From Master to Pupil

In the days gone by, or well at least in this neck of the woods, Masters would pass their crafts on to their students.  Once day the student would become the master and they would intern impart their knowledge on to another.  In a recent post Moose Peterson did just that.  He passed on his wisdom concerning your competition by sharing thoes moments that lead him down his road and into his passion.

For those of you who are not familiar with Moose Peterson you likely do not read this blog or you are not into nature photography.  A quick look on wikipeda revelas this about the man:

B. Moose Peterson is a well-known wildlife photographer whose work has been published in over 130 magazines world wide. Moose was one of the first wildlife photographers to embrace digital SLRs, which were once thought unsuitable for wildlife and nature photography given some of the inherent limits with the format. Over the years, Peterson has pioneered digital's use in the field. He has personally published over twenty books and is a recipient of the John Muir Conservation Award for his efforts as an endangered species advocate. Peterson's primary area of interests center on rare and endangered species in North America, particularly in California.

What the wiki article does not revel a short list of his books availble on Amazon might:

• Moose Peterson's Guide to Wildlife Photography: Conventional and Digital Techniques (A Lark Photography Book) 
• Wildlife Photography: Getting Started in the Field (v. 2) 
• Nikon System Handbook 

 His books on photography are great but to really get to understand Moose you need to go here, http://moosepeterson.com  and read his blog or go to http://www.moosegallery.com/ and see some of his images.  Now having looked at all that ;) Here is what he said that created this ramble of a post:

"“You’re only as good as your last photograph.” That means then You are your ONLY competition!"

The words are true, if you want to read his post check it out at http://moosepeterson.com/blog/?p=13655 

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The Journey - Time to Be Creative

“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas”

Paula Poundstone an American stand-up comedian

I began to explore the more creative side of photography, particularly the side of light and composition. It was during that time that I was inspired to create a series of lighted chess board images. What I was after was simply a chess board on black that gave the illusion that it was glowing. The problem I had was that I had no real lighting gear to speak of. I know your thinking you have a flash on your camera, but that would not capture what I wanted.

In the end I just made due, I took a table top lamp and placed it under a glass chessboard. I used a cone of aluminum foil to funnel the light in the right direction and to control spillage. On the board itself I placed the glass chessmen. I had to make some minor modifications to them, they came with felt on the bottom. I removed this so the light would flow into them and placed them where I wanted. From there it was all camera work and angles.

I relied on the auto-focus, which in hindsight was a mistake. Just the same I came away with two things.

1 â€" A nice image of chess men all a glow.

2 â€" The understanding that you do not need fancy equipment to create beautiful images.

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Summer 2010 Wildlife Instructional Photography Workshop

http://www.wildlifephotoacademy.com/2009/01/24/summer-wildlife-2010/

Summer 2010 Wildlife Instructional Photography Workshop

Triple D Game Farm, Kalispell, Montana

Presented by Paul Burwell Photography

Download the workshop PDF here

Canada Lynx kitten peering out from behind a log - CA

Canada Lynx kitten peering out from behind a log - CA

July 20th â€" 23rd, 2010

Join Outdoor Photography Canada Magazine contributing editor, Paul Burwell, for a full-featured photography workshop at the Triple D Game Farm in Kalispell, Montana. This workshop will help you create stunning images of the wonderful wildlife at the Triple D Game Farm. Summer is the most popular time of year to travel to Triple D. You’ll be photographing a combination of mature and cute baby animals. In 3 days you can amass a tremendous portfolio of animal photographs while learning the tips, tricks and techniques that will help you create truly captivating images.

Wildlife models can include: bobcats, coyotes, wolves, otters, lynx, mountain lions, raccoons, skunks, tigers, bears and foxes.

This workshop includes:

* The opportunity to photograph extremely healthy and happy wildlife surrogates in natural surroundings at the Triple D Game Farm in Kalispell, Montana

o A minimum of 8 sessions photographing the animals over 3 days

o The benefit of Paul’s years of experience photographing at Triple D and scouting the locations

o You will be safely closer to animals like Cougars, Lynx and Siberian Tigers than you ever imagined possible

* A copy of Paul’s book, Triple D Photography Tips, Tricks and Techniques

* Small group size to a maximum of 10 participants allows for maximum flexibility

* The opportunity to bring at least 10 images with you for critiquing

* A CD to take home containing an electronic version of the workshop material

* Paul’s undivided attention during the photo sessions to help you get the most out of your investment

o Paul has an extensive history of working with and educating adults from his prior experience as the President of an Internet firm

* The opportunity to learn techniques for preparing images with Photoshop, developing a managed workflow and archival strategies

* Professionally designed, printed and bound coffee-table book of the group’s achievements during the workshop

o Participants have an opportunity to submit images they’ve made during the workshop for inclusion in the book.

o One copy of the book will be distributed to each participant

* The option to submit up to 10 photographs from this workshop for a detailed written critique of each submitted photograph

Siberian Lynx kitten lying on an old log - CA

Siberian Lynx kitten lying on an old log - CA

Notes from the Instructor…

My Triple D workshops are limited to 8 participants. This small group size allows for maximum flexibility in obtaining all types of shots including portraits, behavior, close-ups and special requests where possible. You’ll also have the flexibility to easily move to different positions to get the shots you are looking for. You will be able to benefit from my years of experience photographing at Triple D and scouting the various shooting locations. This will help make sure you go home with the best photos possible.

I was the President of an Internet services company for over 10 years where I developed an extensive history of working with and educating adults. I am currently a contributing editor for Outdoor Photography Canada magazine and a professional nature photographer. Some individuals seem to run workshops in order to subsidize their own photography shoots. But, unlike those workshop leaders, I am exclusively there to help you get the best shots. You won’t need to worry about interrupting my photography to ask a question or get advice. This workshop is more than just a series of photo sessions with the wildlife models. It is a full featured workshop offering a complete educational experience.

The staff members at Triple D are simply tremendous and they’ll work with us to help get you a tremendous series of shots. Jay and Kim Deist, the owners of the Triple D, are tremendously generous hosts who provide a terrific service to photographers.

Each participant will receive a copy of my book, Triple D Photography Tips, Tricks and Techniques. Familiarizing yourself with the book in advance of your trip to the Triple D is an excellent way of preparing for your visit. The Triple D Photography Tips, Tricks and Techniques book forms the basis for the educational portion of the workshop.

If you are wondering where to stay in Kalispell, options range from the very affordable Triple D Guest Cabin to one of the hotels that offer discounts for Triple D guests. Please contact me for more information.

Itinerary

* July 19th Evening: Orientation meeting at the Triple D offices.

* July 20th â€" 22nd Mornings: The morning of each day will feature photography sessions with the wildlife models at various shooting locations.

* July 20th â€" 22nd Afternoons: This time will be available for instruction as well as free time to work on images.

* July 23rd Morning: Weather Day â€" If not required as a weather day extra sessions can be added for $150/session.

* July 23rd Noon: Workshop comes to an end.

Workshop Costs

* $1395 US Dollars

o $200 US Dollars deposit required upon reservation

o Remainder of $1195 US dollars due by May 19, 2010

o Time and weather permitting, additional sessions may be added for $150 per session

o Accompanying non-photographer $50 per day

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The Journey - What the Duck!

I turned my appetite for information on the internet, I turned it loose and I read and consumed more and more information. I barely came up for breath. As I did so I realized that if I was going to be a recognized quantity for my photography I needed to specialize in a certain area. I started reading about the different types of photography and thinking about our little area of the world. While sports had opened my eyes to the potential of the camera I realized that in order to make an extra income at it I would need to work really hard.

I am by no means allergic to hard work but I had to keep in mind that I needed to find an approach to what I wanted and what fit in my life. Lets face it I’m not a 20 something with no obligations. Shannon and I have a solid relationship, she has two wonderful children whom I love very much. Whatever road I take must guarantee that they are provided for now and in the future. My day job is solid with good benefits. So what I needed was something that could be a weekend gig and still make money and allow for creativity. Sports still fit but as there is no big teams in our area they options are limited. So my wondering eye landed on wedding photography.

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