Category Archives: How To

Use presets if you have them to switch between video and still shooting


For video and stills you want to use two very different shutter speeds. Often when shooting stills, it is best to have the highest shutter speed you can while maintaining the aperture and ISO that you want. Not so for … Continue reading

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Don’t let your photos sit in your camera


One of the most important things to do when taking pictures is to not leave the pictures on your camera for months, before viewing them on your computer. This is especially true when you are first learning a new camera, … Continue reading

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Simple tips for kayak photography


The first time I brought my camera on my kayak with me, I was a nervous wreck. I was worried about getting my camera wet, dropping it in the water, dumping myself in the water AND getting the shots I … Continue reading

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Don’t forget to twist your camera


There are times when I get so focused on what I am taking a picture of, I don’t remember that I can simply rotate my camera ninety degrees and I will have a very different image, that will sometimes be … Continue reading

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The weather’s not so nice. Guess it’s time to grab my camera.


There’s a storm out there. It’s foggy and grey. The winds are blowing and I can hardly stand up straight. These are all excuses for the “normal” person (read non-photographer) to stay indoors. For those of us who suffer from … Continue reading

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What to do with your paddle when taking a picture


You’re in your kayak, a seal pops up next to you. Grabbing up your camera you manage a couple of magnificent shots before it dives back under. Stashing your camera you get ready to paddle on… except your paddle is … Continue reading

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Anatomy of a photo: How do I photograph an otter eating a fish?


I can only answer this question by explaining how I got high definition video and 20+ megapixel images of a North American River Otter this past weekend. The first key factor was, well, luck. I was kayaking in an area … Continue reading

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What to bring in your kayak


When I head out kayaking to take pictures, I am often paddling alone so as to be less intrusive to the wildlife. There are some items I find indispensable to kayak photography, but also being alone on open water, often … Continue reading

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What to look for in a kayak (for photography)


There are a wide range of factors to consider if you are looking for a suitable kayak to photograph from. In this post I don’t recommend a particular kayak, because each person is a little different, their needs will be different, … Continue reading

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Focusing on portraits: Animal and otherwise


A portrait tries, with a single snapshot in time, to tell a story. This is true, whether the image is of an old ranch hand, a cow, or a wild animal. Usually this will be a tightly focused image, where … Continue reading

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Where to find your best light (and rainbows)


If you are shooting pictures with natural light, try for the best light you can. It is quite simple to find, and through a similar process, you can also find rainbows when the conditions are right. Sunny days Know where … Continue reading

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Kayaking Tomales Bay: A Map


Here is a map of some key locations when you kayak Tomales Bay. I will add onto this map as time permits. I will also be posting about some of the places you see marked out. Subscribe to this page … Continue reading

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