On the Stream

[shots worth sharing]

I took my K10d wading in a local stream yesterday. My aim was to try a upstream

view using the 'technique' (under-exposed multi-exposure + fill-light in pp)

that had produced such an interesting effect in my "Empty Campus" photo

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?topic_id=1481&msg_id=00Pbr6&photo_id=7311213&photo_sel_index=0

 

 

The result was reasonably successful, I think (although I tend to drive myself

crazy with pp on these shots.) http://www.photo.net/photo/7356265

 

As a bonus, I discovered a colony of heron nests in a stream-side sycamore.

Unfortunately, that discovery didn't translate into decent photos but I did get

an *almost* terrific shot of one bird wading (it's cropped to the nub and just

not sharp enough.)

http://www.photo.net/photo/7356258

 

The real story is that my gear survived the adventure and I developed some

protocols for this sort of work:

1. Except when changing lenses, keep the camera on the tripod.

2. When moving around the stream, move the tripod first, then let go of the

tripod and move your feet. Do NOT hold he tripod while moving your feet.

[mc2imaging]

I was shooting some video last night and did something that I do all of the time, but

for some reason I just happened to recall my old TV instructor's warning while doing

so...<p>

 

<b><i>"NEVER move the tripod with a camera attached!"</i></b><p>

 

Of course, we were using much larger equipment back then so our tripods were far

more top-heavy.<p>

 

I am curious, how many times did you *almost* pull the camera in with you while

taking an unanticipated rinse in the drink?

[a few images]

Better yet, never move around the tripod when your clothes have pull-string loops that can get hooked around an adjustment knob.. been there, done that.

 

Nice shots by the way Dave. That heron shot is very good.

[shots worth sharing]

I'd argue with your instructor in this circumstance. I'm a long time fly fisherman so I have a lot of wading experience--enough to know I do NOT want to be holding a camera when I wade around a stream. It's much safer on the 'pod.

 

It's so frustrating when you get a shot which *coulda* been great, isn't it?

[alisa_stieg]

I thought the heron shot was fabulous! LOVED the reflection in the water. In fact, I would have liked to have seen more of the water in the first shot. I'm not sure how to describe what I mean except that it seems like your tripod was further above the water than I wish it would have been. (although I'm sure the thought of getting your camera CLOSER to the water is not a particularly pleasant one!)

 

Looks like you had loads of fun with your camera yesterday!

 

Lisa

[shots worth sharing]

Getting closer to the water is a good suggestion, Lisa. I guess I could do that literally or virtually by using a longer lens (the 43mm perhaps)--thanks!

[bob_marz]

Very nice Dave...Where's the fish?

 

You could set your camera and tripod up...Use a remote and when you get a fish on...well, you know the rest.

[shots worth sharing]

Tempting, Bob, but I think trying to mix photography and fishing would really be asking for trouble.

 

And actually, although there's a nice population of smallmouth bass in the mainstem, this trib has virtually no fish at all--even minnows. It's heavily degraded by storm water run-off from upstream development: the photo gives a clue to this--note the low flow and high banks.

 

So what do the herons live on? Crayfish--the stream is full of 'em.

[bob_marz]

I think you should give it a try sometime.

 

 

Anyways, here's a pic of the herons we have around here.<div></div>

[bob_marz]

OOPS! Actually it's my brother. He just stands, stalks, and acts like a Blue Heron.

 

Must be why he outfishes me most of the time.

[revolver]

Very Nice Pictures as usual Dave

 

Thanks for Sharing

[shots worth sharing]

I'll see if I can talk Abe into doing the photography while I fish (or v/v)

 

The heron shot is cropped down to 3.5MP Think I can get a decent 5x7 out of that?

[hagar]

<p>Dave, croppped or not, that's a pretty nice heron.. </p>

<p>Bob, that is a very unusual heron. Have you forwarded a copy to the local Ornithologist society?

[mcmanamey]

3.5? I'd give it a try - at the worst it'll look a little digital, but I think that's enough info

to get a decent enough 5x7

[dorus]

I think your 'technique' works better on buildings and such. Apart from learning a thing or two, you had a great walkabout !

[shots worth sharing]

Thanks, Haig!

I have to give it a try, Maria.

O Shiva: "I think your 'technique' works better on buildings and such" Why do you think that is?