The Wonder of Photography

How is this done?

It's a very long story. July 31st, 2003 my brother Geoff and I traveled to see a great friend - Mark Dionne in Wellfleet, MA, on the Cape. With my boat in tow, we planned on a scuba diving trip, that changed when Mark told me there were humpback whales in the ocean, and we could possibly see them.

Long story short, we had an incredible experience, overwhelming! My Sony point and shoot didn't cut it... so off to my friends camera store, "Camtech" in Hamilton Ontario, to buy my first DSLR. A couple months later, a 70-300mm and I was on my way down the wonderful road of bird and wildlife photography.

That whale experience changed my life. A week later, I met my sweet wife Daisy, and started the photography challenge of a lifetime.

Bird photography is very difficult. I saw Peter Darcy's images of owls on a website, and the spark was aflame! 10+ years exploring this passion, and I am learning all the time. The most important "thing" you gain is an appreciation for the beauty, and fragility of nature.

I personally feel a responsibility to express how important it is for everyone in the world to show respect. Please leave wild animals alone. Do not feed Carnivorous creatures, from owls to crocodiles, they should be left alone and not influenced by human feedings. Bears, wolves, lions, sharks, on and on - they are extremely dangerous, even monkeys.

Acclimatizing these animals and birds puts them and us at tremendous risk. Keep your distance! You cannot pose for a photo beside such birds or animals.

So long as I am sharing images, I will ask folks to listen to these messages, and treat nature with respect. Please share this information with your friends, and your respectful thoughts below if you wish.

best wishes from Canada - Raymond.

ps. please follow this page if you wish!

Green-crowned Brilliant in Flight
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/800s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso640

Hummingbirds Love the Rain!

This pair of Magnificent hummingbirds enjoyed a meal during a rain shower!

Fortunately, for us photographers, our locations have cover to keep us and our gear dry! For the birds, this is bath time. Working with natural light always seems to be the best possible choice, even on a dark rainy afternoon.

Thanks for viewing and sharing my images here in G+, very much appreciated!


Magnificent Hummingbirds in Flight
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/800s f/4.0 at 210.0mm iso1250

Pure Happiness!

To watch these hummingbirds enjoy a meal is so much fun!

Photographing hummingbirds is a spectacular way of enjoying your day. Each bird has their own special features that we try to capture.

Travel to Costa Rica is easy, and very safe. I meet all my guests at the airport, travel to a very special hotel, then off shooting right away - if we arrive during the day!

The best part of this job is teaching each guest, and helping every photographer improve their skills. Small groups, and lots of shooting can be very rewarding! I never take more then 4 people to Costa Rica.

The colours of this fiery-throated hummingbird are amazing, at a certain light angle, the throat feathers reflect so many nice iridescent tones. No flash is ever used for any of my wildlife photograph... natural light works.

Thanks for looking, more images from my previous tours soon.

Raymond

Fiery-throated Hummingbird in Flight
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/250s f/4.0 at 260.0mm iso500

Sweet Colours in Costa Rica

Enjoying nature is a special time, so much fun to see and photograph.

Sharing these images with you is such a privilege, my last image here on G+ went out to almost 278,000 people! thanks so much to everyone who +'s, comments, and shares! I hope you will enjoy this recent edit, many more to come.

Recently, I have set up a tour to India, for 12 days of tiger photography, in November 2014. This is going to be one very special tour, with incredible opportunities to photograph the spectacular Bengal Tiger, and cubs. Up to date info is available via email.

We also have private tours ready to be booked for Costa Rica, with small groups, maximum 4 people. This ensures a very interesting, and productive experience. I hope you and your photographer friends will join me soon!

Thanks to everyone... it is great to have 15 tours now completed to this wonderful place of nature and colours.

Green-crowned Brilliant
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/250s f/4.0 at 360.0mm iso640

4 Females in Focus! - Amazing Luck!

These 4 beauties were all feeding on this flower at once, and somehow they all hovered on the same focus distance, and parallel to my sensor.
No cloning, or any special photoshopping, almost full frame, slight crop for a 16/9 ratio.

Thanks to nature for providing us all so much beauty!

thanks to you for looking!

Green-crowned Brilliant Females Feeding
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/640s f/4.0 at 200.0mm iso640

The Colour Effect

Working with colours can be great fun. In Costa Rica, there is no limit to what we have to choose from - colourful birds with colourful environment.

Enjoying such an opportunity in a rain shower can be even more fun, with the water creating such saturated colours, without the bright sunlight. Since I never use any flash, the natural light here is so sweet, and amazing nature provides all the excitement!

Thanks for looking!


Green-crowned Brilliant
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/320s f/4.0 at 220.0mm iso640

15 Tours Complete!

And my first good look at the elusive Howler!

This was fun, up high on a viewing platform, looking down to two amazing monkeys feeding in the canopy. Interesting to see the underside of the tail in this shot, with the "leathery" finish, rather then a full coat of fur. - thanks to my guests.... and especially my great friend Naseeb, who joined me all the way from Tanzania!

Lots of Hummingbird images coming soon!

Please respect nature, integrity is always what comes first for my workshops.



Black Howler Monkey
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/400s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso500

Amazing things happen!

In Costa Rica!

A recent tour with several guests when extremely well when these beautiful birds came to us for a visit! At least 60 hummingbirds from about 7 different species entertained our group for an entire day!

With the light constantly changing in the cloud forests at almost 9,000 feet, the exposures are challenging. this image was a titch dark on the Raw file, so I was able to make corrections in CS5 software.

Never using flash, and loving natural light is the key here, my camera gives me nice resolution at 1600 - 2000 iso, so just enough shutter speed to make this work.

At 4 fps, I was able to capture 8 sharp images of this scene, so since the tougue was extended for this shot, I figure this one was the image to edit.

Please respect nature, and the environment, please do not litter, or destruct the home of these beautiful creatures around the world.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird in Flight
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/2500s f/4.0 at 330.0mm iso1600

Bluebird Lift-off!

A wonderful male Eastern Bluebird lifts of his perch for higher ground!

Local workshops are great fun. Little travel, one on one programs that help photographers learn how to work with nature, and enjoy the beauty. A lot of suggestions, and recommendations for all aspects of wildlife and bird photography, especially talks about ethical nature photography.

Helping people understand the reasonable limitations on what we should and should not be doing in the field is an important part of my program.

please respect our natural world!


Eastern Bluebird in Flight
RJB Wild Birds of Ontario Workshops
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/5000s f/7.1 at 300.0mm iso4000

White-necked Jacobin in Flight
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/800s f/6.3 at 400.0mm iso1600

Flight of the Bluebird

Such a beautiful bird to see and photograph. A hidden gem in the back roads of Ontario, these birds have struggled to survive. Dew to the amazing efforts from so many caring individuals, the species is on the rebound.

Bluebird boxes are maintained all over Ontario, to help these birds find a place to nest, as so much habitat loss due to urban expansion, and farming.

Iso 6400 for this shot gave me a high shutter speed, enough to minimize blur. More noise than I like to deal with, but still a decent image quality with some noise reduction techniques in post processing.

Have a good week, please respect nature and all of our beautiful natural world.


Eastern Bluebird in Flight
RJB Wild Birds of Ontario Workshops
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/6400s f/6.3 at 400.0mm iso6400

Costa Rica Travel and Bird Photography

Thanks to my guests for another wonderful tour to this wildlife gem in Central America.

Green-crowned Brilliant
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/13s f/13.0 at 400.0mm iso320

Nesting Quetzals

On a remote farm in the mountains of Costa Rica, we find a pair of nesting Resplendent Quetzals taking care of their babies.

Constantly returning to their nest provides us with the opportunity to enjoy nature with almost no disturbance. These birds have been nesting on remote farms for many year, successfully maintaining
their families along side the farmers and their cows.

A clear view on this nest was golden for everyone, I hope to post more images of the actual nesting later on., a few flight shots too.

This male was on guard, as their was an Emerald Toucanete
nearby, preparing to invade the nest for a meal.

Nature at it's best, respect, and learning is always fun!

Resplendent Quetzal
RJB Costa Rica Tours
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/160s f/6.3 at 400.0mm iso640

Red-tailed Hawk in Flight (captive)
RJB Raptors in Flight Workshops

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/4000s f/4.0 at 250.0mm iso400

Female Kestrel in Flight (captive)
RJB Raptors in Flight Workshops

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/4000s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Set up Photography - with 8 different Raptors in Flight!

Working with a falconer - James Cowen, we create a scene during the workshop that will give our guests an opportunity to capture birds in flight with their cameras and lenses.

All levels of photographers are welcome! I do a short demo, with the "how2's" and off we go into the training field. Everyone has a chance to capture each and every flight. Some birds fly up to 25 times!

We structure the set up to enable up to 10 photographers to get a good line, and fire as many images as they wish. this male performed like a gem, responding to the falconer like a dream come true!

Fro more info, please email me any time! I leave Tuesday for a week+ in Costa Rica, but we will have another full weekend of workshops in May.

Hope to see you in the field!


Kestrel in Flight - (falconers bird)
RJB Birds in Flight Workshops
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/8000s f/4.0 at 340.0mm iso800

Red-tailed Hawk in Flight (captive)
RJB Birds in Flight Workshops

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/4000s f/4.0 at 240.0mm iso500

Nesting with Babies!

Thanks to Swarovski Optics

A couple of good friends have kept me posted with news of this Great Horned Owl Nest, 2 babies being fed here, a large rat!

Thanks to my sponsor Swarvoski Optics, this scope is amazing for long distance DSLR photography. With a crop camera, and the 95mm lens on the modular system, we have an effective reach of 1,340mm @ 30x - f9.5.

This nest is about 60 yards from where I am standing, and about 30 yards up in the air. The adults nearby, patrolling the security of the nests, as there are many raptors in the area looking for an easy meal.

Keeping a good distance from the nest is the key to the success of the Great Horned Owls breeding season. Approaching too close could be detrimental to the lives of the babies.

Respect for nature is always foremost on my mind, so keeping this location quiet is a priority.

Great Horned Owl nest
RJB Wild Birds of Ontario Workshops
ray@raymondbarlow.com
Swarovski Spotting Scope - 95mm
1/2000s iso1000 f9.5

The Amazing Flight

A red-tailed hawk makes the most awesome call!

With her screaming for action, eager to fly for my group she impatiently jumps off my perch and arrives to her trainer in about 2 seconds!

The lift off shot can be the most fun to catch., a dull day for light, high iso, some nr in photoshop, a quick crop, touch of sharpening, and we are good! This program is so much fun, people just keep coming back1 Usually 80% repeats!

Thanks to everyone for the support, and good fun!

Take good care.

Red-tailed Hawk in Flight
RJB Birds in Flight Workshops
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/1250s f/4.0 at 380.0mm iso800
falconers bird

Enough Light!

To capture this tiny bird at 1/8000 of a second.

Not much bigger then a bumble-bee, this beautiful bird examined this flower intensely. About 80 beats per second, catching a bit of freeze in the wings is difficult during most conditions.

Looking forward to one more tour coming up in 3 weeks... join us!!

Volcano Hummingbird
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/8000s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso1000

Siblings

Brother and sister Kestrels posing for my group on Saturday, a great way to finish off a workshop. 10 guests Saturday, 10 for Sunday, and so many images taken! Thanks to everyone for joining these programs, good fun!


Kestrel Pair - Male and Female
RJB Raptors in Flight Workshops

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/250s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso500

Pure Flight!

To have such an opportunity!

In our lifetime, we can experience some incredible places, people, and scenes. This eagle that takes flight for my guests in controlled conditions is nothing short of spectacular.

My falconer friend James will start each bird (about 7 different species) where I ask him to, and have the bird fly - land where we want this bald eagle to land. What an opportunity!

These birds are extremely well cared for, as they are show birds, prepared and trained to fly as requested.

I create the flight plan, set the background, lift of perch, and landing perch... this all relates to several factors. The light direction and angle, the wind, and the appropriate background to suit the size and colours of the bird.

Once in a while, it all comes together, and we get a shot!

Thanks to everyone for all the support, 10 guests Saturday, 10 guests Sunday!! People from all over USA and Canada! thanks to you for looking, and for reading this far in my notes!

2 more Raptors in Flight workshops soon, 2 programs to Costa Rica, 2 programs to Africa, and 1 to Newfoundland!!

take good care... life is good!

Bald Eagle in Flight (captive)
RJB Wild Raptors in Flight Workshops
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/6400s f/5.6 at 380.0mm iso500

Snowy Owl in Flight (captive)
RJB Birds in Flight Workshops

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/1600s f/4.0 at 200.0mm iso800

Travel to Costa Rica

And see this amazing bird float in the wind!

During my programs down south we might make as many as 3 trips to a private property to see the resplendent quetzal. A short hike into the mountain, sit and wait, and hope this awesome bird will join us for some imaging!

Resplendent Quetzal
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/320s f/6.3 at 360.0mm iso1600

A Family Issue!!

2 Green-crowned Brilliant Hummingbirds sort out their problems
in front of my guests during a photo-shoot in Costa Rica. Looks like mother and daughter here, we all wonder why nature needs to be so confrontational! (more with hummingbirds then any other of our planets species!)

I think the word "Mine" explains things.. :))

Special thanks to everyone for viewing my images!!

Kind regards from Canada!

Green-crowned Brilliant Family
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/1000s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso1600

Green Crowmed Brilliant
RJB Colours of Costa Rica Tour

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/800s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso1600

Spotted Hyena
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/2000s f/4.0 at 210.0mm iso200

Little Bee-eater
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/200s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Tawny Eagle
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/250s f/7.1 at 290.0mm iso200

Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Agama
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/320s f/7.1 at 400.0mm iso200

Pied Avocet
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/500s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Female Lion
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/250s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Reflection

This greater flamingo posed for us while feeding one early morning, in the Central Serengeti. To study the amazing techniques this bird has for acquiring food is so interesting.

Such a peaceful environment, with the risk of death at any moment is what makes Tanzania so special. Predators lurking around every corner will keep this birds alert status well engaged!

Many more images from Tanzania to come, best wishes, thanks to everyone!

Greater Flamingo
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours
ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/400s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Lion Cubs
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/200s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Jackel
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/500s f/7.1 at 400.0mm iso320

Southern Ground Hornbill
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/320s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Gray-backed Shrike
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/2000s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso400

Giraffe on the Serengeti
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/400s f/8.0 at 70.0mm iso200

Zebra
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/400s f/10.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Cape Buffalo
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/1000s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso200

Little Bee-eater
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/125s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso320

Male Ostrich
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/400s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso400

Baby Elephant
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/320s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso400

Cory Bustard
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/2000s f/4.0 at 220.0mm iso200

Spotted Hyena
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/2500s f/4.0 at 400.0mm iso200

Lion Family
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/40s f/7.1 at 400.0mm iso400

Spotted Hyena
RJB Tanzania, Africa Tours

ray@raymondbarlow.com
1/2000s f/4.0 at 330.0mm iso200