Yosemite and Mono Lake Workshop Day 1

After driving from San Francisco to the Yosemite Valley - our first destination was to capture "Tunnel View" at sunset.  i will be posting images that were captured by participants as I receive them.  I shill have a few spots open for the next two workshops in Acadia and the Cape.The weather was exceptional and the clouds were perfect for photography.  The first image is a late sunset image where the light is just kissing the top of El Capitan:This second image is from the same location capturing the brilliant after glow: The flight path over the valley will ruin most images but on occasion a dissipating con trail can be an interesting feature:This next image is a 20 second exposure of the "blue hour" looking left from Tunnel View: Before packing up and returning for dinner I decoded to shoot one more image to capture the valley and the stars.  The face of El Capitan and Half Dome show the lights from climbers headlamps as the bed down on the rock face for the night. 

California - September 2012 PSA Conference

September 30, 2012 - It is good to be back in San Francisco with a decent internet connection.  I took a few images during the conference in and around Golden Gate Park and the Headlands.  Will be posting images from the Yosemite and Mono Lake workshop in a subsequent post.

2013 Workshops and Photo Tour additions

As the first Iceland Photo Tour and Workshop is full, we are adding a second workshop in January.  Details below.  In addition the 2013 SW Florida workshop will be held March 16th to the 23rd, 2013.  Followed by the Spring workshop in the Smoky Mountans and Cades Cove.  The May 2012 Cape Cod Workshop was over subscribed and a huge success so we have a May 3 to 5 Light of Cape Cod workshop for 2013 followed by a mid spring workshop to Yosemite and Monolake.  Two post PSA Conference workshops to Acadia and the Cape followed by a Fall workshop in Acadia.  Additional workshops and photo tours are planned for Africa and the Bosque, details to follow.More information is on the Workshop page of this web site.January 25 – 31 Iceland Aurora and Winter Landscape This is a second workshop as the first workshop is over subscribed. Co-Leader Olgeir Andresson - The northern lights rank at the very top of the night sky's most awe-inspiring phenomena. In 2013, the flickering curtains of dancing light known as aurora borealis are anticipated to be the most vibrant and spectacular.  These magical lights are just one of the many photographic opportunities on this workshop and tour.   Please book early as the last workshop filled to capacity in a few days.  Click Here for DetailsFeb 15 – March 11  India Click Here for DetailsMarch 16 – 23 Southwest Florida – Little Estero, Sanibel, Venice, Marco Island Florida is famous for bird photography. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Little Estero Lagoon and the Venice Rookery are some the finest locations and provide us plenty of great opportunities to capture great wildlife images. Click Here For DetailsApril 20–26 Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove  Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity—over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants are found in the park, more than in any other North American national park. In fact, the park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” Click Here for DetailsMay 3 - 5  The Light of Cape Cod – Spring in Cape Cod is a time where the cape has some of the most spectacular light and rovides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes. We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and wildlife (including migratory birds). Click Here for DetailsMay 18 - 25 Yosemite in the Spring & Monolake Photographing the phenomenal grand vistas of Yosemite. Half Dome, El Capitan, the Tunnel View and Mirror Lake.  The springtime snow-fed waterfalls will be in full glory as will the the dogwoods and other spring blooms.  This is the time of year for the most incredible light both morning and evening.(Awaiting Hotel Confirmations)POST PSA Conference Photo Tour/WorkshopsSept 22 to 26 Glorious Acadia – Acadia National Park fall and coastal scenery photography workshop is an exciting opportunity for photographers of all levels enhance their skills capturing what Acadia presents. October is a unique month with unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods, berries and reflections. The rugged coastal scenic are exceptional for both sunrise and sunset. Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques. Click Here for DetailsSeptember 26 - 29  The Light of Cape Cod – Early fall in Cape Cod is truly spectacular.  The Cape provides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes and the light in late September is exceptional. We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and wildlife (including migratory birds). Click Here for DetailsOctober 18 to 21 Glorious Acadia –Acadia National Park fall and coastal scenery photography workshop is an exciting opportunity for photographers of all levels. October is a unique month with unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods, berries and reflections.Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques.  Click Here for Details

Iceland - possible second trip

First here is an image of the Aurora captured by by my co-leader Olgeir.  All I can say is wow and cant wait to be there in Jan.  Given the demand, if I have at least six photographers willing to go I will arrange a second trip in late March after my SW Florida Bird Workshop.  So email or call me soon if you are interested.

Spring Wild Flowers - Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove - Workshop

Announcing the Smoky Mountains/Cades Cove Workshop  - April 20 to 26, 2013.Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity—over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants are found in the park, more than in any other North American national park. In fact, the park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” From the earliest hepaticas and spring-beauties in the late winter to the last asters in the late fall, blooming flowers can be found year-round in the park. Wildlife is fairly abundant in Cades Cove and we will have opportunities if lucky, to photograph bears. There is approximately one bear per square mile in the Great Smoky Mountain National park although they are rarely seen except in Cades Cove. Other wildlife include bobcats, both red and gray foxes, coyotes, beavers raccoons, red wolves and the river otter. Elk have been reintroduced in Cades Cove and white-tailed deer are abundant.If you are interested in driving from MA, RI or the vicinity we can split the cost of the car rental and gas and save on air and car rentals in the smokies.  The total cost is approx $1000 that can be split 4 ways.

Workshop details are available as a PDF Click Here for Details

Other workshops and photo tours for 2012 and 2013 are on the Workshop tab of the site.

The Light of Cape Cod - Fall Workshop

October 19 to October 22 (three or four days, your choice)Mid Fall in Cape Cod is a multi faceted photo opportunity with truly spectacular scenics and some wildlife.  The tourists have all gone, the Oyster festival is over and traffic is not a nightmare.  This very special workshop is for all levels of photographers from beginner to advanced.  The Cape provides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes and the light during fall is exceptional.  We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and some wildlife (including migratory birds).Click Here for a PDF with more information.Registration forms are available on the workshop section of this site or click here

Outgoing Tide and Marsh Grass

Glorious Acadia - Fall Photo Tour and Workshop - Oct 5 - 8, 2012

Glorious Acadia - Workshop - Bar Harbor, MaineOctober 5 to October 8, 2012Acadia National Park fall and coastal scenery photography workshop is an exciting opportunity for photographers of all levels enhance their skills capturing what Acadia presents. October is a unique month with unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods, berries and reflections.  The rugged coastal scenic are exceptional for both sunrise and sunset.  Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques.Excellent hotel accommodations and rates  have been arranged and we expect another full house.

A few comments from past participants:

Shiv’s workshop was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. It was full throttle, non stop. The exercises(handouts); really helped me to stay focused and think about how to compose my images. I must say that I really began to see landscapes and subjects, with a new perspective. Most importantly, I captured images that I’m pleased with. I definitely will attend Shiv’s workshops, in the future. Your time and money will be well spent.

I really enjoyed this workshop. It gave me a great insight into the concepts of light, which of course is what photography is all about. Shiv is a great teacher and was willing to explain ideas until everyone “got” it. It was well worth coming to. I would recommend it to all who are seriously interested in photography.

I learned a lot about digital photography from this hands-on, highly flexible workshop, and met a great network of people with a shared interest in becoming better photographers.

It was a wonderful experience to be around the two of you. We learned so much. Both technically as well as rushing up our concepts. We also really value the personal touch. Thank you.Click here for details - Acadia WorkshopPlease go to the workshop link for the necessary forms.

India Photo Workshops and Tours - February and March 2013

After a very successful trip this past February we now have a trip that gives you a unique opportunity to photograph three endangered species, The Asiatic Lions, Wild Asses and Black Buck.  In addition to these mammals we will have opportunities to photograph over 300 species of birds, other mammals, reptiles and insects.  We will photograph ancient monuments including the Taj Mahal, and have a lot of opportunity to photograph village people and their ways.

Feb 15 - Feb 26  - India Rann of Kutch, Velvader and Sasangir where the endangerd Asiatic Lions, Wild Asses and Black Buck will be the primary subjects Click Here for Details

Feb 26 - March 6 - India - Agra (Taj Mahal) Chambal for the River Crocodiles, Sarus Cranes and Black Buck,  Bharatpur for over 300 species of migratory birds Click Here for Details

March 6 - March 11 - India - Bandhavgarh for the Tiger and a plethora of wildlife (This segment depends on the Government of India lifting the tourism ban in Tiger Reserves Click Here for Details

You can do Segment 1 alone or combine it with Segment 2 or do all three.  You can also pick just Segment 2 and 3 or any one.

India is the home of the endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), and has some of the best opportunities for photographing other mammals and migratory birds from as far as Siberia. This trip is geared towards capturing images of Indian wildlife, landscapes, ancient architecture and local village people.  The tour is in three parts and you can register for one, two or all three segments.

The first segment will take us from Delhi to the Rann of Kutch for wild asses, foxes, and vast salt flats.  We then spend time in Velavader for some incredible birds and the black buck. Sasan Gir is the next stop for lions and other wild life.  The Wild Ass, Asiatic Lion and Black Buck are all on the endangered species list. We return to Delhi concluding this segment.The second segment takes us to Agra where we photograph the Taj Mahal by sunset and sunrise.  The trip has been  scheduled to coincide with the full moon. We then drive to Chambal for bird photography and a river safari to capture images of the Gharial, Crocodiles and shore birds including Skimmers, Ibis and European Spoonbills to name a few.  Next we drive to Fatehpur Sikri to photograph ancient moslem architecture and then continue to Bharatpur.  The Keoladeo sanctuary in Bharatpur boasts over 300 hundred  species of migratory birds, owls and water fowl. We will drive back to Delhi concluding the second segment.Our third segment takes us from Delhi to Jabalpur by air and then a drive to Bandhavgarh for tigers, jackals, the Indian Bison, wild boar and many other species of mammals and birds.  We return to Jabalpur to fly back to Delhi, concluding this segment.Registration Forms are available on the Workshops Tab above or Click Here

Iceland - Aurora Borealis and Winter Landscape Photo Tour & Workshop

After extensive research and planning the photo tour and workshop to capture the Aurora Borealis and the beautiful Icelandic landscapes is ready.  The tour starts in Reykjavik on January 19 and concludes January 25, 2013.  You do not want to miss this opportunity.I have teamed up with a world famous photographer Olgeir Andresson who has made photographing the Aurora his hallmark.  He won the highest honor of photographer of the year in the Danish Zoom Magazine and his work has been shown in Times Square in New York sponsored by Kodak.  You will not find a more experienced Northern Lights’ photographer.Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice – is an experience for non-photographers and photographers alike. In addition to the Aurora, we will have opportunities to capture mighty glaciers, waterfalls and spouting geysers.  Majestic mountains, magnificent coastlines and smoking volcanoes.We are now in the period known as 'Solar Max'. This means that sunspot activity which produces the aurora borealis is heightened, offering more chances to see the northern lights. Solar Max happens every 11 years in accordance with the solar cycle.More information is in the brochure and links to the registration forms are available from the workshop pageClick here for a PDF Brochure

Canon Releases EOS 7D Firmware version 2.0

Canon finally released its significant upgrade/update to the EOS 7D.The firmware can be downloaded from this linkVersion 2 of the firmware will provide users of this body the following:Speed, the 7D will now shoot 130 Large/Fine JPEGs or 25 RAW.  This compared to 126 and 15.  The big jump is for RAW files.  The shooting rate remains at 8 fps.The 7D will now be compatible with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2  using the 7D’s USB connector.  GEO Tagging is not possible with Video.For Video buffs the camera will provid custom audio recording.  The firmware will enable manual control of sound recording levels in 64 steps.  Visual indicators will warn you of custom recording.Something that Nikon has had now will be available in the 7D.  Customization for Auto ISO in M, P, TV, AV and B modes.  You will be able to set upper limits up to ISO 6400.  The 7D will always auto adjust ISO for best exposure.The firmware will now allow in camera processing to modify White Balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Noise Reduction, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, Distortion Correction and Lens Aberration Correction to RAW images capture.JPEG images can be resized in camera from “L” to “M “ and from “M” to “S” JPEG.An in camera rating system will be available.  A five step star rating will be available during image playback/review.Using the “Q” or quick control button you will now be able to apply protection to images, rotate and resize then, see the highlight alerts and AF point displays.A real neat feature with this upgrade is custom file naming. You will be able to set the first four characters of the file name, no more _IMG.  Image quality can be applied to the file name too.How about this: “time zone settings”, you can not only define time zones, but also daylight savings time.Significant improvements in the speed of scrolling images that have been magnified for review. 

Bosque del Apache & White Sands - Nov 23 to 29, 2012

The Bosque del Apache and White Sands Workshop and Photo Tour planning is done and we are ready for enrollment.  Workshops fill up fast so book early.

Bosque del Apache which translates to Woods of the Apache is a most spectacular congregation of birds.  The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a 57,331-acre wildlife oasis of upland desert and floodplain that was established in 1939. The refuge is located in south-central New Mexico about one hour from Albuquerque.  The Rio Grande flows through the area providing  water to the refuge. Close to 15,000 Sandhill Cranes and over 30,000 Snow and Ross’s Geese migrate here for the winter.The refuge is an ideal location to capture large flocks of snow geese, particularly when they are flushed by the presence of a predator.  At dusk numerous flights of geese and cranes return to the refuge to roost, making for great evening “birdscapes.” At dawn, the “Fly Out” is another phenomenal  experience.  In addition to these magnificent birds, opportunities to photograph wild turkeys, pheasants, roadrunners, owls, golden eagles and bald eagles abound.  Mammals like the coyote and black tailed deer are also presentThe late November tour serves up the opportunity for autumn colors and potential for some light snow cover.We will spend the majority of our time at the refuge but will head out to photograph White Sands National Monument. The gypsum sand dunes stretch for miles and we will spend a day to capture the dunes in the early morning and evening light with the full moon as a bonus.CLICK HERE for a PDF document with full details and the itinerary.

India's Supreme Court make a ruling to ban tourism in tiger parks

A few hours ago India's top court established a ban on all tourism to tiger parks and reserves in India. My February photo tour and workshop is undergoing revisions to exclude the last leg that was for the tigers in Bandhavgarh.  Hope the ban gets lifted and the parties can compromise.I will be post in the revised itinerary by the end of this week.See the Times article

Canon 7D evolves - New Firmware 2.0.X

A new significant firmware update to the Canon 7D is eminent. The new firmware will bring significant enhancements to this already great camera.Speed, the 7D will now shoot 130 Large/Fine JPEGs or 25 RAW.  This compared to 126 and 15.  The big jump is for RAW files.  The shooting rate remains at 8 fps.The 7D will now be compatible with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2  using the 7D’s USB connector.  GEO Tagging is not possible with Video.For Video buffs the camera will provid custom audio recording.  The firmware will enable manual control of sound recording levels in 64 steps.  Visual indicators will warn you of custom recording.Something that Nikon has had now will be available in the 7D.  Customization for Auto ISO in M, P, TV, AV and B modes.  You will be able to set upper limits up to ISO 6400.  The 7D will always auto adjust ISO for best exposure.The firmware will now allow in camera processing to modify White Balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Noise Reduction, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, Distortion Correction and Lens Aberration Correction to RAW images capture.JPEG images can be resized in camera from “L” to “M “ and from “M” to “S” JPEG.An in camera rating system will be available.  A five step star rating will be available during image playback/review.Using the “Q” or quick control button you will now be able to apply protection to images, rotate and resize then, see the highlight alerts and AF point displays.A real neat feature with this upgrade is custom file naming. You will be able to set the first four characters of the file name, no more _IMG.  Image quality can be applied to the file name too.How about this: “time zone settings”, you can not only define time zones, but also daylight savings time.Significant improvements in the speed of scrolling images that have been magnified for review.Unfortunately the release date is still up in the air but August looks like the month.See more on the Canon site

HDR Efex Pro 2 announced

NiK Software has improved HDR Efex Pro across the board: it's faster, more powerful, delivers more realistic results, and is easier to use than ever.Key New Features:

• NEW: Improved Tone Mapping Engine – Develop superior results with better color rendering and improved natural styles
• UPDATED: Interface, Interaction, and Workflow – Benefit from improvements to the merging interface, tone mapping and enhancement controls, visual presets, and more
• NEW: Depth Control – Enjoy added depth and realism in images with the new and proprietary Depth control, which helps counteract the flattened look commonly associated with HDR images
• NEW: Full GPU Processing and Multi-Core Optimization – Gain even faster performance with GPU processing that takes full advantage of the processors found on modern display adapters
• UPDATED: Ghost Reduction – Improved ghost reduction algorithm ensures that artifacts created by moving objects are removed with a single click
• NEW: Chromatic Aberration Reduction – Reduce color fringes around objects
• NEW: Graduated Neutral Density Control – Access the full 32-bit depth of the merged image, providing a natural effect especially on images with a strong horizon line
• NEW: Full White Balance Control – Take full advantage of the white balance in an image with a new Tint slider, which along with the Temperature slider, can be applied both globally as well as selectively using U Point technology
• NEW: History Browser – Easily review adjustments and different HDR looks via the History Browser which records every enhancement used in an editing session

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW

Boston Fire Works July 4, 2012

I have always wanted to do something different with fireworks.  Well, today I got the opportunity to get to the 21st floor of Ashburton Place overlooking the barges in the distance.  Got there about 20 minutes before the grand show.  Half way through the rain was a disaster but the show went on as did my clicking. Here are some more images from this evening.

Peterson Guide to Birds of North America on sale

For a limited time the Peterson's Guide to Birds of North America is on sale.  Down to 99 cents - originally $14.99.All you bird lovers and bird photographers should not miss this opportunity.Click Here for a link to the iTunes Page

ecotop

As a photographer one of my biggest concerns is spills on my equipment.  I love coffee and other drinks while on the road.  I have been using travel mugs and other double lined drinking devices but they all spill.  Yes, I have coffee spills and stains on my center console, passenger seat, and I no longer carry one of these gizmos while out on a shoot during the early mornings (hey - it is cool and a hot coffee is so welcome).Enter the "ecotop" - I found this product through my wife's  associate.  This is the best thing for any of us who are sippers on the go.  This cover is solid, it will not spill, fits on existing drinking mugs, your regular mugs and any thing that can hold liquids with an opening that is 3 inches (hey that is a standard mug size).  Here is an image - security for your coffee and security for your gear.Contact me at 617.759.0010 or s.verma (at) me.com if you want more information or want to order the for your self, your business or as a promotional item.This product is featured in the July 2012 issue of Popular Science so it must be good. Here is the excerpt from Popular Science:" Your favorite mug is now your travel mug! The Ecotop is a first-ever add-on top for standard mugs and cups. A locking closure reduces spills around the house and office and during travel. Ecotops are convenient for active families and professionals on the go. Ecotops can also be invaluable for people with stability concerns. Go green (or ten other colors) and support the ecology and your economy! Ecotops are designed and manufactured in the USA."

A few iPhone apps that I love

TPE - The Photographer's Ephemeris is a must have app that helps you plan your outdoor photography, with full details of how the sun and moon move across the land.  Sunrise and set times, Moon rise and set time including phases.TPEOne of the best apps for determining tide times and tide heights at most locations.Tide GraphIf you like chasing storms and photographing weather then WeatherTAP zoom is an app you must have  This app pushes personalized, current weather to the max with detailed storm tracking capability. Follow tornadoes and super cells with pinpoint precision using animated, interactive, real-time radar that is seamlessly integrated and scalable on user friendly mapsWeather Tap Zoom

Late June and Early July One Day Workshops

Here is the workshop schedule for the rest of June and early July.  A new registration system has been developed for your convenience so please use the link below when you wish to register.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

June 23 - Lighting Demystified Click Here for Details

June 23 - Low Light and Night Photography in Providence, Rhode Island.  This workshop is a great opportunity to extend the learning experience from the Lighting Demystified workshop on the same day.  Click Here for Details

June 24 and June 30 - Macro and Close-up Photography Click Here for Details

July 1 - Lighting Demystified Click Here for Details

A discount is available for anyone attending both events on June 23, 2012.  See details on the registration page.

Using Colored Filters with NiK Silver Efex Pro 2

Silver Efex Pro 2 includes the standard colored filters that were used by Black and White film photographers.  In addition the application provided for a continuously variable custom filter with two slidersThis brief article is to explain the use of the standard filter and the effect they have on monochromatic images.How Filters Affect Tones in your ImageColored filters were used with B&W film to will lighten similar colors on the color wheel and darken opposite colors.  As an example a red filter will darken the opposite primary colors, green and blue while but will have the most effect on Cyan which is a combination of blue and green. Conversely, it will lighten red and colors that contain elements of red like orange and magenta.NiK Silver Efex Pro 2 filters in order:Neutral is the first filter – it removes the effect of any filter applicationThe Red filter has the most dramatic effects.  It creates high contrast in monochromatic scenes. It is one of the most used filters for landscape photography and where a high level of creativity is expressed.The orange filter is used to lighten reds in an image.  It is an excellent filter as for black and white portraiture.  The filter will reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and redness in the eyes.The yellow is a filter that has the least effect and used mainly to make blue skies a shade darker. It is probably the most used in B&W film photography and least used of all the colored filters in digital photography.The Green filter is similar to the Yellow and not heavily relied on.  It is used in landscape photography as it does favor the deepening of reds and oranges and ideally suited for fall foliage landscape photography.  There is a slight drawback as it will lighten the blue in the skies and reduce contrast.The Blue filter has traditionally been least used in monochrome photography.  It was used to reduce overall contrast.Note:  The NiK Silver Efex color filters will only work if your image is in color and contains RGB information,  An image already converted to B&W or brought into NiK as a B&W will not be impacted with these filters.