Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Canoeing The Merrimack River

 

Mother's Day we took a ride and located Sewall's Falls Recreation area NHDES Watershed Management Bureau: Rivers Management and Protection Program (RMPP). Biking, fishing, canoeing, hiking and birding area.

We met Ron Vercellone, a canoeing instructor and his nephew AJ launching their canoe on the Merrimack River. This was AJ's first time canoeing on a river; Ron reported back, his nephew managed very well.

Ron also is a English teacher in MA, his school is planning a canoeing trip in June.


We actually begin our trip in Plymouth, NH on June 16. We paddle down the Pemigiwasset and eventually the confluence of the Pemi and the Winnepasaukee becomes the Merrimack in Franklin, NH. We should reach Sewall's Falls by June 19 approximately 4:30 - 5:00 pm.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Duncraft.com Wild Bird Blog for Nature Enthusiasts

White Breasted Nuthatcher

This past passed winter we decided to feed the birds again. I cannot tell you the pleasure we have received watching, identifying the birds and naturally taking images of the birds.

I am very fortunate to live close to the Duncraft store and deal with Shelby, the owner's daughter who runs the store.  Duncraft Bird Feeders, Seeds, Houses and Baths. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
 

I receive their newsletter and notice they also publish a very helpful blog.  Duncraft.com Wild Bird Blog for Nature Enthusiasts - Duncraft's Blog


I hope you find the above links helpful if you are bird watcher.


Successful Weekend, Sorta: Blue Heron, Geese and Red Winged Blackbird

Bob bent my arm (I was planning on working in the yard) and I told me he thought of road we never traveled on. Unfortunately while the ride was beautiful, not too many photo opportunities....that can happen. BUT my luck changed after passing about 15 bog areas, my eyes spotted a Blue Heron....I made him stop!!!! I needed to change my lens...was extremely careful not to slam the car door....walked across street like a light weight ballerina, tip toeing to water's edge.

Do keep in mind, while I have a great lens EF 70-200mm f/2.8 and a 2x extender, the range of this set up is not great for birding all the time. But my supportive friend,
Flatland Photo/Charlie is encouraging me to work with this set and improve my shooting capabilites. Check out his wildlife images. Sighhhhhh.


Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Paugus Diner, Laconia, NH (link to color isolation technique)

Our early morning excursion for wildlife/birds images was not successful do to pouring rain, Bob suggested we go for breakfast at the Paugus Diner.

While eating breakfast and I am looking around thinking OK no wildlife but I could take awesome pictures of the interior of this diner. I looked at Bob and said I am going to the car to get my camera...he said to me do you have the nerve to take pictures...I smile at him, you are damn tootin I do :). I am soooooooo glad I did, this picture made up for the lack of wildlife!!!

I was asked about color isolation of black and white images. It's technique you desatuate an image using Photo Shop, go back and paint colors you want to feature in your image.
TechnicalLead.com Check out this tutorial.