Category Archives: Background

Day 034: Purple Finch Buds

Background

We descended two thousand today, and learned that Spring lives at lower elevations in the Rockies (5,750 feet). Found this purple finch singing and feeding on new tree buds. Back to magpies and crows tomorrow! The photo was a bit of a stretch for my telephoto lens as this finch was at the top of a very tall tree.

As I work through this project, the Digital Photography School has proven an excellent resource for continuing to learn about the process of taking pictures. Here is a great recent post of theirs which reviews some important considerations to which one should pay attention when taking photographs of birds.

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Day 026: Rocky Mountain Sunrise (Crow)

Background

I may have to rename this project 21 Days of Crows and Magpies, instead of Birds. Molly and I arrived at Snow Mountain Ranch yesterday where we will spend the next 21 days working as volunteers. The number and variety of birds at this elevation deep in the Rockies at this time of year is very tiny. I’ve been checking with lots of people, and crows and magpies seem to be what’s available. However, part of the reason for embarking upon a project of this kind is to increase my photographic skills. Thus, if I really can’t find other birds, it will push me to become creative with what’s available.  Tomorrow I will visit the ranger station for the US Forest Service and see if they can help me. Perhaps they know of some feeding stations.

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My 365 Day Photography Project

Background, Year 1

Please allow me to introduce myself, Rich Hoeg. I live in northern Minnesota on the edge of Duluth across the road from a stream that roars down to Lake Superior, Amity Creek. I have decided to embark upon a year long photography project which will combine my love of the photography, the outdoors, and birds. I hope to improve my photo taking skills via this effort, while at the same time providing enjoyment for my readers.

This project starts on my wife’s birthday, January 23, 2014.

Some Quick Notes:

  • I am not a professional photographer
  • My only project rule is a “bird” (abstract or real) must appear in every photograph.
  • My camera is a Canon Sx40 … thus not an expensive DSLR
  • Index of this project’s photos (updated weekly)

I plan to organize and take photos / tag by …

  • season … Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
  • date
  • location
  • weather … clear, mostly clear, mostly cloudy, cloudy, rain, sleet, hail, snow
  • available light … twilight, golden hour, day, night
  • habitat … lakes, rivers, meadows, farms, forest, urban, etc.
  • bird type … song birds, raptors, ducks, etc.
  • photo content … abstract, birds only, birds & people, birds & landscapes, etc.

I welcome ideas for photoshoots, or ways you believe I should organize / categorize / tag my photographs. I hope you enjoy taking this journey with me.