Author Archives: Chuck_Maas

APS-C Semi-Pro Bodies

Top-end 1.5x or 1.6x crop-sensor bodies from Canon and Nikon (like the 7D and D300S respectively) have been immensely popular with wildlife photographers who almost always benefit from a little extra reach.  But each of these models has gone a … Continue reading

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Hungry Traveler

They’re still here—in even larger flocks now—moving from food source to food source.  And there seem to be plenty of berries left around town so they’re not having to work too hard to find sustenance.

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Sign of the Times

If there’s any doubt that images made with smartphones have gained legitimacy on a much broader scale, here are some indicators:  use on front covers of national magazines; acceptance by a major stock agency; and Really Right Stuff building an … Continue reading

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Inflation

Along with the general economic pressures of the last four years, there’s been a steep increase in the cost of certain photographic tools, particularly at the high end.  Take the Canon EF 500/4L IS telephoto, for example, one of Canon’s … Continue reading

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Waxwings

The colorful and loquacious Bohemian waxwings are here as usual in the Anchorage area winging about in large flocks foraging for food.  If you happen to be close by as they descend on an opportune mountain ash tree with clusters … Continue reading

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Alternative Big Glass

I’ve long been a proponent of using the same brand of lenses as your camera body (or bodies), for both practical and aesthetic reasons.  But there are limits to this philosophy including availability of the lens you need for a … Continue reading

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DxOMark Explained

While the print (or other display medium) is the rightful end product of our imaging efforts and deserves the emphasis of most of our artistic energies, tools help us accomplish that objective.  Without decent craft there’s much less chance of … Continue reading

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October Moon

The full moon can be a magnetic subject, especially when combined with interesting foreground elements.  This one rising over a ridgeline of the Santa Lucia mountains of California near the end of October dramatically silhouetted the upper branches of a … Continue reading

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Software Transitions

Things change in business and industry all the time.  Some changes have little or no impact on personal/professional activities while others can (at least potentially) become a direct hit. Nik Software has gained a sterling reputation in the image editing … Continue reading

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The Elusive “Travel Camera”

We’ve all wished for it—that perfect little camera that’s so compact and light weight that one could effortlessly carry it all the time, regardless of circumstances—and when the time came to use it the features would more than cover all … Continue reading

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