So what is photography?

Certainly it involves more than owning a camera.

Forster’s Tern

First, photography is the craft of taking photos.

 Obviously, this requires going out, finding subjects, and using a camera.

So if you want a photo of a Forster’s Tern, you’ll have to go to an area where they live.

Next photography is the art of processing photos.

For example, you might begin with something like this (below):

Water Lilly, Original Image (Before Processing)

And end up with this:

Water Lilly, After Processing

There’s an important point here: In digital photography the original photo contains the image. So artful processing and cropping are needed to make that image appear.

And yes, I take photos of flowers, as well as landscapes, trees, and wildlife.

Third, photography is a process of experimenting, learning, and adjusting.

You are always searching for ways to improve your technique. And sometimes you’re challenged to invent a new technique for a new challenge.

For example, I took the photo below after sunset with the Canon R (a mirrorless) camera.

I noticed that this hummingbird was perching on an Agapanthus leaf. So I set up my camera (on a tripod) focused on the spot where the hummingbird would land. Then I waited, watching the LCD screen. When the bird arrived, I used a remote release to take the photo at 1/60 sec.

Allen’s Hummingbird, Male

Four, photography is a matter of enjoying Nature’s beauty.

Yes, the House Finch is a common bird. And yet, notice the beautiful shades of brown and tan.

And she put on her best feathers for this photo.

House Finch, Female

And fifth, photography is about people.

I was stuck for a week trying to think about what to write for this month’s blog. Then I asked a friend, who said, “Write about photography.”

And so here we are.

Thank you!

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Find More at:

Odd Quirk in Bird Photography

Seasons with a Black Phoebe

Beyond Black

Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are two organizations that excel at doing this.
Please visit their web sites to learn about how they are making a difference.

 The Trust for Public Land

 American Bird Conservancy

Here’s an outstanding book about bird conservation: Bird Conservation