In The Rhythm

GRAND TETON PHOTO WORKSHOP

2011-09-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

~~Only one spot left for what may be the best Teton Photo Workshop ever!~~ FILLED!

Several years ago I photographed this mother grizzly and her triplets.

This year one of her daughters had twins. (image below) And if that wasn't enough, the original mother had triplets again! During the summer the daughter adopted one of her mothers cubs. Now the daughter has 3 cubs and the mother has 2 cubs.
If that's confusing join me in the Tetons to learn more CLICK HERE!

So there you have it! This could be one of the best fall shoots in years.
2 mama grizzlies with 5 cubs, , moose, eagles, osprey, beavers, otters, elk, bison, pronghorn, and the best fall colors in the Rockies.

Grand Teton Summer

2011-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

So I tried a summer shoot in a popular National Park, the Grand Tetons. Wow! I loved the new opportunities for different photos. Snow on the peaks, water everywhere, including this seasonal pond of which I have never seen wet. It only has water after above normal winters. But there were more people, too!

I came to this pond to find a wildflower shot with Mt. Moran. I couldn't find a great shot of wildflowers so I started to hike around the pond for a different view. I was startled as I made my way through the thick willows and two large bull moose jumped up from their nap. They didn't move far so I backed off and waited for them to show themselves. I was able to photograph them for 2 hours before another photographer found me and MY moose. A cell phone call and a few minutes later the calvary arrived.

Great News!

2010-07-29T16:55:00.001-07:00

Waiting for Wisdom

This Saturday, July 31 is the Wildflower Festival at Kirkwood. You've heard me rave about it before. This is the only outdoor show we do and we have a blast!

• Music
• BBQ
• Wine and Beer tasting
• Guided Hikes
• Ride the chair lift
and of course, lots of art! Including my newest images of an owl nest that you won't want to miss. And more large cloth panels to delight your visual senses.
NOON to 5 PM Kirkwood California
See you there!

Badgers

More good news!

I'm heading up a Wildlife Photography Workshop in the Grand Tetons this fall. (see side bar)

I'll be the workshop leader for Nikonians Academy and look forward to many new adventures. Hope you'll join in.

Our MarchTour to Costa Rica is reserved for photographers though Nikonians and we are in the planning stages for Africa next May.

The two tours to Costa Rica in February still have seats available so let us know if you are interested.

Costa Rica Book

2010-05-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Great News! I just published a book on Costa Rica. It was designed by my talented friend, Suzanne, at Picturia Press. She's terrific and can help you with your own personal book, trips, weddings, etc.. I'll post more about her later. For now, I am excited to have you to see my book and leave a comment.
Thanks, Jim

Click on the book preview below.
When you turn a page it might take a while to load the images, relax and enjoy.

Costa Rica

By Jim Stamates

Book Preview

One Click!

2010-04-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

One Click! is inspired by two colleagues, Dewitt Jones and Moose Peterson. Dewitt sends an email once a week titled "Celebrate What's Right With The World" and Moose is now blogging a "Simple Click". I'd been thinking for a long time on doing something similar but it hadn't clicked.

So what is One Click!? Inspired by Dewitt, I will be emailing one photo to anyone who wants to receive it. I will be including some words of wisdom with each One Click! Here's a sample:

Some days you just have to say UGH!

Okay, this one is comical and has been Photoshopped. They really don't have orange tongues and in the original photo the mouth was closed. I am not going to use this as a One Click! and I am going to try to keep the images to 'real' photos. I just couldn't resist sharing this one.

So, if you want to receive a One Click! in your email to brighten your day, just send me an email with ADD One Click! in the subject. If you are already on my email list you will be getting them starting April 5.

Here's another sample:

...and all the world will smile, too.

Hummers and more

2010-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

from Costa Rica log 1/31 Sun...

...Slept in, 7 am, Kathy gets up at 8, we have breakfast, they find her decaf coffee which she left at the table yesterday morning. Very hard to find decaf at restaurants in Costa Rica so she has to bring our own to breakfast.

Off to Braulio Carrillo NP to look for hummingbirds at a closed butterfly garden not far from the entry. We meet Miguel, he just started a guide company, Agouti Tours? We will hike with him manana. He tells us of Bat Falcons near Toro bridge. But first we must find the hummingbird place that has become very popular for snowcap and the black-capped coquette. We find it and the snowcap but no coquette. Probably too late in the day.

Photos of hummers here are difficult because flowers are everywhere and the hummers dart from one to another in no particular order. I don't set up hummingbird shots with multiple flash, bait, or backdrops. I enjoy the challenge and skill of shooting on the fly. I don't get as many keepers but it sure is fun!

Hiked around and found some leaf-cutter ants to photograph. Did you know that they don't eat the leaves? They mulch them up and use them to grow fungi (mushrooms of sorts) and eat them.

Can you believe that! They cultivate a farm, and grow their own food!

Found the bat falcons, got some lousy pics, bad lighting. This one had just finished eating another bird. You can see the legs dangling from the left talons.

We had our lunch at El Yugo. Went for snack, turned out to be a big snack so dinner should be light. El Yugo is right at the bottom of the hill coming east from San Jose. It is a cafeteria and has a great selection of typical foods. Naturally the universal law works in Costa Rica, too. Eyes bigger than stomach...

To learn how you can join Adventure Costa Rica 2011, email here!

Tres Lagos

2010-03-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

excerpted from Costa Rica Log 1/29/2010...
...at Ara Ambigua, we enjoyed an open air breakfast watching birds from our table. After breakfast and a short walk we returned to our room for a nap, attempting to get into the rhythm of Costa Rica. I woke abruptly when a housekeeper came into the room. I was laying atop the bed in nothing but my Exofficio Give-n-Go™ Briefs! Nice.

After I recovered from the embarrassment we drove to Lapa Verde refugio, (5 clicks from Ara Ambigua at Chilamate) met Oscar Lopez. Lapa Verde is a 650 hectare private reserve. A very important project to increase the corridor needed for the endangered Green Macaw. We chatted and I took the above photo of Oscar holding a leaf filled with moth caterpillars.

We returned to the lagos where the Egrets and Little Blue Herons were coming to roost. This heron on a palm made a rather interesting subject so I made several images as howler monkeys told me of their displeasure of our presence. Then as the light was fading, we returned to the lodge for dinner.

Costa Rica 2010

2010-03-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

My initial in flight. This is a Frigate bird that just caught an eel. It couldn't quite get it down and eventually dropped it into the ocean where it was sought after by a brown pelican. Not sure if the pelican retrieved the eel.

This one's a little gross. We came across this iguana eating a dead parrot. It would grab the bird and shake it violently until a piece tore off. After the iguana had its share a black vulture took its turn.

The Jabiru Stork is the tallest bird in the Americas with males standing up to 5 feet! They are endangered in Costa Rica and consequently hard to find. This one was at Palo Verde National Park.

Costa Rica 2010 has been a real trip. 56 adventurous days. I am going to try and recap from my log some of the highlights with photos in the coming weeks. Writing this from the first good internet connection since we arrived. Now, only a few days left until we return to the office.

Stay tuned for some exciting stories and incredible images and tips if you plan to visit.

BEST OF 2009

2010-01-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Here we go again, the best of another year. Thanks to colleague Jim M. Goldstien HERE who has inspired many photographers to look over their past year's images and pick their favorite.

Here's mine.

Here is one of my all time favorite of the year. The look of anticipation on the young osprey as the parent brings a fresh trout back to the nest. This happened just a few moments after I set up my camera.

This guy had just rose after sitting for quite some time. He did a lip curl to check on a nearby female and as he raised his head I shot. Great expression!

What I like about this image is the reflection of the third bison.

I'd been wanting to photograph the beavers at Schwabacher Landing for years but was always distracted by other opportunities at Teton National Park. 2009 gave me this image.

Right time, right place. I was watching the morning mist rise off the water when out of the trees came a group of Mule Deer. I quickly grabbed my gear and made several images before they moved into the trees on the opposite bank.

Autumn leaves were floating down the creek and over this small rapid. I used a slow shutter speed to get the yellow blur under the water.

PURPLE HAZE

A rufous hummingbird feeds on thistle.

Another fallen leaf swirls down stream.

This wild mustang stood his ground while the rest of his group fed nearby. He watched me for 20 minutes before moving on.

I don't get much chance to photograph red leaves in fall as most of the trees near Tahoe are aspen. On a visit to Utah I found this wonderful scene.

Playing around with macro after a rain. Some of the best examples of water tension are found on lupine leaves. If you look close you can see me giving the peace sign in the reflection.

and finally...on the way to photograph a pileated woodpecker nest I found this image of Emerald Bay. An amazing morning.

Well, there they are. Maybe not my best of 2009 but my favorites. I hope you enjoy them.

Another Year? Are you sure?

2009-12-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

Here we are spinning in circles in an endless sea of milk. Yep. Just this little ole' planet amongst googols of other planets, stars, and other stuff. Like a tiny particle of matter surrounded by somethingness.

We measure times around the Sun by celebrating the last moments of December 31st as it moves into the first moments of January 1st. One more of our Earth years has passed, another begins. It doesn't matter that we will soon call it 2010, we're way off. That's just a number we can fit on our checks.

There is no next year, no end of one year and the beginning of another. It is a continuum. A gradual transition from what it was, to what it is, to what it shall be.

I suppose if you were to start a new year it would be on the winter equinox, when daylight hours have gotten to their shortest and begin to get longer. Or maybe the 'new' year starts at the summer equinox. Doesn't really matter, as long as we get a day off!

HAPPY DAY OFF!

Whether you decide to begin a new year or just keep riding. Treat everyone kindly. Give, give, and give some more, and don't tell anyone you gave. Enjoy every moment, live like it is your last trip around the sun.

The future is so bright we all gotta wear shades.

Merry Christmas Happy New Year!

2009-12-22T10:20:00.001-08:00

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope you enjoy this holiday season with family and friends.

Slow down, the rush is almost over.

Get into the Rhythm of the Holidays, smile, stay safe, do a random act of kindness with no expectations.

Arctic Adventures

2009-11-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

Recently I received another email showing the polar bears playing with sled dogs near Churchill, Canada. Many friends and fans have sent me this email over the years as I, too, have photographed polar bears. What many don't know is that I also photographed the sled dogs with the polar bears.

I shared coffee with the owner of the dogs while we warmed up in the pick-up truck I had borrowed. He asked me to look out for bears while he fed his dogs. He took a large block of frozen salmon from the back of his truck and proceeded to hack it up with an axe.

I wondered what he was doing as he tossed the first few large hunks in the opposite direction of the dogs. In a matter of minutes a polar bear showed up and began feeding on the distraction. Then he fed his dogs knowing that the polar bear would be busy eating the treat he left for it. The amazing part was how the dogs just swallowed the frozen hunk of salmon without chewing it.

Polar bears are known to be curious and this guy was no exception. He rose up on the tailgate to check out the rope that was in the bed of our truck. I grabbed a shot through the rear window as my photographer friend put the gear shift in neutral. The bear found the rope interesting, grabbed it with his teeth, and started pulling on it. The truck moved as the bear pulled on the rope. It was no strain for the bear, he pulled the truck without effort. The truck was like a little toy for him to play with. We weren't exactly thrilled to be in the polar bear's toy so we started the engine and the bear dropped down. Luckily the bear lost interest in us rather quickly.

Kissing a rock

2009-10-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

On our last adventure we found ourselves at the City of Rocks in Idaho. Got there after dark, found a camp spot, and settled in. The next day we explored the area and found an arch. I couldn't actually get under the arch but I did manage to stick my camera under it and click a shot. To my surprise I found another arch hidden within. I made more photographs and came up with this interesting view. Looks like a rock figure kissing another rock. Let me know if you see it or if I'm stretching my vision.

Tonight's Presentation

2009-10-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Just in case you haven't heard. Tonight I will be presenting my newest version of the Theory of Rhythms at LTCC - Duke Theater - 7 PM.

A fun time will be had by all. Help support local art. Please attend if you are in Tahoe.

See you there.

On the Road Again

2009-09-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hello from Grand Teton National Park. It has been way too hot but tomorrow they say we might get snow. That is good as it will keep the wildlife active. Only problem, I will want to sleep in. I have lots of new images to share and will be posting them soon. Hope you enjoy the first two, here...

Just a quick post to let you know that I will be giving my "Theory of Rhythms" presentation at the Duke Theater at Lake Tahoe Community College on Monday Oct 12th at 7 PM.

It's free and is part of the Tahoe Art League's Art Expo Tahoe.

On Oct 14 and 15 I will be showing my work at the Edgewood. I'll post more when I return to Tahoe in about a week.

Thanks for looking.

End of Season

2009-09-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a great summer even though the weather was not as consistent as usual. During the summer I made a few new images and showed my work at a couple of different places. The image above was a Lucky Break. I was on my way to photograph a pileated woodpecker nest on the west shore and I was a little disappointed when I woke to find heavy cloud cover. I wanted the woodpecker nest in early morning light but I decided to go anyway.

I got excited as I approached Emerald Bay as the sun broke through the thick clouds and god rays were hitting the lake. When I made the turn around Devil's Slide I caught a glimpse of the bay and the clouds reflecting on mirror like water. Quickly I pulled into a turnout, set up my tripod, made a few images, then continued on to find the pileated. When I edited my images from the days shoot, this image popped off the screen. What a Lucky Break!

Oh, by the way, here's a photo of the pileated at the nest:

Another day in the Rhythm.

Hummers are back!

2009-08-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

You may remember that last year I photographed dozens of rufous hummingbirds feeding on thistle that had come up after the big Tahoe fire. I was wondering if they would return this year along with the thistle. Well they have! What a treat. Dozens of little hummingbirds protecting their small territory among the patches of thistle.

Lots of other stuff is going on in the burn area; houses being built. the fireweed is in full display, a red-shouldered hawk is working the area, tons of different wildflowers have sprouted up. All in all, a great place to see how nature rebounds.

If you want to know exactly where the hummers are, shoot me an email. It is really something to experience.

If you would like to attend a "Workshop by the Day" to see and photograph hummingbirds, improve your skills, and learn lots of stuff about photography and nature, let me know.

Wildflowers!

2009-08-07T20:15:00.001-07:00

The Wildflower Festival at Kirkwood was a huge success! Plenty of cold brews, wine, and food. We met new friends and fans, many are now collectors of The Jim Stamates Collection! Yea!

I showed a new application with the addition of a 3 panel PhotoCoth. You can see it in the photo above. 3 panels make up a large 4 foot by 6 foot image of Round Top and Wildflowers.

This is the perfect solution for large walls in a great room or for commercial installations. And it is affordable. Any image from the collection can be made into 3, 4, or 5 panels at any size.

I also introduced 6 new images including a couple of my impressionistic style photos that are made in camera. No Photoshop. 5 of the new images sold! I am really excited about that.

If you are in Tahoe this weekend I will be at the Showcase Gallery this Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. Stop by and say hi.

This is one of my new impressionistic images; The Tree

There are a couple of new things happening at In The Rhythm™ Tours and Workshops. You may have noticed in the Event column above the "Workshop by the Day". You'll be hearing more of that very soon. We think it will be way cool, and very popular.

Also, if you are interested in Costa Rica February 2010, let me know soon, the first tour is filling fast and there is still room in the second tour.

New Gallery

2009-07-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have just joined a new gallery in South Lake Tahoe. So hop on over to the Ski Run Center on Hwy 50 and Ski Run Blvd, behind the Red Hut Cafe. Stop on by and be sure to say hi to Robin at the Red Hut. You'll find her at the new ice cream parlor or in the gift shop. And if you haven't had a waffle at the Red Hut, you're in for a treat.

Now, back to the gallery. It is run by the Tahoe Art League and is open limited hours. Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays 10 am to 3 pm. Sometimes I'm even there and if you want, just give me a call and I can meet you there anytime, even Tuesdays.

Photo Walk, New Blog, and more.

2009-07-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I've blogged but I am sure that is going to change. Lots of stuff has been happening at In The Rhythm™ and I am anxious to share it with you. Lots of new images, techniques, and adventure stories.

Today was Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk. I was the leader again in South Lake Tahoe and I will be reporting on it in the next few days. We had 33 enthused photographers of all levels making hundreds of great images. The dawn patrol, 14 die hard enthusiasts, met a 5:15 am! Wow! I am impressed. More on that later.

My friend, Lynette Sheppard, has a new blog, The Digital Diva. Very cool. All about images you can create with the iPhone using different apps, and more. Check it out here.

Spring in the Sierra's

2009-04-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know some of you have been enjoying spring for some time now. Flowers blooming,birds chirping, walking around in shorts. Well, spring comes a little later in the sierra's. We still have snow on the ground and even though we have our occasional warm days in the 50's, it still snows now and then and the overnight temps are usually below freezing.

Our closest hint of spring is in Nevada, just 20 minutes over Luther Pass. A good place to get warm, okay, not warm but warmer.

Lately we've been counting sage grouse in Nevada. That's fun. Early morning at the lek will sometimes provide photo opps.

This one came close enough to get some intimate photos of him displaying, trying to attract a female.

Nearby we've found this Great Horned Owl nest with newly hatched young

At a small wetland lake we found my old friends, the American White Pelican. Spent the night and watched them lift in the morning. What a site to see them riding the thermals, climbing higher and higher, until they can glide a hundred miles without flapping a wing.

Camera Packs and Cases

2009-02-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

For about 20 years I used a custom made camera backpack with internal frame. In the field I could easily carry 45#s of gear all day long. A backpack works great for getting you to the spot you want to photograph at, but if you move around a lot, you have to have a photo vest to put extra lenses, strobe, and accesories in for easy access. If you are in one spot, working out of the backpack works fine.

However, if you move around a lot, especially in hot weather, the system doesn't work well at all as I learned on a trip to Costa Rica. I dehydrated twice due to the heat and humidity in the rain forest while photographing using my photo vest and camera backpack. Something had to change!

Think Tank Photo to the rescue!

I needed a new system that would be easier to use in the field and still get me out there in comfort. I needed something that would also be cooler in the rain forest and give me the flexibility to move around in the jungle. I didn't want to wear a photo vest or anything that would keep me too hot. The only solution I could find was a belt system. I had seen them before at trade shows but at the time wasn't convinced they would satisfy my needs. So I researched belt systems again. There are several on the market and after much research and comparison I decided on Think Tank's Pro Speed Belt with several different modular components to hold lenses, camera, strobe, and accessories.

Think Tank Photo is owned by four working photojournalists. All their products are designed and tested by them and 12 other working photographers that make up their design board. They seemed to know what they were doing so I decided to give them a try.

When I received my new system I was instantly impressed with the quality and design. After using it for 2 months in Costa Rica I was completely sold! Think Tank had done their homework. Their belt system worked perfectly, kept me cool, and kept the weight off my shoulders. I was able to customize my system by using the pouches I need for my equipment and style of shooting. Changing a lens in the field was as easy as I've ever done. The pouches open and close easily and are right there when needed.

I still use a backpack if needed, but I always have my belt system on as well.

Think Tank Photo also has many other products including backpacks that are airport compatible, laptop cases, shoulder bags (shown above), and belt packs. You don't have to be a pro to use them but you'll feel like a pro when you do.

Special Offer from Think Tank Photo for my blog readers:

Receive a FREE bag with any order of $50 or more. Click on any Think Tank link on this blog and it will take you to my affiliate page. You must use the link to get to the right page.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Relationships

2009-01-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is a recent article I wrote for my web site host, ifp3.com

Relationships
By Jim Stamates copyright 2009

There are two parts of photography; the mechanics, how to use the equipment to get the desired results, and the desired results…Jim Stamates

Many relationships exist in photography. The relationship between color or shades of gray, between light and shadow, between focus and out of focus, between the primary and secondary motifs, between the image and the viewer of the image.

There is also the relationship between a photographer and his/her equipment. That relationship should be seamless, automatic. Like driving a car, do you think about it? Not usually, we step on the gas to go, the brakes to slow down or stop, turn the wheel to go left or right. We do it all without consciously thinking. We must strive to work our camera equipment the same way. All the cameras, lenses, strobes, and gadgets are just tools to help us say something. No different than an artist’s brush or a poet’s pen.

(Here’s a tip: Use your camera every day until you can adjust exposure, depth-of-field, shutter speed, change lenses, ISO, memory card, etc. all without thinking or looking at your camera, and then continue to use your camera every day)

But the most important relationship is between the photographer and the subject.

How many photographs have you seen of the same subject that looked similar but were made by different photographers? Usually one stands out among the many. One that moved you, that inspired you, that touched you. Only one out of the many may be memorable. That is what we strive to do. Make images that are memorable and touch the viewer. To do this we must collaborate with the subject.

Many times the artist tries to control the subject, portraying it from the artist’s point-of-view only and not considering the subject and how it might like to be portrayed. This may result in mediocrity because the artist is not using everything available to make the greatest image possible.

Take any great portrait or wedding photographer for an example. They don’t just walk into the studio or show up on the wedding day and start shooting. They develop a rapport with their subject. They get to know their subject personally, intimately and sometimes even spritually. A connection between the artist and the subject is developed. Then, as the shutter clicks, magic happens. The result is an image that transcends the two-dimensional print into a brilliant work of art.

This works in nature, too. It works with landscapes, wildlife, people, architecture, everything we photograph. Get to know your subject intimately. Relax, get into the rhythm of your subject, look at it from other perspectives including the subjects, and then add a touch of your own experiences to give the image your personal style.

Every photographer and artist has experienced that moment when everything works perfectly. It is something we feel but have a hard time explaining in words. It is like becoming one with our subject. We are in sync, in harmony, in the rhythm. You know when it happens; you know you have great images even before you see the results. It’s magical and symbiotic.

This is the most important part of our photography, the relationship between our subject and us.

Our experiences should not control our art, but influence it. Leave pre-conception at home. Allow yourself to see for the first time. Listen to what your subject is telling you. What it wants to tell the world. It’s there. Hear it, feel it, see it, Shoot it!

My Top 10 Images of 2008

2009-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

"Pick your top ten images of 2008" was the challenge I found at a colleauge's blog, Jim M. Goldstein. What a great idea!

As I edit each shoot during the year I pick either what I think is best for the project, or what my client or editor requested. Many times those aren't necessarily my favorites. By the end of the year I forget about some of my more creative moments.

My first cut ended up at 63 images, then I whittled it down to 40, 20, 15, and 12. Sorry, I just couldn't cut out 2 more. Well, I could, but I really wanted them included.

The images are in no particular order. I had a hard enough time choosing these twelve, I just couldn't pick my absolute favorite.

If you would like to choose your favorite, or your least favorite, add a comment at the end of the post, or send me an email. Thanks. I'll be posting some of the runner ups on my web site this month.

At the end of this post is a challenge for you so be sure to read the end.

LEAP OF FAITH

I just love this one. The position of the two front paws, just about to pounce on lunch. The tail pointing up and the intent look on the face. But what I like the most is the texture of the tall dry grasses. Okay, this might be my favorite.

FOREST IMPRESSIONS

I started messing with impressionism, first with 'Just Water' then taking it a step further with scenes of nature. You'll find I picked several as my top 12.

SCENT OF A WOMAN

Bison at Yellowstone National park. Lip curl, lots of action, and another of my favorite shots.

WILLOW ABSTRACT

Early this year I started to photograph my new series, "Just Water". Later on I took it further by making Abstract Impressionism images by using slow shutter speeds and moving the camera. Lots of images, lots of good ones and a whole lot that just didn't work.

FIRST GLANCE

As many of you know, I love to photograph moose. They are only trumped by being in close proximity to bears. Watching their habits during the rut gives hours of natural viewing pleasure. It appears that the bull moose is going to choose its mate. But as we all know, the female makes the final choice.

ILLUSIONS AT MIRROR LAKE

A tranquil setting at an over photographed spot in Yosemite NP.
Chaos transforms into serenity.

COW PARSNIP
I used this image in an article on relationships. The most important relationship for a photographer is his/her relationship to the subject. The more you get to know your subject the more it will reveal itself to you. After many years of photographing cow parsnips, I finally got to know this one intimately.

FLUID AUTUMN

Another of the abstract impressionism series. This one is a small section of an image of Taylor Creek with fall color reflections and a leaf floating by.

LAST RUN
You may have seen my "In The Rhythm of Kokanee" slide show. This image is from that project. The movement of the water flowing over the kokanee as it makes it's final attempt to the spawning area.

FAMILY PORTRAIT
Look at the position of the paws on mama bear. Can you believe that? And the expressions on their faces? This is really being in the rhythm. Mama and her two cubs just hung around for a couple of hours, not bothered by me at all. I gave them plenty of space and when they were good and ready, they moved into the adjacent forest to search for food and another place to rest.

EMERGENCE
The sun peeked out from under the morning clouds lighting the Teton range and kissing the bottom of a passing storm.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE 'BEST OF 2009'

This exercise helped me realize I accomplished more than I thought I did and it made me feel much better about this past year. So why not do this for other parts of our lives? This has been a challenging year, but if we look back at our personal lives we will find many positive events.

So here is the challenge: List all the positive events this past year that have touched you personally. Not just the vacation you took, but what was the best part? Did you ride a roller coaster that you thought you'd never ride? Did you meet someone new that enriched your life or read a book that gave you a different perspective? You'll feel a whole lot better about 2008 when you have your own "Best of 2008" Good luck, and let me know how it goes.

What if...Reflections for a New Year

2008-12-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

By now I thought I'd be up to my usual antics, except my neck would be stuck in a forward position. Well, I was right on one point. I'm sitting here typing with a neck brace, 24/7, in place. What I didn't expect was the 'ups and downs' in mood and pain. Pain is somewhat controllable with the help of magic pills, but the mood is another story.

I've always attempted to keep a positive thought on what ever adversity fell across my path. Don't get me wrong. I have my normal ups and downs like everyone else and no matter what kind of positive spin I try to put on it, I get the blues.

These blues are different. I have way too much time on my hands to think about the decisions I've made throughout my life and the decisions I need to make for the rest of my life. What if... The proverbial question that has no answer only an endless series of options that lead to scenarios with more What ifs?

In my marketing lectures I use the Redwood tree as the symbol for our life's path. We stand at the bottom of the giant redwood, looking up, we can't see the top, but we know it is there. The top represents our goal in life, our passion.

We start to climb the giant redwood and on our way to the top we see what appears to be a short cut. So we take a right and climb out on a limb. Sometimes we spend the rest of our lives on this limb. It is a good limb. Not the branch that gets us to our passion, but a nice safe place to be. Other times we realize the limb is just a distraction and we make our way back to the trunk of the giant redwood and continue our quest to the top. Oops, another opportunity, distraction, short-cut, and we venture off.

Some people continue to the top. Some don't. Some wish they continued and spend their life regretting not finishing their journey. Some accept their decision and are happy and content right where they are. After all, there has to be branches. This is their journey, and they accept it. Maybe, quietly in the back of their mind, once in awhile, they think about what if?

Today marks another birthday for planet Earth. We have birthdays, too. We count birthdays by how many trips around the sun we have made. Today and sometimes on our birthdays, we reflect on our lives. Our past, our future. How close have we come to the top of the giant redwood? How satisfied are we on our path? What if...we took a left instead of the right, where would that have led us? What if...we continued to climb to the top?

Today we make resolutions to improve our journey, then we settle back into the 'comfort zone', resolutions cast aside. Dreams put on hold. What if...

Plans Change

2008-12-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, our Adventure Costa Rica tours for 2009 have been canceled due to personal health issues. Jim had neck surgery on December 10th that will prevent him from traveling out of country until late next year. We apologize to all of you who planned to join us. I am so grateful that those who booked are taking it so well and have committed to our 2010 tours. Thank you! and thank you for all your concerns and positive thoughts.

On a more positive note we were able to enjoy a couple of days at the Sacramento NWR during Thanksgiving weekend. All we can say is, awesome! Great weather, plenty of birds and other wildlife, and lots of great photos.

1 million snow geese migrate from the arctic to winter in Sac NWR! ONE MILLION! Plus other ducks, geese, cranes, hawks, eagles, and owls. There is a 6 mile auto tour that circles part of the refuge that grants plenty of birding and photography opportunities.

If you are traveling I-5 near Williams follow the signs and make the time to take the self-guided auto-tour. And if you have never been to Granzella's Deli in Williams, you are missing a lot of fun and great food! We always make it a 'must stop' every time we are passing by.

Since Jim's surgery was at UC Davis Med Ctr in Sac and very early in the morning, we decided to leave the day before. Jim has always wanted to visit Effie Yeaw Nature Center along the American River. With just his point and shoot and only a couple of hours to spend, we had a ball. If you haven't been there, do it. What a great place, and be sure to stop by the Visitors Center. Lots of deer, turkey, hawks, and plenty of birds. It is a little tricky to get to but check Google maps. It is between Sunrise and Watt off of Fair Oaks.

For now Jim will be recovering and as soon as he has enough energy he will probably be on his laptop posting more blogs. Until then, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Addendum: Today is Dec. 26 and it is the kind of day that makes you remember why you live in snow country. For the last week or so it has been snowing, blowing and just pretty miserable. Today the sky is blue, the snow is deep powder, the trees are flocked with the white stuff and you couldn't ask for a better day. If you live in the Sierra's or are close you must come up. It is awesome! Maybe later we can grab a picture or two and post them.

Safe travels...

In The Rhythm of Moose

2008-11-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

Recently, Kathy and I made our way to our favorite spots in Grand Teton National Park finding great scenics, bears, river otters, osprey, coyote, bison, pronghorn, and elk. But we both knew the trip wouldn't be successful until we spent a fair amount of time with our favorite, the largest of the deer family, Alces alces, the North American Moose.

I don't know about you, but I am fascinated with moose. Many think they are strange looking and ungainly, me, I think they are too cool.

Naturally, when you see an animal in a certain place you go back to the same spot year after year. It's like fishing. You always fish the same hole you caught the 'big one' in. While some animals may just be passing through, moose seem to always hang out in the same habitat at the same time of year.

Off we went to some of the best and most dependable moose habitat in the Rockies. While hiking the game trails that meander through aspens and willows we discussed how sometimes you can be just a few yards from a resting moose and not know it. After a couple of tries we found our friends. A large bull moose and 5 cows. The rut was in full swing and at times the action was intense.

At one point the bull was trying to get the cows attention. It would thrash the willows with its huge antlers. No response. Then it made a wallow by scraping the ground bare with its hooves then urinating to make a mud puddle then laying in it. This got the cows attention and three of them came running.

The bull got up and one cow would rub herself against him while another chased off the third and sat in the wallow herself. This went on for a few moments until one cow meandered off with the bull in hot pursuit, while the other cow sat in the wallow for about 30 minutes.

As dusk fell quietly and quickly, the moose moved to a more secluded place, we cautiously followed keeping a distance that would not intrude on our subjects. Our persistence paid off. Just before dark the moose mounted the cow. We left fully satisfied as the last time we witnessed this was in Alaska many years ago.

The next day we returned to spend more time with the group. As we waited and watched we found ourselves surrounded by all six moose as they rested or munched on the willows. We found ourselves completely surrounded by the Rhythm of Moose.

In The Rhythm of Kokanee?

2008-10-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

I promised I would update on our Rocky Mountain shoot to the Tetons and Yellowstone and I will, but I have other news first!

We returned from the Rockies on Saturday the 11th, and on Sunday we took a short ride to Taylor Creek where the Kokanee spawn at Lake Tahoe. Kokanee are landlocked cousins of the sea-going Sockeye Salmon and were planted by

biologists in 1944. Every year they return to spawn where they were born, Taylor Creek. Almost every year I also return to watch, photograph and hopefully see a bear.

This year it happened! Kathy was the first to see the bear, just 50 feet or so off the paved trail that boarders Taylor Creek. We watched as it approached the trail and as it did others noticed it, too. There must have been a couple of hundred people that came to see the Kokanee and a good many where in the right spot to see the bear.

For this past week I have done little else except go to Taylor Creek in hopes of photographing more bears fishing for the bright red Kokanee. So far I have seen and photographed 3 different bears.

One night, after almost everyone left and it was getting too dark for photographs, Kathy and I decided to take one last walk down the path toward the stream profile chamber. A bear was pulling a Kokanee out of the stream that came from the chamber and was walking in my direction. In a flash, it dropped the fish and started running toward ME! I was only about 50 feet from the bear and before I could say holy 'you know what' the bear jumped up the Aspen that I was standing next to! (you can see the Aspen on the right of the photo, I was on the trail just a few feet from the Aspen) After a moment or two, the bear came down from the tree, stood on its hind legs and sniffed the air, then found the fish it dropped and ate it. We left. What a thrill!

This a very large bear I photographed the night after the 'Thrill',

perhaps this is what scared the other bear! What a fat Bear!

Teton trip results on my next blog... stay tuned.

On The Road

2008-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hello from Jackson Wyoming. We've been on the road now for 14 days and I apologize for not posting to let you know my plans.

Well, I'm going to make this short. We've had a great trip so far. The Tetons are spectacular as always but this year the fall colors seem to be better than ever. Lots of orange and red mixed in with the usual yellow.

The wildlife is active putting on weight for winter. The Elk and Moose are in full rut. Wolves have been spotted in Yellowstone and The Tetons.

More when I return...

Adventure Costa Rica 09

2008-09-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! We are getting closer to our Adventure Costa Rica 09. Yep! Summer is over and I am finalizing the itinerary for two adventures and boy, I am excited! We adjusted our tour to make it even more fun, see more stuff, and maximize our adventure.

We are going to watch a Volcano erupt, weather permitting. See crocodiles, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tarcoles River, swim in liquid gold on Costa Rica's most famous beach, visit a coffee plantation, eat with the locals, hike to waterfalls, watch monkeys play, and see Costa Rica's most sought after birds, the Scarlet Macaw and the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

Of course, I will be there to share my knowledge of photography, Costa Rican travel, and wildlife while Dino, our local bilingual guide, will show us hidden treasures and tell us all about Costa Rican culture. (Dino is one funny guy)

11 day tours;

Tour 1 leaves Feb 14 2009

Tour 2 leaves Feb 28 2009.

Limit 12 Explorers.

Cost: $2350 per person, double occupancy.

Includes everything except flight and alcohol.

Hotels, transportation, meals, tours, park entrance fees, guides, non-alcoholic drinks. Lots of fun and adventure.

For more information, itinerary, application, and to reserve your space email:

info@stamates.com

or call 800.367.5772

Each tour is limited to the first 12 Explorers! Our tours fill fast, don't miss out on an adventure of a lifetime!

It's not a vacation, it's an Adventure!

Here's is what past explorers have said:

Even the travel along the Pan-American Highway felt like an adventure!…Bob ’08

Sunset cruise was phenomenal, every moment of it!…swallows fed, quietly ‘kissing’ their reflection…Sue ’08

As evidenced by how long it took me to get (back) ‘into country’ I’d say it was one fantastic tour, probably even life-changing…Sheryl ’08

I met new people at every stop and came home with many tico acquaintances…Erin ‘08

Hummingbirds and Beetles

2008-09-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

I returned to the area of last years devastating fire here at Tahoe. I had passed by several times since the fire and was amazed at how many houses were being rebuilt in place of those lost, and how quickly they grew out of the ashes.

Nature was also busy mending and rebuilding the forest. First to arrive is the amazing Jewel Beetle that can sense a fire from 50 miles away. Not surprisingly, with this capacity, jewel beetles are the first creatures to move into such an inhospitable environment. Because they are the first arrivals, there are no jewel beetle predators to worry about and they can proliferate in large numbers. The female flies to the still smoldering bark of a tree to lay her eggs.

By the beginning of summer the wildflowers were abundantly popping up from the ash. And what loves wildflowers? Hummingbirds! That's what got me excited as a birding friend told me of a spot where probably 50 rufus hummers were feeding on the thistle!

Off I went, camera in tow, to observe and photograph a very unusual display of nature at it's best. As I made my way up the trail I started to see movement in the air. In a few moments I was surrounded by dozens of little hummers darting from one thistle to the next and chasing each other away from their particular blossom. Then two would come together, just a few inches apart, and climb 100 feet into the air. An incredible site I tried to photograph, but they were way too fast to track consistently. I did manage to get this image.

I returned several times in the next few days and each time was fantastic. The numbers have dropped now, and I suppose they are starting their migration south. Next year I will do more documentation of the rebirth of the forest after the fire.

A short story about a hummingbird:

A giant forest fire broke out, it was so big that all the animals ran to the edge of the forest and watched helpless and in horror as their homes where being destroyed. Except for one little hummingbird. The little hummer flew to the river, picked up a small drop of water, all it could hold in its little beak, and flew to the fire and dropped it on the blaze. Then back to the river for another drop. Relentlessly the hummer took one drop of a water at a time and dropped it on the fire. All the other animals stood around telling the hummingbird that it was wasting it's time. How stupid you are if you think you can make a difference, said the elephant, whose trunk could hold much more water than the tiny hummingbird.

What do you think you are doing, said the animals.

The best I can, replied the hummingbird.

Photo Walk Huge Success

2008-08-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all my new, and some of my old, friends for participating in Saturdays photo walk.

We had a great time at the first ever Scott Kelby's World Wide Photo Walk. Over 240 cities participated, with over 5500 photographers. From basic point-and-shoot to seasoned professionals.

Our group in South Lake Tahoe met early at the Tallac Historic Site. It was a beautiful day with the early morning light making it very difficult to not get great shots!

17 of us quickly dispersed, each one finding their passion. Old cars, windows, historic buildings, and flowers filled the frames. Two hours later we met at Camp Richardson to show off our creativity. The amazing results of so many different eyes are available on Flickr by clicking the title, above.

Enjoy, and I hope you will join us on our next photo walk.

Photo Walk This Saturday!

2008-08-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

First, I want to thank all of you who signed up for the South Lake Tahoe Photo Walk. I am surprised we have so many from our little town that want to join in. What fun we will have.

Everyone, and every camera, is welcome, even if you didn't sign up. Even my Costa Rican friend with his polaroid, in the photo. However, you cannot post your images for a chance to win the Lightroom 2 book unless you sign up. Click the title.

Here are some tips:

• Bring your camera! Any camera will do, point-and-shoot cameras to large format. Although large format is hardly what I would choose for a 'walk'.

• Tripod is optional, bring whatever gear you are comfortable with. The walk will not be that long. I'm not sure how much gear I will bring. Probably too much.

• Be sure your batteries are charged, or new, and bring plenty of memory or film. Anyone still use film?

• Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. Our walk will be mostly flat, but not all paved. If it looks like rain (I doubt it) be prepared. We will walk what ever the weather.

• Bring water and an energy bar if necessary, we will meet at Camp Rich General store after the walk and they have plenty to eat.

• Remember to walk in pairs or in groups - This is a social event. Get to know new people. We’ll definitely see some familiar faces in the group, but it doesn’t hurt to go with someone you don’t know and get to know them.

• If you need help, ask, we should all be available to help each other. I am always available to share my knowledge. Just ask.

• Very important! Please be aware of areas we should not walk into, like flower beds, etc. Be sure to not get in other photographer's shots, unless they want you to. And please be courteous to other people enjoying the area. We do not have exclusive use of the Tallac Site.

• And lastly, HAVE FUN!

Here is a site on Photo Walks that may be helpful by Jeff Revell.

Wisdom Is Where It Finds You

2008-08-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was hiking the high Sierra yesterday, feeling pretty good about myself as I made my way up to 9100 feet, then down to a small pond for lunch at about 8400 feet. I had a Camelback filled with Gatorade, lunch, and my D300 with lens, keeping it light for a day hike with some friends. After lunch, and about 4 miles under our belts, we met another hiker along the trail.

She had an old external frame backpack with patches from various hiking organizations sewed on. A pretty worn out sleeping mat was strapped to the top, and what appeared to be a well used sleeping bag hung from the bottom of her pack. It looked way too big for her small, fragile body.

We got to chatting about how dry the season was, what a beautiful day, where we hiked in from and where we were going, you know, the usual stuff you chat about when meeting someone on the trail. I couldn't help but notice her long braid of gray hair hanging on her left shoulder as we chatted, and the weathered look of a face that had seen many miles. Surely she couldn’t be hiking alone, I thought, but she was. Solo hiking to Showers Lake to spend 3 nights!

I couldn’t help myself, I know the rules, never ask a woman her age, but I also knew the exception to the rule. When women reach a certain age, they tend to brag about it. How many grandchildren they have, how many presidents they voted for, and how many husbands they outlived. They become proud of their age and wear their wisdom in each wrinkle on their face. So I asked. 77, she said without hesitation. Way to go, I returned.

I thought about what she said as I struggled that last mile back to the car. I had asked her how she does it? “I just keep putting one foot in front of the other”, she answered.

Don't forget the Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk August 23. I will be leading the South Lake Tahoe walk. Check the site to join a city near you.

Photo Walk

2008-08-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

For you photo enthusiasts there will be a World Wide Photo Walk on Aug 23. It's Free, Fun, and For everyone! Yours truly will be leading the walk in South Lake Tahoe. If your in the area and want to join, sign up here Lake Tahoe Photo Walk. We will walk and shoot for about 2 hours then meet at a local coffee house to share our fun! For all the information, sponsors, etc. click on the title of this post. If you are not at Lake Tahoe, click on Cities to see if there is one near you.

Join us for this free, social photography event to celebrate the release of the update to the world's bestselling Lightroom book, "The Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers" (and you just might win a copy yourself).

I will be telling you more as we get closer to the date.
See you there!

Wildflowers!

2008-07-27T15:31:00.001-07:00

A great year for wildflowers in the Sierras! Everywhere I go I am there, and I am seeing a profusion of wildflowers. Lupines are at their best in years. Low lupine, tall lupine, lots of lupine. Mules ear are doing great as are tiger lilies, indian paint brush, and all the usual suspects.

Go take a hike and enjoy the wildflowers! Do it now! The dry season will bring an early end to the wildflower season. The higher you go, the better the chances to see lots of flowers. I recently took an early evening hike from Woods Lake to Winnemucca Lake (see photos). I left at 5:30 pm and got back to the car at dark. If you go late, take a flash light (Woods Lake is off Hwy 88 west of Carson Pass).

If you live elsewhere in the country, let me know how your wildflowers are doing.

Have Fun!

Better Sunset Photos

2008-07-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, most of us now have digital cameras. What fun! But you might notice that many digital cameras do not produce great sunset photos. Not like film used to, anyway. Here's why and a tip to help:

There were two types of film, daylight and tungsten. Most of us used daylight film most of the time. At sunset the color temperature rises (measured in Kelvin degrees) and the scene becomes warmer, or more red/orange in color and since the film was balanced for midday, we got great sunsets! Digital is different.

Here’s the problem:
Digital cameras adjust white balance, as well as exposure, to make everything look ‘normal’. This is a great feature if you move from outdoors to indoors, or if you are shooting under a mix of different lighting conditions, like fluorescents, incandescent, and daylight coming in the windows. Most cameras do a good job of balancing the light automatically.

Incandescent, Halogen, and Daylight

Outdoors, when the scene gets warmer, like sunset, the camera adjusts the white balance automatically and takes away the red/orange. At the same time it adjust the exposure and brightens the scene.

Everything set to 'Auto'.

Here’s the solution:
In the menu of most point-and-shoot digital cameras are settings to override the auto features. The first one you want to adjust is the ‘white balance’. Take it off ‘auto’ and set it to ‘daylight’.

White balance set to daylight.

The next one is ‘exposure’. Most cameras have a + or – adjustment. Adjust this to ‘- 1 stop’ then take a picture of the sunset. If it is still too bright, adjust it to ‘- 2 stops’. You can usually adjust this in 1/3 or 1/2 increments. You might have to play with this a little to get the image you like for your particular camera. Once you figure it out, you can set it to ‘your’ setting every time you take a sunset photo.

2-stops under exposure.

NOTE: Remember to return your setting back to ‘auto’ after you take your sunset photo. Most cameras will default to ‘auto’ once the camera is turned off and turned on again.

Try this at home to get used to adjusting the settings before you go on vacation. This way you won’t miss that ‘once in a lifetime’ sunset! Happy shooting!

Talk about sunsets, join us for Adventure Costa Rica!

Happy Interdependence Day!

2008-07-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

I know, a silly play on the past holiday celebrating our independence from King George. However, much has been written on interdependence, including from such leaders as Mahatma Gandhi, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John Muir, to name a few.

The bee and lupine in the photograph above are interdependent. The bee is dependent on the lupine for nectar while the lupine is dependent on the bee to carry the pollen to the next flower. Interdependency is everywhere, from the smallest life form to whole countries. In fact, the whole universe.

About our Independence Day celebration and the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “All men are created equal”, one of the most recognized sayings in American history. Some have claimed it was paraphrased from Philip Mazzei. Either way it was not that great of a statement since we have been trying to rectify it for 232 years!

TJ was not talking about Native Americans, African Americans or even women. He was talking about rich white men that owned property and probably slaves. We have ‘adjusted’ our constitution to include women, minorities, and the handicapped.

What if we just change that simple phrase to read;

“All things are created equally important”!

Whoa! Don’t hang me just yet. Think about it. All things equally important! Let it settle into your brain. Think how we might have eliminated a lot of injustices suffered through the course of American history, even the history of the world! It may not be that far off;

“Spanish Parliament Passes Unprecedented Resolution;

Human Rights for Apes”!

Relationships

2008-07-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

There are two parts of photography. The mechanics, or how to use the equipment to get the desired results, and the desired results. What do you want to say? What does your subject want you to tell?

The relationship between a photographer and his/her equipment should be seamless. Automatic. Like driving a car, do you think about it? Not usually, we step on the gas to go, the brakes to slow down or stop, turn the wheel to go left or right. We do it all without consciously thinking. So we must strive to work our camera equipment the same way. Our equipment are just tools to help us say something. No different than an artist’s brush or a poet’s pen.

There are many other relationships in photography. The relationship between colors, between light and shadow, between focus and out-of-focus, between the primary and secondary motifs, between the art and the viewer of the art.

But the most important relationship is between the artist and the subject.

Many times the artist tries to control the subject, portraying it in the artist’s likeness and not as the subject would like to be portrayed. This may result in an untruth that doesn’t resonate with the audience.

How many photographs have you seen of the same subject that looked similar but were made by different photographers? Maybe one stood out among the many. One that moved you, that inspired you, that touched you. That is what we strive to do, touch the viewer, strike a chord. To do this we must collaborate with the subject.

“What makes us different is our experiences, and what makes our art different is how our personal experiences influence our art.”

Our experiences should not control our art, but influence it. We must allow our subject to tell us how it wants to be portrayed. Leave pre-conception at home. Allow yourself to see for the first time. Listen to what your subject is telling you. What it wants to tell the world. It’s there. Do you hear it? Can you see it?

A moment of silence...

2008-06-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

The world mourns for:

Bo Diddley 79,

Tim Russert 58,

George Carlin 71.

A sad day for music,

A sad day for truth,

A sad day for comedy...

In The Rhythm Part 2

2008-06-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

There are two types of rhythms; natural rhythms and unnatural rhythms, also called artificial rhythms. Natural rhythms are caused by three events;

the Earth spinning on its axes

the Moon circling the Earth

and the Earth and Moon orbiting the Sun.

Those three events control everything that happens in the natural world. Day and night, the tides, the seasons. It tells flowers when to bloom, animals when to mate. It tells birds when to fly south for the winter or north for the summer. Those three events affect everything natural and they are all that is needed for life to continue in harmony on planet Earth.

Unnatural rhythms are created by man. (when I use the term man, I am referring to the human species, although, in the beginning it was probably a male that decided to screw with nature)

Man was not happy being controlled by nature. man wants to control nature. In fact, man wants to control everything, so he invented two things that really messed up our natural rhythms. First he invented the light bulb to keep us up late at night, he then invented the alarm clock to get us up early in the morning. If that doesn’t mess up our natural rhythms, I don’t know what does.

We get up early in the morning before we are completely rested, slamming down a cup of caffeine to get us motivated. We jump into our 250 horsepower SUV and speed to work at a blazing 35 mph on a freeway along with all the other humans attempting to make a better life for their children.

Look at the rhythm of the freeway. All the cars smoothly traveling at the same speed. A mass of metal moving along a path like electrons down a copper wire bringing light to the night.

All of a sudden someone speeds up, changes lanes, and causes a crash. Everything stops! The freeway is jammed! One person out of rhythm has brought the entire mass of rush hour traffic to a complete halt. A change reaction has happened. People late for work, kids late for school, a baby is born in the back seat of a Chevy, possibly where it was conceived 9 months ago.

To be contined…

In The Rhythm of Bears

2008-06-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you are forced into the rhythm whether you are ready for it or not. Friday Kathy and I had lunch with some friends at the local Chinese buffet. After lunch Kathy and I decided to check out Pope marsh for a Coot’s nest and wood ducks. We returned home about an hour and a half later and found a message on the answering machine. It was from our friends, they said that there was a black bear and her two cubs in their yard. I assumed the bears would have left by now as it was over an hour since they left the message (I was not in the rhythm). I went back to work in my office and about a half hour later got a call from Kathy saying our friends said the bear was still in their yard! Okay, this is crazy; bears don’t usually hang around that long. I grabbed my gear and headed to our friends house.

I arrived there in about 15 minutes, went through the front door and into their kitchen. Just 40 feet behind their back door, the bear and her two cubs were resting by a tree. For two and a half hours our friends had been watching the bear and her cubs just hang around, nurse, and rest. (I have now been forced into the rhythm)

I cautiously opened the back door, stepping out I kept one eye on mom while positioning my camera and tripod. She looked at me without concern as I made my first few images. This is too easy, I thought, as I pulled up a deck chair and made myself comfortable, lowering the tripod so I could shoot from the chair. Every time she or the cubs moved into a different position I would press the shutter and make a few more images. Every now and then she would rise up, alert, looking toward the street. Click, Click. Then back down again.

This peaceful session ended abruptly when two neighborhood dogs burst onto the scene barking ferociously. Before they were even in the yard the cubs were up a tree, mom took a little longer as she stood her ground to protect her cubs. When she knew her cubs were safe, and the lead dog was within a few feet, she jumped and in a split second was 15 feet up the tree!

Luckily, the dogs did not stick around and momma came down from the tree within a couple of minutes. The cubs followed and in another couple of minutes I was fortunate to watch and photograph mom nursing her hungry cubs. A first, in Tahoe, for me.

I spent 45 minutes photographing the bears. One of the longest sessions I have had with bears in Tahoe. I will post more photos, soon, on my web site under 'Daily Log.' Check ‘em out.

Of Moonbows and Motion.

2008-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray in,

where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike". ...John Muir

May 19th finds us at Yosemite National Park chased by the full moon and an attempt to photograph moon-bows on Yosemite Falls. It's cold, late, very wet, and crowded at the bridge at lower falls. Last night the moon rose around 10 p.m., tonight it will be much later. But wait! As it gets closer for the moon to rise, a layer of clouds decides to hide the full brightness leaving us with a less than an ideal opportunity. We retreat and decide to try another approach, an attempt from the valley floor. See the image above. Moon-bows on Yosemite Falls, D300 18-mm f3.5 for 15 seconds at 1600 ISO at 11:15 p.m.

Earlier, Kathy spots a bear at the eastern trail to lower Yosemite Fall. It takes me a full two minutes to see it as it blends with the surrounding foliage and my rhythms haven't kicked in yet. Nice to see a bear doing the natural bear thing, digging for grubs and termites in rotting logs and not looking for Snickers in vehicles. We enjoy the bear for about 10 minutes before a couple from Israel show up. We point out the bear and they are excited! Another 10 minutes of Wild America and the shows over.

For the next couple of days I continue to work on my new series, WaterColor, check out the WaterColor gallery on my web site here. (Go to Galleries menu in the upper left corner and click on WaterColor). Here's a couple of samples:

I take a break from my WaterColor series to find myself at Bridalveil Fall around 5 p.m.. The rainbow, or mist-bow, is incredibly bright! The challenge, lots of water spraying on the photographer and his camera. Solution; Zip Lock bag and lens chamois.

Overcast skies greet us on the last day for our hike to Vernal Fall. Overcast turns to rain and by the time we get to Vernal we are in a rainstorm. My spirits are lifted each time I see a person well into their twilight years hiking the steep trail to Vernal Fall, in the rain! If you've never done this hike, it is a climb, especially the last quarter mile which is straight up! And to see so many 'older' folks making the trek gives me hope, as I'm getting 'older' fast.

It clears on the way back to camp, we dry out, and look for more adventures. Snow closes Tioga Pass the day after it opened for the season and our hopes of staying a night at Mono Lake are squelched. All in all, a great time in one of our most spectacular National Parks.

for more images of Yosemite and other recent shoots, see 'Recent Shoots' at www.stamates.com

Getting into the Zone

2008-05-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Friday I had to meet with a client in Truckee. Since it was Friday, I loaded the Pleasure-way in anticipation of a quiet week-end get-a-way after the meeting. It was a gorgeous couple of days, warm and sunny. Friday afternoon and all day Saturday were very relaxing as Kathy and I enjoyed the green valleys, snow capped mountains, some petroglyph, grinding rocks, and some of the most beautiful meadows we'd ever seen! By Saturday night nature had done its job, bringing me back to that place inside that is somewhat stress free, and by Sunday I was there!

Sunday morning found me at the edge of Davis Lake spending quality time with 15 pairs of western grebes. I photographed their antics as they prepared for the nesting season. After a couple of hours of fun in the sun, we headed south, toward home, taking the unpaved back roads.

It was along one of the back roads we found a large meadow with two Sandhill Cranes. As I inched my way within photo range, they started dancing. Dancing consists of various behaviors such as bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, as well as wing flapping. After about 30 minutes I left, knowing I had finally gotten "in the rhythm."

Cinco de Mayo or The First Day of Spring!

2008-05-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's Cinco De Mayo and what a glorious day at Tahoe! There is a golden morning light basking the trees and meadow behind my house as I sit and write this post. Yesterday it rained and hailed and today everything sparkles as the sun reflects off the wet and frost covered grasses. Most of the snow is gone, green is starting to appear everywhere. Yep, spring has sprung in the high country! A month and a half later than the rest of the world, but it has finally arrived.

Spring is a time for rebirth, a time for flowers to bloom, trees to get new leaves, birds to nest, and many mammals to mate or have their babies. Bears will be coming out with their new cubs, soon. Everywhere you look, life is happening.

So take some time, slow way down, take a walk into nature, whether in your own backyard or on a nearby trail. For just a few minutes or all day. Do it! Get out in nature, take a deep breath, let the air wash away the winter cobwebs in your mind. Look around and see what the rest of the world is doing. Listen to the birds, the brook, the grass. Get into the Rhythm! You will be reborn.

D300 and why I sold my D200

2008-04-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

I said in an earlier post that I would tell you why, after one shoot, that I decided to sell my D200 instead of keeping it for a second body. Well, Nikon helped me make that decision. You see, in Nikon's infinite wisdom to sell more cameras they moved some very important and often used buttons on the D300. First, they moved the image preview button so when switching from the D300 to the D200 you inadvertently push the wrong button to view the image or histogram.

When pushing where the preview button is on the D300 on the D200, you get Menu instead of preview. If you push the Menu button on the D200, but you have the D300 in hand, you get the preview.

For many shooters this is not a problem, as the second body might only be used occasionally or as a back-up. For me, as a wildlife photographer (sports photographers will have the same challenges), I may switch between bodies every few shots. Why? Because I may be shooting a wide-angle or short telephoto on one body and a long tele on my tripod with the other body. When the action gets hot and heavy, I will be trying to cover all angles. No time to think which camera I have in my hand or which button is where. The last thing I want to do is miss the shot because a button is in the wrong place!

Well, that is exactly what happened in Costa Rica when I was at a Quetzal nest waiting for the male to return. I noticed something wasn't right. I inadvertently pushed the bracket button and, since I don't use bracketing, I couldn't figure out how to turn it off! Yep, the Quetzal returned to the nest while I was fussing with the buttons to turn off auto-bracketing! See the image above, all I got was the tail-feathers sticking out of the nest!

As soon as I returned from my shoot in Costa Rica I found a willing buyer for my D200. A good deal for him, and an opportunity or me to get a second D300!

Theory of Rhythms-Part 1

2008-04-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am going to share with you the secret behind my photography! It's all about "Rhythms" and how it guides my photography and my life. How I use it to make important decisions including where I ought to be for my next great photo! I invite you to join me in this journey with an open mind. Bring curiosity along with your desire to be more creative and abundant.

I have always used 'natural rhythms' to connect with wildlife but never really understood how, or why, it worked. The more I researched my theory the more I understood how natural rhythms play a very important part in my photography and my life. I am now able to use it more effectively. It is how I make photographs that bring the spirit of the subject to the viewer of my images. When I go on a shoot, I seldom go with a preconceived idea of what I am looking for. Instead, I wait to see what nature offers me. Getting 'In The Rhythm' helps me connect with nature and puts me in the right place when I need to be there. Does it always work? Yes! If I am not distracted and totally 'In The Rhythm," it is magical!

My theory was incubated when I attended a photographer's convention in San Diego. I believe it was 1991. A friend from Tahoe was also going and we agreed to meet there. 700 photogs milling around and I could not find my friend. I sat in the general assembly, scouting around for my friend and could not see her. However, I did notice this guy sitting nearby. Now I'm not sure why I noticed him, no special dress or look, just something that made him stand out for me.

After the general assembly I went to the restroom, didn't see my friend, but in the stall next to me was 'that guy.' I then went to my breakout session, there were probably eight different workshops and the one I chose was not the one my friend chose, but, you guessed it, it was the one 'that guy' chose!

Then, again, the same scenario occurred at lunch. 'That guy' was right in front of me in line! It wasn't until late the next day that I found my friend. She was there from the beginning and we kept missing each other!

During the time I had been looking for her I saw 'that guy' many times. I also saw other photographers that I began to recognize, over and over, but not my friend. It occurred to me that there was a pattern, or rhythm, that was noticeable throughout the crowds. Certain people moved to certain rhythms. 'That guy' and I, and several others were in the same zone, the same rhythm. We were synced in and my friend and I were not.

That was the beginning of my rhythms theory. How often had that happened to me before? And does it happen to others? Ever drive on a long trip and notice the same vehicle, passing you or you passing it. Seeing it at the same turn-off for gas, the same restaurant for food. There must be something besides coincidence going on. Some sort of cosmic pattern that you are in, at that particular time and space, that brings you together.

During my research I found that, at some point, this has happened to almost everyone. We always consider it coincidence, chance, fate, luck, or happenstance. But what is really going on? I will tell you what I learned and the science behind it in future posts. If you would like to be notified of the next installment, drop me an email. To be continued...

D300 low light

2008-04-22T17:08:00.001-07:00

Before we left for Costa Rica, I added to my digital gear a Nikon D300. It is all it is said to be. A great improvement over the D200 though the D200 is still an excellent digital camera. I have made many great images with the D200 and was planning to keep it for a second body. I'll tell you why I didn't in another post.

We were fortunate to find a festiva in the town of Samara before our "In The Rhythm™" tour began. Samara is one of our favorite small towns to hang out in. Anyway, during festiva there is usually a horse parade, high steppers, with winning ribbons and trophies. After the parade they have a bull riding contest. Lots of fun and great photo opportunities.

The bull riding is not like anything you've seen before. The local macho men get into the ring and when the ride is over, antagonize the bull. Naturally, when the bull chases them, the macho men head for the safety of the fence. What a blast! The bull usually gets the best of them and eventually is lassoed by a caballero and led back to the pen.

In this situation, the advantage of the D300 is its ability to capture images in low light at higher ISO, using higher shutter speeds, and with very little noise. Noise is the digital equivalent of grain in film. Remember how grainy 400 to 1600 ISO film used to be? Those that are not into photography might want to skip this technical stuff. Anyway, the D300 does such a great job with low light and high ISO, as witnessed in the image above. You can tell by the shadow that not one hoof is one the ground! (3200 ISO, 1/160 sec., f2.8, -1 EV, aperture priority, Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 VR lens set at 95mm, no flash, hand-held)

I will post more at my web site soon: http://www.stamates.com

Adventure Costa Rica!

2008-04-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends and fans. I am going to write a little on our most recent adventure, Costa Rica!

We have just returned from a month in Costa Rica. During that time we guided an "In The Rhythm™" tour of 12 adventurers to some of our favorite areas.

The 11-day, 10-night tour included birds, monkeys, crocodiles, jungles, more birds, coffee tour, beaches, sunsets, more birds, swimming in the pacific, boat rides, zip lines for some, more birds, and lots of great food!

We visited Manuel Antonio National Park - a favorite for some, Volcan Arenal - unfortunately it was hidden by low clouds, Carara National Park, Santa Maria, Cartago, and a very special place, San Geraldo de Dota.

Since the tour was such a great success, we have added 2 more tours for next year. A total of three tours in January, February, or March. The tours are designed for photographers, birders, and anyone who just wants to see Costa Rica and join the fun. "It's not a vacation, it's an ADVENTURE!" If you want to learn more about "In The Rhythm™" Tours and Workshops, drop an email to: jim@stamates.com

Earth Day

2008-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day! and Welcome!

The perfect day to start a blog that is mostly about how we can get back In The Rhythm™ of nature to improve our quality of life in work, play, and creativity.

Can we find happiness celebrating Earth Day when there are so many problems facing the earth today?

When Al Gore debuted "An Inconvenient Truth," it was met with skepticism by many. Now, just a couple of years later, everyone is going GREEN! Just look at all the ads on TV: every other one talks about how GREEN this or that company is, how they are being responsible to the environment, how they are attempting to reduce their carbon footprint. Wow! Even President Bush is admitting we have a global climate change problem. When he took office he didn't believe in global warming, said all the facts were not in. Well, the facts were in! Some people were just in denial.

So yes, we can celebrate! We are making progress. Let's keep doing our part, reduce, reuse, recycle! Have a great Earth Day, everyday!

Welcome!

2008-04-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! Here you will find information about my Theory of Rhythms™ and how it can help you in your work, play, photography, and creativity.

I will also be blogging about, what else…ME! my photography, camera gear, new releases, digital darkroom, tours, workshops, and anything else that might come to mind. (I hope my humor comes out in writing, I really am a funny guy)

I hope you enjoy the ride and please comment, send me an email, visit my website, or join an "In The Rhythm™" tour or workshop.