Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears
Made my first trip to Alaska last week and spent some quality time with the bears at Lake Clark National Park, which was an incredible experience. Took my waders & ground pod with me as they have a mudflats so got down low and up personal with the bears, especially the cub.
In this photo, mom was standing to look over the tall grass to check for male bears, which will kill the cubs. She lost 2 cubs last year. This cub is about 1 ½ yrs old.
1/1600 sec @ F13, ISO 2500, evaluative metering, -1/3 exposure compensation, 560mm, handheld, Canon 100-400 with 1.4X, full frame with no cropping
Veterans Day Salute
This post is dedicated to all veterans past and present. Thank you for your sacrifices.
These are photos of the Blue Angels from 2018 Wings Over Houston airshow on Sunday Oct 21.
Taken with Canon 1DX with Canon 100-400 II lens, handheld
1/1600 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, aperture priority
1/2000 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority
1/2500 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority
1/2500 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority
1/2000 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority
1/2500 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority
1/3200 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority, converted to B&W using NIK Silver Effects Pro
1/2500 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, aperture priority
B&W Sea Otters
Here are some more sea otter photos from Morro Bay, CA. There were two pups in the group and it was difficult to get a decent shot of them.
Converted these to B&W using NIK Silver EFfx Pro 2.
1/640 sec @ F4.5, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2 exposure compensation, 500mm mounted on tripod
1/400 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2 exposure compensation, 560mm with 100-400 II lens and 1.4X III teleconverter, handheld
1/500 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2 exposure compensation, 560mm with 100-400 II lens and 1.4X III teleconverter, handheld
F18 Vapor at Wings Over Houston 2017
Made it to Wings Over Houston special show again this year and took photos from outside the gates with my 100-400 lens. Got in a good spot across the road from the runway and got the F-18 coming in for a high-speed pass almost right over me (first two photos). He came back for another pass and banked left and caught some great vapor on his wings. Lots of fun trying to track him when he was flying around 600 mph.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II with 1.4X III teleconverter, handheld
1/3200 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 1/3 exposure compensation
1/2500 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 1/3 exposure compensation
1/4000 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 1/3 exposure compensation
Sandhill Crane
Found this Sandhill Crane while exploring the back roads of NE Indiana. Was checking out my favorite Osprey nest when this Sandhill started squawking right behind me. Almost made me jump. Turned around but couldn’t see him with a high berm along the dirt road. Walked up an entrance into the field and saw him walking around very close to me. He was apparently calling a couple other cranes that were hanging out in the field near the osprey nest.
1/800 sec @ F9, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II with 1.4x III teleconverter, handheld
Gun Range Photos
Made a trip to the local gun range with my two brothers while visiting them over the 4th of July weekend. We typically don’t go home over the 4th of July but it worked out great with being able to spend more time together.
Got a chance to shoot several rifles and pistols and my camera, of course. Took my 100-400mm lens this time for the Battle Creek airshow, which also worked out well for the gun range. It was a blast shooting their guns but I also had lots of fun taking photos.
My first gun when I was in 7th grade was a .45 cal flintlock muzzle loader. My goal at a young age was have an extensive gun collection but my wife is pleased that I changed gears to photography, except for the cost.
Converted these to B&W using Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, in order to bring out the smoke and mood of the photos.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens with 1.4X III teleconverter, hand-held
1/1600 sec @ F7.1, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/1000 sec @ F7.1, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/1000 sec @ F7.1, ISO 3200, evaluative metering
F-22 Raptor
Got a chance to see the F-22 Raptor again for the 6th time at the Battle Creek, MI airshow over the 4th of July weekend. It’s an amazing plane that never ceases to amaze me with its maneuvering capabilities.
While planning a trip home to visit family this summer, just happened to look up the F-22 schedule and saw it was going to be in Michigan fairly close to home. Took my two brothers with me and they enjoyed the show as well.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II with 1.4X III telconverter, handheld
1/1000 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 368 mm
1/2000 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, + 1 1/3 exposure compensation, 560mm
1/1600 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 560mm
1/1250 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 318mm
Nature’s Snowplow
This bison was found in a snowbank and plowed his way to the road. Very sturdy beasts for sure. At this stop, I started out using my 500mm lens on a tripod and then switched to the 100-400, which was a good move. Ended up with a good variety of shots.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens, handheld
Manual mode, 1/1000 sec @ F6.3, ISO 400, spot metering off the snow
Since the colors were muted in the snow, converted it to B&W using NIK Silver Efex Pro II
More Harris Hawks
Here are a few more Harris Hawk photos from last weekend.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens or Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
Aperture priority, 1/3200 sec @ F7.1, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, -2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/6400 sec @ F5.6, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/2000 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, 500mm
Aperture priority, 1/4000 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/3200 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation, 500mm
Dive Bombing an Osprey
Had lots of fun taking Osprey photos on my Indiana trip. Their nest was still active with two large chicks along with two protective parents.
The parents had some challenges when flying as several small birds would chase and dive bomb them. It was obvious when the Osprey would take an abrupt turn that they were being chased. Made for some interesting flight shots.
Ended up using all focus points as it was a challenge to keep a single focus point on the fast moving action.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens, handheld
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F8, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F8, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F8, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/1600 sec @ F8, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, + 1 1/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/2500 sec @ F8, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, + 1 2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Great Horned Owl
Made my summer trek back home to Indiana a couple of weeks ago with limited expectations from a wildlife photography perspective. We usually go in June when the Osprey’s are nesting and there is an abundance of Sandhill cranes in the area. Therefore, I left my 500mm lens at home and traveled light with my 100-400 II lens.
To my surprise, the Osprey’s were still around along with some Sandhill cranes. Best of all, found this Great Horned Owl along a dirt back road.
Just after sunrise, I was driving along my usual route when a bird caught my eye with just a glimpse of something flying just under the tree canopy as it spread over the road going up a hill. I crested the hill and saw the bird gliding very low about one foot above the road. Thought to myself that it wasn’t a hawk but had to be an owl. He flew up into a tree near the road. When my car got closer, he flew away and continued down the road. As he approached an intersection with a paved road, I thought that he was going to get hit by a car if he continued his path but he took a quick right turn before getting to the stop sign.
Drove very slow while scanning the area when I spotted him lying in the grass along the road on my right side. Had to go past him and turn the car around to get into position for some photos. The first photo shows what he looked like after I turned around. Slowly inched the car forward to try to get to a better position with the grass out of his face. Made it to that position but there was some trash just on the left side of his head. Had to move again to get the trash behind his head.
Had to remove my teleconverter and use ISO to 10,000 to get my shutter speed above 100. Luckily he stuck around for 10 minutes which allowed me enough time to remove the teleconverter and get several photos. On my computer, I can see the reflection of my car in his beautiful eyes.
Aperture priority, 1/80 sec @ F8, ISO 12,800, evaluative metering, 560mm
Aperture priority, 1/125 sec @ F5.6, ISO 10,000, evaluative metering, 400mm
Whale Tails
My second whale watching trip last week brought sunny skies and record numbers of whale sightings. There was an abundance of krill in the area so the whales were out in force with 265 spotted on Sunday. Typical sightings this time of year are 10 to 15 whales on the four hour trip. They reported over 120 humpback whales on my Tuesday trip. It was very cool to get lucky enough to see so many whales. They were spouting and slapping tails everywhere we looked.
Here is an article from a local paper about the high whale counts.
Catching the whales diving with their tails in the air as they ready for a dive is always a good photo op. This day was more challenging with the rougher seas. The boat was rocking severely, especially when stationary. Had to try to lean on the rail, which was waist high, while trying to get the shot. Had to keep grabbing the rail to keep from falling over.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens, handheld, 400mm with minimal cropping
Aperture priority, 1/3200 sec @ F5.6, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Aperture priority, 1/4000 sec @ F5.6, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Aperture priority, 1/3200 sec @ F5.6, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F5.6, ISO 640, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Breaching Humpback Whale
Made a trip to Monterey Bay in California last weekend for some whale watching with my daughter. Went back again on Tuesday as it’s very addictive. On Saturday’s trip, we saw 10 humpback whales, 3 blue whales and 1 fin whale. It was foggy/cloudy but still made for some decent photography.
Got to check one photo off my bucket list when this humpback jumped out of the water. It was very cool to see and was hoping that I got the shot as it happened very quickly.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens, handheld
Aperture priority, 1/4000 sec @ F5.6, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Common Murre
A first for me, found this Common Murre while on a whale watching trip off the coast of Monterey Bay, CA. He floated by the boat and I was able to squeeze off a few quick shots.
Taken with Canon 7D II and Canon 100-400 II, handheld
Aperture priority, 1/1000 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 360mm
Aperture priority, 1/8000 sec @ F8, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 349mm
Sea Otters
Here are a few shots of the Sea Otters that we found near Morrow Bay, CA. They were floating around near a boating area right next to the road. Very fun to watch as they try to keep their paws dry while spinning around in the water.
Taken with Canon 7D II with Canon 100-400 II, hand-held
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F5.6 ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F5.6 ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F5.6 ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas everyone! As usual, it’s Christmas morning and everyone is asleep except me and one of my dogs. Therefore, it was time to break out the camera. Here is my golden doodle sitting in a chair next to the Christmas tree, wondering what I’m doing, as usual.
Didn’t come out too bad considering it’s handheld @ 1/60 sec with ISO 10,000 and no noise reduction.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II, handheld
1/60 sec @ F8, ISO 10,000, evaluative metering, -2/3 exposure compensation
Offshore Killer Whales
Spent last weekend in the San Francisco, CA bay area after having business meetings there during the week. My daughter flew into San Francisco on Friday afternoon and we spent the weekend seeing the sights, which included a whale watching trip from Monterey Bay. I had made the same whale watching trip in 2013 and have been looking forward to going back ever since.
With the bad weather that they were predicting for the weekend, we changed the day that we went on this trip from Sunday to Saturday. We missed the rain but they issued a high wave warning for Saturday. We were thrilled that they didn’t cancel the trip but they warned everyone that it was going to be a rough ride on the boat with the high swells.
We went off-shore for about 10 miles and spotted a gray whale. He wasn’t very close to the boat and didn’t do much so we were hoping that it wasn’t going to be the only sighting of the day.
We then came upon a large group of long-beaked common dolphins that came very close to the boat. They estimated that there were at least 250 dolphins. It was cool to see so many dolphins but we wanted whales.
Not too long after seeing the dolphins, they spotted some Killer Whales in the distance. Everyone got very excited with the anticipation of seeing these majestic mammals. We ended up seeing 3 groups of these Orca’s, 15 to 20 total whales. The crew on the boat identified the whales as “offshore Orcas”, which are a rare find. The biologist told us that this was only the second time that she had seen this type of Orca in the past 5 years. There are three types of Orcas and this variety is rarely spotted this close to shore. The dominant male had the largest dorsal fin and there was a baby Orca, which was doing his best to keep up.
It was a real challenge to get any decent photos of these whales with the high swells. The boat would rock up and down violently and it was all that we could do to stay upright at times. We initially stayed at the back of the boat, which was the most stable part of the boat but had to move to the front to see the Orcas when they were first spotted. I about fell over several times when trying to move around. There were lots of people who got sea sick but we made it unscathed.
We had a great time but wished that we could have stayed out longer. We then headed to Big Sur to see the landscapes and further south to see some coastal redwood trees. Drove back to San Francisco on Saturday night and went to Alcatraz/Golden Gate Bridge on Sunday. It was a very fun trip and I’d love to do it again when we had more time.
All photos were taken with my new Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 100-400 II lens, handheld.
Aperture priority, 1/1000 sec @ F8, ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 286 mm
Aperture priority, 1/800 sec @ F8, ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Aperture priority, 1/800 sec @ F8, ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 214 mm
Aperture priority, 1/800 sec @ F8, ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 349 mm
Aperture priority, 1/1000 sec @ F8, ISO 400, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 400mm
Wings Over Houston in B&W
During the Wings Over Houston airshow, they have a Tora Tora Tora portion that simulates the attack on Pearl Harbor. I arrive at the show when it opens to get a seat along the fence line so that I can have an unobstructed view of the action. They blow up bags of gasoline to simulate the bombs, which can make for some cool photos.
My goal during this part of the airshow is to capture the action with more than just the planes flying by. I’ve got tons of plane photos but like to get some of the smoke in the shot and other planes in the background to enhance the interest/story in the photos. Use shutter priority to blur the propellers with 1/320 for the Zero’s and 1/250 sec for the rest of the planes.
Here are some of my favorites from last Saturday, converter to B&W with NIK Silver Efex Pro 2. Gave me the opportunity to break out my new 100-400 II lens and it worked very well.
All were taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 100-400 II lens, hand-held.
Shutter Priority, 1/320 sec @ F22, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Shutter Priority, 1/250 sec @ F11, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Shutter Priority, 1/320 sec @ F25, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Shutter Priority, 1/250 sec @ F25, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
New Canon 100-400 II Lens
Since the new Canon 100-400 II lens came out, I’ve been reading the positive reviews and finally decided to take the plunge and replace my old 100-400. Unfortunately, my usual source for camera gear, B&H, along with most of the other reliable on-line retailers have been out of stock for several weeks. Ended up getting it at a local Best Buy.
Purchased my old 100-400 back in 2005 and used it for wildlife photography until I got my 500mm lens a couple of years ago. It’s been a great lens but needs some repairs. The rotating collar is worn out, for the second time, one of screw holes for the collar alignment pins has stripped out, and it needs to be torn apart and cleaned internally with some dust on the inner lens. Decided to invest in the new lens with its improved image stabilization instead of spending a few hundred dollars to repair the old one.
First impressions out of the box compared to the original model is that it’s a little heavier, the hood design is much improved, the rotating collar appears to be a better design and obviously the push-pull zoom design has been replaced with a twist zoom design. It will take some getting used to the new zoom mechanism as I loved the push-pull.
Will be taking the new lens along on some upcoming photography trips. I’m anxious to get it out into the field to try it out. I’ve ordered a RRS replacement foot to keep from having to add a plate like on my old lens and I’m not thrilled with the twist lock on the foot that comes with the new lens. This will be my go-to airshow lens and lens when shorter focal lengths are in order.
Here is a photo of the old and new 100-400. I’ll post some photos taken with the new lens when I’ve had a chance to try it out. Of course, it’s supposed to rain all weekend in SE Texas.
Tim Timmis Photography 