I like this location, Crews Lake Nature Reserve, because birds fly low close to the water and at the level of the pier, giving me a nice view of the birds.
The above picture is a good example of that. The background is totally blurred, making the bird pop up nicely. You can't ask for more.
You can use the metering mode of your camera to achieve certain looks in your pictures. For example, in the above picture, I used partial metering mode. In this mode, the camera exposes your main subject correctly by measuring the light in a small central area of the frame (usually about 6–10% of the viewfinder). Because in this case the subject is brighter than the surrounding space, the background becomes overexposed, resulting in a black background. You can get even more dramatic results if you use spot metering.
The key point for achieving a dramatic effect is to have a subject that is strongly illuminated or brighter than the surrounding areas.
Here is another example.
This is a picture I took recently, and I love it so much.
Every once in a while, you come across a tree that feels less like part of the landscape and more like a character within it, a silent elder with stories etched into its bark. This incredible tree, captured in the heart of Florida’s wilderness, is one of those rare giants. Its sprawling limbs twist and stretch with a confidence that only comes from surviving countless seasons of wind, rain, and sun. The curved trunk, thick roots, and moss-covered branches give it a sculptural presence, as if nature shaped it with deliberate artistry.
Florida is home to many of these remarkable trees, especially ancient live oaks. Unlike the straight, towering trees of colder climates, Florida’s oaks often grow wide and low, their branches bending with age and weight, creating dramatic shapes like the one in this photograph. The humid air, sandy soil, and subtropical climate create perfect conditions for them to thrive for centuries. Some live oaks in the state are believed to be over 500 years old, weathering storms and standing strong through Florida’s ever-changing landscape.
To truly capture the full beauty of this tree, this image was created using a technique where multiple photographs are stitched together. By taking several overlapping shots and blending them into a single frame, the final image preserves the tree’s immense size and intricate details in a way a single photo simply couldn’t. This method allows the viewer to experience the entire scene, its scale, texture, and atmosphere, with clarity and depth, almost as if standing there in person.
This tree feels like a gateway into another world, a reminder that beauty in nature often comes from resilience, adaptation, and time. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause, breathe, and appreciate the quiet magic tucked away in Florida’s forests.
Capturing a tree is like capturing a soul. I sometimes imagine them as quiet humans, silent witnesses to the stories of our lives.
At one point in my life, I fell in love with computers, to the point where I switched careers at the age of 33 and began working in the field that still pays my bills. Twenty years later, I fell in love again, this time becoming addicted to photography.
I may have called this blog Click Addict. Seriously, photography can be addictive. It's like you become addicted to the sound of the shutter. Then you have the post-editing part of photography, you’re dying to get home and start editing your pictures to make them as close to perfection as possible. When the whole process is finished, you feel a happiness that’s indescribable.
I started this addiction as a hobby a little more than 10 years ago, a little before the time when our first grandson opened his eyes for the first time. While the hobby was meant to be about wildlife and nature, I have to blame him for introducing me to portrait photography. Then our second grandson came into our lives, and my addiction got stronger.
Liam is a born model; he knows how to pose without being given instructions. This is key because if you ask him to pose, in fact, if you ask any of our grandsons, he’ll give you one of those “Schwarzenegger smiles” from the movie Terminator, ruining your picture. So I adopted a paparazzo-style approach, going around taking pictures without asking anyone to pose.
By the time when our 3rd grandson came into this Earth, I was already sick beyond all possible salvation.
I do not know if Leo learnt from Liam, but he is always ready for a candid picture. The above picture is an example, he noticed Liam posing, and he went right away to claim the protagonism. Of course, I could not miss the opportunity.
When I gave up on any chance of sanity on my part, then came sports photography! Nature was not enough. My portrait pictures of our grandsons were not enough. I had to shoot 2,000 pictures in a single sports event to calm down my addiction!
So here I am, thinking about future events, new places in nature to shoot thousands more pictures, and looking for ways to pay for my addiction.
There is something magical about those quiet moments just after dawn, when the first rays of sunlight break through the trees and paint everything with a warm golden glow. This scene stopped me in my tracks. The soft light filtered through the moss draped branches, highlighting the textures of the old oaks and the path ahead.
I took this photo on a peaceful morning walk, when the air was still cool and the world seemed to wake up slowly. The golden light touching the leaves and tree trunks reminded me why I love photographing nature. It is not just about the scenery, but the feeling of calm and wonder that comes with it.
Sunrises like this one are fleeting, lasting only a few minutes before the light changes completely. But that is what makes them special, a gentle reminder to slow down, look around, and appreciate the beauty that nature offers every day.
As I approach 12 years of photographing wildlife and landscapes, moments like this remind me how rewarding it is to keep exploring, learning, and capturing the quiet beauty of the natural world.
The popular wisdom among photographers says that the best results are achieved when you are at eye level with your subject. Avoid taking shots from a higher position, as the distance between your subject and the background becomes smaller and the image will not appear as attractive as when photographed at eye level.
But when you are shooting wildlife, you do not have many options. It is either take the shot or miss it. So, if you see a bird like the one in the picture above, would you capture the moment or let the opportunity that nature has given you slip away?
My opinion? I never waste an opportunity.
I wouldn’t consider the picture above to be bad, and here’s why:
Moment and Expression: You captured the bird mid-call, with its beak open and feathers slightly ruffled; that’s a dynamic, storytelling moment that adds life to the image. Those moments are hard to predict and even harder to catch sharply.
Lighting: The morning light beautifully enhances the bird’s black plumage, revealing the subtle iridescent tones and the red-and-yellow markings on the wings. That detail often gets lost in harsh or flat light.
Composition: The placement of the bird slightly off-center works well. The surrounding lily pads and reflections add a natural context without overwhelming the subject.
Depth and Contrast: Even though the photo is taken from slightly above (which some would avoid), the depth created by the water texture and lily pads makes it visually engaging.
So, even if it’s not “eye-level,” this image works because of its emotion, timing, and natural composition. In wildlife photography, the story often outweighs textbook composition rules — and this photo tells a strong one.
In this image, the morning sunlight streams through the fan-shaped fronds of a native palmetto, illuminating it in a vivid green glow. Slender vines and tender leaves climb over the broad palm leaf, their delicate outlines catching the backlight and casting intricate shadows. The dark, softly blurred forest background makes the bright foliage stand out even more, highlighting the natural patterns and textures. It’s a striking example of how light can transform an ordinary forest scene into a moment of vibrant contrast and detail.
Bokeh (from the Japanese blur or haze) refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. It’s not about how blurred the background is (that’s simply “shallow depth of field”) but rather how that blur looks — whether it’s smooth and pleasing or harsh and distracting.
Camera NewB just posted a video exploring this important photography concept in today’s world. I highly recommend checking it out.
One of the things that inspires me about wildlife photography is that, no matter how many times you return to the same location, you never know what you’ll encounter. Even if you’re simply photographing the landscape, the same scene will never look exactly the same.
Click on the picture to truly appreciate the details of this landscape. It was a beautiful morning, and although I’ve captured this view many times before, none compare to this one, with the fog gently draping part of the scene.
The next picture is a vertical panorama. I walked into a scene that truly stunned me with its beauty. I had to step back to find the right spot for the composition I envisioned. Knowing my zoom lens—designed for wildlife—wouldn’t capture the entire view in a single frame, I decided to take several shots along the vertical axis to capture the full landscape.
Is not it beautiful?
Some plants bloom during the bird migration season, as if nature knew exactly what was needed and worked like a precise clock. For example, the firespike flower blooms in Florida around September—right when hummingbird migration is at its peak.
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| Firespike (Odontonema tubaeforme). |
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on a firespike. |
Photographing a Sport Event in a hotel conference room is challenging and often results in high ISOs. Can you guess the ISO in this picture?
1/32000! Tools like DXO PureRaw, Topaz Photo and Adobe LrC perform miracles cleaning these pictures.
Good question. In general, birds in flight are difficult—especially small birds that tend to fly very fast. Swallows are particularly challenging, so that would be my first choice.
Another difficult shot is that of a flying dragonfly.
Of course, hummingbirds should be included on this list. Their erratic flight patterns make them very hard to capture. You have to wait until they hover near a flower.
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| His eyes look alive! |
Many people worry that flash makes photos look harsh or unnatural. In reality, when used properly, flash is a tool that helps me enhance the natural light, not overpower it.
Comfort first: Always use diffused or bounced flash so it feels soft and doesn’t distract.
Better quality: Flash helps reduce graininess in dark settings and keeps colors true to life.
Brighter eyes: A touch of flash adds a natural sparkle to the eyes, making them look more alive and vibrant.
Natural look: My goal is for the photos to look authentic, warm, and natural—often you won’t even notice I used flash.
In short, flash is just one of many tools I use to make sure photos look their absolute best in any situation.
As an important note, always check Venue rules: If a location doesn’t allow flash, respect those guidelines and rely on low-light techniques.
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| It's hard to notice that I used a flash in this photo. |
Of all the pictures I took at the last karate competition, one impacted me the most.
But why?
This picture has a powerful visual impact because of the way it captures intensity, focus, and presence in a single frame.
Expression & Emotion: The young martial artist’s face is locked in concentration and determination. His gaze is sharp and unwavering, which immediately draws the viewer in. That expression gives the photo emotional weight—it’s not just a boy in uniform, it’s a competitor embodying strength and resolve.
Body Language: The stance is strong and commanding. Holding the bo staff with confidence, his posture communicates readiness and discipline. It tells a story of practice, respect, and the seriousness of the moment.
Contrast & Setting: Against the softer, blurred background of spectators and the hotel conference setting, he stands out crisply in his white gi and hakama. That separation enhances the sense of focus—not just his, but ours as viewers.
Impact on the Viewer: What makes this image impactful is that it feels iconic—a moment frozen where youth, tradition, and determination intersect. You don’t just see a karate student; you see the spirit of martial arts captured in one decisive moment.
In short: The picture is impactful because it communicates strength, discipline, and determination in a way that feels larger than the moment itself.
Visiting Saint Augustine is like stepping back in time to an old Spanish city, and don’t be surprised if you encounter a few pirates along the way, mock-shooting at you.
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| Weapon demonstration at Fountain of Youth. |
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine, established in 1904, commemorates the legendary spring said to restore youth. It highlights the early Spanish settlement founded in 1565, the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the U.S. Visitors can explore exhibits on Native American and Spanish history, see reconstructed 16th-century settlements, and stroll through gardens where peacocks roam freely.
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| Ponce de León statue. |
Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer and conquistador, best known for leading the first European expedition to Florida in 1513 and for his legendary search for the Fountain of Youth.
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| Cannon shooting demonstration. |
At the Fountain of Youth, history and nature intertwine. Stroll among ancient ruins, wandering peacocks, and lush gardens, and let the past come alive around you—an experience that lingers long after you leave.
I thought that I was seeing a hummingbird flying around some flowers, and it was not until I checked the picture using the zoom feature that I noticed that it was not a bird; it was a Banded Sphinx Moth. It is usually a night flyer, but every now and then, you can spot one early in the morning feeding on flowers. With its powerful wings and bird-like hovering, it’s easy to mistake it for a tiny hummingbird.
A rare and magical sight to start the day!
Short answer: Photography is both a hobby and a part-time job for me. I love nature photography and capturing events, especially those of our grandsons. While I often share photos for free, I also offer my services to those who want something more private or tailored to their needs.
Photography is more than just clicking a button — it’s an investment of time, skill, and professional equipment. The cameras and lenses I use cost thousands of dollars, and I continually upgrade, maintain, and insure this gear to deliver the best possible results. Along with editing software, storage, and the hours spent preparing and perfecting each session, these costs ensure you receive high-quality photos that truly capture your moments.
This is why I charge for photo sessions — so I can keep creating professional images while covering the real costs behind the art.
You can find the list price and FAQs here.
Just something to think about:
If you like my pictures, keep in mind that it took me over 80,000 shots to reach the level you see today — and that’s not even counting the 20,000 to 30,000 photos I deleted because they weren’t good enough.
If you don’t like my pictures or my style, remember that even after 80,000 photos, I’m still learning.
Practice, practice and more practice.
I'm ready for my next adventure: short nature videos.
Sometimes people do things just because they can, not because it’s the best way to. This is one of those cases.
I absolutely love capturing the essence of statues, especially those that evoke the grandeur of the Roman era.
