The next best thing

Raven (Corvus corax) stretching, Rogaland, Norway.
Canon EOS-1D Mark III, 500mm f/4 x1,4, 1/200sek @ f/5,6, ISO 320

As some might understand it takes a whole lot of effort to get great shots of birds of prey. This winter I have spent a lot of time in different hides trying to get the shots I’m dreaming of. Unfortunately I’m not always that lucky. So when I sit there, staring out of small holes in a cramped hide, it’s always nice to have other subjects to photograph when the light is good. One of my favourite subjects is the Raven. This intelligent and playful bird is a fascinating creature and a lot of fun to photograph.

Slow it down

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in slow motion.
Canon EOS-1D Mark II, 500mm f/4, 1/50sek @ f/5,6, ISO 50

Some times I like to slow things down to show nature’s brilliance in a new way. Of course this usually come after I’ve taken the standard shots, and therefore often involves several good photo-opportunities on the same subject. On other occasions the conditions leave me no choice other than to open up and turn the ISO down to get an appealing image. This shot of an adult White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) chasing of an intruder was taken under bad conditions at a brilliant location. Under the superb guidance of Ole Martin Dahle at Norway Nature I had many opportunities to get my standard shots, as well as more artistic interpretations of this amazing bird of prey.

Nature is healthy

The waitingroom at Kvernaland Tannlegesenter (dentist), Time, Rogaland, Norway

Canon EOS 1D Mark III, 17-40mm f/4, 1/40sek @ f/4, ISO 640, flash

There is no doubt that the physical environment has a psychological effect on human behaviour. Art and architecture have been used for generations to set the mood in private and public buildings. If anywhere, this is important in health institutions where it is now shown that pleasant looking art actually help in the recovery of patients. A study at St. Olavs hospital in Norway indicate that people recovering from surgery wanted pictures of the ocean, wild nature, animals, waterfalls, mountains and flowers, in their rooms. They wanted pictures associated with positive feelings from home. The positive distractions contribute to desired physiological reactions.

Fresh of the card

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) male, Rogaland. Norway
Canon EOS 1D Mark III, 500mm f/4, 1/250sek @ f/4, ISO 250

After several disappointing attempts to photograph raptors this winter, I finally struck luck yesterday. Two Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) and a Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) started feeding early in the morning. The light was not very appealing so I let them eat without trying to take any pictures, which would disturb them. Suddenly there where a fight between a large female Goshawk and the Buzzard, and all birds disappeared, leaving me with no pictures. Then after hours without anything happening, suddenly a beautiful male Goshawk landed close by, just where I wanted it. The light was soft, and the yellow grass in the foreground added to the soft mood. This image is the result of planning since early November, and now I have it. It’s time to take it one step further!

Winter sun

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) female, Rogaland, Norway

Canon EOS 1D Mark III, 500mm f/4, 1/320sek @ f/5,6, ISO 200

The days are very short at this time of the year. Heavy rain and strong winds don’t make things much easier. At times like these it’s nice to sit down with the latest files and feel the warmth from the computer.

I was lucky to have a couple of good days with a Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) colony just of the coast, around Christmas. Now I spend the time skimming through the images picking the ones I like the most. I found a nice selection of pictures from the last night out, with some really interesting lighting. A beautiful female seal was patrolling the coastal rocks where she had left her cub, and I was already lying in position as she passed me. The sun never reached the rocks in the background, but one beam of evening light struck the animals face as she came around the corner. With this light I could make a peaceful image of a devoted mother.

Bird of the year

Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) female, Rogaland, Norway

Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 500mm f/4, 1/125sek @ f/4, ISO 200

The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) has been chosen as Bird of the year 2008 by the Norwegian Ornithological Society. This amazing bird is regarded as endangered in Norway and are threatened from several different directions. Hopefully this extra focus will help maintaining a healthy population in Norway.

Entering the blog world

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in winter light, Sandnes, Norway

Canon EOS 1D Mark III, 500mm f/4, 1/50sek @ f/4, ISO 400

Finally I've taken the step, and am now entering the world of blogging. I see this as a good way for you to keep up with my activities as I travel the world, searching for brilliant nature to photograph. Of course I will continue to update my website; www.wildphoto.no, but my blog will be my main connection with you in the future.

At the moment I’m working on several projects around my home town of Stavanger in the south western part of Norway. Winter still haven’t managed to get a good grip, so I’m still waiting. Though very approachable in some areas, I still haven’t got any decent images of the local Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), but this weekend, I at least got some nice lighting on the animals.