It has been several months since my last news posting and there is a
lot of fun things to share.

-- Recent Highlights --
One of my greatest recent adventures was a visit last October to
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. I spent two full days
hiking and taking photos in some of the most beautiful country my
eyes have ever enjoyed. I hope to return there again some day:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/rocky_mountain_national_park

Another recent adventure involved a visit to a local Llama farm. The
star attraction was "Teddy" a one week old baby Llama who immediately
captured our hearts. These animals are so regal and fun to interact
with. It was a wonderful day of discovery and photography:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/llama_haven

Probably the most surprising new photo adventures were found at the
Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington DC. Prior to my
first visit expectations were not very high, but it turned out to be
a rewarding and educational experience. With this gallery I hope to
raise awareness of the status of these amazing animals:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/smithsonian_national_zoological_park


-- Exhibitions --
I was pleased to learn that all three of my photos entered into the
2006 Huntley Meadows Photo show were accepted. I was even more
pleased to learn that "Blue Heron's Prize Catch" won first place
and "Got My Eye On You!" received honorable mention.

More recently, I had 8 photos juried into the 2007 Meadowlark
Photography Expo. A 9th photo of mine was selected to represent the
Reston Photographic Society in the Visitor's Choice competition. This
annual show is always a wonderful event and this year proved to be
the best one yet.

Photos entered into both of these competions are shown here:
http://sayersweb.com/photography/html/exhibitions.htm


-- Additional Recent Photo Opportunities --
Since my last news posting I've enjoyed a wide variety of photo
opportunities:

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/chincoteague

Maryland Renaissance Festival (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/renn_fest

National Aquarium in Washington DC (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/national_aquarium_in_washington_dc

Shenandoah National Park (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/shenandoah

Huntley Meadows Park (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/huntley_meadows

Washington DC Sights (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/washington_dc

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/blackwater

Great Falls Park - Virginia (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/greatfalls


-- Prints for Sale --
I had great success with sales at the Meadowlark Expo, so
I've created a page on my website listing several prints for sale:
http://sayersweb.com/photography/html/prints-for-sale.htm


-- Photo Gear Updates --
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/photo-gear.htm
I've been trying to scale back my gear purchases due to budget
constraints. This didn't keep me from purchasing a few new lenses
though!  :)

Canon 300mm f/4 IS:
This lens was an impulse buy after I found someone selling it for a
very good price. It turns out to be a wonderful lens and the image
stabilization is quite useful, especially when used with a monopod.
The lens is quite light and easy to hike around with. It has been
used extensively in my recent photo outings including the Colorado
and zoo adventures.

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS:
A marvelous lens that includes image stabilization and a max aperture
of f/2.8. It's quite a bit heavier (and more expensive) than the f/4
version that it replaces. It has proved very useful in lower light
conditions allowing for photos not possible with the f/4 lens.

Canon 50mm f/1.4:
I previously owned and sold a copy of this lens. At the time I didn't
see much use for it, but recently I've found myself in several
situations where this lens would be quite useful and regretted
selling it. So, a new copy of this lens joins the collection.


-- Technical Difficulties --
With all of this equipment there are occasional technical
difficulties:

In this section I usually discuss technical difficulties recently
encountered, but I can't think of any that have occurred since the
last news posting. So, I am counting my blessings.


That is the latest news from here... Hope you are having a wonderful
new year.

Welcome to the new list members! I created this list a couple of
months ago not knowing if anyone would sign up, but I am pleased to
see a few new members.

It has been such a great summer for photography here in Virginia. I
feel very fortunate to live in an area with such diverse photo
opportunities and hope to take best advantage of them. With the
coming of autumn I always have a heavy heart as our koi pond starts
to shut down for the winter. It brings us so much joy each and every
day throughout the spring and summer, making it difficult to see the
plants start to fade and the dragonflies leave as winter approaches.

To help us get through this coming winter I created animated GIF
files of our waterfalls. They are comprised of a series of photos
taken in rapid succession which are then combined to create an
animated view. These animated files will not run smoothly until all
of the images download to your browser, so give it a few moments:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/66573207/original
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/66524247/original


Here's my top 12 favorite photos from recent weeks (not in any
particular order):

Muscovy Portrait:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/67471927/original

Woodland Falls:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/67308775/original

Blue Heron Catch:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/63955857/original

Placid Kayaker:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/66623347/original

Damselfly Close-up:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/64338540/original

Koi Coming Up:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/64553199/original

Intimate Lotus:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/65490379/original

Frog on my Finger:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/67277265/original

Delicate Butterfly:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/65608331/original

Iwo Jima Memorial at Night:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/66756678/original

Canal Reflections:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/67308770/original

Turtle Eye:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/67124874/original


-- Macro Tutorial --
I receive several emails a week from people looking for advice on
how to get started with macro photography using their Digital SLR
cameras. So, I've created a tutorial called "Macro Made Easy" to
help answer the most common questions. It is a work in progress, but
so far the response has been very positive:
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/article-easy-macro.htm


-- Recent Photo Opportunities --
In recent weeks I've participated in several photo outings with
local photographers. It has been great fun and has motivated me to
try photography at places I would normally not pursue. Here are
several recently created or updated galleries:

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/kenilworth_aquatic_gardens

Brookside Gardens - Butterfly Exhibit (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/brookside_gardens

Washington DC Sights (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/washington_dc

Washington Redskins (American Football) 2006 Training Camp (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/redskins

Great Falls Park - Maryland (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/great_falls_md

Huntley Meadows Park (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/huntley_meadows

Great Falls Park - Virginia (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/greatfalls

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/accotink_bay_wildlife_refuge


-- Photo Gear Updates --
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/photo-gear.htm
I recently bought the Canon 10-22mm lens and have been pleasantly
surprised by the images created with it. This lens provides a very
wide angle of view to the camera allowing large things to be
photographed without your having to move far away to fit everything
into the camera's frame.

A new Tamron 2.0x teleconverter now joins the Tamron 1.4x. A
teleconverter works in conjunction with the lens to add more
magnification. So, using the 2.0x teleconverter on my 400mm lens
results in an 800mm focal length, thus doubling the magnification.
The down-sides to using teleconverters are loss of light, autofocus,
and image quality. Photography always involves juggling trade-offs
to get the best results possible.

A new tripod made by Velbon has replaced the troublesome DynaTran.
The new tripod is lighter and much easier to use.

Two new monopods, one with legs. I ordered the rather inexpensive
Sunpak Versipod II monopod that actually has three small tripod-
style legs. It is nowhere near as sturdy as a tripod but is more
steady than a standard monopod. I've used it extensively in recent
weeks and have found it to do a good job. I also ordered a Bogen
681B monopod at the same time since I was not sure if the Versipod
would be very useful.


-- Technical Difficulties --
With all of this equipment there are occasional technical
difficulties:

1) DynaTran tripod - The twist lock legs continually grew more
difficult to operate with time. I finally could not stand it any
longer and replaced it with the Velbon.

2) This past weekend one of the camera batteries went dead after
only a few shots after being fully charged. This is not the same
battery that previously had problems.
3) The tripod collar on the Canon 400mm lens continues to be
problematic. I need to research how it can be fixed.

4) The new Versipod II legs started to get loose and would not
remain open on their own. I quick tighten with an allen wrench set
it right.


That is the latest news... Autumn color is due here any time which
should provide some good photo opportunities.

Has it really been since May 1 that I posted an update? These past
weeks have been quite busy with several photo adventures, some new
gear, and even a few technical difficulties. I've even met a few
local photographers and have enjoyed meeting up with them for
several photo shoots.

Since it has been a while I thought it might be fun to start off
with my top 10 recent favorite photos:

Cardinal Close-up:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/62970415/original

Colorful Dragonfly Face:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/63306818/original

July 4th Fireworks:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/63077009/original

Blue Heron with Dragonfly Prize:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/62081229/original

Fawn in Hiding:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/61444026/original

Dark Hollow Falls:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/61403126/original

Juvenile Bald Eagle Flight:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/60164633/original

Osprey Flight:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/60164645/original

Green Frog Portrait:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/62358450/original

Chincoteague Sunset:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/60312293/original


-- Walker Exhibit Ends --
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/exhibitions.htm
The exhibit, which ended on June 6th, turned out to be a great
success. It was a lot of work, but well worth the effort. I learned
a lot and many people had a chance to see my photos for the first
time.


-- Recent Photo Opportunities --
These last few weeks have offered many exciting photo opportunities
including several local outings, 4th of July Fireworks, and even a
trip to Shenandoah National Park. Here are several recently created
or updated gallery pages from these recent adventures:

Shenandoah National Park (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/shenandoah

Riverbend Park (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/riverbend

Fireworks (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/fireworks

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/accotink_bay_wildlife_refuge

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (new):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/occoquan_bay

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (updated):
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/chincoteague


-- Photo Gear Updates -
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/photo-gear.htm
Over the last several months I've been investigating different
options for using flash in photography. This has resulted in two new
flash purchases:

Canon Speedlite 580EX -
Shoe mount flash unit that is a bit more powerful than the 420EX
I've been using. A primary use of this flash will be for bird
photography in conjunction with a Better Beamer flash extender. The
extender magnifies the flash using the same technology used to
produce a stronger beam in lighthouses.

Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite -
This is a specialized flash unit that attaches to the end of a macro
lens and has two separate flash heads that can be angled and also
rotated around the lens barrel. This flash will primarily be used
with the Canon MP-E 65 1-5x Macro lens.


-- Technical Difficulties --
With all of this equipment there are bound to be a few occasional
technical difficulties and I have had a few recently:

1) I managed to break my carbon fiber monopod in half while
adjusting the height. It snapped like a twig. I tried to glue it,
but no such luck.

2) On a recent outing I went to power on one of the cameras and
found that the newly charged battery was dead. Things got worse when
I realized the spare batteries were still at home in the charger.
So, I spent the entire day swapping a single battery between both
camera bodies.
3) The new 65mm macro lens had a cable come loose inside requiring
it be sent off to Canon for repair. It's back home now and working
wonderfully.

4) The flash shoe on one of the camera bodies started to pull away
from the camera causing the attached flash to flop around. I was
very concerned about repair cost and time. Luckily, someone on an
online forum was familiar with the problem and explained how to
remove the plastic cover which revealed the loose screws. A few
turns of a screwdriver and good as new. Thank goodness for the
internet!

5) The tripod collar on the Canon 400mm lens would no longer tighten
snuggly around the lens. This became very inconvenient when out
trekking around and having the camera and lens rotate upside down in
the collar between shots. I'm trying a low-tech fix of wedging a
small piece of cardboard inside the collar where the screw tightens
down. So far, so good!

Plenty of technical difficulties recently, but so far things are
working themselves out. Next up is a new monopod to replace the
broken one.

On Sunday, April 30th, I was awarded 2nd prize in the Great Falls
Park photo contest for a photo I submitted of the falls. This was a
very nice surprise. I plan to donate the photo to the park for
display in the headquarters.

I've also added information about my entry for the latest Walker
Exhibit which went on display Saturday, April 29th, and have
included a photo showing the 15 prints I have on display.

Both of the above can be found on the Exhibitions web page:
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/exhibitions.htm

The site received a minor overhaul in an effort to make it a bit
more appealing visually with a few small photos and by adding some
new information:
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/

Several new photos have been uploaded to the PBase gallery.

The better recent photos end up here:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/recent

The best way to track all recent photo additons to the gallery is
from this link:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/root&view=recent

I've added a new section to the site index called "Picture Tales".
Once in a while I devise a silly little story to go along with a
series of shots. Here is the first one I've posted:
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/skip-the-jumping-spider.htm

Also updated the Exhibitions page with info about the Great Falls
photo contest that will be displaying my entry from April 22 - 30,
2006. A copy of the photo is included with the information:
http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/exhibitions.htm


Several new photos have been uploaded to the PBase gallery.

The better recent photos end up here:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/recent

Additional photos were added to various other galleries. The best
way to track all recent photo additons to the gallery is from this
link:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/root&view=recent

Uploaded several macro photos in the past few days. The better ones
are at the top of the "Recently Added Photos gallery":
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/recent

A new flash bracket arrived today which will allow use of the 420EX
flash away from the camera's hot shoe. I'm not sure if I like the
bracket. It's a flexible gooseneck style that does allow good
positioning, but it tends to give a bit under the weight of the flash.
One day I will get all of this stuff worked out.

I also need to prepare a print for a local contest sponsered by Great
Falls park. This is the photo I plan to submit as an 11x14 print:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/image/57523395

That's all for now.... hopefully will have more photos to upload in
the next few days.

March 24, 2006
    Added several new Prints for Sale:
         http://sayer.smugmug.com/

    Updates to website:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/index.htm
        New tripod - DynaTran CF994 Carbon Fiber

     
March 14, 2006
    Many photos uploaded to the Galleries:
        http://www.pbase.com/sayer/

    Added Exhibitions page:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/exhibitions.htm
   
    Updates to website:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/index.htm
        New lens - Sigma 180mm DG macro
        New Flash - Sigma EM-140 DG Ring Flash
        Sold Lens - Sigma 50-500mm EX (Bigma)
        Updated Links section

     
January 12, 2006
    Updates to website:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/index.htm
        New lens - Canon 24-105mm f/4L

 
December 30, 2005
   Added Prints for Sale link:
         http://sayer.smugmug.com/

    Many photos uploaded to the Galleries:
        http://www.pbase.com/sayer/

    Updates to website:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/index.htm
        Updated Photo Rig info
        Updated Links

     
December 16, 2005
    Updates to website:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/index.htm
        Updated Photo Rig info

    Added Photo Wall design info:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/html/photo-wall.htm 
     

August 21, 2005
    Created photography website:
        http://www.sayersweb.com/photography/index.htm

I've posted a few photos taken with various new macro gear:
http://www.pbase.com/sayer/lens_test_macro

The plan is to figure out what works best early in the season. A
very cool lens I bought is the Canon 65mm MP-E 1-5X macro, which
allows a magnification range between 1x (life-size) and 5x. It also
offers some challenges like what type of flash system will provide
enough light on the subject at a working distance of an inch or two
without creating too much harsh reflection.

I also bought the Sigma 180mm macro lens and Sigma ring flash. So
far this combination has been a challenge. The ring flash tends to
create harsh light and glare on the subject. Previously, I used the
Sigma 105mm macro lens with the Canon 420EX flash in the hot shoe
and diffused the light with a Lumiquest Softbox. The new 180mm lens
is too long to use the 420EX flash in the hot shoe for close/small
subjects. The lens gets in the way of the light provided by the
flash.

Next steps are to see what flash bracket options will allow the
420EX flash to be used away from the camera shoe mount and decide if
I will keep or sell the ring flash and 180mm macro lens.