Author Archives: Galen Leeds Photography

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About Galen Leeds Photography

Nature and wildlife photographer, exploring the world on his feet and from his kayak. Among other genres, he is one of the leading kayak photographers in Northern California. To learn more about him, visit him on his website- www.galenleeds.net

The heron eats the gunnel: A short video

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Some fish apparently are easier for herons and egrets to eat than others. It seems a good size gunnel fish can take several attempts, especially as the heron had already given it many tries before I started recording video. Hope … Continue reading →

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The common Raven: A short video

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

I went for a hike the other day, and on the way back, we came across this raven sitting near the path. It was very close by, so I thought it was an excellent chance to practice my videography skills, … Continue reading →

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Anatomy of a photo #66: White-tailed Kite in flight

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

I really like my birds of prey, so one day, as I was driving down the road and saw two White-tailed Kites flying fairly low over a field, I pulled over and found myself a good spot to try taking … Continue reading →

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An essay in photos: Six species of Grebe

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

How many of these grebes can you identify? Please, let me know, I can help you with any that you can’t ID Grebes and loons are fairly similar in my mind. Both are diving birds that seem more comfortable on … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, documentary, kayak photography, nature photography, Photo Essay, photography, SLR, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anatomy of a photo #65: Hermit Thrush portrait

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Often times when I head out on kayak photography excursions I will put the kayak in the water while it is still dark, or just getting light. This way I can capture not just the changing light of the day … Continue reading →

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Anatomy of a photo #64: The surprise in the flower

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

The Seep-spring Monkey Flower is one of my favorite plants, and while I must admit that it is partly for the name, it is also for its shape and color. I hadn’t known much about this impressive flower, other than … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Anatomy of a photo #63: Checkerbloom unfurling

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Wildflowers are marvelous to hike about and photograph. Pictured here is Point Reyes checkerbloom (Sidalcea calycosa), also known as checker mallow or annual checkerbloom. This is one of the plant species endemic to California, and is not found naturally anywhere … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, How To, nature photography, photography, portraits, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Anatomy of a photo #62: Song Sparrow singing

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Sometimes the best way to find birds to photograph is to just stop and listen. That is how I found this Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) while I was out kayaking one day. This is a small bird, and could be … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, birds, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, tongues, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Anatomy of a photo #61: Raven tracks on sand dunes

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Early in the morning, before the winds have had the chance to erase the tracks of the night and dawn, you can walk the loose sands of the world, reading those stories. Here raven tracks criss cross each other, meandering … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, How To, landscapes, National Park, nature photography, photography, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Anatomy of a Photo #60: Harbor seal silhouette

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Normally I wouldn’t try to photograph wildlife by shooting into the sun (or the suns reflection), but rules are made to be broken. Silhouettes are created by facing towards the light source and throwing all we’ve learned about proper lighting … Continue reading →

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Anatomy of a photo #59: Geometric ice anamoly

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

This is an image of one of the more bizarre ice phenomena that I have come across in nature. Perhaps this is something rather common, but it is the one and only time that I have come across it. While … Continue reading →

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How to take photographs from a kayak: Six quick tips on holding yourself and your camera

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Perhaps one of the most important things for being a successful kayak photographer is learning how to hold your camera and your body. Since a tripod is impractical do to the amplified movement at its head, you and your body … Continue reading →

Posted in How To, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, safety, SLR, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment