April 2014
Nature Photographer Magazine
This tip might seem biased, but it is not. As they say, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am a columnist for Nature Photographer Magazine, listed on the masthead as a contributing editor, as is Mary Ann.
I started writing a regular feature about six issues ago, and what I love about the magazine is the freedom I have, as do the other writers, to write about what interests them and to convey whatever data, how-to technique, emotion, or tip in an unrestricted format. I've written for other magazines, and the frustration there was the word limit, which in many cases simply allowed me to introduce or gloss over a subject. That's not the case here, and I love the opportunity to explore at depth the subjects I write about.
The magazine also features in-depth, very informative articles by some of the real leaders in the nature photography field, including folks I personally know -- Arthur Morris, John and Barbara Gerlach, Weldon Lee, Joe Lange, and Piper Mackay. There are about a dozen others listed as Associate, Contributing, or Assistant Editors, who regularly write for the magazine as well, and a whole host of contributors.
Unlike what is probably the US's highest circulation magazine with an emphasis on the outdoors as a whole, thus including outdoor sports as well as nature and wildlife, Nature Photographer, as the name implies, is devoted to this subject exclusively. But that's not why I love it.
That reason is because most of the articles have real, genuine content. Many of the articles are written by amateurs, and on occasion the text is a bit wooden or stiff for my taste, but overlooking that, what is contained within those texts is what is important. The writers, whether proficient word smiths or rank amateurs, have a genuine desire to share their information, which might be a technique or a place to visit.
For example, in the latest issue there were articles on Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California, Redwoods National Park in California, Mount Evans in Colorado, and one I wrote on the Falkland Islands. All contained valuable information in planning a trip, including tips on trails, hot lines, subjects, and more.
One of the most humbling aspects of the magazine to me is the monthly Showcase of Images by the various Field Contributors. Each month there are several really spectacular images, shots that perhaps no one would ever see unless they did some very diligent web surfing, and there's nothing like holding a magazine and enjoying an image rather than looking at a computer screen.
The magazine is sold on many newsstands and book stores, and a web site where you can either subscribe to the magazine or purchase PDF downloadable versions. Check it out -- I think you'll love the magazine.
Previous Tips, July 2009 onward
Photographing Lightning
Bataflae Photo Backpack
The Guide to Tropical Nature Photography
Essential Gear for Safaris
Take our Digital Nature Photo Course FIRST!
GPS and Home Security
Range IR Camera Remote
Gitzo Monopod 5561T Monopod
Easy Macro with Extension Tubes and Zoom Lenses
FotoSharp Camou Rain Covers
Canon 17mm T/S Lens
Locking Button for the Canon 7D
NIK HDR Program
Silver Efex Pro for Black and White Images
Beware the DELL Software Solution Rip Off
How and What We Pack for Trips
Canon Digital Learning Center
The Movie Mode with the Canon Mark IV
Batch Renaming in Bridge and CS5
Alternate Uses of some Bogen Products
Hoodman Products
Using High ISO and Live View for Focusing in Dim Light
Art Print Scams for Hungry Photographers
Hungry Vultures ruin vehicles in the Everglades
Use a Short Lens for Depth of Field
Get Professional Help!
Mini-Molar Bag
Access America Trip Insurance
Bogen Base for Macro Work
Archived Tips of the Month
prior to July 2009
Most of my original Tips of the Month for the last several
years are available through this link. Warning - some of the links are broken, so some are not available at this time. Also, the 'look' is from my
original web site, although if I ever have enough time I might redo these pages to match the new web site But that's not a high priority.
Check out our latest website,
mcdonaldwildlifephotos.com
where we'll be adding portfolios and eventually building up
a searchable data base for photo buyers. We've just started,
and the selection is limited, but it is still worth a visit!
Office Phone: (717) 543-6423
Or FAX us at: (717) 543-5342