A Summary of Charles Bush Photography Blog Posts
This morning, I woke up to the much-anticipated snowfall, which exceeded all expectations. While the forecast predicted 6 inches, the snow in my backyard seemed deeper
We’re bracing for a major winter storm here in Louisiana. Totally unprepared for this event here, I’m preparing for the risk of power disruptions. Reed more to see what I’m planning.
In the newsletter that I posted last week, I discussed my plans for protecting my computer and camera equipment from the approaching hurricane. Here's my account of what happened during and after the storm.
Sunset at Miller's Lake
This article updates my 2015 and 2020 articles, incorporating recent developments in the camera industry. The good news is that the shift by major manufacturers to mirrorless cameras with new lens mounts has created a market rich with bargains for excellent DSLR systems. While the upper-end mirrorless systems bring fast frame rates and subject-detecting autofocus modes, they are expensive. Quite competent DSLR systems can be purchased and used for a fraction of the cost, as many photographers are selling their DSLRs to upgrade to mirrorless systems.
Gremlins Ahead–Warning Long Geeky but Important Article
I’ve been investigating alternatives to Photo Mechanic for Downloading, Culling, and Keywording Photographs; this post explores this in detail. To summarize, while the alternative workflow with Fast Raw Viewer and A Better Finder Rename is more complex and time-consuming, it offers:
True raw histogram and accurate exposure information.
Shadow and highlight clipping percentages.
Focus peaking overlays.
Extensive EXIF data visibility during culling.
More complex renaming options.
One-time versus expensive subscription model.
Despite the longer processing times and the need for multiple applications, this setup is a viable alternative to Photo Mechanic for my use. Due to its speed and advanced keywording capabilities, Photo Mechanic remains superior for time-sensitive events. Therefore, I decided to use Fast Raw Viewer and A Better Finder Renames, while Photo Mechanic is best for photographers requiring urgent, time-critical workflows.
Last fall, I had the pleasure of leading a private two-day tour that took us to Henderson Swamp and the breathtaking Lake Dauterive. While Henderson Swamp was a delight, Lake Dauterive truly stole the show. Known for its stunning mist and thick fog, we were fortunate to experience both during our visit, capturing some remarkable photographs, including an eagle in flight. Click the link to read and see more images.
Capturing the Golden Hour: A Memorable April Tour
Sunset happened after a wonderful photo session of birds on our April Tour. The sky was a canvas of vibrant hues, a perfect backdrop for the day's final shots. As the sun dipped near the horizon, it cast a golden glow over the landscape, enhancing the beauty of the avian subjects we were so eager to capture.
My favorite shot was taken using a 600mm telephoto lens. I was trying to get birds in front of the sun but to no avail. However, I love this shot. The Pattern of the clouds and the sun large in the frame
As Louisianians, we have a fondness for consuming crawfish. Interestingly, we are not alone in our appreciation for this delicacy - even our winged companions seem to share our love for it. During one of my outings, I came across a duo of Owls who were taking turns catching crawfish from the nearby lake. They would either consume it themselves or offer it to their partner. I have witnessed similar behavior at Lake Martin before, where a group and I once observed an Owl repeatedly diving into the water for over an hour to catch and devour crawfish.
Here’s a stunning infrared photo of the Tupelo Tree at Miller’s Lake. The image features a high-contrast black-and-white effect with light foliage and dark clouds in the background. You can also spot some birds in the distance, adding to the lake’s serene beauty.
When I returned to Louisiana in 2001, seeing a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck was rare. Since then, the population has rapidly increased to the point that it is the most common duck I see.
A Black-Bellied Whistling Duck in a Tree at Lake Martin.
Discover the beauty of Lake Dauterive through this stunning photograph featuring golden-hour light on maple leaves, cypress needles, and Spanish moss."
Captured in 1996, my photograph of the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire holds significant historical and personal value. Using a Nikon N-90 film camera and a 300mm F2.8 lens, I photographed the iconic rock formation before its collapse in 2003. Despite initial challenges in achieving my visualized result, modern digital tools allowed me to refine the image years later. This blog post highlights the importance of visualization, the timelessness of moments, and the potential of revisiting old work with advanced technology.
Discover the story behind an iconic silhouette of Canada Geese taking flight, captured on film with a Nikon F5 at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Explore the blend of timing, technology, and luck that made this stunning photograph possible.
In this week's Photo of the Week, discover how I photographed backlit Cypress Trees at Lake Dauterive, bathed in a bright golden glow. This blog post takes you through my steps to create this breathtaking fall photograph, from choosing the perfect location and timing to ensuring the mist and sunlight were just right.
Discover the captivating story behind the iconic "Screech Owl Yawning" photograph, taken in 2001 at My Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Learn about the equipment used, including the Nikon D1 camera and a 600mm lens with a 2X teleconverter, and how modern technology like Gigapixel AI enhances this timeless image.
