Finding Your Inner Artist - What You Discover May be Greater than You Imagined

Home Office by Sheen Watkins

What do you remember about the long, two hour meeting you sat through a year ago?  

You know the one. 

There was death by Powerpoint.  There was a lot of multi-syllable corporate speak followed by scurrying to update action items and craft emails.  

Truthfully, we probably don't remember much about that meeting unless something crazy-cool or unique happened (or we took a lot of notes!). 

Lunch with my Co-worker by Sheen Watkins

I bet that you do remember attending your kid's events where you celebrated or wiped away tears afterwards.  

You probably also remember the days where you intentionally 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.

How did you feel after investing time in you, your family or your personal creative endeavors outside of work?

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. 

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. 

Coffee Break by Sheen Watkins

Something else also happened as a result of finding my inner artist.  

Contentment.  
Higher energy. 
Confidence.  

A creative and more human perspective surfaced in other areas of my life - work, people, business, relationships.   

My writing returned. My work and personal life converged differently.  I felt more human, more creative, while being disciplined to grow personally and professionally.  I had more to give.

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.  

Home ~ Work ~  Relationships ~  Energy ~ Karma ~ How I felt about me

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 - go for it and ramp it up.  

You (and those around you) won't regret getting to know the total you that evolves. 

Happy Shooting, Sheen

Happy Hour by Sheen Watkins

Life Changes are Just a Click Away - Always Aim for Your Best Shot!

Golden Moment by Sheen Watkins

When I first picked up the camera, I had no idea that some day it would become part of my DNA.

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.

A little over a month ago, that moment arrived. 

We sold our house in four days with the initial intent of working remotely a lot more.

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.

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.


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!

Eye on the Future by  Sheen Watkins

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!"

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.

Now my that my photography future is here where will I take it?

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. 

Facing the Sunrise by Sheen Watkins

I've had Etsy and gallery websites along with using social media sharing (recently Instagram and Facebook) and blogging for a while.  I've written many photography articles for Light Stalking and Loaded Landscapes. Every now and then,  I'd lead small and large workshops locally.

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.

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.

Happy shooting!

Time to "Eat Crow"

Rough-legged hawk by Sheen Watkins

Mother Nature, in all of her beauty, is not always kind or gentle.

We live part time near a remote small town on the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

Outside of Northport it's quite common to see porcupines, bobcats, skunks, many species of birds and coyotes.

This week, I witnessed the brutal dependency of nature's food chain.
I initially thought I was seeing an injured hawk being attacked by crows.

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.

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.

Protecting Dinner by Sheen Watkins

So,  I decided to photograph the episode.

From capture, to defending his meal, he was he was doing what he needed to do to survive.

As a bystander, I wanted to save the crow.  I also wanted the hawk to eat.

The balance of nature.  The balance of life.  Nature in all her beauty has a side that is uncomfortable and painful.

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.

Plucking before eating  by Sheen Watkins

I also appreciate that no matter how tough my week, or day may be - I'm not being eaten by a hawk.

Happy Shooting!

How to Keep a Fresh Photographer's Eye? Play!

Peeking at You by Sheen Watkins

Photographers began their craft being inspired by something.

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 National Geographic, the Smithsonian and other magazines known for outstanding storytelling and imagery.

Some just knew they wanted a camera.

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.


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?

by Sheen Watkins

Over the past year, I've intentionally networked with other photographers.
I've joined the Motor City Camera Club in the Detroit Metropolitan area and have started to occasionally participate in group photo outings.

Even though my best work happens when I'm solo, my photographic and post processing skills have been positively influenced by joining others.

Lines, colors, textures, shapes and structures serve as interesting and colorful subjects.

I'll jump at the chance to photograph city lights, inside and outside of unique architectural buildings and street photography.

by Sheen Watkins

The reverse is also true, I've been able to influence and help others in their nature and bird photography journey.

by Sheen Watkins

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!"

"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. 

Lazuli Bunting by Sheen Watkins

It's time to celebrate a few of our magnificent little birds of blue.

The Lazuli Bunting, taken in Arizona could almost be mistaken for a bluebird.  Their white wing bars are an immediate giveaway.  

There's something a little extra special about birds in blue.  

Maybe it's because there are not as many species in this color range. 

They are so striking with their azure plumage.  Their sweet songs carry through the distance with unique and brilliant trills, notes and screeches.

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.  

This little guy is a regular on the Leelanau Peninsula on a trail managed by the Leelanau Conservancy in Michigan.

Indigo Bunting by Sheen Watkins

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.

Eastern Bluebird by Sheen Watkins

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.

Blue Jay, a member of the Crow Family by Sheen Watkins

The title of this blog was inspired by Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue".  This is the second blog title that he, along with mother nature inspired:  What do Neil Diamond & Northern Michigan Have in Common? Cherry, Cherry!

Happy Shooting!

The Rise & Fall of Autumn

In the northern hemisphere, Autumn represents football, back-to-school, sweaters and chilly evenings.  In nature, an ever changing kaleidoscope surrounds us.  

Greens, golds and coppers line slow moving streams on crisp, cool mornings.

Reflections of Color by Sheen's Nature Photography

Falling Up  by Sheen's Nature Photography

Towering trees topped with yellow, orange and red lead to the sky.

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.  

As a long term midwesterner in Michigan, this season is a bit bittersweet.   

Soon the leaves will be falling and turning to brown ground cover.  Several months of cold and gray are just weeks away.  

Until then, taking advantage of the changing seasons through photography while hiking in the woods is on the weekend's agenda.

Morning Walk by by Sheen's Nature Photography

The intense and fast falling colors reflects mother nature's lullaby before going to sleep.

Date Night & The Morning After

Sweet Dear by Sheen's Nature Photography

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.

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.

Some of my favorite images have been as a result of the surprise photography moments that surfaced while we were chatting along the way.

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.

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.

This past weekend, the light breeze and white fluffy clouds celebrated summer color across our neighborhood lake, Quarton Lake.

Date Night Routine by Sheen's Nature Photography

The morning after with the same mindset offers its own creative inspiration.

Drinking coffee on the deck in the warm season while looking over the garden, there's almost always something new to capture.

The bright white flowers below glowed against a background of rich foliage prior to the sunlight reaching the garden.

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.

Morning After by Sheen's Nature Photography

Sound a bit crazy?

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).

This next weekend, grab your partner, your camera, a comfortable pair of shoes and see where the journey takes you.

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. 

From Golden Moment to the Blue Hour

In the deep south and other places too, there's a brief time called "The Magic Hour".  On front porches, patios and outdoors in the summer, friends and family gather for conversation, a snack or early meal and maybe even a favorite beverage.

In photography, the Magic Hour is also referred to as the Golden Hour.  The departing sun casts shades of golden hues that illuminate woods, fields and waters.

In a Place Called Nowhere, the Magic Hour Fades
Sheen's Nature Photography

When traveling home from visiting my family, we stopped in a small town for the night. Across from the hotel was this open field filled with the fading colors of the Golden Hour.

Within minutes, I knew that the look and feel would change dramatically as we moved into the Blue Hour.

The Blue Hour Emerges
Sheen's Nature Photography

Sometimes the phrase 'hurry up and wait' is a wonderful thing.

Thanks for reading.  To join my mailing list for a free photography tip of the month visit the: sign up page on my website.

Happy shooting!
Sheen Watkins

What do Neil Diamond & Northern Michigan Have in Common? Cherry, Cherry!

It's an early, sunny morning in Leelanau County, Michigan and the camera and tripod are in tow.  Temperatures are a cool sixty degrees.  The fields are filled with flowers and a light, fading fog continues to disappear along the drive to my destination.

The orchard awaits.

Brimming with Cherries by Sheen's Nature Photography

Brimming with beautiful, ripe fruit the orchard shimmers in the sun.  A multitude of sparrows, blue jays and robins all sing overhead.

Sweet Treat by Sheen's Nature Photography

Yet, the song that I keep hearing is a childhood favorite, "Cherry, Cherry" by Neil Diamond.

Cherry Baby!

Standing in the middle of a cherry orchard among the cheeriest of cherry red fruits definitely "Move's Me, Baby" and inspires an extra sense of happiness into my work.

So while I'll probably never meet Neil, his song added a little extra joy as I photographed and yes, tasted some of the juiciest cherries I've ever experienced.

And if he ever makes it to Leelanau County in August, I hope he gets to indulge in one of Michigan's purest treats.

Who knows, it may inspire another great song!

Happy Shooting (and singing)!

Gear Review: Nikon's 50mm 1.8G Lens is a Fast Friend

How clearly I remember the day when my first 'surprise' camera with a Nikon 55-300mm telephoto lens arrived.  As someone who's primary subject was to going be birds and wildlife, I seriously thought this was the only lens I'd ever need.

First and foremost I am a bird photographer.  Birding was the passion that stirred the interest in photography.  Over time, the passion for birds has not changed.  Instead, a passion for photography expanded my horizons of what images I capture.

After investing in a bigger telephoto lens (150-500) and a Nikon 105mm macro lens, I started playing around with the 24-85mm lens that came with one of my cameras. The world of landscapes emerged as subjects.  A landscape lens was then added to the growing collection.

Along the way I heard many photographers talk about how they enjoyed 'walk around' prime lenses.  I received another 'surprise' gift.  A 50mm 1.8G lens.

A big hello to world of exploring things outside of macro, telephoto and landscape.  

Airport Wait - 50mm, f/4, ISO 250, 1/80sec

The 50mm 1.8G is fast, lightweight, sharp prime lens (fixed focal length) with a beautiful bokeh.  The 50mm is easy to take on a walk in a garden, the woods, and even use in the airport for something to do while waiting for the flight.

A prime lens encourages and forces the photographer to consider different perspectives and composition. 

Night Moves - Nikon 600, 50mm,  ISO 2500,  f/1.8 1/60sec

The Night Moves image above was captured in my hometown, Birmingham, Michigan around ten at night.  Using a big aperture (f/1.8), the shallow depth of field, bokeh and desired sharpness all came together.  No flash or tripod needed.

The flowers below would have been only a close up with my Macro.  I intentionally left it at home because it would have been faster to gravitate to the macro comfort zone.  With the 50mm, the composition brought in more of the surroundings and better reflected the cheerful sunny day.

Cheerful Flowers, Sunshiny Day - Nikon 600, 50mm, B+W Circular Polarizing Filter

We are all in different mindsets with our photography and subjects.  As someone who waited too long to add the 50mm to their arsenal, I would easily recommend this as a must-have lens sooner versus later.

The 50mm is a photographer's friend, offering speed, fun, creativity and awesome quality images. 

At the very reasonable price point of $219.95 on the Nikon site and $216.95 on Amazon and B&H Photo, it's a relatively painless addition from a cost standpoint.

Happy Shooting!
Sheen

Uncommon Beauty in a Common Bird

So many places and wildlife faces to see.  Traveling to a new destination where  exploration is all that is on the agenda energizes the soul and creative spirit.

However, we can have the eyes of a tourist or explorer in our own backyards and surrounding locations without even trying too hard.  All it takes is a willing spirit and a personal commitment to get-up-and-go to a local place.  It may be a park, trail, area of town that you don't visit often, if at all.  Or, it may be a place you've thought about but the drive is a bit of a hassle.

Whether you're a photographer or have an interest in a hobby or activity, taking on a local adventure that falls in to your domain of interest may be the ticket to turning a routine Saturday into a real 'weekend' of fun.

Bye, Bye Blackbird - Sheen's Nature Photography

Using the red-winged blackbird as an example, they are quite common.  They arrive in the spring, mate, have babies and fly south again after the family has fledged.  It would be easy to discount a bird that 'I see all the time, just about all my life'.

A recent hike revealed a vocal male, singing in the bright sunshine along the reeds.  He stood in the same place for at least 30 seconds.

The inky black feathers accessorized with fire-engine red wing patches, his fashion statement makes a fashionista green with envy.  And his song, as shrill and bright as it is, is much preferable to any tune on the radio.

Have a great week and it's time to start planning your 'weekend'.

Happy Shooting!

Sandhill Surprise....A Walk in the Woods

Weekend walks in the woods bring wonderful sights and surprises.  Whether it's birds, wildlife, flowers, insects or foliage, some of my best grounding moments have been on hikes carrying my camera.

This particular day in July was no exception.  At a Detroit area metropolitan park, Kensington Metropark near Milford, Michigan, nature lovers, cycling and running enthusiasts have options to choose from.  An eight mile running and cycling trail circles Lake Kensington while other off-road  mountain cycling trails touch Island Lake.  

Woodland Walk - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

A nature center along with nature trails also meander through woods, marshy areas and an open lake.  Birds, deer and other wildlife can be seen while strolling through trails and sometimes, if lucky, even in the parking lot early in the morning.

This particular Saturday, Sandhill Cranes were actively feeding and visible on the shaded woodland trail.  Another pair casually grazed on the grounds not to far away from the parking lot.  

"Please Take My Picture" - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

As the parking lot "Hollywood Posing Pair" was used to people, they were not camera shy.  In fact one followed me around for several minutes,  gracing me with a close-up of the vibrant, bright orange eye.

A good morning indeed!

Happy Shooting!

Date Night....Friday Evening with a 'Walk-Around" Lens

What we do early Friday evening after work many times sets the stage for the rest of the weekend.     

Sunset Stroll by ©Sheen's Nature Photography

My photography passion centers on birds, flowers and nature.  Typically, my gear includes two cameras, a long lens, macro lens and tripod.  

Not really conducive for a relaxing neighborhood stroll.

Recently, I added a Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens to my arsenal for my Nikon 600 (full frame).   Along with the lens was an internal commitment to be intentional about walking around to find different inspiration.  

Early Friday evenings are now date night walks with my camera and walk-around lens (husband included!). 

The outcome, while still in nature, has been new perspectives.  These came from using a 50mm eye versus my telephoto or macro mindset.

Take a stroll, enjoy the sites along the journey.  And, if a creative moment emerges, snap away!

Happy Shooting!

 

Proper Preening....Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane Preens by Sheen's Nature Photography

The sights of summer are in full glory. Flowers are in bloom, the heat has finally arrived for a few days here in Michigan.  Trail hikes occur almost every weekend.

A highlight of this state is our Sandhill Cranes. Flocks of thousands congregate in open fields and
marshy woodland areas.

While photographing a Sandhill, a heavy beating noise whooshed in from behind.  The pounding sounded like deer running through the forest.  It was the wingbeats of another Sandhill as he flew in to greet the two walking on the trail.

This past Saturday a preening Sandhill enjoyed the early morning sunshine.   He (or she) will be heading south for the winter in late fall.

Until then, another a forty five minute drive for a hike in the woods to see this huge, majestic bird again is on the horizon.

Happy Shooting!



 

Go West....to the Real, Old West

Raw, dusty and rock laden terrain points toward blue skies that stretch as far as the eye can see.  Muted shades of many colors roll across flat lands that quickly enfold into mountainous ranges and ancient limestone canyons.

Vermillion in Full Sun
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500, ISO 160, f/8, 1/250

Big Bend National Park rests in far west Texas alongside the Rio Grande river. Quietly, she waits to share desert delights of blooming cacti, hundreds of bird species and onyx nights filled with diamonds in the sky.

She surprises with pockets of riparian habitats offering close ups views of many wildlife species. The Cottonwood Campground, Rio Grande Village and the Chisos Basin are the three largest primary riparian areas within the park.

Our first stop in the park was Cottonwood Campground.  The reward? Vermillion flycatchers that zipped from campsites, to barbed wire fences to low hanging branches.

My first step was to observe their flight patterns and poses.  From there, I determined my plan of locations, camera settings, lighting and lens.  As I had recently added a Nikon 910 Speedlight to my arsenal, it was a well appreciated tool in the shady Cottonwoods.

While photographing birds, I almost always use Aperture Priority mode.  Given the shady conditions in the campgrounds, the best images came from those with f/stops that ranged from f/7.1 to f/10.

The lower the f/stop number means a larger amount of light coming through the lens.  The more light, the faster the shutter speed.  With more light, the depth of field is more shallow which means your foreground is sharp and the background is blurred.

The male vermillion below was captured using an Aperture of f/7.1.  The bird is in focus and the leaves and branches are very soft and blurred.  The female was captured using an Aperture of f/9.  You'll see a bit more branch detail behind her but with some blurring.  It was very windy and I wanted to capture the surroundings to share her delicate strength as she gripped the branch.  The Nikon 910 Speedlight was used in these two images to get more detail of the feathers.
   

Nothing Boring about the "Bird on the Stick," Vermillion Flycatcher
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, ISO 250, f/7.1, 1/250 sec

Female Vermillion hangs on in the West Texas Breeze
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, ISO 250, f/9, 1/640 sec

Our next morning was spent at Rio Grande Village searching out the Common Black Hawk nesting in the Cottonwoods.  Even though the Vermillion flycatchers danced to my right, left and overhead, I only had eyes for the black hawk sitting in a cluster of branches.  As a birder, it was a first time sighting.

As a photographer, it was a rare gift to capture and now share.

Black Hawk Preening for its Mate
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, ISO 250, f/7.1, 1/200 sec

That afternoon was spent in the Chisos Basin where a winding, steep downhill led to nesting pairs of Mexican Jay's.  These jays can be found in oak woodlands in Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.  Always sassy and full of spunk, the Mexican Jay's vibrancy glows against the desert background.

Mexican Jay peering around an oak
Nikon 7100, Sigma150-500mm, ISO 250, f/9, 1/250 sec 

From sunrise to sunset, Big Bend National Park is a bird and nature photographer's delight and escape.  To get there, be prepared for a journey.  It's a solid seven hour drive from San Antonio or a four hour drive from El Paso.  Everything is bigger in Texas, including the drive.  But the roads travel fast as it's legal to go 80 miles per hour along I-10.

Since it is remote and vast in scope, planning in advance is highly recommended. We stayed at the Big Bend Casitas at Far Flung which is just outside the park in Terlingua, Texas.  The cozy casitas (cabins) were well appointed with small kitchens and very clean.  The grounds observed the 'no lights outside' so you could rock the time away gazing at the stars from your private porch, relaxing in a rocking chair.  

The real west awaits....

Happy Trails and Happy Shooting!
Sheen

March Madness: Nature Photography

Collegiate basketball fans unite once again in front of their high definition TV's and in sports bars cheering on their teams and players.  Pre-game predictions, post-game analysis, office squares and water cooler verbal volleys resonate everywhere you turn.

In Michigan, it's really heating up indoors now that Michigan and Michigan State are in the Sweet Sixteen.  And that's about the only place you'll find heat in Michigan this year.  Our chilly, snow-laden winter has extended from November through today. March 23 was a not-so-sweet sixteen degrees this morning.

There are advantages to a late winter thaw in March.

Red-neck Grebe has a Catch
Nikon 7100, 150-500mm, f/9, 1/500 sec, ISO 250

Last week at Stoney Creek Metro Park, it was another bitingly cold morning.   A Red-necked Grebe delighted in frolicking and fishing in icy waters for his morning breakfast. As much of the lake was frozen, this pushed a diving duck into closer photography proximity.  A major score as a photographer and a new addition to my birding life list.

The teams that make it so the Sweet Sixteen don't get there with luck.  There are countless hours studying game plays, listening to the coach as he lays out the strategy, watching tapes of their opponent, athletic conditioning drills and time on the floor.  The players spend many hours training with their teammates and many hours individually honing their skills.

As evolving photographers, we commit to hours of studying, practice, time in the field and then back in front of our computers reviewing our game day in the field.  We play in conditions that sometimes other seriously think we have achieved our own level of  'madness.'

In the serious cold, our field time may be a little bit shorter.  This can be readily be replaced by reviewing 'game tapes' that can improve our editing skills.  We spent a lot of time snapping nature, let's ensure we bring out the beauty that captured our eye in the field.

Easy to find post processing tips can be accessed on You Tube.  Type in your topic and a whole host of videos will emerge.

Additionally, as a Lightroom 5 user, I recently discovered from another photographer friend, informative, easy to understand videos that have quickly enhanced my post-processing skills.  The George Jardine video tutorials contain 23 different segments concentrating on the tools in the Lightroom 5 Develop module.  You can easily select which one you want to review or playback again at any given time.  Time spent with these videos can help you produce a game winning image.

Female Wood Duck
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, f/9, ISO 250, 1/800 sec

Today I drove back to Stoney Creek Metro Park only to find that the thaw had started from warmer temperatures this past week.  The Grebe moved on.

Initially, I planned to head back home.  If I had succumbed to my inner voice of "it's too cold to be out here,"  I would have missed another wonderful March Madness nature moment.

My game strategy for the day needed be altered.

I executed a course correction and headed to Paint Creek Trail in Rochester, Michigan.  Hoop there it was!  Moving among many mallards, was a sweet and beautiful female wood duck.  The equivalent of a three-point shot.

Happy Shooting and enjoy March Madness!
Sheen

Photography "Therapy"

Yes, I've been one of those who needed 'retail therapy' from time to time. Those mindless moments where you escape deadlines and stress factors at work.  My need for 'retail' therapy whether in a mall or online has forever been replaced.

What has taken its place?  Photography Therapy!

"After the Meeting Walk"
Nikon 600, 105mm

This is probably not a new phrase, and I'm sure other photographers feel the same way.  Picture this, (no pun intended).  A prolonged week of meetings continues with direct reports assisting in presentations, proposals and personnel discussions. This is capped off with yet one more Friday afternoon conference call at 4:00 p.m.  Many of these discussions are held in a square, non-descript beige work cube, conference room or if we are lucky, an office with a view of other concrete buildings.

Sunrise, Before the Meetings Begin"
Nikon 600, 14-24mm

Don't get me wrong, I love my career.  However, I believe in working to live. Part of living is not thinking about work when you're not working.  That can be a bit difficult for many of us, particularly if we do not find and pursue our own interests and passions.

Weekend "Work"
Nikon 5100, Signa 150-500mm

Photography therapy launches me into the outdoors and mother nature's emotional whim.  Downtime is spent with azure waters absorbing sunset, sunrise landscapes and wildlife in the woods.  Or the essence of time is lost while capturing flowers and foliage with hues, shades and textures that make Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore Paints wince with envy.  

So how can you find your photography therapy?  

The answer is quite simple.  What do you like to do with your spare time?  

Do you enjoy cars, travel, your kids' sports, pets, fashion, cooking, gardening, baseball cards, fishing, or collecting?  If you answered yes to any of these and have considered 'photography' as something to do, you may have picked the place to get started.  

Borrow, rent or purchase a camera and start here.   Take many, many images looking up, down and straight on with your identified subject.  Download to your computer and see what you've created.  

Your therapy may have just begun.

And for those who still hunger for a bit of retail therapy.  No problem.  There are plenty of cameras (Nikon), bags (Tenba, Tamrac), lenses (Sigma Lenses, Nikon lenses), tools (Lightroom 5, Nik Software), and how-to books available to shop for online (Amazon) and in local stores (Woodward Camera in Birmingham, MI, and a local retailer near you).

HAPPY SHOOTING! 
Sheen