During this past weekend’s Backcountry Photography class, we asked all of the students to present a vision statement describing what they wanted to get out of the class and provide a theme to help direct their photography. Going into the class, I knew I wouldn’t be doing a lot of photography as I was in instructor mode, rather than photographer mode, but I set out a goal for myself as well. Since we were backpacking and with a large group, I knew that bird photography was going to be difficult. Instead, I simply took my normal lens, the 24-70mm zoom, for demonstration purposes and then also carried my 105mm macro lens.
Brant! Despite a Dog
For the last few weeks, flocks of Brant have been passing through the Ithaca area on their way south. My first looks at these geese were in a scope at a distance of probably 400-500 meters, not exactly the most exciting and rewarding experience. As people have been reporting these birds throughout the region, I keep chasing them down for a chance to photograph them. I’ve now seen Brant on a number of different occasions but usually at either great distances or in situations where I couldn’t make a photograph. Sunday evening that finally changed!
Woodpeckers Everywhere
I was going stir crazy sitting in front of the computer all day, so this evening I headed out for a walk in the woods. I decided to explore a patch of forest known as Monkey Run as I had never been there before, and an immature Red-headed Woodpecker had been seen there a couple times in the last few days.
Weather Forecasts and Geese
I am getting more than just a bit frustrated with the weather forecasts these days. Today I slept in because the weather forecast said a rainy cloudy morning followed by a sunnier afternoon and evening. When I got up this morning it was gorgeous. When I just headed out to photograph this evening, it got cloudy. It makes for a frustrating time.
Featured Photograph: Eastern Bluebird
This morning my goal was to photograph migrating sparrows, but I came home with this image of a female Eastern Bluebird. I captured some great images of sparrows but it is this image that keeps drawing my attention, so I thought I would share it. [Read more...]
Gaining New Perspectives: Tree Climbing in Ithaca
A gentle breeze rocks my hammock as I lay in my sleeping bag staring up at the full moon through a canopy of leaves. The moon is so bright I can read my watch, just after 2:00AM. I shift a little to adjust my harness, double and triple check my rope, and then return to watch the moon move through the maple canopy surrounding me. As I peak over the side of my hammock, even with the bright moon, I can’t see the ground below me. I slowly drift back to sleep with a smile on my face, just thinking how unique it is to be sleeping suspended in a forest canopy over 60 feet from the ground.
For the past 18 months I have been able to proudly call myself a tree climber. [Read more...]














