Better Nature Photos Now

I spent this morning with a 5 month old Silver Langur named Ollie at the Columbus Zoo.

Todays photo tip is being prepared and knowing which lens to use to capture the best image available. I’m always asked which lens I used to capture my image. Today I used my oldest lens, a Canon EF 85mm f/1.8. Using it with my Canon 50D, I was able to capture an exuberant baby Silver Langur Monkey. I chose my lens based on the low level of light in their home coupled with needing a fast shutter speed. Sometimes we are tempted to use the newest lens in our bag just because it is there. I always try to think about what I want to accomplish with my image before I start shooting . In this case, I wanted to create an image I could use to send my friend for a birthday greeting.

Many times simple images have the greatest impact. He’s 50 this year and I wanted something that would crack him up. I’ve attached image I used for his greeting. Let me know what you think!

I’ve just completed this digital painting from my Columbus Zoo visit last week. I’m creating a series of animal portraits to help raise awareness and funds for several animal rescue centers in the region.

Knowing when to take the shoot is as important as how. By learning animals habits you can get better pictures. This tiger spends several hours a day on the rocks typically between 10:00 to 12:00AM. Going there during these times help insure you a better picture. Knowing when animals are going to be fed is another way of capturing their actions and emotions in your photos.

The web site is now completed. Look for many changes over the next 30 days.

Just a quick note. I got my picture in the Columbus Dispatch today. I was out shooting at Hayden Falls and Tom Dodge got a picture of me at work. I’ll share some of the initial photos over the next couple of days.