HowardCheekPhotography.co m's photostream  

I'm primarily a nature photographer, and picked up my first camera 9 years ago. My interest began around the same time digital photography was in its infancy, starting with a 3MP Fuji digital point & shoot camera. I still remember the excitement I experienced with my first macro when viewed large on the screen. It opened my eyes to the natural world, and I've never been the same.

Learning the necessary skills from the internet, photo sharing sites, and daily shooting, my art and appreciation of nature grew quickly. Mary and I live on 6 acres of Central Texas Hill Country in its natural state, and I do much of my photography right here on our land. We also live on the "Central Flyway" a major migratory route for countless numbers of birds.

I use many different tools in my photography; it helps if you have the right equipment for nature shooting. I currently use a Canon 1D Mark III DSLR for my camera body. Much more important than the total number of pixels is the camera image quality. This is especially relevant at the higher ISO settings you often must use in nature photography. And I always try to minimize the crop in photoshop to retain inherent image quality or "IQ".

The right lens is equally critical. If you're a birder, choosing the best lens for your needs can be a bit intimidating. I've gone from a Canon 100-400mm f/5.6 zoom lens to the very sharp Canon 300mm f/2.8 image stabilized prime lens I now use. Coupled with the 1.4x and 2x extenders, I have focal lengths of up 600mm if needed. I always try to get as physically close as possible, and for this there's no substitute. The tripod is essential when shooting in low light and at slower shutter speeds. I rarely use flash, but rather depend on ambient light for a more natural look. I'm always aware of the light's direction also. In general you want to avoid
shooting towards the sunlight, but rather put it behind you. Many of the most dynamic images are shot at first light or late in the day. I prefer shooting during the mid-morning hours when the best light's available. Slightly overcast light is some of the best as well, with a soft even exposure the result.

For insects and very small subjects I have relied on a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 dedicated macro lens for the last seven years. I sometimes use the Canon 300mm plus 1.4x setup for butterfly flight shots, because of the distance from subject that's needed. To bring in butterflies and insects for macro, we have built multiple raised beds. We plant an assortment of flowers and plants every Spring that are sure to attract. We also have the added benefit
of native wildflowers throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. For very close work, I use the Sigma EM-140 DG ringflash. I sometimes shoot macro handheld, but it's the exception. I also use the "mirror lockup" function found on most DSLR's, and a remote wire for long exposure macro stills.

If you are going to be shooting close to home, you need to make the habitat wildlife friendly of course. I started by building a small pond with waterfall that replaces the ponds volume every 24-48 hours. This was done by running a waterline to the pond, with a small stream run-off.The stream runs slightly downhill and has created a small marshy area profuse with cattails and other natural grasses. It has become a breeding ground for amphibians, dragonflies and other assorted fauna. This has provided me even more photo opportunities without ever leaving my land. Just the sound of the waterfall attracts small migrating warblers throughout the year. I use multiple feeders placed near my desired shooting "zones". This helps me to fill the frame, and compose the image as I shoot. I also use what are called "props", and they can be many things. For example, I employ small moveable potted trees or ornamental shrubs. A small branch mounted over the ponds waterfall where the warblers drink, or a hummingbird feeder placed near a beautiful garden flower. The list is long, and you're only limited by your imagination..

I will tell anyone who's a beginner that it's well worth your money, time, and effort. And the connection you make with nature is priceless..

Since I started just 9 short years ago I've been published in Nature's Best Photography, Texas Parks & Wildlife, National Wildlife, Better Holmes & Gardens, Nature's Garden, Birds & Blooms, Astronomy Magazine and many others. My first major national publication was a winning image in National Wildlife's Photo Contest in 2006. Editor's Pick Award 2009 winner at Nature
Photographers Network. Also a winner in Nature's Best Magazine's Backyards Contest in 2009. I won the Nature Conservancy's Grand Prize in 2010, their calendar cover shot. Birds & Blooms Grand Prize winner for 2011. Texas Parks & Wildlife Contest winner for 2011. One of my images was used early this year (2011) for a book cover shot, my first.
Another first was a PBS interview in 2009, which aired later that year. I regularly contribute images to the National Wildlife Federation for use in their publications. Also active at Nature Photographer's Network.com, and I support the Nature Conservancy's work around the globe.