or convey an overall story.

From macros using a Nikon 105mm:

To a telephoto perspective with a Nikon 70-200mm:

To using primes - like the nifty Nikon 50mm:

And short range zooms such as the kit Nikon 24-85mm lens:

Nature provides the color, you provide the perspective using your lens of choice and tell the story.  Happy Shooting!

Sheen

Visit Sheen's Nature Photography website and sign my guestbook to receive a photography tip of the month.  They are always short, simple, fun and to the point.

Thank you!

Costa Rica Travel: Delightful Wings

My Costa Rica travel series in the Osa Peninsula would be remiss if I didn't dedicate a blog or two to the birds.  Common, every day sightings of Parrots and Toucans soared the moment we stepped out of the jeep.  Raptors, such as the Yellow-headed Caracara regally perched on trees that were fairly low to the ground.

by Sheen's Nature Photography

by Sheen's Nature Photography

Comical, colorful masks of the Toucans stood out against inky black feathers.

Imagine sitting down for lunch your first day and a toucan is 25 feet away.  My first instinct was to grab the camera versus eat as I didn't want to miss my moment.  After watching the large number of birds hovering nearby, I realized Toucans were quite common.  They  behaved with humans similarly to common backyard birds back home.  

Toucans had their eating routine down to a science.  Like a kid who likes to toss popcorn and catch it in the air with their mouths, Toucans make mealtimes fun.  The pull the berry off the tree, they may crack it a bit before tossing, catching and swallowing whole.  

When most birds go quiet midday, the Toucans are still out and about popping their lunch.

Did I mention that their talons were blue?  What a fab pair of 'shoes'.  

Scarlet McCaws.  Seeing them in flight with the rich scarlets contrasting with bright green trees and sky blue surroundings stopped us in our tracks.

A small family with parents and junior stopped for their lunch where we were able to view family dynamics and get some fairly close images.  Their powerful bills cracked nuts like nobody's business!  Textured faces, inquisitive expressions brought a smile with every snap of the shutter.

by Sheen's Nature Photography

Costa Rica warms the spirit and graces the visual senses with brilliant colors, sounds and wings.

A perfect place for "Happy Shooting"!

Note:  Images taken with Nikon 7100 and Tamron 150-600mm.  The Scarlet Macaw was captured with the Nikon 70-300mm.

Costa Rica Gone "Wild"

As I continue the series on my recent travels to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, a highlight was a few, unexpected surprises.  One of our side trips was a venture back to the old gold mine town of Puerto Jimenez, the largest town in the Osa Peninsula.  This is where we flew in to the airstrip from San Jose, Costa Rica a few days prior.

The Caiman crocodile was just plain cool to see.  I named him "Smiley" for his pearly whites.  This was taken with my Tamron 150-600mm from a getaway quick distance if needed as I totally respected his space.  

These guys can move when they want too with a land speed of over 11 miles per hour.

Caiman Crocodile "Smiley" by Sheen's Nature Photography

Later that night, we went frog hunting with our knowledgeable guide. The night has all sorts of slithery creatures.  The red-eyed green tree frog all but glowed in the dark rainforest.  His chartreuse skin and crimson eyes lit up the night.  

Red-eyed Green Tree Frog by Sheen's Nature Photography

The same night we photographed the curious little fruit bat.  They could be seen during the day as they would cluster together in the heavy, long leaves that made a perfect shady home during daylight.  At night, they flew out as groups and some solo operators remained behind for a little extra rest time before taking off to join the rest of the bats.

Fruit Bat Stare-down, Sheen's Nature Photography

Both the tree-frog and the fruit bat were taken using a Nikon 70-200 2.8mm along with a speedlight in order to bring out the details.

Along the way we did a few stops to see the Scarlet McCaw and the Tropical Screech owl that were along the dirt, well-bumped road (it's Costa Rica, rough roads are part of the charm) and streams.  Stay tuned for the Costa Rican bird blog coming soon.

Happy Shooting!