Post 10

Post 10: Alexey Kljatov and the Snowflakes

https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-photographer-uses-soviet-technology-to-photograph-snowflakes/28919831.html


Russian photographer, Alexey Kljatov, works as a printing press operator and learned how to photograph snowflakes using old and inexpensive camera equipment. He uses a ten year old Canon Powershot, a Soviet lens taped to the camera, and a board to angle and steady the camera to create a very powerful device. His pictures are extremely detailed. Kljatov has the snowflakes resting on either black wool, or on a glass sheet. Both bases make each snowflake stand out. As soon as snow starts falling in Moscow, he goes out to capture what he can. 

Here, he has the camera set up to get the flakes. He uses an old black sweater for the background. I have found in my own experience, that wool, or other soft materials will absorb shock well when the snowflakes land, will stay intact instead of breaking or shattering. 

Here is the result. 

Post 9: First Share and Critique

First Share and Critique

I was fortunate to make it to Flathead Lake a few weeks ago where the scenery was breath taking. It was right as the weather was cooling down, and everyone who lived nearby were burning slash piles. This created a smokey veil around the mountains. This, combined with the still water that looked like glass, made breathtaking conditions.

The first photo required a little editing. I realized later in the day it was taken that I had a piece of dirt on my lens. Luckily, I was able to cover it up. Other than that, not much editing was done. The conditions were perfect that day. My AV was at F13 to capture all the details. The second photo was taken here on campus before the winter storm hit several weeks ago. I focused my settings on aperture. My AV settings were at F6.5 for this one. I did not feel the need to edit this one. I try to do minimal editing. However, in the lake picture, it needed it badly. It looked as though someone drew a sharpie marker in the bottom right corner.

Post 8: Underwater Photography

Underwater Photography

https://www.uwphotographyguide.com/underwater-photography-tips

Taking pictures in this completely different setting looks like fun, and I would like to learn more about it. There are different things to consider, and techniques take some getting used to. I am going to include some techniques I found needed to adapt to going underwater.

Light has a hard time traveling through deep depths of water. It is recommended to get as close to a subject as possible to help with light and color vibrancy. Flash can be used, but be careful when shooting a subject, as flash can be harmful to creatures. ISO settings should be at its lowest, and the resolution should be at its highest. Try to shoot in 20ft depths or less when using natural light, using the sun behind you. It is also recommended to shot upward, not downward. To make up for the little light, shutter speed needs to range from 1/30 to 1/125.

Do not use digital zoom,the camera will not be able to focus. Bring a diving light, so that the camera can have a better time focusing on the details without blurring. Use the white balance mode when not using the flash. Most importantly, know your camera before going out to shoot. This way, you are already very familiar with the settings and function of the different components.


What Lies Beneath - Clark Little
https://clarklittlephotography.com/collections/best-seller/products/what-lies-beneath?variant=1315277488

Post 7: Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore
https://www.joelsartore.com/photo-ark/

This week, I will be focusing on a conservation photographer, Joel Sartore. In recent years, he has developed a "Photo Ark" - a collection of portraits of captive animals. Almost all of these animals are either threatened, or endangered. Working with National Geographic, these portraits have made their way around the world and have gathered awareness for conservation. I attached a few samples of his work; these are three out of 9764 pictures taken for this project. Some of the animals he has photographed, have already gone extinct.

White-bellied Pangolin

This animal is extremely endangered. It is hunted for its scales to be used in Chinese pharmaceuticals.








Spotted Jellyfish

Joel does not limit himself to terrestrial animals, but photographs all the animals he can. These jellies are currently in the Monterey Bay Aquarium.









Rajah

Tigers are quickly disappearing due to habitat loss and conflict with humans.







https://www.joelsartore.com/gallery/the-photo-ark

Post 6: Robert Irwin

Robert Irwin Nature Photography

This week, I am featuring a younger photographer, Steve Irwin's son. He has been filling in his father's shoes, advocating for wildlife and helping educate the public. His pictures are world renowned, and  He is featured in many magazines, TV interviews, newspapers, and journals. He works at the Australia Zoo with his mother and sister as he continues to photograph wildlife and advocate for wildlife

His photographs give a close-up view of each animal in their own world. Each one is a portrait, showing the beauty and grace in each of the subjects. Below, I have included a publication with several of his works.

This one is of a crocodile's mouth - a rarely seen perspective of this predator. It is nominated for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of The Year award.

Runner Up

Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of The Year