You keep looking at your empty walls, and you wonder when you are going to actually do something about it.  We have all had that thought, but how do you proceed?  Maybe you put some filler art on a wall just to keep it from being stark.  Again, I have done that.

What you really need is something that describes you!  Something that tells others what you care about.  You love nature and you love animals, but how do you work that into your decor?  How can you find something to match all your decor?  That really is a tough question, and only you can answer that fully, but I have outlined several ideas that I use and experts recommend for your living space.

What Describes You the Most

First, I want you to think about what you love the most about the natural world, and what defines you as a lover of nature. This is the first step in realizing what will fit your needs.  I see this as the most important.  For me, it is being face to face with animals that really gets my creative juices flowing.  That is where I choose to live.  I want the impact, and I want people to see that impact in my living space and my art.  The image below, describes me the most as a image maker, and this seems effective in my living area.  The face to face engagement of this bear really fits my style. 

View Full Size Image:  https://matt-cuda.pixels.com/featured/portrait-of-a-black-bear-bw-matt-cuda.html

What Reinforces Your Living Areas Colors

Notice, I did not say what matches your colors.  Matching color for color is not the most important aspect to consider.  Does it compliment your living area?  Nate Burkus, a professional designer, has this to say, "I prefer mixing and matching in order to achieve a coherent result." (www.mydomaine.com, 2019).  For example, maybe you stick to similar wooden frames or modern frames to complement each other, your walls and your furniture. 

You can customize the image with a layered look and use web site tools to see how it would look.  Click the link below and play with the color matching.

View Full Size Image:https://matt-cuda.pixels.com/featured/bull-in-fog-matt-cuda.html?product=framed-print

View Full Size Image: https://matt-cuda.pixels.com/featured/morning-glow-matt-cuda.html?product=framed-print

Did you Forget the Bathroom and Kitchen?

I can't drive this point home enough.  The bathroom is the place where many visitors will need to retreat to at some point during their visit.  Personally, I like to see upbeat colors in both the bathroom and kitchen. For the nature lovers, I think bird photographs make a great compliment to these rooms.  Every room in your home should be decorated with artwork.  Each room can be themed and I think should. 

View Full Size Image: https://matt-cuda.pixels.com/featured/6-ruby-throated-hummingbird-matt-cuda.html?product=framed-print

Consider decorating with a metal print.  These prints have depth and are high gloss.  They are very popular right now and can really add to an existing room's presence, as well as be a great conversation starter.

Metal print of a cardinal on a plum branch

Lastly, when you can't figure out what single piece can make or break a room, consider a photo wall.  This is where you take several smaller pieces built around a theme to make a cohesive arrangement.  These can take a bit for thought, but what a way to express yourself with many images.

I hope you can see where adding nature images to your home decor can make a difference.  So often, I visit nature and animals lover's homes and yet the decor does not show such an important aspect of their lives. Use the online tools that are available in the above links to visualize what it will look like in your home!  You can even use the cell phone tools to show the art on YOUR wall.  https://matt-cuda.pixels.com/featured/pine-forest-matt-cuda.html?product=framed-print

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?

BECOME A VIP BELOW AND GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WITH MATT CUDA NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY.

"Dainty"

This photograph is from the "Hummingbird Project" Collection.  ********** It is that time again.  Time for the flowers to bloom and the hummingbirds to arrive to once again fill our lives with their magic.  There is simply no bird on earth that can do what the hummingbird can.  It can hover, back up and turn 360 degrees in one spot.  They are something like the helicopter of the bird world, except much more stunning. I entitled my image "Dainty", because that is certainly the perception we get from viewing these creatures, but if you know anything about the hummingbird, you know they are aggressive toward any other hummer who wanders  into their territory. I have actually witnessed them knock themselves out by flying into a tree while dive bombing another. However, with the male ruby-throated gorget shinning in the sun like rubies, and the small flowers it is often associated with, they demonstrate that beauty and strength are indeed possible.  When I think of this wonderful bird, I think of beauty first, because there is simply nothing to compare! Canvas Prints From $65 Metal Prints From $64 Deluxe Prints From $23 GET 20% OFF ALL PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE. 3 DAYS ONLY. USE CODE: AHBUHX Shop this Image > Browse All > Proud member of the Carolina's Nature Photographers Association Subscribe to My Newsletter * indicates required Email Address *  First Name  Last Name

"Love is in the Air"

This photograph is from the Hummingbird Collection and is another one of my favorites.  The soft pinks in this image, provided by the pink flowers used for the background, symbolize love and friendship and compliment the cute little hummingbird.   Furthermore, think this is the perfect image to celebrate February 14, 2020.  I do not know, but perhaps we have gone too far with Valentine's day, and it has just become yet another holiday.  However, there is still a romantic part of me that hopes this is not true, and I believe the intent of the holiday is still present.     The history of Valentine's day is one that has slipped into mythology.  Some claim it was a priest who would marry couples despide an edict from Claudius forbidding young men to marry.  Other people claim it is a pagan holiday. Whatever your belief is for this holiday, I believe the spirit of what most consider the holiday of love is well presented with this hummingbird.  I wish all of you a wonderful Valentine's day.  We are only on earth for a short period of time.  Give someone a hug and tell them you love them!

Canvas Prints From $65 Metal Prints From $64 Deluxe Prints From $23

GET 20% OFF ALL PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE. 3 DAYS ONLY. USE CODE: AHBUHX

Shop this Image >

Browse All >

Proud member of the Carolina's Nature Photographers Association

Subscribe to My Newsletter

* indicates required

Email Address * 

First Name 

Last Name 

Copyright ©  2019 Matt Cuda Nature Photography, All rights reserved.

If you haven't already done so, it is time to setup the hummingbird feeders. I have a great deal of activity at my feeders and have started photographing the ruby-throated hummingbird.

As many of you know, I expand The Hummingbird Project in my backyard every year. This year, I am using different flower arrangements and other unique backgrounds to really make the image pop. If you are unfamiliar with The Hummingbird Project check out these links to get you started and following my journey.

Hummingbird Project:
http://blog.mattcuda.com/2016/06/the-hummingbird-project.html
http://blog.mattcuda.com/2018/02/june-was-month-for-hummingbirds.html

Hummingbird Photography Podcast Episode:
http://www.mattcuda.com/app/podcast/Episode16.mp3

My Goals for the Hummingbird Project this Year

• Create images showing the birds from different angles
• Create images of the birds in different settings. This might involve different locations or different backgrounds.
• Keep from duplicating previous years photography
• Don't get so hung up photographing the birds that I forget to enjoy their behavior

A male ruby-throated hummingbird gathering nectar from penstemon. 

I encourage all nature photographers to make an effort to photograph these amazing little birds at least one time. There are numerous approaches you can use to capture images of these little guys, so I encourage you to view the above links to find out more. I tend to gravitate more toward the "artsy" side of things with hummers. It gives them the formal, somewhat regal, images they deserve.

FORSYTH COUNTY, NC -  This is a topic which has the potential to make some of you angry and others take action.  It is a topic that gets to the very core of why we do what we do as nature photographers.  Simply put, "are you putting your best foot forward?"  Are you, as a photographer, showing the world your best work or are you so excited that you got a shot, and posting it as quickly as possible on social media?

I think to answer this question, you have to ask yourself what motivates you.  Here are some possible motivations I have identified:

1.  You want to show others where you have been, and what I have been doing.
2.  You want to attract buyers to buy your photographs.
3.  You want to impress your peers with your stunning photography.
4.  You want a private documentary gallery of images so you can document your travels.

If you answered anything other than #4, you might want to pay particular attention to what I am going to tell you in this article. 

As a more seasoned photographer, I have seen thousands upon thousands of photographs over the years.  I have seen beautiful images by some of the best photographers, and I have seen poor images generated from the very beginner.  I myself have made many many bad images right along side the good ones, but you will never see the failures posted on social media or sent to a potential client.  These images, except for the few I keep for demonstration purposes, are sent to the trash.

I do not care if I got a great action shot of an anhinga spearing a fish or a bald eagle fighting in mid air.  If it doesn't meet my standard guidelines for quality it goes into the trash.  So here are my standard guidelines for culling my images.

1.  Is the photograph sharp (essential)?   
2.  Is the photograph properly exposed (essential)?
3.  Is the lighting in the photograph better than acceptable (mostly essential)?
4.  Does the photograph tell a story or does it have gesture (mostly essential)?
5.  Is this my best work, given the situation?

If I can answer yes to all five of the preceding questions then the photograph is not only a keeper, but is marketable or worthy of posting online.  Now I want to address each of these five questions.

Is the Photograph Sharp?
Sharpness is not subjective.  It can be defined and it is repeatable and is absolutely a must  A sharp photograph is the culmination of focusing the lens and also making sure the shutter speed is set high enough to avoid camera shake (blur).  You should be able to zoom into 100% on your editing software and see a sharp, detailed image.  The only exception to this is when you are using creative blur (advanced technique).

The above image is not sharp at 100% magnification.  It will be rejected by photo editors and stock agencies.


The above image is sharp at 100%.  It has been accepted by publishers and agencies.


Is the Photograph Properly Exposed?
This is mostly subjective, but also takes some work to determine if your image is properly exposed.  In short, the whites should be white, the blacks should be black and the highlights should not be blown out.  You should be able to see detail in both the highlights and the shadows.  Obviously, this is a much larger discussion than a simply blog post can provide, but make sure you have the exposure right!


The above image is underexposed by a full stop. Notice the muddy and lifeless appearance.

Is the Lighting in the Photograph better than Acceptable?
Taking photographs of nature when the sun is directly overhead does not normally flatter a subject.  On animals it produces harsh shadows, making the eyes black holes. It basically increases the contrast to the point that it is hard to see details in the highlights and shadows.  A general rule in wildlife photography is to have the sun at your back.  Another way to look at this, is to point your shadow at the subject.  To do this, shoot between sunrise and plus three hours.  In the afternoon, shoot three hours before sunset to sunset.  This will give you that golden look with flattering highlights in the eyes of animals.   Not only wildlife, but landscapes also take on this beautiful golden glow.


The photo above has beautiful morning light being applied from right over my shoulder.

Does the Photograph Tell a Story or Have Gesture?
There are many times that I take a photograph which has neither gesture nor storytelling attributes and it is true that these kinds of images can sell and gather likes online.  However, I am always looking for images that tell a story or have peak action.  This can mean the difference between a boring portrait and an engaging and exciting photograph.  You don't have to start here, but strive to make this happen.  Strive to find the engaging shot.  Perhaps it is a coyote pouncing on a mouse or a bird fighting with another bird.  Maybe it's look deep into the eyes of a massive black bear that stops us in our tracks.

The above photo has action and gesture.  The bird is running from a crashing wave which helps draw the user into the photograph and tell a story about this birds life.

Is this my Best Work Given the Situation?
This is a question we must all ask ourselves.  If the answer is no, it doesn't necessarily mean the image is no good.  It might just mean that you have to try harder next time.  Look for better angles such as going low or going higher.  Maybe you needed a longer lens to compress and blur the background. Maybe you need to gather inspiration from other photographers. Check out other photographers books, magazines and videos.  This can all help inspire you to making better images.

In conclusion, I ask you to work hard, and get the best images you can. Do not be afraid to throw your image away.  In a few months you will forget about it.  Strive only for the best images and post those.  I promise it will be much more rewarding both from a personal perspective and if you would like, from a business perspective.

---

I hope you enjoyed this months newsletter.  There is much on the horizon at Matt Cuda Nature Photography.  To be specific, the time has come for the continuation of the Hummingbird Project and the Bluebird projects.  These two projects generally keep me busy from May through June, so expect to see some of those images in next months article.

Now get out there and enjoy nature!

God Bless,

Matt Cuda

---

Announcements:

• Check out the latest podcast episodes 
• I need your help to keep producing content!  Consider becoming a patron to my work.  Funds received from your help, will go toward keeping the infrastructure in place to keep providing free content.  As you know, web site hosting, microphones and recording gear are very costly.  To find out more about being a patron and how this can benefit you, head out to my Patreon site : https://www.patreon.com/mattcuda 
• Individual training, and honest and useful portfolio critiques available.  Email me at matt.cuda@mattcuda.com

______________________________________________________________________

My Website: http://www.mattcuda.com

Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/mattcuda

Stock Images: https://www.artvisions.com/cuda/

For anyone not subscribed tho this newsletter because it is forwarded to you by others, you may sign up at the this link: 
http://www.mattcuda.com/Home/Newsletter

To purchase any of my prints please use the following link:
https://www.artvisions.com/cuda/

You may also contact me directly to purchase prints:  matt.cuda@mattcuda.com