Category Archives: Wildlife

d780-menu-fi.jpg

Nikon D780 Menu Setup Guide

February 8, 2020 by Steve Perry | 5 Comments

In this video, I grab my new Nikon D780 and take you step by step through how I set up the menus. I show you all the settings I change (and recommend) as well as discussing why I don’t change others. Plus, I’ll also talk about WHY I set things the way I do and how these menu settings can impact your photography in the field. Also, please note that …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Techniques, Using Your Gear
BCG-Podcast-FI-4.jpg

VR Shutter Speeds, BBAF Tip, Adobe Or sRGB? and Tripod vs Monopod

January 26, 2020 by Steve Perry | 79 Comments

In this episode we continue our conversation from Episode 3 about VR use – this time discussing which shutter speeds work best and which ones to avoid.

From there, it’s off to the Q&A section where we tackle a common technique question with Back Button AF, decide if you should set your camera to sRGB or Adobe RGB, and finally talk about when to use a tripod vs a monopod. …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Opinions, Podcasts, Techniques, Using Your Gear
Crop-ISO-FI.jpg

Cropping? Better Drop Your ISO!

January 16, 2020 by Steve Perry | 57 Comments

Let’s face it – sometimes we need to crop. However, when you’re faced with a photo in the viewfinder that’s gonna need an appointment with the crop tool, you gotta be careful. Noise is a tricky thing and it’s especially hard on images where cropping is required.

In this video, we’ll take a look at why your personal maximum ISO for your camera may be too high if the image …

Also posted in Techniques, Using Your Gear
BCG-Podcast-FI-3.jpg

Keep Shootin’, Mirrorless Future, Box Talk, VR And Tripods

January 7, 2020 by Steve Perry | 54 Comments

In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of knowing when to stop shooting and when to keep going. From there, we’ll talk about when it’s time to upgrade to mirrorless, if you should keep your boxes (yeah, it’s weird), and if you should use VR / Stabilization when using a tripod.

Lots of great stuff this time, so grab a warm drink, your favorite earbuds, and take a listen. …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Opinions, Podcasts, Techniques, Using Your Gear
BCG-Podcast-FI-2a.jpg

Settings Check, YNP Gear and Locations, RAW Trouble, Get Low And Dirty

December 12, 2019 by Steve Perry | 30 Comments

It’s here – podcast #2!

In this episode, we’ll start with a quick followup to episode #1 to add a little clarification to my Z series analysis and shadow pulling. Then we’ll jump to a quick tip that will cover a simple but effective tip that’s sure to help minimize mistakes in the field.

In the Q&A section, we’ll talk about gear and locations for Yellowstone National Park, then we’ll …

Also posted in Locations, Opinions, Photo Trips, Podcasts, Techniques, Travel Tips, Using Your Gear
Wildlife-presentation-FI.jpg

Wildlife Photography Presentation – My Best Techniques

December 8, 2019 by Steve Perry | 61 Comments

This video is a little different. I was invited to be a keynote speaker for the Chicago Area Photography School and this is the presentation I gave. Yes, it’s long – about 2 1/2 hours – but it’s jam-packed with tips, techniques, and advice.

When I put this presentation together, I chose topics and techniques that have had the biggest impact on my own photography – as well as the …

Also posted in Opinions, Techniques, Using Your Gear Tagged |
BCG-Podcast-FI-1.jpg

Shadows, Used Gear, Aspect Ratios, and Z cameras

December 3, 2019 by Steve Perry | 112 Comments

Yup – I’m doing podcasts now!

In this first episode, I’ll share a secret I use for better shadow pulling, plus we have our first Q&A session! This episode’s questions will tackle my feelings on used gear, how aspect ratios work, and what I currently think of the Nikon Z cameras for wildlife photography (brace yourself).

Also, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comment section below 😀

Please …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Podcasts, Techniques
HIGTS-FI-SSDB.jpg

How I Got The Shot: Sunset Dust Bath

November 5, 2019 by Steve Perry | 39 Comments

It was evening on the Chobe River in Botswana, Africa. The day had been a good one, bursting at the seams with all manner of wildlife. We were in the final, golden hour of it, had our game faces on, and our cameras at the ready.

As our flat-bottom boat glided through the water, all eyes were glued to the shoreline with keen interest, seeking our next photographic victim. 

Our …

Also posted in How I Got The Shot, Locations, Opinions, Photo Trips, Techniques, Travel Tips, Using Your Gear
monogimbal-FI.jpg

Is This The Best Monopod Head Ever?

October 26, 2019 by Steve Perry | 114 Comments

As you know, I’m a bit of a tripod / monopod junkie. So, I’m excited to share my review of the new Wimberley MonoGimbal head.

This new lightweight head allows you to balance your rig just like a regular gimbal head – point up or down and everything stays in place, no need to tighten the locking knob. However, this compact unit is only a fraction of the size of …

Also posted in Misc, Reviews, Techniques, Using Your Gear Tagged , |
iso-ins-FI-1.jpg

ISO Insurance

October 5, 2019 by Steve Perry | 51 Comments

I know what you’re thinking, “What the heck – is Steve trying to peddle some kind of ‘photo insurance’ now”?

Not so much, but I didn’t really know how else to describe what I’m about to explain 🙂

So, let’s dive in – what do I mean by ISO Insurance?

Probably the easiest way to explain it is to grab a crayon and draw an analogy.

You know how when …

Also posted in Techniques, Using Your Gear Tagged , |