Peggy Farren interviews bird photographer and guide Kathryn Dow. Kathryn shares her enthusiasm and knowledge in photographing owls.
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Upcoming Trips:
Everglades 4 Day Photo Adventure: Everglades, FL January 25-28, 2018
Florida’s Forgotton Coast - Apalachicola area April 16-20, 2018.
Women’s Photography Weekend Naples May 4-6, 2018
About Kathryn
- worked in camera retail 10+ years (Hunt’s 8 yrs)
- great learning experience
- knows all brands of cameras and equipment
- “Birder” since age 3
- “spark” bird was a Snowy Owl
- always wanted to be in the woods
Why Owls? How do you find them?
- beautiful, elusive ways, challenging
- best camouflage feathers
- imprint the patterns into your memory, they will be easier to spot
- has photographed 11 species of owl so far
- some are cavity nesters, some take nests of other raptors
- learn their preferred habitats and habits, feather details, and calls
- they call to each other more often during nesting season
- Apps for identification and learning calls: Sibley, Audubon (ties in with ebird - bird sighting reference)
- Cornell University (Ornithology Dept) website has excellent databases
- they call to each other more often during nesting season
Getting the Best Shots
- to get more ‘eye-level’ shots, back up and use a longer lens
- Kathryn uses a Canon 800mm, good tripod (Induro with Induro Gimbal ) with padded OP/TECH Wraps to make carrying on her shoulder more comfortable
- recommended lenses: Sigma 150-600mm, Canon 70-300mm, Canon 17-40mm
- recommended gear: Snake Boots for thick vegetation
- be very quiet while walking through the woods, pick a spot and sit VERY QUIET and STILL, the animals will eventually forget your presence and go back to their normal routines
- BE PATIENT! Don’t chase your subject, don’t use flash - it disturbs and annoys the birds
- use a blind for deep woods cover
Mistakes Most Often Seen
- bothering the birds
- spending too much time checking the back of the camera
- check the histogram and blinking highlights quickly so you don’t miss a great moment
- great shots may only happen for 2-3 minutes, check your images LATER
- boost ISO to 800-1600 (depending on light) - you can always reduce noise, you can’t fix blur
What’s Next for Kathryn
- FCCC March 9-11: Classroom presentation “Everything Owls” and Wooten’s Airboat Tours
Kathryn Dow
Website: KathrynDow.photoshelter.com
Instagram: @KathrynDow_
Facebook: Kathryn Dow