Saturday, September 27, 2008

Nature October 16

Nature: Images submitted in the nature category should not show any evidence of "the hand of man." This includes, but is not limited to, such things as cut grass, cultivated flowers, bird feeders, roads, buildings, or jet contrails in the sky. Exceptions are banded birds and animals whose natural habitat are man-made structures; e.g. barn swallows.

The Photography of Nature

This week our world has turned into a photo tour. The bogs are bright red. Some trees are in full color!

There’s a unique excitement of being in Maine for fall foliage. We are envied by all Nature photographers for living where the autumn color is. As a nature photographer we can look out our window to see color or we can travel a short distance and feel like we have been on a tour,

Freeman Paterson says “ To grow as a nature photographer you must be open and receptive to nature.” Look with fresh eyes at what is in our everyday world. Freeman suggests standing in one place and while turning find every photo available. You will realize the possibilities available while taking the time to just see.

Shooting Fall Foliage.

Polarizing Filter. Carry a polarizer and check if it helps. You can look through it on a cloudy or rainy day to see if it cuts the shine from flat surfaces such as leaves and wet rocks. On a sunny day try your polarizer on blueberry bushes. Get the right angle and the bushes will pop red.

Rain, Wind and Clouds

I hate the wind but it is a good time to photograph rocks and water. The rocks don’t move and the water moves anyway. Don’t try for leaves when they are blowing unless you want motion. Nothing is more frustrating then setting up at the perfect spot with perfect light and the wind starts to blow. Rain is another story. Fall color and rain is perfect. Polarize wet leaves and the color pops. Clouds work for landscapes. Nothing is better than big white puffy clouds with lots of fall color.

October

My goal for this very beautiful month is to take a picture everyday. This week I have looked at these beautiful yellow flowers on the side of the road. I admire them and think ‘Tomorrow I will bring my camera.” I even know what lens I will use to take them. But tomorrow I am busy and think the same thing as I drive by. I get all wrapped up in getting to work or getting home.

Today I took this picture of Bartlett's Farm. I drive past this farm twice a day and today I took a picture. I will try again from the same spot as the color continues to turn. Maybe I will do it everyday?


Our holiday program is photos of “Our Town” I wonder if I can be ready before fall color is over?