They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Yes, they do. And some photogs do it quite well. I've always liked horses, but wildlife always held a higher attraction for me photographically. Until now. Now I have the bug to photograph horses as an artistic outlet. So yesterday Nancy & I went for a drive to a friends place to check out their horses. Admittedly, the light was gray (imagine that here in Oregon in the winter), but I thought it would be fun to practice.

We were standing at the fence photographing four Lipizzans (somebody PLEASE help me with that spelling) when Pat drove up. "Go ahead and walk out there. They'll come up to you to check you out because they like people." So I did. And so they did. So close as to render my 70-200mm f4 IS useless. Two of them started going through my pockets. And not all of them appreciated me being there. While scratching the neck of the young gray one (which she loved) one of the white (albeit muddy) mares got uppity with me, twice laying her ears back and turning around to kick me. "You've got to show her who's the boss!", Pat yelled.

Apparently I've got a lot to learn about horses.

In-Camera Motion Blur

I know you can do all kinds of cool things in Photoshop, but I'd rather spend my time playing with my camera than sitting at the computer. To that end, all three of the accompanying photos were produced on purpose, in camera, during a 15 minute trial run of the technique at some public gardens.

The technique is simple, really, and will delight those of you who have an aversion to tripods. Set your camera's ISO setting to 100, attach a polarizing filter, and stop your lens down as far as you need to get an exposure of at least 1/2 second. The polarizing filter is great in eliminating glare and increasing saturation as well as cutting light by around 1-1/2 stops, aiding you in getting the longer exposures necessary for this technique.












Now find your subject, focus, and move your camera during the exposure. It's that simple! Try moving it in different directions, circular motions, whatever. Also try longer exposures. That may take a neutral density filter, or wait until the light is less intense (shadows, civil twilight, etc.).

Enjoy!!

First Fish of the Year

The above photo is indeed my first fish of the year - caught in January. Pleasant weather, cold but not freezing, and a good fish caught on a Rolled Muddler. Today was the first time I'd been out since then (I really needed it), and I anticipated a pleasant day on the Mckenzie River with perhaps a trout or two brought to net. There's nothing like the rhythmic sounds of a river - coupled with the rhythmic casting of my fly rod - to counter stress and create the illusion that there's nothing else in the world but me, the fish, and the river. And I'm okay with that.

But - you know what they say about expectations...

I left later than I wanted to, and expected at least a semi-full parking lot at Armitage Park. After paying my $3.00 day use fee I drove to the empty parking area. (Note to self; If the parking lot is empty, it must be for a reason). Gearing up, I headed for the gravel bar below the park. Arriving at the river's edge I was a little concerned about the water level & speed. It seemed a little high. My suspicions were confirmed a moment later when a couple in a canoe came zipping down the river at approximately mach 1, a concerned look on their faces (read panicked), while paddling for all they were worth. They're probably in Corvallis by now. Still, it was a beautiful morning to be on the river. The water was high, and it was fast, but I managed to make it out to the gravel bar. The first cast felt good, but my strike indicator blew past me with the Posse Bugger tailing behind it about 4" under the surface. On my third cast to an eddy where my fly could at least sink for a few seconds, my cell phone rang (another note to self; Turn the danged phone off while fishing!). My wife had a portrait session going with twin 3 week old babies and the main studio strobe blew up. Basically, all hell was breaking loose at the studio, and after about 6 phone calls between us to remedy the situation, I went home to see if I could minimize the damage.

The short-lived trip was still good for a couple of reasons. One, seeing the abundance of cased caddis was a good thing (photo left). Two, it gave me a chance to try casting with some new line on my reel. Scientific Anglers "Sharkskin" in the Magnum Taper. That line is flat awesome! I plan on replacing all my fly lines with that stuff!

So for now I'll sit here in anticipation of next Saturday (or maybe Wednesday night) when I can get out and try it again.

Right now I need to relax and let the frustrations of the morning melt away. A good micro-brew is just the ticket.

Pass the "Mirror Pond", please.

Changing Directions

The accompanying photo - "Last Trip Out" (and my last cover shot for Traditional Bowhunter Magazine) - pretty much sums up the end of that chapter in my life where the passion for bowhunting, traditional bowhunting in particular, reigned king. That chapter is pretty much over now, with the possible exception of a deer hunt here or there. My passions for photography & flyfishing have taken over, perhaps because of an aging body, or burnout - or both. I've been photographing and writing for Traditional Bowhunter Magazine for 20 years, but it's hard to write and photograph when the passion is gone - and I'm not about to fake it. Many thanks to my good friend T.J. Conrads for the opportunity to be a part of TBM for its first 20 years. I still hope to share a campfire or two with him.

So what's next? I believe I already stated that. Photography & flyfishing. I'm lucky that my wife of 31 years also enjoys photography. She likes golf too, which I predominately suck at, but will continue to play the silly game with her, for comedic relief if nothing else. Or maybe to exhibit feats of strength. How far can you throw a golf club?

Subsequent posts will be about fishing adventures, photo trips, or photo tips should anyone actually find my blog. Or care enough to read it.

Fish on!