Taking another shot at Instagram

I created an Instagram account back in 2020, but I didn’t really enjoy the experience at the time. As an aspiring photographer, I’m passionate about composition and often spend a lot of time just on that. Instagram’s format can be a bit limiting—it doesn’t always work well with the way I like to present my photos.

But recently, our grandsons started working on their own project, and it reminded me that I had an old account just sitting there collecting dust. So, I decided to give it another shot partially supporting them with my photos.

While on Facebook I’ve been posting full albums from each photoshoot, on Instagram I’ll be sharing only the very best of my shots. If you’ve been following my work on Facebook, I’d love it if you’d check out my Instagram too and give me a follow. I would truly appreciate your support! And of course! Supporting our grandsons is also appreciated. 

 

Magic Lantern is back

Magic Lantern is a free, open-source software add-on that runs on many Canon DSLR cameras. It extends the functionality of Canon's firmware by unlocking advanced features not originally included by the manufacturer.

 

Important Notes:

•     Magic Lantern runs from the camera’s SD/CF card and does not replace Canon's firmware.
•     It's unofficial and not supported by Canon.
•     There's some risk (like camera malfunction or warranty voiding), though it's generally safe when installed correctly.    Magic Lantern does not support Canon Mirrorless cameras.  

My Opinion:

 While some of the features available in this "add-on" are extremely useful, it’s cluttered with so many options that it becomes difficult to remember where everything is, making it hard to use. It's really something for professionals who can't live without one of its advanced tools—not for the average user who just wants to enjoy photography. On the other hand, for DSLRs that are no longer receiving firmware updates, this add-on is a great way to revitalize the camera with new features.

Wildlife photography tips

Meet Chelsea Northup, a wildlife photography enthusiast with a wealth of experience. Her tips and tricks are a treasure trove of knowledge that will elevate your photography skills. 

The R6 Mark II is currently available at 18% off

The R6 Mark II is currently available at 18% off on Amazon. To me, this looks like a sign that Canon may be releasing the R6 Mark III soon—a rumor that has been circulating for some time.

The Canon R6 Mark II is a great camera that offers outstanding image quality, fast and reliable autofocus, and impressive low-light performance. With its 24.2MP sensor, high-speed continuous shooting (up to 40 fps with electronic shutter), and advanced video features (4K 60p oversampled), it's ideal for both wildlife and hybrid photo/video shooters. It's also known for its excellent in-body image stabilization and ergonomic design.

From last weekend

Last Saturday, I went to my favorite park and came back home with a few good pictures.

I saw a hummingbird flying around, but I couldn't capture a shot of him in flight. Luckily, he perched for a few short minutes—just long enough for me to get a picture.

With hummingbirds—especially when they’re perched in the shade—the post-editing process is incredibly important. In those conditions, you can’t really see the bird’s beautiful colors. It’s only after editing that those vibrant colors truly come to life.

This Carolina Wren love to sing. It's not the first time he poses for me and even aloud me to get very close. 

 

On Sunday, I had a special assignment: I took some pictures of our grandsons on the streets of Brooksville—a beautiful place for photoshoots. You can enjoy the pictures here. I really love how they turned out. 

 

 

Nature's Moments No 16

 A new release of my short movies about nature.

What would you buy for your current R camera

Suppose you came across some extra cash and decided to buy something for your R-series camera—what would you choose?

Tough question, right?

As for me, what would I buy to pair with my Canon R6 Mark I? Since I spend about 80% of my time shooting wildlife, it makes sense to invest in a lens suited for that purpose. If you want to stick with Canon, there aren’t too many options—so the lens I’d choose is the Canon RF 100-500mm.

To complement this lens, I’d also get the RF 1.4x Extender. You might ask, “If you’re getting the extender, why not just go for the RF 200-800mm?” Well, here’s my reasoning: the RF 100-500mm paired with the 1.4x Extender gives me a range of 140-700mm. I actually prefer that range, especially on the lower end. For the kind of work I do, 140mm works better for me than 200mm.

Now I’m curious—what would you buy?