BetterPhotoJim

Bicycling with a Camera

I went on an 80-mile bike ride this past Sunday. Well, actually it was supposed to be a metric century (67 miles) but I took a wrong turn and added 12 miles to the route.

The morning was perfect. It started foggy and gradually the fog burned off. Beautiful conditions for making photos...

After these images, I took a lunch break back where I had started, and then headed out for the second half of the ride. This second half was honestly grueling - it was hot, I took a wrong turn and added a lot of miles... and if I wasn't pedaling uphill, I was fighting severe headwinds. I can't tell you how happy I was when I got back to the starting point.

The only positive was that, mid-day, I was able to put my camera back in the car before riding this second half. As the sun was high in the sky, I knew the photo ops would be next to nil. So I ditched the camera and traveled light. Ah it felt great to not be packing my heavy photo gear.

I'll share a few more photos next time.

Photographing Your Kids

Today is my final day in Fell's Point, Baltimore. I've been here working with my producer on the final edits and voiceovers for my next DVD, "Photographing Kids". We are way ahead of schedule - we had so much to do but thankfully the producer is a bit of a workaholic like me. So we're jammin'

I'm excited about this DVD - can't wait to see how the final cut looks and sounds. If all goes according to schedule, we may have something to show during a special Friday night pre-screening event at the BetterPhoto Summit.

Here are a couple of samples of the images we are using in this DVD. In it, I relate these examples to the tips and techniques I use to get these results. Anyone interested in taking better pictures of their kids - the quick and easy way - will want to get an eye out for this DVD. It should hit the shelves in late October.

Autumn and Emmy

Okay, off to finish the final edits and record the final voiceovers before my flight home. It's already hot and muggy out (at 8am...) It's going to get to over 100 degrees here today; I am really looking forward to being back home with my wife and kid in the Pacific Northwest.

Oh, by the way, if you have not seen them, be sure to check out the beautiful June photo contest winners at BetterPhoto. Also, take a look at the new, slick Image Uploader Jay has developed to make your uploading easier. Lastly, we have started a fun new section at BetterPhoto where we will honor and highlight YOU - the great BetterPhoto members. It's just a start - hopefully we will have many cool new things for you to enjoy in this BP members section.

There are again too many great announcements - so much is going on at BetterPhoto... those three will have to suffice for now.

I look forward to talking more when I get back to the BetterPhoto headquarters in Washington. Bye for now!

New Wildlife Photography

Mountain Lion © Jim Miotke All rights reserved

I just wanted to share with you some recent pictures of animals that I made at a Triple D workshop in Utah.

This workshop experience was a great success! We had good weather and, more importantly, a great group. Everyone in the group was cooperative, supportive, and friendly. When you are working together for four days, this group harmony becomes essential.

I mean, this is the kind of team spirit I witnessed: when I was driving back to the Las Vegas to fly back home, I got a flat tire. Before I had a chance to take out the spare and jack, two of the group members saw me on the shoulder, pulled over, and offered to help. Thanks to one workshop participant who owned a service station in PA, I was back on the road in a few minutes. I had to drive super slow with that tiny spare tire, but I enjoyed it.

During the workshop, we had a few adventures - including freezing, fierce winds on the morning we photographed the wolves (pictured below). All in all, though, we could not have asked for better circumstances.

It was exhilarating to photograph these animals - we were treated to mountain lions (aka puma or cougar), bobcat, bears and more... And all animals had such great character. We all walked away with images that captured their personality and spirit. I am including a few here that I especially like for the way they show off the animal's character and expression.

Don't Eat the Daisies © Jim Miotke All rights reserved	Skunk Up Close with Wide-Angle © Jim Miotke All rights reserved
Golden Eagle Profile © Jim Miotke All rights reserved	Near and Far Wolves © Jim Miotke All rights reserved

View more pictures of these fun animals in my Premium Member Gallery at BetterPhoto.com - Your Photography Guide.