Author Archives: Galen Leeds Photography

Unknown's avatar

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

Oysterscapes: An essay in photos

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Water seems to be a central theme here in this bucolic stretch of northern California. With Tomales Bay and Drake’s Estero, here in my lap, I find myself hardly able to escape aquaculture during my many paddlings. While it is … Continue reading →

Posted in kayak photography, landscapes, nature photography, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anatomy of a photo #7: Oak silhouette

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

I have different areas that I’ve scouted out over the years, that I know are interesting places for pictures. These are areas that I will visit early, early in the morning, when the light is going through its changes, when … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, How To, landscapes, nature photography, photography, road side | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anatomy of a photo #6: Lizard portrait

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

This picture was taken in a friends back yard. There was nothing special about the location, no miles of hiking, no hours of paddling. It was just right there, outside the door. Sometimes you don’t have to go very far … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, How To, How To, nature photography, photography, SLR, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do I need image stabilization in my camera or lens?

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

The answer to this question lies in what you intend to use your cameras and lenses for. Most people can escape without IS, VR, (or what other term your camera manufacturer uses to say that the camera and lens you … Continue reading →

Posted in How To, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anatomy of a photo #5: Bubble Jelly in Drake’s Estero

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

This is a picture I took while kayaking in Drake’s Estero, a body of water lying within the Point Reyes National Seashore, one of my local parks. This one was simple to take. I have a small, digital point and … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, kayak photography, marine life, nature photography, underwater | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Anatomy of a photo #4: The Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

I often feel silly taking pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge… It’s been photographed so many times, by so many people (likely it is one of the most photographed object in the bay area), at so many different times of … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, California, How To, How To, landscapes, Location, My favorite Parks, nature photography, photography, road side, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Anatomy of a photo #3: Egret fishing in fog

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

This image was made while kayaking early one morning on Drake’s Estero. When I saw this egret on the local oyster farm’s racks, I knew right away that I wanted a vertical orientation to the picture. The structure of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, birds, How To, kayak photography, nature photography, photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Practice panning so that you can get smooth crisp movement

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Now that SLRs are video capable, it becomes necessary to practice more skills. One that can be especially useful is panning. First, whenever possible use a tripod. You will have more control and a smoother result. The actual speed of … Continue reading →

Posted in How To, photography, video | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Using a flash when photographing wildlife

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

The simple rule for using a flash to photograph wildlife is just that- don’t. If it is a mammal, and truly wild (not a zoo or farm animal, or animal that has become overly acclimated to having humans present) the … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, How To, nature photography, photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Syndication

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

In addition to maintaining this blog, you can also read articles that I write for PhotoComment magazine and blog, Enjoy

Posted in photography | 1 Comment

Focus on the eyes: Anatomy of a photo #2

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

Lesson #1 to taking a picture of a child. Get down low. Be on their level don’t take pictures of the tops of their head. Lesson #2 is to focus on the eyes. This is true of almost any portrait. … Continue reading →

Posted in Anatomy of a photo, How To, How To, photography, portraits, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Avoid clutter in your images now. Don’t rely on Photoshop later

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Galen Leeds Photography

One of the simplest things a person can do to improve their images is to look over the scene where they are shooting, before taking the picture. The things to keep your eyes out for are wires in the air, … Continue reading →

Posted in How To, How To, photography, SLR | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment