March 11th, 2011 by Matt Dennison Name a distant corner of the world associated with photography, chances are E.J. Peiker has been there, or is heading there soon. Born in 1960 in Augsburg, Germany, and moving to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1969, E.J. became an American citizen in 1975.
E.J.’s photographic journey started when he received his first camera at age 7, while still in Germany – a square-format, Kodak 126 Instamatic. He still has it. At age 12, he graduated to a Yashica 35mm rangefinder and began to take photography more seriously. His favorite subject matter was landscape photography.
In 1990, E.J.’s photographic aspirations came to a sudden stop. While skiing, E.J. suffered such a serious injury that he was diagnosed as unable to walk again, possibly even losing a leg. As it appeared that E.J. would not be mobile without assistance, he sold all his camera gear. However, determination, resolve, several surgeries and painful physical therapy resulted in E.J.’s full recovery 3 1/2 years later.
Even though he did not photograph, E.J. put his recovery years to good use. His interest in aviation took over and provided him motivation during that tough time. He earned his Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Multi-engine Pilot and Commercial Pilot certificates, and became heavily involved in advanced flight simulation. He even logged time in American Airline's full motion flight simulators where he learned to fly a Boeing 727!
March 10th, 2011 by Mike Moats Here is an image I shot while in San Diego early this month, and I had this process in mind for this flower when I shot it.
Here is the original image, I first did some clean up with the specs of debris, and filled in the gaps between the petals showing any background, and did a slight crop.
After doing the clean up in Photoshop Elements, I then clicked on Filters. In the next box clicked on Blur, and then clicked on Radial Blur. In the next box look for Zoom and click the circle next to it. Use the Amount slider to add or subtract the amount of the Zoom you want, and this is what I came up with.
After I got the zoom the way I wanted it, I went into Nik Software Viveza 2, and did some tweaking with the structure slider to bring out the details in the petals, and darkened and added structure in the dark center. Then popped the yellow a little more.
You can visit Mike's blog and learn about his workshops here: Tiny Landscapes
Mike's eBooks are available in the OPG store here: Mike Moats
March 7th, 2011 by Bret Edge 
Earlier I wrote about the best advice I’ve received from other photographers during the last 12 years of my career. I thought I’d go the opposite direction and share a few mistakes that, after all that time in the field and great advice, I still can’t seem to avoid. Some are humorous and others are just downright annoying. What mistakes do you find yourself making over and over again?
That Pesky Lens Cap - I can’t tell you how many times I’ll put the viewfinder to my eye only to see…nothing. Yeah, I forget to take the lens cap off all the time. Fortunately, I realize the error before pressing the shutter button. I don’t feel too bad about this as years ago I read that Ansel Adams once forgot to put film in his camera during a workshop he was teaching. Okay, so the great one only made such a silly mistake once.
Invincible Tripod Syndrome (ITS) - We’ve all done this. Some of us learned from our mistakes while others (me) still haven’t. We set up our tripod, mount our camera and expensive lenses to it and then walk away. Do this enough times and eventually gravity will rear it’s ugly head. I’ve had cameras blown over in the wind, knocked over in the water and I’ve even tripped over my own tripod leg. I saved that one from near death. I know the consequences and yet I continue to roll the very expensive dice. That qualifies for stupid, right?
Image Stabilization Times Two - What is a tripod? It’s image stabilization. There’s no such thing as too much image stabilization, right? Wrong. Many lenses that feature built-in image stabilization/vibration reduction are likely to produce blurry images if you leave the IS/VR turned on while your camera is locked tight on a tripod. You see, when your camera is secure in a ballhead and IS/VR kicks on, the movement of the gyro inside the lens is enough to introduce vibrations that may result in blurry images. I’ve blown more images than I care to remember because of this bonehead move. Whether or not the IS/VR will cause blurry images is a function of luck, shutter speed and the lens you’re using. Why chance it? Make it a habit to turn off IS/VR before using a tripod.
March 3rd, 2011 by Mike Moats Since I had a week in between the two weekend Macro Boot Camps, I let my workshop participants know that if they had some time available I would go out and shoot with them during the week days. One great place where we shot was the San Diego Botanical Gardens.
Even though it was windy during my stay, and we couldn’t shoot the flowers, the botanical gardens has tons of cactus plants, agave plants, etc, to shoot that were not effected by the wind.
Here are two images of a Blue Flame Agave, and I really like the lines and how the tips work out.
Nikon D7000, Tamron 90, f/32
I used the Solarization filter in Nik Software Color Efex Pro 3.0 for this look.
February 28th, 2011 by Bret Edge 
Over the years I’ve received much great advice that has contributed significantly to my growth as a photographer. While guiding a photographer last week who was only bitten by the photo bug a few months ago, I offered a simple piece of advice: “Sweep the edges of your viewfinder before making an exposure.” It was something I learned ten years ago while reading a “how-to” book published by Arizona Highways. At the end of the day I was happy to hear her say that she learned more during our few hours together than she had in several months on her own. I always find it rewarding to help other photographers learn and grow as artists.
On the drive home I began to reminisce about all the little nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned in the past eleven years. Some came from books, others from magazines and even more from other photographers. Regardless of their origin, each one has benefitted me in some way. Like many of you, I never want to stop learning. No doubt, the advice below is only the beginning of what will surely be an even longer list in another eleven years.
Sweep the Edges - Since I mentioned this one in the introduction to the article I thought I’d start off with it. It’s also one of my favorites and something I do every time I compose an image without even thinking about it. Very simply, once you have composed a scene in your viewfinder do one final visual sweep of the edges of the frame before depressing the shutter button. You’re looking for little distractions. It might be a branch intruding into the frame, a bright spot in a corner or even the foot of your tripod creeping into the bottom of your composition. This will also force you to slow down and spend more time crafting a deliberate composition.
Don’t Forget to Turn Around - I read this very early in my career in a “how-to” book published by Arizona Highways that seems to have been discontinued. The author’s point is simple: no matter how awesome the scene before you is, always remember to glance over your shoulder because it just might be even better behind you. I follow this advice on nearly every photography outing and it has netted me some of my favorite images.
February 11th, 2011 by Chris Klapheke
We have winners!
These folks were drawn randomly today and will be receiving an email shortly.
We are truly thankful of our friends and supporters from around the world.
Thanks to all who entered and watch for future giveaways!
February 2nd, 2011 by Mike Moats 
Finding Character In Nature is an e-book for the macro photographer that will help change the way you think the next time you go out to shoot.
The word character is often used to describe a person who is a little different from the general population. People who dress in a flamboyant manner or act differently have a unique style stand out in a crowd and are noticed by others. Photographic portraits often reveal a person’s individual character in the irregular features of their face and body. In the same way, photographic images can also highlight the distinctive qualities of subjects in nature. Finding the features that reveal the unique character of a flower, leaf, rock, or pattern in the earth will cause your images to stand out as distinctive artistic expressions of the natural world.
It’s easy to do, and you will learn how in this 43 page e-book.
Check it out in the OPG store here.
January 31st, 2011 by Bret Edge 
Being nature photographers gives us access to things most people will never see and experiences many will never understand. A brief exchange about such things with two other photographers on twitter led me to ponder on this for a while. I came up with eight things I love about being a nature photographer. I know there are more, and I’m sure you’ll all have some excellent additions to the list.
1. Seeing the natural world around me in a more intimate way than those whose eyes don’t appreciate the nuances of light, texture, shadow and form.
2. Sunrises and sunsets in the mountains, canyons and deserts. Nuff said.
3. Being able to share the visual beauty of those sunrises and sunsets with those who weren’t able to enjoy the moment with me.
4. Getting excited when I hear a good storm is headed my way.
5. Sitting alone, in the middle of the most beautiful nowhere anyone has ever seen, watching shadows lengthen and waiting for those few glorious moments when the light is just right for making an image.
6. Knowing where and when to find the best wildflowers, the best fall colors, the best waterfalls, the best mountain views, the best alpine lakes, the best wildlife, the best…ah, you get the point.
7. Meeting all the really amazing people I never would have met if I hadn’t been addicted to nature photography.
8. All the amazing places I’ve been that I wouldn’t have seen if I wasn’t on the prowl for new and exciting locations to photograph.
So, there’s my list. I’d love to hear some things you love about being a nature photographer. Feel free to list ‘em in the comments below!
Learn more about Bret, view his images, scout his workshops and read his blog here.
January 27th, 2011 by Chris Klapheke Bursting on to the scene of professional nature photographers just a few short years ago, Canadian born nature photographer Glenn Bartley has quickly established a reputation as one of the best bird photographers on the market. With books, articles, workshops and of course wonderful images, Glenn stays busy pursuing his career in nature photography.
Glenn has been enchanted by nature and wildlife for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Glenn, like many of us, spent many hours with National Geographic magazine and natural history books. Glenn's favorite TV show at the time was David Suzuki's "The Nature of Things". Glenn says "It may have all started in the backyard of my childhood home. I'd spend hour after hour lying underneath a hummingbird feeder trying to capture an image of one of these amazing birds with a simple point and shoot camera".
Glenn obtained his first “real” camera in college….A Canon Elan 7 film SLR.
In college, Glenn had an incredible extended travel opportunity. He took part in an exchange program that had him swapping places with a student from Brisbane, Australia.
January 25th, 2011 by Bret Edge 
Continuing my love affair with my wonderful Canon S95 camera, I toted it with me to Goblin Valley State Park for a photo assignment I’d managed to win from Utah State Parks & Recreation. Not only did they ask for scenes from Goblin Valley, which is an absolutely awesome little park, but they also wanted photographs of the surrounding area. So, I did what I do best – I wandered. At a point in my roaming I observed this interesting feature in the sandstone. I grabbed my trusty S95 and hiked a short distance to it for a closer look.
I have absolutely no idea what causes this lightning like pattern in the sandstone. I suspect it to be caused by water cascading down the rock, creating a sort of reverse desert varnish. Regardless, I immediately envisioned it as a high contrast black and white abstract image and went to work composing a photograph on the S95’s LCD screen. Back home I converted the color image to monochrome in Photoshop CS5 using Nik Silver Efex Pro. I then used several curves and levels layers to make the “lightning” pop, as well as Nik Color Efex Pro and Viveza 2 for some finishing touches. Lastly, I used a little black magic in the form of Photoshop’s “Content Aware Fill” to remove some distracting blemishes from the rock.
Whatcha think? If you know what causes this pattern I’d really appreciate an explanation, too!
Learn more about Bret, view his images, scout his workshops and read his blog here.
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Eight Things I Love About Being a Nature Photographer
January 31st, 2011 by Bret EdgeBeing nature photographers gives us access to things most people will never see and experiences many will never understand. A brief exchange about such things with two other photographers on twitter led me to ponder on this for a while. I came up with eight things I love about being a nature photographer. I know there are more, and I’m sure you’ll all have some excellent additions to the list.
1. Seeing the natural world around me in a more intimate way than those whose eyes don’t appreciate the nuances of light, texture, shadow and form.
2. Sunrises and sunsets in the mountains, canyons and deserts. Nuff said.
3. Being able to share the visual beauty of those sunrises and sunsets with those who weren’t able to enjoy the moment with me.
4. Getting excited when I hear a good storm is headed my way.
5. Sitting alone, in the middle of the most beautiful nowhere anyone has ever seen, watching shadows lengthen and waiting for those few glorious moments when the light is just right for making an image.
6. Knowing where and when to find the best wildflowers, the best fall colors, the best waterfalls, the best mountain views, the best alpine lakes, the best wildlife, the best…ah, you get the point.
7. Meeting all the really amazing people I never would have met if I hadn’t been addicted to nature photography.
8. All the amazing places I’ve been that I wouldn’t have seen if I wasn’t on the prowl for new and exciting locations to photograph.
So, there’s my list. I’d love to hear some things you love about being a nature photographer. Feel free to list ‘em in the comments below!
Learn more about Bret, view his images, scout his workshops and read his blog here.