PhotoWalkPro

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After getting back home I finally got a chance to run an image set through the new HDR PhotoStudio on my Mac.  I wrote a post the other day announcing the release of the new Mac version of this software.  I finally downloaded a copy while sitting in the airport in San Diego and installed it on my system.  I decided that for my first test I would process a group of images that I had just worked with a few days previously in Photomatix Pro.  I loaded the bracketed images and began working my way through the processing, which is very different from the workflow in Photomatix.  After working with the different controls for a while, I came out with a result that was quite different from most HDR images I had previously created.  The difference was that the version processed in HDR PhotoStudio was extremely photo-realistic, but with the expanded detail in the highlight and shadows that defines the very purpose of shooting HDR.  This is especially true in the shadow areas, which are full of detail without being overly lightened.

Here are the results from both Photomatix Pro and HDR PhotoStudio, as well as the Normal exposure right out of the camera.

Processed in Photomatix Pro

Processed in HDR PhotoStudio

Normal image out of the camera

The last thing I did before leaving San Diego was spend some time at the zoo.  Yes, it’s true, I actually paid the $37 to get in but it was such a beautiful day and I had so much time to kill that I figured it would be money well spent, and it was.  I saw all of the great exhibits that the park is famous for and enjoyed the beautiful sites and sounds of nature.

There is one thing that you’ll see more of at the zoo than animals is cameras.  And it also seems that every time I visit a zoo, I see more and more DSLR’s.  With that in mind, I thought I would share some tips for getting better shots at the zoo.

1. To really get the type of intimate images that focuses on the animal and not the environment, you will want a long lens.  The longer the better.  I have three lenses that I use for zoo close-ups, a 70-200mm, 70-300mm, and 80-400mm.  Many zoo enclosures are designed to keep some distance between you and the animals.  A long lens will help cut the distance and get you close again.

2. If you are going to use a long lens, you might want to consider using a monopod as well.  Tripods can be cumbersome when getting through the crowds at a zoo.  The monopod option is easy to transport and still gives the measure of stability you sometimes need when working with long focal lengths.

3. Move close to the enclosure.  Whether it’s a wire mesh or bars, you are bound to get a better shot by moving your camera as close as possible to the obstruction.  The closer the fence is to the lens, the greater chance that it will be blurred so far out of focus that you won’t see it in the image.

4. Another way to help blur those obstructions is to shoot as wide open as possible.  This really serves two purposes.  First for the reason just mentioned, large apertures help blur objects close to the lens.  The second reason is to work with a very shallow depth of field.  This will help put the emphasis on the animals and off of the possibly distracting backgrounds.

5. Try visiting on an overcast day.  If that isn’t possible, try to work in the shadows if at all possible.  The truth is that many zoo environments contain open-air enclosures for the animals and are often in full-sun, which creates harsh shadows and very contrasty scenes.  Cloudy, overcast days, or shaded locations will provide more saturated colors, better details, and a better overall image.

6. Finally, be patient.  Find a good vantage point and don’t settle for whatever shot you can get.  Animals in captivity will move about their enclosures sooner or later and your patience will pay off in the end.  I have seen some photographers who have camped out for hours at the same enclosure just to get the perfect shot.  I’m not suggesting that but you should plan on spending some time to get good shots.  If an animal isn’t out where you can get a good picture, try swinging back later to see if the situation has changed.  I am betting that your persistance will pay off for you in the end.

Hopefully as you read this I am either on my way or already back home.  The snowy mess in the DC area has wreaked a lot of havoc with travelers and I am no exception.  The one benefit to my delayed departure is that I was able to spend a little additional time in the San Diego area.  I took advantage of the time to visit Balboa Park, just East of the city.  Although the temperatures here in February are mild in comparison with the rest of the country, I am sure that this park is a site to behold in the Spring, when all of the flowers and plants are in bloom.  That being said, it was still a beautiful way to spend an afternoon and there was enough green to keep me clicking.

The park is also home to numerous museums, trails, and the San Diego Zoo.  The one thing I can say about all of the attractions is that it makes me grateful to live near DC where I have the benefit of all the free Smithsonian museums.  Most of the museums in the park charged admission and the zoo is crazy expensive, running around $37 for a day pass.  Granted, it does include a bus tour but still, that’s a pretty hefty pricetag.

Here’s a couple of shots from the afternoon and hopefully my next post will be from the comfort of my own easy chair back home.

While visiting Coronado I got a chance to watch some of the Naval Aviators in action at the North Island NAS.  The air base takes up a large portion of the north end of Coronado and it’s not uncommon to see jets, helicopters, Hawkeyes, and all manor of aircraft taking off and landing throughout the day.  This was especially cool for me to see since my Father-in-Law is a retired Naval Aviator who spent part of his career at this base.

Here’s a few images that I captured while watching from the edge of the runway.  Click on them for a larger view.

That’s it for me this weekend.  I caught a wicked cold, which pretty much kept me in bed last evening.  I don’t know if I am going to be able to go shoot today because I will probably be on the phone trying to change my flight reservations.  I was supposed to get back Saturday but due to the 24″ of snow expected between now and then, that just isn’t going to happen.  Of course there are worse places to be stuck but the weather isn’t supposed to be all that great here as well.

Have a great weekend!