I love squirrels

 I love squirrels—what’s not to love about them? Well, unless you have an avocado tree in your yard. If you haven’t experienced one of them attacking your trees, these animals are adorable and among the most photographed by me.

From this weekend

 Without any doubt this is my favorite photo from this weekend. 

This picture draws you in because of its captivating composition, vibrant colors, and natural depth. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s so appealing:

1. Layered Depth: The image has a sense of depth with layers of foliage leading the eye deeper into the scene. The contrast between light and shadow adds dimension.

2. Warm, Golden Light: The warm sunlight filtering through the trees creates a glowing, inviting atmosphere. It highlights the greenery and adds a sense of tranquility.

3. Variety in Textures: The image captures a range of textures—from the rough bark of the trees to the soft, leafy branches and delicate grasses. This adds visual interest.

4. Natural Framing: The arched branches frame the middle of the image, guiding the viewer’s gaze inward and creating a sense of intimacy.

5. Color Harmony: The lush greens and warm earthy tones work together, creating a soothing and balanced palette.

6. Subtle Details: The subtle foreground elements, like the wispy grasses, enhance the depth without distracting from the main scene.

It’s a classic example of a peaceful woodland scene captured beautifully—feels almost like a hidden oasis. 

Getting a M series Mac for your photo editing?

If you are thinking about getting a M Series Mac for your photo editing tasks you must read this article published by PC Mag. And this is why you should read it. With the release of M4-based Macs, Macs with M1, M2, and M3 chips are being sold at lower prices. So far, this isn’t a secret. The key detail is that Apple is no longer producing M1, M2, or M3 chips, meaning that once current stock runs out, that’s it. When they’re gone, you’ll have only one option: buying an M4. Keep in mind that the MacBook Air is now three times cheaper than when Apple first released it.

This explains why, when I bought the M3 MacBook Air, I posted about the great deal I got. To my surprise, that deal was gone the very next day—and never came back. 

Right now, it's hard to find new M1, M2, and M3 Macs, but you can get great deals on refurbished units. In this case, I’d recommend considering sellers that offer a one-year warranty and checking if the battery was replaced during the refurbishing process.

PS. Many experts consider the  Lenovo Thinkpad X9-14 Gen 1 as the closest competition to the MacBook Air. And guess what, it priced in around $1850 at Amazon.

DXO PureRaw

DXO PureRaw is my favorite Denoise tool followed by Topaz Denoise and Adobe Denoise, in this specific order. Next month DXO will be releasing DXO PureRaw version 5 and those who pre-order now they can get DXO PureRaw 4 and use it for free while they wait for version 5. 

Those using version 3 they can pre-order version 5 and get a free upgrade to version 4. 

 

Do watermarks protect your pictures?

The short answer is NO. 

 

Watermarks can provide some protection for your photos, but their effectiveness depends on your goals. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons:

Advantages of Using Watermarks

✅ Discourages Casual Theft – A visible watermark makes it harder for someone to pass off your work as their own.
✅ Branding & Recognition – If done subtly, a watermark can help people recognize your work and find your portfolio.
✅ Proof of Ownership – If a dispute arises, a watermark can serve as initial evidence that you are the original creator.

Limitations of Watermarks

❌ Easy to Remove – Anyone with basic editing skills can erase a watermark, especially if it's small or placed in a corner. An example of that is that Google's latest Gemini includes an AI feature to just do that.
❌ Can Distract from the Image – A poorly placed or overly large watermark can detract from the visual appeal of your photo.
❌ Might Not Stop Serious Theft – High-quality images are still vulnerable to unauthorized use, even with a watermark.

 Bottom Line

Watermarks provide a layer of deterrence but are not foolproof. If you mainly want credit and visibility, a subtle watermark may help. If preventing theft is your primary concern, combining multiple protection strategies is a better approach.

are Macs better for photo editing?

 

I asked this question to ChatGPT and carefully analyzed the response to ensure it aligns with my own thoughts and opinions. Here is ChatGPT response with some of my notes in Red:

 Macs are widely considered excellent for photo editing, but whether they are "better" depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some key reasons why many photographers prefer Macs for editing:

Advantages of Macs for Photo Editing

✅ Color Accuracy & Display Quality – Mac displays (especially Retina displays) are known for their color accuracy, which is crucial for photo editing. macOS also has excellent color management. Important point for Photographers.

✅ Optimization & Stability – macOS is highly optimized for creative software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One, leading to smooth performance and fewer crashes. In this point I need to add that in my Dell 7200 i7 Windows PC Lightroom crashes very often. I have been using it in my M3 Macbook Air and it has not crashed even one time.

✅ Hardware & Software Integration – Apple designs both the hardware and software, ensuring seamless performance and long-term stability. And this is to me a key point. Because Apple hardware is a "closed or controlled" system everything is optimized to perfection something that in Windows PC is hard to achieve. Apple devices just work.

✅ M1/M2/M3/M4 Chips – Apple's custom silicon (M-series chips) delivers impressive speed and efficiency, handling high-resolution RAW files smoothly while maintaining good battery life on laptops.

✅ Build Quality & Longevity – Macs tend to last a long time, making them a solid investment for many photographers. Another key point. It's true that in the last few years since Microsoft Surface machines were released the market has seen an improvement in quality but still, Apple is dominating the market in important aspect.

Potential Downsides of Macs

❌ Expensive – Macs generally cost more than equivalent Windows PCs with similar or better hardware specs. Here I have to say that I doubt that I can buy any Laptop for $759 with similar performance than the M3 MacBook Air.

❌ Limited Upgradability – Most newer Macs have non-upgradable RAM and storage, so you need to choose wisely at purchase.

❌ Software Compatibility – While most mainstream photo editing programs work fine, some niche software or plugins may be Windows-only.

Windows vs. Mac for Photo Editing

•     If budget is a concern, a well-built Windows PC can often deliver better performance for the price.
•     If you prioritize color accuracy, stability, and seamless workflow, a Mac is a solid choice.

As a photographer, do you find yourself editing a lot of RAW files? If so, from my experience the M-series Macs handle those quite efficiently.

To end this article here is a video that I recently found that summarizes my experience with MacOS. 

I'm not ready to dish my Windows PC yet, more than 30 years of using Windows have created a dependency that is hard to break specially if you are an IT person whose actual job is in some way supporting Windows Applications. But for sure I'm enjoying MacOS adventure. 

From last weekend

 Last weekend, I spent some time visiting the local botanical garden and a local park. From these two photo sessions, here are some of the pictures:

I have started creating slideshows of my photo shoots, and here is one I made using pictures from the botanical garden.

Rumor: Canon R3 Mark II

 If these rumors are right the Canon R3 Mark II sound even more powerful than the Canon R1!

Nikon Z 8 New Price

 Nikon Z8 is not $3396 at Amazon, that's 15% off the original price. 

The Nikon Z8 stands out as a versatile and powerful tool for both photography and videography, offering high-resolution imaging, rapid performance, and advanced features in a more compact form factor compared to its flagship counterparts. Its combination of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design makes it a compelling choice for professionals seeking a reliable and adaptable camera.

Canon R5 Mark II $300 price reduction

 Canon R5 Mark II gets a 7% price reduction at Amazon. 

 

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a versatile and powerful tool for both photographers and videographers, offering high-resolution imaging, advanced autofocus, and robust video capabilities. Potential users should be aware of the reported issues and consider how they might impact their specific shooting needs.

My M3 MacBook Air Experience

I have been using Windows since 1994 and never thought I would switch—until now. Recently, I read multiple articles and forum discussions about MacBooks, particularly how both the Air and Pro models have significantly improved performance with Apple’s new "M" series processors.

After extensive research, I decided to give it a try. I found a great deal on a refurbished MacBook Air from Apple, complete with a one-year warranty.

The Apple M3 MacBook Air, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, performs exceptionally well—far better than my Dell 7200 i7 with the same RAM and storage configuration.

To put this into perspective:

• DXO PureRaw 3 processes 10 pictures in just 2 minutes on the MacBook, whereas my Intel-based PC takes about 6.6 minutes for the same task.
• Lightroom Classic (LrC) Denoise takes 50 seconds to process a 24MB CR3 file on the M3 MacBook Air, compared to 5 minutes on the Intel PC.
• For years, I hesitated to test Lightroom Classic’s Slideshow feature because, on my Intel PC, rendering a video with my photos took hours. However, on the M3 MacBook Air, I created a slideshow with over 300 pictures in just 15 minutes!

 

This switch has been a game-changer for my workflow, and I can confidently say I’m glad I made the move.

Note: It seems that this deal was really good because the model that I bought is now Out of Stock. 

EOS R50 V, EOS RV, and a PowerShot V1

 According to NoFilmShool.com Canon is going to be announcing the release of 3 new cameras this month:  EOS R50 V, EOS RV, and a PowerShot V1. 

• Canon EOS R50 V: An entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera that could possibly use the same 24.2-megapixel sensor found in the current EOS R50 and EOS R10. The Canon EOS R50 V will likely be comparable in size to the EOS M6 Mark II and could cost around $650 USD.
• Canon EOS RV: Positioned to be the highest end of these new cameras, this Canon EOS RV could feature an upgraded sensor plus other advanced features like active cooling and could retail for around $1,000.
• Canon PowerShot V1: A reimagined entry in the PowerShot lineup and the base model, perhaps, for this Canon V series.

Photos from Last Weekend

This weekend I participated in a USA Karate Event taking pictures of our grandson. That was on Saturday, on Sunday I went for a quick hike and took some wildlife pictures but unfortunately I have not processed them yet so I'll be showing some pictures from the Karate Event. 

 

Editing is always an important part of the process. This time, I experimented by darkening the image first and then selectively illuminating the subject to create a spotlight effect.

 

I liked the end result.

Why I love Back-Button Focus

I could explain back-button focus and why I love this method, but I don't think I could do it better than David Bergman does in this video.

I have personally mapped two buttons for this function—one for subject tracking with eye detection and another for single-point focusing without tracking or eye detection, as explained by David. In my experience, this setup ensures that your subject stays in focus, no matter how challenging the situation becomes.

The Cruel Reality of Mirrorless Cameras

For me, the harsh reality of mirrorless cameras is that they were supposed to be smaller and lighter than their DSLR predecessors. However, since their introduction, they have steadily grown in size and weight. Today, some mirrorless models are as large—or even larger—than DSLRs.

 

Canon R5 Mark II, all you need to know

Those who are looking to buy a Canon R5 Mark II ($3999) for sure will appreciate this detailed review from FStopper. 

Despite some shortcomings, the Canon EOS R5 is a capable camera that, after four years, still holds its place. However, there are a lot of new developments that make the EOS R5 feel a bit outdated. The EOS R5 Mark II received a lot of updates that take the camera to a higher performance level.

Canon R5 Mark II

R5 vs R5 Mk II: the honest opinion of a wildlife photography

 I liked this video because it's not a technical comparison between the two cameras but a highlight of things that may impact you when switching from a Canon R5 to a Canon R5 Mk II. 

An iconic picture and the debate

 Some photographs have become iconic symbols, and Napalm Girl is one of them.

I doubt there is anyone in the world who doesn’t associate this picture with the horrors of the Vietnam War.

Recently, a documentary was released claiming that this iconic photograph was not taken by Nick Ut—who won a Pulitzer Prize for it—but rather by Nguyen Thanh Nghe, a local stringer who was paid $20 and left uncredited. You can read more about the debate here.

This picture was taken 53 years ago. So why is this debate emerging now? Why wasn’t it raised long ago, when more evidence and firsthand testimonies might have been available to clarify the truth?

While I understand that it’s never too late for justice, this particular case presents a unique challenge. The authenticity of the photograph cannot be definitively proven at this point, and many of the key figures involved are either no longer alive or are nearing the end of their lives. This makes verifying claims even more difficult and increases the risk of rewriting history based on incomplete or conflicting accounts.

Furthermore, reopening this debate now could have broader implications. It may not only cast doubt on a photograph that has become an enduring symbol of war’s brutality but also risk overshadowing the powerful message it has conveyed for decades. The Napalm Girl image has played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Vietnam War, influencing anti-war movements and highlighting the suffering of innocent civilians. If the controversy remains unresolved, it could diminish the impact of the photo itself, shifting the focus from its historical significance to an endless debate over authorship.

Of course, if there is concrete evidence to support these claims, it should be examined. But if the discussion is based purely on speculation or unverifiable accounts, one has to question whether opening this Pandora’s box serves justice—or simply fuels controversy without resolution.

Pictures from Last Weekend

 Here are few pictures I took last weekend that I liked most. 

 I love these pictures of a Double-Crested Cormorant taken using a Canon R6 with an adapted EF100-400 L Mk2 with a 1.4 Extender. 

I also took few pictures of flowers. 

 

 The highlight of the weekend was the pictures I took of this white-tailed kite.

 I ended the weekend shooting a very special event, my youngest grandson Leo. 

 

I do not use Flash very often but I'm pleased with the photos I took during the event.

This coming weekend I'll be shooting a Karate competition so I'm mentally preparing for this coming event.

R1: 3 out of 5!

3 out of 5, that's the score given by The Photographer to Canon R1, a camera that was or is supposed to be Canon's flag ship. 

While the camera certainly delivered on knocking wildlife, specifically birding, out of the park, the biggest gripes we’ve had with this camera and other Canon cameras is their inability to recognize people of color. This, along with the lowered megapixel count and price, is why we’re giving the Canon EOS R1 three out of five stars.

The Canon R1 has faced criticism from many experts in the field. The main issue, in my view, is that Canon already had an excellent camera—the Canon R3. Compared to the R3, the R1 feels more like an incremental upgrade rather than a truly new model. 

According to The Photographer Review, the R1 is an excellent choice for wildlife and bird photography. However, I doubt that this market is willing to pay the nearly $6,300 price tag. Sports photographers are more likely to justify such an investment. Other fields, such as event photography, can achieve great results with more affordable cameras—including Canon's lower-cost options.

 Camera autofocus systems primarily rely on contrast detection, phase detection, or a combination of both to achieve sharp focus. In low-light conditions, these systems face significant challenges, particularly when photographing people with darker skin tones. Here’s why:

Contrast Detection and Low-Light Challenges

Contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF) works by analyzing the difference in light intensity between adjacent pixels. It continuously adjusts the focus until it finds the point of highest contrast. However, in low-light environments, overall contrast is reduced, making it harder for the system to detect clear edges and fine details.

For individuals with darker skin tones, the challenge is even greater because:

• Lower Reflectance – Darker skin absorbs more light compared to lighter skin, which reflects more. This means that in dim lighting, a camera might struggle to differentiate between the subject and the background due to reduced contrast.    
• Less Edge Definition – Autofocus systems look for contrast between light and dark areas. If a person's skin tone is closer in brightness to the surrounding environment, the system may have difficulty locking focus accurately.

 Phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), which is common in DSLRs and high-end mirrorless cameras, works by splitting incoming light into two images and aligning them. While it is generally faster than CDAF, it still struggles in low-light conditions where there is minimal light to work with.

For subjects with darker skin in dim environments, PDAF may also have difficulty due to:

• Lack of Strong Highlights – Many phase-detection systems are optimized for high-contrast areas such as eyes, sharp edges, or bright surfaces. If the available lighting is insufficient to create highlights on the skin, the system may misfocus or hunt for focus longer.
• Artificial Light Sources – Some cameras compensate for low light by using infrared or other artificial light sources. However, these systems can be less effective for darker skin tones, as some infrared sensors may not reflect as strongly from melanin-rich skin.

So, what are the solutions to this issue?  Camera manufacturers have made significant progress in improving autofocus accuracy across different skin tones, particularly with advancements in AI-based subject recognition and machine-learning autofocus algorithms. Some potential solutions include:

• Face and Eye Detection Algorithms – Modern cameras now use AI-trained models to recognize facial features rather than just relying on contrast. This helps lock focus on subjects regardless of lighting conditions.
• Better Low-Light Sensors – Cameras with backside-illuminated (BSI) sensors and higher ISO capabilities perform better in dim environments, reducing autofocus struggles.
• On-Camera Lighting Assistance – Some cameras feature AF assist beams or infrared illuminators to help focus in dark settings.

The challenge is that any solution relying on improved AI-based algorithms will require more processing power, which generates additional heat. This, in turn, increases costs due to the high price of processors and the need for effective heat dissipation solutions—all while maintaining a camera size that remains appealing to the market.

As you can see, this is no easy task.

Going back to The Photographer review, they illustrate how the camera focus fails using this picture. 

As you can see, this is an extreme scenario for me—a dark-skinned person in front of a dark background. The lack of contrast is evident, and in this situation, not just Canon's cameras will struggle; most cameras would face difficulties.

Rolling vs Global Shutter

Her is a video explaining the two types of shutter and why global shutter is the future. 

The benefits of photography...

I have been doing nature photography as a hobby for almost 10 years now. Some people who know me might say I'm addicted to it—and honestly, they might be right. Photography helps me release the stress that builds up during the workweek. When I'm out shooting, my mind drifts away from worries and negative thoughts, which is incredibly beneficial.

The sense of gratification when you come back home, review your shots, and start editing them is another powerful factor in maintaining mental well-being.

 

Aesthetical appealing

Sometimes, camera manufacturers overlook an important point, which can be summed up by a slogan from a popular TV show: "If it looks good, eat it!" In other words, if a camera looks good, people will buy it—even if it's not the best on the market.

This article from The Photographer provides a great example.

Photo courtesy of The Photographer.

By today’s standards, the Nikon Df is far from one of the best cameras available, yet its design is so appealing that if you're looking to buy one on the used market, you should be prepared to pay around $2,000. Keep in mind that this camera was released in 2013 and it's a 16 MP camera. 

...what made the Nikon Df so interesting was that it was a camera purely for photographers. Today, you see cameras that are hybrid devices, offering up to 8K video functions and pushing aside the need for image-makers. The Df did not do that. In fact, it had a lack of video functions, which was initially seen as a drawback. However, in 2025, this has become one of the most appealing cameras 2025.

And the winners are...

No, this post is not about the Oscars but about the The Nature Photo Contest Winners for 2025. 

When discussing what makes a great wildlife or nature photograph, many factors come into play—composition, technique, and various other elements. However, one of the most crucial aspects, in my opinion, is being in the right place at the right time. No matter how skilled or technically proficient you are, it means little if the opportunity doesn’t present itself—especially when photographing wildlife.

A perfect example of this is the award-winning photograph Polar Bear Amid Fireweed Blooms by Christopher Paetkau.

 

I'm pretty sure this picture was captured with a drone, and while drone-mounted cameras are far from the best on the market, this is still a stunning photograph. The award is well deserved.

Photos from last weekend

 Last weekend was a wildlife weekend. Here are some of the pictures I captured:

Duck In Flight

A motorcycle rider passed by, and I couldn’t resist capturing some shots.

 

Criminals targeting photographers

This is disturbing news—criminals are targeting both amateur and professional photographers in New York. Interestingly, they are not going after tourists, likely knowing that attacking a tourist would prompt a different response from the NYPD. Another notable detail is that they seem to be specifically targeting those using Sony cameras. You can read more details about this news at PetaPixel. 

Photographers in New York City are being told to stay vigilant after a string of violent camera robberies linked to a crew of thieves.

My guess is that due to their boxy design, Sony mirrorless cameras are easier to identify as high-end gear. In contrast, Canon and Nikon cameras have a more discreet design, making them harder to recognize—especially if you cover the logo and model number with black electrical tape. 

You might need to start carrying pepper spray in Times Square.

Here are some useful recommendations:

• Standard neck straps can be easily cut. Instead, opt for cut-resistant straps made with reinforced materials like steel wire or Kevlar (e.g., Pacsafe or BlackRapid straps).
• A wrist strap or cross-body sling may also be safer than a standard neck strap.
• Instead of just hanging it around your neck, wear it cross-body with the camera resting at your hip.
• Use black electrical tape to cover the logo and model number to make your camera less recognizable as expensive gear.
• A worn or non-branded strap is less attractive to thieves than a strap with "Sony," "Canon," or "Nikon" branding.
• Never leave your camera unattended on a tripod. 
• Even with precautions, theft can happen. Camera insurance can cover losses in case of theft.
  

 

New products from Sigma

 Christopher Frost reported from Japan about new products coming from Sigma, a new 300-600mm and 16-300 mm lenses and the new BF camera that we have covered before in this blog.

 He also shared the first review of the BF Camera that I have seen so far. Check what he has to say about this new camera. 

Would I buy the BF? No. In my opinion, the lack of buttons makes control difficult, requiring too many clicks to adjust settings. Additionally, the camera’s ergonomics are a concern for me. If this is your only camera, it might work for you, but if you own other mirrorless or DSLR cameras, switching to this one could be a frustrating experience.

Regarding the two new lenses: The 300-600mm is an interesting option for wildlife and sports photographers. While this range may provide excellent image quality, I find it somewhat restrictive—especially for photographers who switch between portraits and distant wildlife without changing lenses.

On the other hand, the 16-300mm looks like a perfect travel lens, though I wouldn’t expect it to deliver the same level of image quality as the 300-600mm. Between the two, I’m most excited about the 16-300mm. Unfortunately, neither of these lenses is available for Canon RF cameras yet.

Sigma releasing a new camera

Sigma is releasing a new camera, the Sigma BF. It boasts an exquisite design with a clean, minimalist look, unlike any other camera I've seen.

This full-frame camera comes with a 24MP sensor and an impressive 230GB of internal memory.

While the design is visually appealing, I have concerns about its ergonomics—especially for wildlife photography, where holding the camera for extended periods is crucial.

The Sigma BF camera is priced at $1,999 and is expected to ship in April 2025. This price does not include a lens; however, the camera is compatible with the L-Mount standard, allowing you to choose from a variety of lenses.

More about this camera in this promotional video from Sigma.