by Gene | Aug 3, 2014 | Songbirds

Songbird photography is one of my favorite pastimes. It has everything a serious amateur could ask for. You don’t have to travel far to get good shots. It doesn’t require hyper expensive equipment. And a big bonus is that a lot of people are fascinated by bird photography. (more…)
by Gene | Apr 4, 2014 | Botanical

Orchids are amazing photographic subjects. And this pink Phalaenopsis is this week’s favorite. I captured this image in the conservatory at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The color was a show stopper, it was so intense you absolutely had to stop. (more…)
by Gene | Mar 2, 2014 | Raptors

Why do you shoot the way you do? I wonder how many photographers really sit down and think about that. It’s a pretty big deal when you get right down to it. I know a lot of what I’ve done in the past wasn’t well thought out at the time. It was done on the basis of expediency, based on the equipment I had at the time and limited knowledge of the art of photography.
Today’s image of a Spectacled Owl is an example of lessons learned by making hundreds of mediocre images before finally getting a few that work. (more…)
by Gene | Feb 17, 2014 | Botanical

Keeping it simple today, just a few flower photos, but done a different way. These images were all done with a telephoto lens. The first and last images in the series were done with a 70-200 mm lens along with an extension tube to allow a super close focus. Those shots are focus stacks as well. The middle shot was just grabbed in the moment. Just because your lens is too long, go for it anyway. (more…)
by Gene | Jan 28, 2014 | Riverbanks Zoo

The Rainbow Lorikeet is one of my favorite birds. They’re not as dramatic or as fierce as the Raptors, but they are bright and cheerful. Having them around makes you feel good. (more…)