Photography Masterclass

There are Nature Photos Lessons on the new site of BBC WILDLIFE MAGAZINE. So, everyone can start to learn to

Photo masterclasses part 1 . Landscapes
Photo masterclasses part 2. Mammals portraits
Photo masterclasses part 3. Plants
Photo masterclasses part 4 . Dusk to Dawn
Photo masterclasses part 5. Underwater
Photo masterclass part 6: Invertebrates
Photo masterclass part 7: Birds in flight

Ethics in wildlife photography

Mark Carwardine talks about ethics in modern digital wildlife photography:
"...in 1982, National Geographic catapulted photographic manipulation into the headlines. Its designers famously squeezed together two Egyptian pyramids to make the image suitable for the cover.

The ‘squeeze’ caused an uproar but, far from stopping photographic forgeries, it heralded a new era in which manipulating photographs has become almost routine. What’s changed is the advent of digital photography. The technology is so good these days that it’s easier than ever for photographers and art editors to make significant changes to pictures without most people ever knowing. Indeed, it is actively encouraged by the adverts for some digital manipulation software: one memorable slogan tells us to “Spread Lies”.

Does any of this really matter? After all, most of us assume that fashion, advertising and even paparazzi photos are likely to have been doctored in some way. We live in a world where airbrushed celebrities rule."

read complete article - http://www.bbcwildlifemagazine.com/wildlife-nature-photography/ethics-wildlife-photography

Warm Light Sill Life

Nikon D300 Digital SLR

This is the camera I'd like to buy next.



New 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and the increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output
Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept
Nikon's original Scene Recognition System greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance
New 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6
Viewfinder with approx.100% frame coverage and large approx.0.94 magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m-1)
Rapid 8 fps*1 or 6 fps*2 continuous shooting for up to 100 shots*3*4
New Picture Control System for image finishing optimized to match individual preferences
Quick response of 0.13 sec. power-up and 0.045 sec. shutter release time lag*5
Two liveview modes enable shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor
Magnesium alloy body for light weight and rugged durability
3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle
Active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights
Shutter speeds ranging from 1/8,000 to 30 s for full creative control
Optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting potential of added controls
Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System

Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional) enables direct cable-free image transfer to a compatible computer
Includes Nikon’s Software Suite software for easy control over image adjustment and management

Supported by Nikon Capture NX software (optional), to explore the extensive potential of NEF (Nikon Electronic Format)

*1When using AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 or Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e *2When using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e *3NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1 GB card *４When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster with other settings at default *5When shooting in JPEG, TIFF or 12-bit NEF (RAW) formats

Sunday Morning

Windows Night

The Time

Canon EOS 500D

Canon's EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with a 15.1-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor, a 3.0-inch clear view LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS system of lenses and speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.



An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You'll have uncompromised EOS digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.

Higher resolution sensor (15.1 vs 12.2 effective megapixels)
Extended ISO range up to ISO 12800
HD video capability
New 3.0 inch 920K pixels screen
Adjustable noise reduction and highlight tone priority
Face Detection in Live View
Peripheral Illumination Correction
HDMI output
Larger buffer in continuous shooting
Digic 4 style menu design

Nikon D3s

Meet the D5000, a breed of Nikon digital SLR camera. A wonderful blend of fun, simplicity, and beautiful image quality, the D5000 features an innovative Vari-angle monitor for an exciting new take on photographic expression. Combined with Live View shooting, this monitor gives you the ability to shoot from nearly any angle. And your creativity is not limited to still images - Nikon's D-Movie function lets you record richly detailed HD movie clips, too. There's also a dazzling array of shooting features to help you get great pictures, shot-after-shot.

A Lonely Ship

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

Sea Fever by John Masefield