The world is overflowing with photography books, websites, magazines and blogs. At times I am on information overload by all the details and different positions on what this whole photography thing is all about. Having been schooled in photojournalism, and actively involved in photography for 15 years, I did not hold out much hope for fresh ideas in Moose Peterson's latest book: "Captured: Lessons from Behind the Lens of a Legendary Wildlife Photographer."  Captured is a paperback 396 page book published by Kelby One, a well known, established business known mostly for its online training for creatives.

This book did not disappoint me as it offered a fresh perspective on wildlife photography and photography in general.  You will not find long, detailed explanations on how to calculate exposure or operate your camera.  Captured, does get into technical details from time to time, but to me it is more about Moose himself and what it took to get where he is today.  It is an autobiographical view that takes the reader on a journey from humble beginnings to being a well known and respected wildlife photographer.  

I wanted to focus a bit on the "humble beginnings" and how Moose started his career.  As you know, photography is not a cheap career to get into, and Moose does a wonderful job relating that to the reader.  He talks about how he started out with shorter lenses and had to work at a local camera shop to make ends meet. How he later worked for a "pro" photographer who told him he would not ever be a good photographer, and should stick to wood working.  This portion of the book meant a great deal to me as this is how I started out, and how I am sure many of you did, or are doing now.  I could really read between the lines and get a feel for the sacrifice he and his wife made early on in his career.  As for his less than inspiring boss, I think we can all relate to someone who has tried to block us from our dreams and run us down whenever possible.  I still deal with the naysayers and dream killers on a daily basis and if anyone reading this ventures into any creative fields you will see the same.  You have to keep moving forward and keep living the dream.

As Captured continues, we follow Moose on various life changing assignments, and how he worked for biologists in the field, and how he used those contacts and knowledge gained to better his career.  Moose also shows the reader just how much he cares for the wildlife by helping biologists photograph animals near extinction, and show their plight to the world. Some even credit him with the saving of some species completely.

The book does go into detail about each of the life altering shoots that Moose was a part of, and how he photographed each subject on those adventures.  So for those wanting technology and technique you have come to the right place.  The book discusses such topics as how Moose used flash to capture nighttime animals, and what lenses he favors under certain conditions.

Finally, I like the way Moose weaves his family into the book.  He shows how his wife and kids were instrumental in his career.  Specifically, how Sharon was so effective at keeping the business side of his career in shape, while he was off on shoots or in the early days, working a second job.

As far as the layout of Captured,  it is filled with color images taken throughout Moose's photography career.  Images from the early film days right up to 2010.  I did find many of the images to have a muddy look, but that is likely due to printing error and choice of paper rather than poor photography.  You would have to use extremely high quality paper to get magnificent results, and the book would have cost a fortune to create.  Additionally, the book is full of pull quotes and blurbs offering the reader a good bit of Moose wisdom on each page.  I did find the size of the book a bit awkward.  For example, trying to drink my coffee and hold the book on my lap while turning pages was a trick for sure.  I recommend a nice table for reading this book.

Although Moose and I have differing styles and different brand cameras (a joke of course), that didn't stop me from enjoying this book.  This is a book that any veteran or aspiring wildlife photographer should own as it shows one man's passion, and how that passion and the animals he photographs captured his heart.  

Whether you photograph scenics, macro or wildlife, the winter can be a tough environment on your body. The hands and face seem to take the brunt of the cold, and are the first to feel the cold. It seems I am always on a quest for the perfect pair of gloves that give me the touch I need for operating my camera and the warmth to keep out the cold. I have tried deerskin gloves, synthetic snow gloves and lightweight fingerless gloves. They have all had pros and cons, but how do the Freehand gloves compare?

I purchased my Freehands Photo Gloves (large) from Amazon for $31.95 (US dollars) plus shipping.  The gloves operate differently from other gloves in that the ends of index fingers and the thumbs can be pulled back so your bare fingers can easily operate the controls on your camera.  When you are done changing the settings you can replace the flap leaving your fingers warmer than say fingerless gloves.

I find this concept to be great in theory, but frankly I found them a bit clunky to use.  When both hands are gloved I found it less than quick to open the flaps on the finger and thumb.  It does work, but just not as quickly as I would like.  

Next, the product uses something called "thinsulate" by 3M which is supposed to make thinner material warmer.  I found the gloves to be adequately warm at 27 degrees fahrenheit, but my fingertips were still quite cold.  I'd guess that about 40 degrees and the gloves would be quite warm.  Below 40 and it's kind of a gamble.  I would definitely take other gloves along with you if you feel it is going to be really cold.

As far as comfort, I thought they were quite comfortable and I could operate the controls on the camera and controls in my car with relative ease even without pulling the flaps back.  The construction is fine and I like the black color when shooting wildlife.

Conclusion

Honestly, I would not buy these gloves if you need really cold weather gear. Odd since these are designed for cold weather.  If you are the type who needs gloves in higher temperatures like the 40s then go for it.  Otherwise save your money or maybe try some of the cross country skiing gloves.  I have heard good things about them from Moose Peterson.

I hope everyone is having a blessed Christmas season.  As is my ritual, once a year, in December, I put together a list of the photographs which I think are the best.  Some may be personal favorites and some may be both personal and favorites of those following my blog and social media outlets. After each image, I will write a blurb explaining the image, and why I picked it as one of the best of the year. The images are ordered starting with what image I think is the best. I also wanted to say that I think this is a great exercise for us all to do once a year to grow as photographers. By the end of the year, you will know how you have progressed by doing this simple and fun exercise.   #1 American Black Bear Without a doubt my vote for the best image of 2015 has to go to "American Black Bear."  First, I think this image has incredible impact.  The composition is such that I have intentionally cropped out the ears and left the viewer with the intense stare, while his paw across the bottom acts as an ideal framing element to bounce the user back to the eyes and nose.  Composition aside, the eyes of this bear are very intense, and it leaves the viewer unsure of the bear's intent.  Finally, I like the lighting coming in from the right giving the guard hairs the bright silver highlights.  Thanks teddy for giving us a great look into your personality : ) This image was a finalist in the "Outdoor Galore" photo contest. Date Taken: August 15, 2015 Camera: Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens: Sigma 150-600 C Focal Length: 600mm (960mm effective with APS-C) Aperture/Shutter-speed:  f6.3, 1/100th of a second ISO: 1600 Tripod:  Yes Flash: No #2 The Call Number two has to go to this screech owl.  I labeled this image "The Call", but honestly he is doing a bit of vocalization combined with working on his breakfast.  I like this image from a behavior perspective as it gives the viewer a more intimate view of an owl that is normally only seen and heard during the evening and early morning.   The burned out tree behind it is the perfect background for this beautiful bird. There is also a subtle gradient in the far background as the morning light of the forest illuminates a portion of said forest. This image will also be published in the January 2016 edition of Wildlife Magazine.  Date Taken: March 20, 2015 Camera:  Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Canon 70-200L f4 IS Focal Length: 200mm Aperture/Shutter speed: f4, 1/125th of a second ISO: 1250 Tripod Mounted:  Yes Flash:  Yes/fill flash #3 Hummingbird in Flight Coming in at number three is this shot of a ruby-throated hummingbird lapping up nectar from a petunia.  There are several reasons I like this shot. First, I like the composition of having the two petunia flowers offset by the single bird.  This forms a triangle of leading lines.  Next, I think the green background accentuates the bright green iridescent feathers of the bird and contrasts nicely with the red flowers.  Next, I like the fact that I was able to freeze the wings using a high speed flash technique while leaving just a slight ghost to suggest movement.  Finally, come one, who doesn't like a hummingbird! Date Taken: June 6, 2015 Camera: Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Tamron SP 70-300 VC Focal Length: 200mm Aperture/Shutter speed:  f11, 1/250th of a second ISO 125 Tripod Mounted:  Yes Flash:  Yes, multiple lights #4 House Finch on Peach Branch I really have no idea why this is not popular among the public, but this image is one of my favorites from the year so I have positioned it at number four.  First, this image just screams springtime!  The beautiful pink peach blossoms, set against the earthy background fill me with the joy of this time of the year.  Next, this house finch is a beautiful male in full breeding plumage, and his feather color and detail are accentuated by the brilliant afternoon sun coming in from the right.  Finally, from a technical perspective, I love the sharpness of this image, contrast and the beautiful bokeh.  Date Taken: March 23, 2015 Camera: Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens: Canon 70-200L f4 IS Focal Length: 200mm Aperture/Shutter Speed:  f8, 1/250th of a second ISO: 320 Tripod Mounted:  Yes Flash: No #5 Powder and Lead Number five goes to a still life I created early last year called "Powder and Lead."  First, I like this image because it speaks to a rustic time long ago in American history.  The old pine table is the perfect backdrop, and could have easily been a table found in a high ranking Union officer's tent during the Civil War.  Finally, I like the positioning of the elements in the photo, which gives the composition a nice balance.  The eye is taken in a large circle, starting in the top left, and ending in the round pile of gunpowder in the center.   Date Taken: April 20, 2015 Camera:  Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Canon EF 50 1.8 II Focal Length:  50mm Aperture/Shutter Speed:  5.6, 2 seconds ISO: 100 Tripod Mounted:  Yes Flash: No #6 American Flamingo Number six goes to this amazing example of an American flamingo.  First, I love the bright orange feathers which frame the focal point of the image: the bird's eye.  Images like this which have great impact and and intimate look into the animal's personality are rapidly becoming part of my style as a photographer.  Finally, I like that there is just so much detail to absorb here.  Look at the fine detail in the feathers, and the eye.  This is the type of view that only a camera can produce. Date Taken: June 26, 2015 Camera:  Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Tamron SP 70-300 f4-5.6 VC Focal Length: 300mm Aperture/Shutter Speed:  f14, 1/250th of a second ISO: 400 Tripod Mounted: No Flash:  Yes #7 Tri-colored Heron Display On to number seven which is an image of a tri-colored heron who is not very happy that another heron has invaded his hunting ground.  Here, he is flashing his wings to and making aggressive movements to let the other heron know he is unhappy.  Right away I am drawn to this image by the somewhat odd, but interesting composition.  The bird's left wing is at a very high angle and provides a beautiful look at his wing feathers.  I think I also like this shot because it is has a lot of action and tension.  Viewers like to see animals in action rather than a subject just standing in one place. Date Taken:  November 18, 2015 Camera: Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Sigma 150-600 C Focal Length: 600mm Aperture/Shutter Speed: f6.3, 1/320th of a second ISO: 1000 Tripod Mounted: No (bean bag supported) Flash: No #8 Anhinga Portrait   Number eight is a portrait I recently took of an anhinga while in Florida.  I like this shot because it has impact.  The bird's eye is intense, his bill is lifted and he is vocalizing.  That combined with a simple background make this a winning shot, in my opinion.  Finally I like the detail produced by the lens.  When you are taking a tight portrait, it helps to have good glass.  Again this type of image is really becoming part of my style as a wildlife photographer.  Get close and get impact! This stylistic approach is in sharp contrast to photographers like  Moose Peterson who tend to shoot more environmental portraits. Date Taken: November 15, 2015 Camera:  Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Sigma 150-600 C Focal Length: 600mm Aperture/Shutter Speed:  f6.3, 1/500 ISO: 400 Tripod:  No (bean bag supported) Flash: No #9 Laughing Gull with Shrimp One of the hallmarks of becoming a better photographer is being able to photograph the mundane in a new way.  I think I have done that here with this image of this laughing gull eating a shrimp from the nearby salt marsh.  First, I think this image has impact by showing a tight portrait of this gull, but more than that, I think the element which makes it unusually is this perfectly focused shrimp hanging from the gull's bill.  Finally, I like that the image has a nice, smooth gradient background.  The gradient is caused by the water and a row of brown grass along the water's edge. Date Taken: October 19, 2015 Camera:  Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Sigma 150-600 C Focal Length: 252mm Aperture/Shutter Speed: f5.6, 1/2000th of a second ISO: 160 Tripod:  No Flash:  No #9 Carolina Wren in Snow Finally, at number ten, we have the Carolina Wren in Snow.  Honestly, this could just has easily been in fourth place as it could tenth, but I knew it had to be on my list, and I thought it would be good to round it out as we head into the winter. I like this shot because first, it is a snowy winter image.   The snow provides a nice soothing element to the photograph, and if you look closely you will see the wren has a snowflake in his beak.  Finally, I like the way the ash tree and the bird provide complementary leading lines.  I really like the angles produced here.   Date Taken: February 15, 2015 Camera:  Canon EOS 7D (classic) Lens:  Canon EF 70-210 f4 Focal Length: 95mm Aperture/Shutter Speed:  f10, 1/320th of a second ISO: 400 Tripod: Yes Flash: No What a great year and I can only hope and pray that 2016 gives me the same or better results.  If you have not subscribed to my podcast, check it out by going to my website http://mattcuda.com/index.php?/pages/podcast/  God bless and I wish you a wonderful year in 2016... My Website: http://www.mattcuda.com My Blog: http://www.mattcuda.com/index.php?/essays/ For anyone not subscribed tho this newsletter because it is forwarded to you by others, you may sign up at the this link:  http://mattcuda.com/index.php?/pages/newsletter-signup/ To purchase any of my prints please use the following link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MattCuda

Copyright © 2015 Matt Cuda, All rights reserved.

What a great November to celebrate!  From a nature photography perspective I was able to photograph some of the most beautiful wading birds God has put on this earth.  From a family perspective, it was nice to spend Thanksgiving with my family and eat until I couldn't move (as is my tradition).  I am also pleased to announce the release of The Matt Cuda Nature and Wildlife Photography Podcast. Find out more about it at the end of the newsletter.

In this newsletter I want to primarily focus on my trip to Merritt Island, Florida and in particular a place called Blackpoint Widllife Drive located on the island.

Merritt Island: a Birders Paradise

If you are an active birder or wildlife photographer then you have probably been to Florida once, or most likely, many times in your pursuit of finding the birds on your life list. And I can bet, that on your bucket list is a place called Merritt Island, Florida. If it isn't on your list then by the end of this blog post, I think it will be.

Merritt Island is a fairly large island just off the east coast of Florida which was originally purchased by NASA in 1962 as part of the Kennedy Space Center. Because much of the land could not be developed by NASA for anything useful, it was contracted to the US Fish and Wildlife department to become a wildlife refuge in 1963.

There are many opportunities on Merrit for excellent birding, but many of us in western society are always being sucked into time constraints we can seemingly do nothing about.  Whether we are in Florida on business or there on a trip with the family, often, we do not have time to see all a park has to offer.  The national park service recognized this and carved out a section of the island called Blackpoint Wildlife Drive.  Blackpoint is a 7 mile, one way road, which snakes through large areas of salt marsh and open black water. During the drive you will see many species of birds as well as other animals such as the american alligator and rarely, otters and bobcats.

Upon entering the drive, you will see a gate, and just beyond the gate is an area where you will need to pull off, put your five dollars in an envelope, and drop it into the envelope container. Once you do this, you can drive the route all day long if you wish.  Additional seasonal passes can be purchased from the visitors center.

As I began my drive through the park, I was stunned by the shear volume of birds present during the beginning of the winter migration.  The American white ibis was prevalent in the park and I noticed them shifting their hunting locations from an area at the beginning of the drive to an area near the end of the drive and back again.  Below is an image of a white ibis hunting the marsh.

Not surprisingly, the various species of herons were also present on the drive.  Below, a tri-colored heron is showing his dislike of another tri-colored heron who has intruded on his hunting ground. 

Continuing along the road, there was a sharp 90 degree bend which takes you along a very large open water area and up in the corner of this area I found a large group of various species gathered one morning.  During this time, it seemed that the birds were very energetic and a bit on edge.  Here I captured a shot of two egrets fighting, another in flight , and one roseate spoonbill in flight.


 

In this area and really throughout the drive, you can also see anhinga perched and drying out there wings after a hunt. Anhingas are also referred to as snake birds because when they swim, only their heads are seen above water.  This is due to them not having oil in their feathers to keep their bodies afloat. Because of this, they must dry their wings every time they get done swimming.

Below are shots I took of the anhingas.



 

About half way through the park is an area you can pull off and walk a trail/water control dyke which you can walk and view waterfowl and ospreys.  During December, I am told this is a prime location for wintering ducks, but during mid November it was quite unproductive.  There were a few grebes here and an egret or two, but nothing to really get excited over.

As I was nearing the end of the drive, I did see a hawk and plenty of kingfishers, but both species were quite wild and fearful of me and my vehicle.

The bottom line is that if you have very little time to visit the Merritt Island area, then make the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive a priority.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Here is a list of birds I saw on the drive:

Kingfisher, great egret, snowy egret, little egret, tri-colored heron, great blue heron, roseate spoonbill, pied bill grebe, reddish egret, northern harrier, osprey, american coot, common gallinule, anhinga, double crested cormorant, red-tailed hawk, American white pelican, wood stork, turkey vulture, hooded merganser

 

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Matt Cuda Nature and Wildlife Photography Podcast

I also wanted to make you aware of a new podcast I have launched which specifically addresses wildlife photography.  It is pretty rough right now as I fine tune technical aspects of the productions.  I am starting out with a series on how to get into this genre of photography.

Please subscribe by going to:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/matt-cuda-photography-podcast/id1058000035?mt=2