Aves – The Zootographer

Salem

Salem is an amazing bird. I love her. Not much else to write about this time. But hopefully this up-close encounter with one of the best birds in the world will make you as happy as it makes me.

My first real camera was a Pentax k1000. My first real digital camera was a Pentax k20d. I later supplemented that with a k-50. Then I realized that my dream camera from over a decade ago could be had for 300 bucks and I made the switch to a Nikon D700. Then I played withContinue reading “Nikon z6 Firmware 3.0”

Connecting Humans with Animals

When I visited the Dallas Zoo last year and partook in their Backstage Safari, there was a woman there with her mom, both of which were also from outside of Texas. It was really obvious from the start that the mom was just there to be with her daughter, she wasn’t a big animal person,Continue reading “Connecting Humans with Animals”

Work the Light

Cloudy days are the best for photographing animals in natural light, but don’t let harsh afternoon sun stop you from trying. You just have to approach it differently. You’re not going to get beautiful evenly lit portraits, but you might get some nice dramatic effects if you can find the right spot. This kind ofContinue reading “Work the Light”

Cute-a-Sarus

Remember that scene in the original (or, you know, the only) Jurassic Park movie where the baby raptor pokes its head out of its shell and it’s the cutest thing ever? These guys are pretty close to that level. They’re also pretty close to the size that velociraptors actually were. Little Miley Sarus here isContinue reading “Cute-a-Sarus”

Seen the Light and Made a Switch

While Vlad the Dad is away at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Ursula here is taking care of (not-so) baby (anymore) behind Bird World in Denver. One of the biggest threats to these birds in the wild is overfishing in the north pacific. If you’re a big seafood fan, make sure you’re doing your best toContinue reading “Seen the Light and Made a Switch”

Mi Mi Do Re SO

The Chestnut-backed Thrush is a near threatened species that is likely extinct in many of its native homes in the wild. It’s also my favorite small bird. They’re not as well known for their songs as your various larks and grosbeaks, but when they’re in the mood… boy can they sing. I’ve more than onceContinue reading “Mi Mi Do Re SO”

Owls Owls Owls

Buy a print to support raptor conservation and rehabilitation. Today, I got to participate in an event with Mike’s Camera and HawkQuest. Master Falconer Kin Quitugua and several of the HawkQuest volunteers brought a number of owls out to Bear Creek Lake Park. It was incredible getting to work with these beauties up close, andContinue reading “Owls Owls Owls”

Blue on Blue

Late access to the zoo during certain days or assignments is a perk of volunteering. Even if you’re not a zoo volunteer though, there are many events at most zoos that let you enjoy the various animals at these beautiful twilight hours. I was shooting photos for the marketing department of one such event whenContinue reading “Blue on Blue”

Higher than Normal

There are countless burrowing owls that live within a few miles of my apartment. But despite my many drives through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, I’ve not been able to spot one in amongst the prairie dog holes that cover the area. This handsome man, perched a little higher than you’d normally findContinue reading “Higher than Normal”