Two Days, Two Types of Photography

Orlando Wetlands Festival - February 18, 2012
This was the weekend for the annual Orlando Wetlands Festival in Christmas, Florida. The day started off cool and overcast but later became sunny and a bit humid. Not the typical type of weather we have in February. This was my first time to the festival. I decided to go because they had photography tours of the wetlands with experienced and professtional photographers. What better way to get some good tips and techniques for photographing birds. I went with the first group led by professional photographer Robert Amoruso. The birds were a little scarce at that time of day, but he gave us some good information. After the workshop, I walked out into the wetland further. I forgot how far it is to go all the way around the park. But, the payoff was when I got to I believe the furthest point, there were a pair of limpkins that were fairly close to photograph. There are lots of dead trees with bird silhouettes that might make some interesting shot if it wasn't in the middle of the day. I hope to go back out early in the day to catch the sunrising. I think bringing my mountain bike might be the way to get out farther without having to walk so far. I love to walk, but I would have to start out in the dark to get sunrise shots. I am not sure what the alligators are doing around sunrise, hopefully sleeping!

A different view of the same cypress trees.

Saw a Red shouldered hawk but too far away.
 This one was brought by the Audubon Birds of Prey Center.



Lake Mary Cycling Race
For part two of the weekend I shot the Lake Mary crit put on by the Orlando Road Club. This was the first time shooting a regular cycling race with my 70-200mm lens. It is not the fastest as focusing which was a challenge. Also, getting the focus on the intended spot was at times challenging. I tried some more pan shots before calling it a day.

Old Florida Outdoor Festival in Apopka

We braved the cold and windy weather to go to the Old Florida Outdoor Festival in Apopka. At least the sun was shinning and not bad if you find shelter from the wind. I believe this is a fairly new event but lots of interesting venues. They had firearm demonstrations, archery, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, chili cook-off, food trucks, The Highway Men art exhibit, Dock Dog competition, farmers market, fishing, birds of prey and miscellaneous other activities. This was another chance to photograph an event and people. There was even a falconry demonstration. The Avian Reconditioning Center was there with a bunch of their birds and owls. As you can see, some people have the strangest pets!

Great Weekend of Learning with Rick Sammon

This past weekend I spent learning and getting inspired from the fabulous photographer, Rick Sammon. The event was put on by a member of the camera club and is the fourth one that I have participated in. I always learn a bunch and am totally inspired to improve my photography. Rick did a two hour talk on Friday night about shooting in the city and HDR. All day Saturday were more tips on HDR, photographing people, travel photography, using flash, photohop, plug-ins and various other photography subjects. Sunday morning a smaller group of us met with Rick at Downtown Disney for a workshop and photowalk. We started by learning about fill-in flash, using flash with reflectors, and just using reflectors without flash to fill in the light. Afterthat we did some HDR shots both outside and inside the Wolfgang Pucks restaurant. It was a great day and I learned so much.


Interior HDR shot of Wolfgang Pucks




Downtown Disney HDR shot processed in Photomatix