TIPS AND TRICKS

In this section I will just mention a few things that helps me out some times.

Hand holding tips

 In a perfect world, neat things would stand around and pose for that 500mm f4 Nikkor mounted on your Wimberly head equipped Gitzo tripod. But, in the real world, we have to hike and hunt for good shots and they often don't wait around long enough to set up the tripod to photograph.  Hiking with a tri-pod already assembled just isn't practical. In reality, I rarely have the opportunity to set up a tripod… or even carry one with me. So I've learned ways to help steady my equipment without extra baggage.

 These are all simple ideas anybody can make use of. Such ideas as using your own body for support. When holding a telephoto lens try resting your elbows into your upper body.  Also, when kneeling down (like one will often be doing when photographing wild animals) rest your elbows on your thighs or knees. You'd be surprised how much of a difference these simple practices can make. Another simple trick is to use ones face to dampen mirror vibration by holding the camera directly against your eye and face to stabilize the camera.

 Obviously, when using a tripod is an option it should be utilized.  But, don't be afraid to hand hold your gear; just be sure and practice your long lens technique BEFORE that once in a life time shot happens!  Also keep in mind these tips are basically for 400mm or smaller.  Hand holding a 600mm f4 probably wouldn't turn out as well.

Using options

  When shooting an important subject it is best to use at least 2 different film types. Trying separate lenses is also a wise option. I've learned this lesson the hard way… on more than one occasion.

Parks and Refuges

 We all want to photograph WILD animals whenever possible. Photographing wild animals is simply more interesting. I highly recommend photographing these beautiful creatures in our National Parks and Refuges. The animals are completely wild, however, they may be slightly more tolerant of human behavior than animals outside these areas. This is great because we can get a slightly closer shot, but also we're not over conditioning wild animals that are outside the protected ranges of the parks. Another great bonus of using our parks is that the increase in tourism boosts local economies.