Monday, October 25, 2010

Ohio Fall 2010

I'm still trying to get a handle on autumn 2010, from the viewpoint of a nature photographer in Ohio. There's been areas of good color, but overall it's been just "okay." The biggest disappointment comes from the fact that conditions have been so dry. In fact southern Ohio has not experienced any significant periods of rainfall since early summer. This is the time of year that I enjoy photographing the flowing streams and waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park. During a recent visit earlier this month I didn't even bother to get down into Cedar Falls or Old Man's Cave. The area needs at least two to three days of saturating rainfall before the water starts flowing again.

I also look for cool, rainy days as providing the best light for capturing fall color. The reds, golds and purples are more saturated in wet weather. Instead this year we've experienced unusually warm, dry, windy weather. Just not the best for nature and landscape photography.

The upside has been some very colorful sunrises and sunsets, and when the air goes still and cool at nightfall we are blessed with an almost purple hue on the edges of the horizon. Every season here in Ohio is unique and different, from year to year, and as a close follower of the patterns and cycles of light and nature I've learned to appreciate the distinct "personality" of each. Where's there a downside there is always a positive, and it's the job of the nature artist to recognize and accentuate the gifts of each day and the wonderful opportunity to actively engage light and subject.





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Thursday, October 21, 2010

2nd Most Important Gear for Nature Photography

The all-important tripod, often overlooked when photographers are just starting-out and beginning to build their toolbox of photographic gear. Investing in a pro-grade tripod and ballhead is just as important as top quality lenses when it comes to nature and landscape photography.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Autumn Bird Photography at Lake Logan by Ohio Photographer Jim Crotty

Wildlife photography of birds sighted at Lake Logan in Hocking Hills, Ohio, this past Monday, October 11 2010. Images taken using a Canon 1D Mark III DSLR with a Canon 500mm f4.5 L lens.



Friday, October 08, 2010