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Phlox and more time with the D800

Posted by Mark on May 14, 2012 in nature photography | 14 comments

Phlox in the woods, Image # FL-9577

I had some more time to spend in the field this past weekend getting to know my D800. I ventured into a new section of woods along the Clinton River, about 20 minutes drive from my house. I immediately saw some high densities of color in the distance which captured my curiosity. These flowers are called Phlox (isn’t that a weird name?!) and grow quite abundantly around my area, although clusters are typically very separated. This was a good section of woods where they appeared together.

I spent some time just wandering around this section looking for a good density of flowers that not only made for a good foreground, but also were connected to the flowers to the background. Sometimes there would be a good foreground group, but then the middle ground was a bit empty. This section seemed to have a good balance throughout. I snapped a few shots here, and then all of the sudden, my D800 locked up and started displaying “Err” on the display. Needless to say, I uttered a few choice words that I will not repeat on a family friendly blog. (more…)

Warbler Migration

Posted by Mark on May 6, 2012 in nature photography | 12 comments

Bay-breasted warbler singing (not shot with the camera you think!)

This past week I had planned to spend a day down at Magee Marsh in Ohio with hopes to catch part of the bird migration underway. This area is a well known migrant trap, where many birds stop to rest and feed before making the flight across Lake Erie. Birding reports throughout last week were looking positive. The added bonus was this week my pre-order on my D800 came in. So I was hoping to not only get in some long overdue bird photography, but also try out a new camera, and break out of this rut I have been in. (more…)

Tree branches & updates

Posted by Mark on Apr 30, 2012 in nature photography | 23 comments

Twilight Branches, Image # TR-8330

Hey folks, long time no post eh?

Things have been a bit slow this spring on many fronts for me, suffering from both photo and writers block. I know the way to kick it is just to “do something” – anything – but it is sometimes a real drag on motivation as well. However, I couldn’t let April slip by with only one post! :-)

I have had a recent surge in print orders (always a good thing), and it is interesting how they come in surges. I can have very little activity on the photo business front for awhile, and then all of the sudden – BAM! I am slammed with orders. (not a complaint! ). The down time did allow me to finally get to a section of my website I have been wanting to finish for some time. That is my frameless print section. (more…)

Ignoring the camera

Posted by Mark on Apr 2, 2012 in nature photography | 19 comments

Backlit Flowering Tree, Clinton River Park, Sterling Heights, Michigan

I have always thought there are two paths of exploration when it comes to photography. The first one being in the field, in the moment. The second is post capture and where the image guides you. It is in those post capture moments where you may or may not connect with subconscious processes that were going on during the first path.

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