Tag: camtraptions

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Lot’s to Learn

Last week, one of the best of the best camera trappers in existence released an e book full of tips and techniques for this very niche form of photography. It’s almost 200 pages and I’ve already read it … maybe a record for me. I will forever be using it as a reference guide.

I have lots of room for improvement. I still struggle with lighting. Flashes misfiring or not firing at all is my single biggest issue. He addresses this apparently common issue with a whole chapter on flashes. I’ve read and reread it. In a couple of hours, I’ll be making some additional adjustments and hope for the best.

Here I am trying to dial in the flash (along with focus/compostion) on a 105 degree day last week. By this point, I was soaked with sweat and maybe a little delirious. You wouldn’t know it by the smile, but the heat, mosquitoes and poison oak do take a toll on me.

Tuesday, I checked this camera and even though I’m still having issues with flashes, they worked perfect at a critical moment!

A massive win! Coyotes are extremely wary of unusual sounds, smells and sights and they’ve repeatedly outsmarted me. I love the look of photographing wildlife with a wide angle lens. I have the deepest love and respect for coyotes.

As for the other trap site I’ve been very excited about, . a huge limb broke from a tree during a recent storm. It knocked over a flash and the motion sensor, so I got exactly nothing. Big letdown! I was ready to blame the bears until I took a step back and saw what really happened.

That’s camera trapping. Lots of ups and downs. But one great image a week works for me!