Thank you for subscribing to the Outdoor Eyes Newsletter. I realize that not all articles will be of equal importance to you, that some of the information enclosed will already be known and understood. But, if the newsletter reminds you of something that you put in the back of your mind or if the newsletter gives you some excitement to explore an area that you have forgotten, then it has fulfilled its' purpose. I hope you feel inclined to submit any interesting stories, hints, etc. I will include as many submissions as possible in each issue with a link to their photographs (if available). Thanks to all of the subscribers who submitted this month.
Enjoy this month's issue...
Philip "PT" Tulin

Wildlife are the greatest watchers and just when you think that you're watching them, they are watching you. In fact, they have been watching you for a lot longer time than you have been watching them. They are the masters of cleverness as they use their five senses to outwit you. If you learn to look in the right places at the right times, you will find more digital photo opportunities. Learn to understand where the action is most likely to occur and learn to use your five senses. Look at an area and visualize which wildlife might be hiding there. Then, when the opportunity arises, you will be prepared for the "In-The-Moment Photography" experience. You will find you will begin to have more OE photo opportunities.  Top

Plants grow and wildlife reside in areas where their needs are met. The same ducks that you photograph during one part of the season will not be found when their flight feathers are shed. They will be found in the high grass in the marshes to protect themselves from predators. All wildlife goes through transitions based on the time of the year and different phases of their lives. So, if you are constantly visiting the same area and you don't see that special photo opportunity, stop and think about the time of the year. The rule of thumb is to look for wildlife in transition areas that accommodate shelter, water and food. Wildlife reacts the same way that you would during inclement conditions, hot conditions and cold conditions. Think where you would go, based on the weather at the moment, and you will begin to learn to look in all the right places. It will provide dividends for more OE photo opportunities.  Top

You don't have to read every field guide to learn about nature and wildlife. All you have to do is observe and question. Nature is not as random as people tend to believe. Why does one particular photographer have more sunset and sunrise photo opportunities? Is that person just plain lucky? That person has learned to live in-the-moment and observe all the elements that created that opportunity: temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, time of day, etc. And all the elements of that particular moment have been saved in a memory card that can be recalled for another photo opportunity. Think about a time you walked outside at the beach and smelled the ocean air, looked at the brilliant red sun and felt the warmth on your arms. You definitely knew that it is about to be a great beach day because of your stored memory card that related to the elements of a perfect beach day. Store those memory cards and when you recall and use them, you will have more OE photo opportunities.  Top

Nature is not random and it is beautifully proven out by the squirrels. During the next week, spend about 20 minutes in your own back yard and observe squirrels. You will notice a very interesting pattern. The squirrels have a tree to tree, branch to branch, roof to roof highway that they always seem to go on. With thousands of combinations of branches and trees to jump and run on, they always seem to pick the same route. So, if you didn't recognize this pattern before, what else did you not recognize? Once you've identified the route, try to take an anticipated midair photograph of where you expect that squirrel to be. It will prepare you for "In-The-Moment Photography". Understanding that nature is not random will give you more OE photo opportunities.  Top

I use a very stable method of bracing my monopod. Using the tripod carrying straps on the bottom of my Lowepro Orion waist gadget bag, I slip my horizontal monopod through one strap, tighten the strap, and then twist it vertical. This give the monopod a mid-height brace that provides a very stable platform. I have used this setup with a 1600mm lens with no movement.  Top