Lava Field - Making of the image

I'm back to posting images after an extended break. During my time off I got married and enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii. It's a good thing I married a photographer as we both agreed that we "needed" to take our camera's on the honeymoon :) Experiencing the unique characteristics of the Hawaiian islands was very enjoyable. I will be posting several of my images from the trip in the coming weeks starting with one I made the second evening on the Big Island.

As you may know, Kilauea is an active volcano on the Big Island. On the western side of the island you can see almost nothing other than fields of dried lava. While driving around to find a good spot I realized making a wide angle photograph of this harsh landscape was going to be a challenge since I hadn't seen anything like this before. There was another challenge that I had not planned for - VOG. No, that is not misspelt. Vog is a form of air pollution that results from the mixing of sulfur dioxide and other gases emitted by a volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight. What that meant was that not much sunlight was getting through to illuminate the landscape. In fact, we had to drive closer to the shore as there was barely any light inland.

The light was already fading even though it was 30 minutes before sunset. I finally decided to stop and venture out into the lava fields. Then there was the small matter of lava rock be treacherous to walk on. A fall on the rocks would definitely mean a visit to the hospital. Moving fast (and carefully) I looked for a interesting elements to include in the photograph. A glance behind me and I realized the sun was going to go behind a cloud bank. HURRY! While setting up I thought about how I was going to use the elements to balance the image. I fought my tripod as one of the legs would not move and I couldn't get low enough. A firm shove helped but didn't open the leg up as much as I would like. I continued regardless. Including the lone tree in my composition was essential to illustrate the starkness of the landscape. I lined the composition up so that some of the grasses would lead the eye towards the tree. The rock pile to the left of the tree helped with the balance of the image. And then the light started to fade. There was no more time to think about how to improve the composition. Click! Click! Click! And the light was gone.

As the sun went behind the cloud bank I decided to change lenses. Placing the tripod out of the way I started to move towards my backpack which was lying a few yards away. That's when it happened...a photographers worst fear...the falling tripod (with camera and lens attached). "Oh NO!" I screamed. SMASH! When I took my second step I moved the rocks around one of the tripod legs which caused the tripod to keel over. It didn't help that I never got all the tripod legs set at the same height. I looked at Angelique; clearly she shared my horror. We both stood there with our hands covering our mouths. It seemed like it was a few minutes before I decided to make the dreaded assessment of damages. The lens had gone front first into the lava rock. The polarizer was destroyed. Aeyayah! I feared the worst for the glass on the front of my lens while slowly taking the polarizer off. Hmmm! I wiped the "glass dust" off the front of the lens. Not a scratch. Examined the camera. Not a scratch. It was a honeymoon miracle! Only my polarizer was ruined. A couple of test shots and all looked fine.

We decided to call it a day and headed back to the car slowly and carefully. My camera and lens were fine and so was I.

2012 workshop schedule (JUST POSTED!)

April 14, 6:30 - 9:30am
Flowers & Close-ups Field Session
Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD)

April 21, 12pm - April 22, 7pm
Macro Boot Camp
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA)

May 6, 6pm - May 11, 11am
Florida Avian Photography Workshop (Titusville & St. Augustine, FL)

July 21, 6:30 - 9:30am
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Field Session (Washington D.C.)

September 8, sunrise - sunset
Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)

October 20, sunrise - October 21, sunset
Great Falls Digital Worflow workshop (Great Falls, VA)

November 16, 1pm - November 18, 1pm
Chincoteague Island Workshop (VA)

2011 West Virginia fall workshop report

Every outdoor/nature photography workshop leader stresses about the conditions that the group will be presented with during the workshop. In the end, we take what we get and make the best of it. Although, it's always nice to have good conditions to start with. The last 2 years I have lead a fall workshop in West Virginia there has been nothing but clear skies. While it is nice weather to be out and about in, it doesn't make for the most interesting landscape photo opportunities. Last year was tough but this year was better. Even though we had clear skies yet again the first 2 mornings we were treated to some spectacular foggy conditions. I really enjoyed sharing my thoughts and ideas on how to take advantage of foggy conditions with the group. Since there were only 4 workshop participants it gave me the opportunity to make sure that everyone was making lots of quality images.

In previous workshop reports I have shared some of my images. This time I decided to show you images the workshop participants came away with and share some of their thoughts on the workshop itself. I hope you enjoy their images.

Thanks to Judy, Gale, Ni and Dick for making it a successful workshop.

Judy MacArthur's comments about her workshop experience:

I can't recommend Nikhil's workshop highly enough.  He is low key and knowledgeable and articulate in his explanations...quick thinking when conditions change and generous with his expertise...always making suggestions, constantly circulating among the group, encouraging us to try unfamiliar techniques and offering help.  The experience far exceeded my expectations, which were high to begin with!

Gale Smith's comments about his workshop experience:

The trip to West Virginia, Blackwater Falls Park and Dolly Sods could not have been better; great small group, excellent weather with wonderful colors and magical early morning fog, and Nikhil who seemed to know where and when to be for the best images.  Nikhil is not just a superb nature photographer but he is willing to share what he knows and taking time with each of us to help us see and capture images that for me are some of my very best photographs. In fact, some of my best images in over 30 years of photography came from the WV workshop; Nikhil is excellent in combining both technical and creative ideas to learn from. He sees and communicates to us not just good composition and what he called "organic" images, but finds elements that balance photographs. 

Wang Ni's comments about her workshop experience:

You have left me a good impression during this trip, which is unforgetable in my life. I do appreciate your professional instruction. 

Dick Pelroy's comments about his workshop experience:

• Great selection of venues.
• Excellent field instruction (superior).
• Invaluable information of time of day and location for my photography to this area in future personal trips.
• Overall, probably the best photography workshop I’ve attended (14 and counting).

2012 workshop schedule (JUST POSTED!)

April 14, 6:30 - 9:30am
Flowers & Close-ups Field Session
Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD)

April 21, 12pm - April 22, 7pm
Macro Boot Camp
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA)

May 6, 6pm - May 11, 11am
Florida Avian Photography Workshop (Titusville & St. Augustine, FL)

July 21, 6:30 - 9:30am
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Field Session (Washington D.C.)

September 8, sunrise - sunset
Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)

October 20, sunrise - October 21, sunset
Great Falls Digital Worflow workshop (Great Falls, VA)

November 16, 1pm - November 18, 1pm
Chincoteague Island Workshop (VA)

Canon 1DX and the Nikon D800...exciting times?

Last week Canon announced their new pro camera called the 1Dx. It’s an 18MP camera that gives Canon shooters "the best of the EOS-1D Series of digital cameras" in one model. This has got the Nikon shooters chomping at the bits for a new camera from Nikon.  While Nikon was scheduled to make an announcement about the D800 this week it has likely been postponed due to the flooding in Nikon’s Thailand factory. There have been a lot of rumors about the Nikon D800 but it is almost certain that it is going to be Nikon’s next major announcement. In fact, some dealers were talking about taking pre-orders for the camera. So what are the specs of the D800? We can’t be 100% sure but a high res sensor (36mp) and a larger than 3 inch LCD screen seems to be the two most likely specs. Will the megapixel war ever end?

The Nikon D4 is likely to be announced in a few months (rumored to be an 18MP camera). Followed by the Nikon D400 (the upgrade to the D300s) which is rumored to be a 24MP camera. It will likely have the same sensor as Sony’s SLT-A77 maybe with some Nikon modifications.

It’s interesting to see the two big manufacturers restructure their product specs. With the merging of the EOS-1D models there will now be direct competition between the Canon 1Dx and Nikon D4 models. And if the rumors of the D800 are true then it will directly compete against Canon’s 5D series. That also means that the D800 will not be a mini D4 (like the D700 was to the D3).

While I generally don’t get very excited about new gear (at least not before it is announced), it’s different this time. I have been waiting for the new generation of cameras because my belief is they might be the answer to my prayers :) The Nikon D300 and D300s cameras are almost perfect for what I do. Just a stop or two better in terms of ISO performance (without losing the reach of the crop body), a little better autofocus, a bigger/brighter viewfinder and I’m good. Improvements in other features would obviously be welcome. I wonder if the Nikon D800’s ISO performance be better than the D3/D700? If it is, I might be getting a full frame camera.

These are exciting times for photographers!


Upcoming Workshops and classes:

November 12
Essentials of Bird Photography
(at Nature Visions - Mid-Atlantic Photography Association Expo) FULL
November 18-20
Chincoteague Island Workshop (Only 1 Spot left!)

View full 2011 workshop schedule...


2012 workshop schedule will be posted soon.

Assateague beach sandstorm

Last weekend I visited Chincoteague Island to scout for my workshop coming up this weekend. Not only did I find a lot of changes due to hurricane Irene but I also encountered some unique conditions. Check out the following video to see what I mean.



I was out on the beach at sunrise showing a friend around. As we walked the beach the wind picked up (30-40mph) and it started to rain a little. While there was the obvious concern of using my camera in these conditions I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I found a conch to anchor my image and chose not to include the drab sky. The image was converted to black and white to add to the abstract feel. I made a few compositions but liked this one the best.



As two people passed me I made another photo including them as elements in the photograph.

In case you were wondering the camera and lens were unharmed in the making of these photographs.

If anyone is interested there were cancellations and there are now two spaces available for the Chincoteague workshop on Saturday, September 24. More info at http://www.nikhilbahl.com/photography_workshops.html.



Upcoming Workshops and classes:

September 24
Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)
October 6-9
West Virginia Fall Workshop
October 15
Great Falls Field Session
October 16
Creative Digital Photography Seminar
(at the Imperial Hotel in Chestertown, Maryland)
October 22-23
Autumn at Great Falls Workshop
November 12
Essentials of Bird Photography
(at Nature Visions - Mid-Atlantic Photography Association Expo)
November 18-20
Chincoteague Island Workshop

View full 2011 workshop schedule...

The gift of life

Great Egret chicks playing, St. Augustine, Florida

When I wrote my last post, little did I know that a week later our area would be affected by a hurricane. While the earthquake only unnerved people hurricane Irene left a path of destruction. Many areas along the East coast of the United States were affected and lives were lost. While I can't help but feel lucky that the Washington D.C. area was not affected severely my heart goes out to the people who lives have been turned upside down by this event.

Don't take things for granted. Enjoy the gift of life!



Upcoming Workshops and classes:

September 24
Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)
October 6-9
West Virginia Fall Workshop
October 15
Great Falls Field Session
October 16
Creative Digital Photography Seminar
(at the Imperial Hotel in Chestertown, Maryland)
October 22-23
Autumn at Great Falls Workshop
November 12
Essentials of Bird Photography
(at Nature Visions - Mid-Atlantic Photography Association Expo)
November 18-20
Chincoteague Island Workshop

View full 2011 workshop schedule...

An earthquake and a thought

This afternoon there was a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in the DC area. The epicenter was in central Virginia but it was felt up and down the east coast of the United States. In fact, there are reports it was felt as far North as Canada. I was at home waiting for the cable technician when I started to feel some vibrations which quickly gained in power and soon my house was shaking. I rushed to the doorway of my bedroom and watched things fall around me...looked out to see parked cars rocking side to side. My heart was beating fast and my body was tense. The only thought I had was "is this going to get any worse?". Thankfully, the earthquake subsided leaving me (and I'm sure many others) a little unnerved. Only minor damage has been reported so far.

What if the earthquake was stronger? Just a reminder of the power of nature and how mortal we are. Life is short; don't take it too seriously!

Upcoming Workshops and classes:

September 24
Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)
October 6-9
West Virginia Fall Workshop
October 15
Great Falls Field Session
October 16
Creative Digital Photography Seminar
(at the Imperial Hotel in Chestertown, Maryland)
October 22-23
Autumn at Great Falls Workshop
November 12
Essentials of Bird Photography
(at Nature Visions - Mid-Atlantic Photography Association Expo)
November 18-20
Chincoteague Island Workshop

View full 2011 workshop schedule...

Mac users can use my image as their desktop on the new OS - Lion

Click on image to view the full size.

With the release of Apple's new operating system (Lion) mac users can now use one of my photographs as their desktop. Apple has called the image "forest in mist". It can be found under desktop pictures in the desktop and screensaver dialog box. Isn't that cool?! :)

Related post : http://nikhilbahl.blogspot.com/2011/04/apple-lion-and-i.html

Upcoming Workshops and classes:

July 30 - Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)

September 24 - Digital Nature Photography One-day Workshop (Chincoteague Island, VA)

October 6-9 - West Virginia Fall Workshop (Davis, WV)

October 22-23 - Autumn at Great Falls Workshop (VA/MD)

November 18-20 - Chincoteague Island Workshop (VA)

View full 2011 workshop schedule...