Intro by Skip Cohen

In this new tip from my good buddy, Ossian Lindholm, he tackles the question of "What's the best lens for wildlife photography?"

Anybody who's ever tried to answer a "what's the best" type question, knows it's virtually impossible to answer. What's the best camera? You'll get every possible manufacturer. Pick any other product and you'll get the same results. Everyone is prejudiced by their own experiences. However, one thing I've found about seasoned artists like Ossian. Because they have so much depth in their experiences, they also have a wealth of information to draw from.

Ossian does a terrific job sharing what he looks for in a great lens and why. Keep track of Ossian's whereabouts and follow him on his Facebook page as well as at Travel Vision Journeys.

​What’s the BEST Lens for Wildlife Photography?
by 
Ossian Lindholm

In all honesty, there is no right answer to this question. But I can tell you my experiences and what I've learned over the years to look for.

Before I could even consider exploring the world of wildlife I had to find a good telephoto lens. I knew I had the passion for the craft, just not the right gear. The first criteria I knew was a necessity, was great glass. I needed good optics. Next came fast and accurate autofocus. While there are times I might focus manually, technology with fast focusing has helped me capture some of my most favorite images.

Last on my list was a good focal distance. But then, in deciding on the best lens, comes the big question.  What is a good focal distance?

Back in the film days I was shooting mostly landscapes and every now and then wildlife as well. I had a 300mm lens. While the results were good, I was still too far away from most of the animals.  Coming into the world of digital photography I could still use the 300mm and then crop to a factor that with my Nikon D70 the lens became a 450mm.  It still wasn't enough to get me as close as I needed to be.

So, I bought a 1.4x teleconverter.  That took my 300mm and the crop factor to 630mm. That was definitely better, but technology has changed so much and given us amazing tools to capture incredible images. With the technology available today, 600mm is the minimum Real Focal Distance to consider for wildlife. Shoot with anything less than that and you're guaranteed to hit your frustration level when you review your images. 

The image above is a Great Egret photographed with a Nikon 300mm f4 lens with a 1.4x teleconverter. Mounted on a D300 Nikon body with a DX sensor.  It goes to a Real Focal Distance of 630mm.

The second photo below is a Puma photographed with a Sigma 150-500 mm lens at 500mm mounted in a D7100 Nikon with DX sensor. The Real Focal Distance is 750mm. 

In the end, as artists we've all learned to work the best tools we have access to. For me, I love a good telephoto, but there are always other factors, for example size and weight. There are obviously longer more expensive lenses, but there's a lot of glass out there I just wouldn't want to carry on a long hike. Plus, I like being far enough away from the wildlife to not frighten them and get natural images, yet close enough to appreciate their environment.

A few weeks ago I had a chance to finally catch up to Ossian Lindholm and Lauren Hefferon, founder of Travel Vision Journeys and Ciclismo Classico. We were all attending Fotofusion 2016, part of Palm Beach Workshops' annual events. I've shared a lot of posts from Ossian over the last year along with many of his images, but nothing beats just hanging out with the man!

If you haven't been to one of his programs, put it on your bucket list. My good buddy and industry icon, Joe Meehan and I had a chance to hear Ossian speak and it was remarkable. Besides stunning images, his passion for the craft and the environment, Joe and I both noticed something unique.

Ossian's English is excellent, but it's not his native language.  Well, Joe pointed out to me when somebody is presenting in a second language, they're much more to the point. In fact, as I listened to Ossian, it would take him five minutes to explain a technique, which an American photographer would have taken fifteen!  As a result, his program was packed with great information, and using his images to make the point it was one of the better how-to presentations I've ever attended.

Check out Ossian's relatively new Facebook page to keep track of his schedule and where he's shooting. You'll also find him on some of the finest travel trips in the world with Lauren Hefferon and her award-winning team. 

Forbes recently recognized Ciclismo Classico's Patagonia trip as one of the best trips in the world for 2016! Check out the short video below as Ossian and several photographers head off in search of the Puma.

For years I've talked about the best thing about the photographic industry having nothing to do with imaging, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft!

​The next time you see Ossian on the schedule for a workshop in your area run to get a seat. You'll never be disappointed in what he has to share and you'll add one very special friend to your network!

Intro by Skip Cohen

It was 1957 when a song called "Silhouettes" was made famous by a doo-wop group, The Rays. Well, here's the 2016 version, but in stunning images by my good buddy Ossian Lindholm!  I share just about the same thought with you on each tip from Ossian:

Imagine spending a week or more with Ossian and think about what you'll learn. This is far more than raising the bar on your technical skills, it's about seeing the world through Ossian's eyes and even his heart. His passion for the environment and the animals is virtually unmatched. Put that together with his love for travel and the beauty of each new landscape or wildlife encounter and you've got an experience of a lifetime. 

Ossian has several great trips coming up. Just click on the link below for the latest information or better yet, if you've got a question, pick up the phone and call Lauren Hefferon, founder of Travel Vision Journeys and Ciclismo Classico, (617-640-4837) or, email her, Lauren@ciclismoclassico.com. 

by Ossian Lindholm

Last week's tip was all about portraiture in the wildlife world, but striking portraits don't always involve seeing the detail of the subject. I love taking advantage of early or late day natural light and capturing silhouettes of animals and the environment.
​
During sunrise or just at the end of sunset you'll find some incredible image-capturing moments. It's just beyond what many call "sweet light", when the sky is red and with each photo there are some surprising and unexpected situations. You have to think differently in pure backlight situations like this. Your eyes and your mindset need to be alert to capture these special moments.
 
Maybe you started out with the intent of just photographing a tree. That's how the image started above. I had this incredible red backlight creating a stunning silhouette of a tree when an Egret stopped to perch on a branch. I quickly thought through how I wanted to compose the image, just as a stork flew into the frame. It was luck to get both birds in the shot, but experience to have it exposed the way I wanted when I clicked the shutter.
 
The most important ingredient for a photo like this is understanding how to meter. I metered on the background to get that nice strong reddish orange color. The next step was to be ready with the right focal length lens. Last on the list was the right shutter speed.
 
Here are two more examples showing similar type images, but again using the same technique, metering off the background and being focused on the concept of shooting silhouettes. And remember, nothing beats practice with every day subjects, before you take your skill set out into the wild. Even a tree in your yard at home will offer you a chance to practice thinking through the process and then executing a silhouette result.

Intro by Skip Cohen

A few weeks ago I had a chance to attend one of Ossian Lindholm's classes at FOTOfusion 2016 in West Palm Beach. Within minutes I understood what makes him such a great educator. First, it's his passion for the craft, the environment and the animals. Second, his delivery style is so direct. What might take other presenters ten minutes to explain, Ossian does it in two! He's got one goal, to give his audience as much content as possible in the time allowed.

Last on the list is the topic for this special spotlight post, portraiture. It's all about Ossian's skill set. We see him as an outdoor wildlife photographer, but these images, which are some of my most favorite, absolutely make him a portrait artist!

Imagine what you'll learn on a trip with Ossian! He's got several of them coming up. Just click on the link below for the latest information or better yet, if you've got a question, just pick up the phone and call Lauren Hefferon, founder of Travel Vision Journeys and Ciclismo Classico, (617-640-4837) or, email her, Lauren@ciclismoclassico.com. .

by Ossian Lindholm

Every now and then I see an animal with a certain amount of poise. It's almost like looking at some of the more classic portrait artists and their subjects. An animal, just like a famous person, can display a level of confidence and stature. As a result, there are animals who are more confident than others and allow you to get closer. They have no fear of humans or my camera.
 
When I see an animal like this it becomes the perfect time for me to switch hats and become a portrait artist. Just like working with human subjects, there are some ingredients that give a portrait more impact, starting with a narrow depth of field.  Second, it's all in the eyes. We've all heard the expression, "The eyes are the gateway to the soul." Well, look into the gaze of any one of these birds and you can sense the depth of their experience, confidence and even knowledge. 

It obviously starts with finding the animal and practicing your skill set, but never underestimate the power of a good telephoto lens. And, last on the list is patience. You can't rush the process with an animal anymore than you could rush the process for a stunning portrait in the studio.

While I do very little post-processing, when doing portraits of animals it's fun to do a more square format. This adds to the feel of giving the image a stronger classic portrait look. 

Intro by Skip Cohen

Last week at Fotofusion 2016 in West Palm Beach, I finally had a chance to get in some quality time with Ossian Lindholm and the founder of Ciclismo Classico/Travel Vision Journeys, Lauren Hefferon. Although we've all talked on the phone, we've never all been in the same place at the same time. Nothing beats face to face contact!

This meeting was especially terrific because we not only had a chance to talk, but I got to see Ossian in action as he presented a program on wildlife photography that was simply outstanding. For ninety minutes he shared one tip after another, each dedicated to helping photographers become better at their craft and raise the bar on the images they capture.

I've shared a number of posts about the various awards Lauren and her team have received over the years.  While the one below isn't an award per se, being selected as the first trip in the top ten travel adventures by Jim Dobson, editorial contributor for Forbes Magazine, is a true honor.

Here's what he wrote about the upcoming Patagonia trip:

I shared a post of Lauren's a short time ago about the Patagonia trip. Imagine how you'll boost the quality of your photography spending a week with Ossian and Lauren, not to mention experience a trip of a lifetime! 

​More information is just a click away!

Intro by Skip Cohen

Since we started this series of tips from Argentina's Ossian Lindholm, we've featured great images together with some terrific content to help fine-tune your own skill set as an outdoor/wildlife photographer. This week Ossian is in the U.S. and will be speaking/teaching at Fotofusion in Palm Beach, Thursday and Friday. If you're in the area it's an opportunity not to be missed.

In the mean time, I couldn't be more excited about his trip. Although we've talked on the phone and I've published a number of his images and tips, we've never actually met. So, in honor of his visit to Florida, I thought it was the perfect time to share seven of my favorite images along with everything Ossian wrote about each one.

Just click on any of the images and you'll be able to read his short tip related to the technique or subject matter. He's an artist, educator, writer and environmentalist and while the Internet has helped to make the world a smaller place, it's going to be even better to catch up to him for dinner!

If you're in Florida, head over to Fotofusion 2016. More information is just a click away!

Intro by Skip Cohen

Last week I shared one of my favorite images of Ossian's, and here's another one. But, with today's image comes an encouraging story about an area of Argentina that's reversed a trend we so often hear about with the environment. Ibera, once an area with wildlife on the decline, is now thriving, and has become one Ossian's favorite places to capture the interaction between the natural "residents", the animals. 
 
Ossian is coming to the U.S. next week and will be speaking at B&H in New York on January 19 and teaching at Foto Fusion in Florida just a few days later.

He's a remarkable artist, educator and as he reminds us in today's post, a passionate environmentalist. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your network and get to know Ossian personally!

​Just click on the links above for more information.

by Ossian Lindholm

As a nature photographer, every now and then there's a moment that stops you in your tracks and makes you think about our relationship with the animals and our environment. 

I was walking in Ibera, which is a huge wetland area located in the East of Argentina. I had a 150-500 mm telephoto lens with me, but no real agenda. I was just looking for some unique photo opportunities.  Ibera is one of my favorite places to observe wildlife in Argentina. It's an example of how tourism can work with the community to recover an environment.  I try and visit Ibera as often as I can. 

Here's why it's become so special. The story of Ibera began 15 years ago when gaming and fishing were forbidden and poaching controlled by the police.  Today the area is a paradise for photographers and nature observers. Ibera has become an economic success as well. There's a strong business in tourism with new hotels and restaurants. Most important of all the hunters of yesteryear are now guides and teachers of future young leaders. 

But the most interesting thing happened when the animals no longer felt threatened by man - they stopped looking at us as enemies. They no longer run away from human presence. They're comfortable around people and simply go about their natural activities. Today, they look at visitors almost like this Marsh deer looks at the Cattle Tyrant, just another member of the wildlife community.

Intro by Skip Cohen

This might well be one of my most favorite images of Ossian's, but the message is even better. As one of Argentina's leading environmentalists he takes his relationship with nature, the outdoors and wildlife, very seriously. His work is always stunning.

Now imagine shooting side by side with Ossian on a trip to Argentina. Imagine what you'll learn in terms of not only your skill set, but the way you push the creative envelope. And, if you're not headed on one of Travel Vision Journeys' upcoming trips, Ossian will be speaking at B&H in New York on January 19 and teaching at Foto Fusion in Florida just a few days later.

He's a remarkable artist and terrific educator. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your network and get to know Ossian personally! Just click on the links above for more information.

Every day there's another story written about the importance of preservation of various species of animals and their environment. Then, there are videos, new stories and programs so many of us just take for granted, not because we don't care but because it's old news. 

I'm convinced that as outdoor/wildlife photographers each of us has a responsibility to capture outstanding images and then share them with the world.  Our passion and dedication is a link between nature and the modern world. We show people living in cities what happens in nature beyond their daily routine. Even for those who love nature and spend time outdoors, our photographs help them to understand the environment and often arouses the curiosity to know more.

This is one of my favorite images. It's not an easy shot to get. Images like this often require hours spent simply being uncomfortable and waiting. It might take a lot of time just to get one good image. For this image I stood for hours in the freezing and muddy waters of Laguna Grande located in the Andes of Northwest Argentina, altitude at 12,900 ft. In the image you see a mother Flamingo feeding one of her chicks. The species is called Jame's Flamingo and every summer 15,000 of them come here to nest.

Most of these blog posts have been tips on technique to help you with your skill set, but today's is a little different. It's about two very special ingredients in your photography, having patience and never compromising on the quality of your images. 

Do your best to take your time and look for that decisive moment. Then, when you have images you're proud of don't be afraid to share them.

​Every great wildlife image has the potential to make a difference!

For the last twenty years there's been a very special event taking place in Florida every year, FOTOfusion! Just click on the banner above for more information, the class schedule and the complete listing of events and this year's speakers.

FOTOfusion is a very different kind of event, in fact, the word "festival" is perfect. It's a celebration and attended by some of the most recognized artists in photography today.  And, as the list on the right demonstrates, there's no shortage of activities to help you feed your passion for imaging.

It's been a few years since I got over to the east coast of Florida for the event, but this year I'll be there along with a very special instructor, Ossian Lindholm. I've shared a lot of Ossian's image and tips here on the SCU site and while we've talked on the phone many times, we've never actually met face to face. Our friendship is a prime example of how social media and the Internet has made the world a smaller space.

Ossian is teaching a class on Thursday, January 21: The Art of Wildlife and Conservation Photography

"Learn about wildlife, conservation and outdoor photography from renowned Argentinian nature photographer and documentary filmmaker Ossian Lindholm. In this inspiring and educational seminar, Lindholm will discuss the complex process behind his 40 years of breathtaking wildlife photographs. Learn how to get to know your subject, capture wildlife in their natural environment, the best places to find animals; the importance of respecting wildlife and wildlife ethics."

Also attending the event will be Lauren Hefferon, founder of Ciclismo Classico and Travel Vision Journeys. In addition to being one of the industry's leaders in award-winning travel, she's a talented photographer in her own right.

And, if you can't make it to FOTOfusion to meet Ossian, he'll be speaking at B&H in New York, January 18. Here's the link for more information.

What a way to kick off the new year!

I recently added a Panasonic Lumix LX100 to my gear. It means a lot to me that it looks like a Leica, because my first photography teacher, when I was 14 years old, had a Leica. So much of the gear we choose in our careers or hobbies are based on aspiring to do something the way we were first taught.

Although the Lumix looked tiny next to a DSLR, it's loaded with features that deserved my full respect. Right from the beginning I decided to treat it as a professional camera and put it to the same tests I'd do with any DSLR. So, I set it up for shooting raw files and doing everything in manual mode. I wanted the same control I'm used to with my other camera gear.
 
While the instruction manual is loaded with great content, nothing beats hands on experience. At first I started taking photos of simple situations. I wanted to get used to the controls, so when on a tour I'd have no hesitation in knowing how I wanted to get a particular shot. The more I got used to the camera, the more excited I got over the results.

I pride myself on images that are different. I am not a postcard photographer and love to show the drama in nature.
I especially like to challenge the light.  If a camera does not allow me to play that game, then it's of no use to me. Well this little camera has never disappointed me and the results have been one outstanding image after another. 

Here are three situations of what I call extreme light.  The first two were taken during our Vision and Vines tour in Northwest Argentina. The third one in Chile. 

The first one is in Salinas Grandes during sunset and while it looks like a grab shot, I wanted to test the camera in a difficult lighting situation. Notice the way it still picked up a little detail on the photographers themselves along with a rich sky and terrific contrast in the clouds.
 
The second one is in Cachi during sunrise, here you can see the excellent Dynamic Range of this camera. Its not an HDR photo and picked up a solid exposure from the foreground to the mountains farthest away.

The third one is a sunrise in Chiloe island. Notice the details in the less illuminated components of the image. The camera never disappoints me.

No one camera can do it all, but one of the things I enjoy the most is outstanding quality at a fraction of the weight and bulk of the rest of my gear. As a landscape, fine art and travel photographer I spend a lot of time hiking to a wide variety of points of interest. The FX100 is fast becoming one my most favorite and valuable tools to capture images that reflect my love for the landscape and tell my story as an environmentalist.