Mike, Author at Paterson Photography Ltd.

On the hunt

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019 by Mike

The hunt!

I was in Waterton on the hunt for some birds. So far the day was pretty productive but there was still a lot of daylight remaining and I wanted to get some more pictures. I decided that I would stop at one of my favorite spots. Maskinonge is located just outside the Waterton Park gates and I find a lot of birds pass through here. I parked my van the White Turtle II in my favorite spot. I came across the usual birds as soon as I arrived, a mix of song birds, a Heron, a couple Trumpeter swans and a number of ducks.

I cam e across a couple Trumpeter Swans on my bird hunt — Trumpeter Swans

The hunter becomes the hunted

I was enjoying taking their pictures but the birds seemed nervous. I spotted a couple hawks and an eagle across the lake and even they seemed nervous. Then the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I heard a noise a ways away, but close enough that I turned towards the noise. It was like I was being watched. I reached down to make sure that the pepper spray was still on my belt and wondered if I needed it if it would still work. I looked around but could not see anything but I felt it, then I spotted it.

Hidden on the ground behind some trees it could survey the entire lake. It was not close enough to pounce on me but it wasn’t that far away. I tried to get a better angle to get a picture but it was well hidden in the trees. I did not want to approach to close as the closer I got the worse the angle would be to get a picture. Also the closer I got the more chance that I would get injured should it get spooked.

A good perch

I finally found a spot that I was in the open but a ways away. I watched it for a while but it did not seem like it was in any hurry. By its size I could only imagine what it was like when dinosaurs roamed this area. It was HUGE!!!! I also realized what it must have been like to be hunted by a Pterodactyl.

After watching it for several minutes I figured that it must be asleep as it had not moved since i spotted it. I then took some pictures of the birds in the area that were also confused by this massive invader in their wetlands. They would go about their routine but they were keeping a close eye on it.

It moves!!

After about 20 minutes of photographing the birds I heard another noise. It was getting ready to move. Before I could turn my body it was starting to rise behind the trees. Then without warning it put it’s nose down and started coming towards me. I had fortunately left enough space so that I had time to react. I swung my camera around and grabbed a few shots, not even thinking about the bear spay on my belt.

Before I knew it it was looming over me. As it went past I noticed that all the birds in the area were taking off and seeking cover. It headed west towards the river then it turned to the north. As fast as all that happened it was again quiet. The lake was now empty of birds but it would only be a short time till they came out from hiding and flew back from their hiding places.

I survived

Well they say that any time you survive an adventure it is a good one. I had survived!! I realized that I was now getting hungry and it was getting late so I decided that I would head to the campground for supper. A good day it was, a number of great images and an experience that I have not had in Waterton before!!

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What print size won’t crop your image

April 24, 2019August 7, 2019 by Mike

Why does that print size crop my image?

So what print size will I be able to print without loosing any of the image? The question is almost daily. “Why is it when I get a 5×7, 8×10, 11×14 or 16×20 print made of my digital file I have some of the image cut off”?

The answer

A digital camera sensor is NOT the same proportions as the print sizes mentioned above.

Why are those print sizes so popular? According to history the sizes that we have come to know as normal where used by photographers that shot 645 medium format. These sizes fit this format perfectly. 35mm Film and most sensors in digital cameras are proportioned to 4×6, 8×12, 11×16, 12×18, 16×24. Only these sizes will give you the full image file without cropping any of your image.

Cropping can be a good thing if you plan for it. It can allow you to get closer to the subject and eliminate “extra” parts of the picture. For some pictures it is a killer. Imagine a picture of a large family and the people are from one edge of the image to the other. Then the client asks for a 16×20. Well you now have to choose who in the family that you are going to cut out. Or you will have to do a lot of editing to add sky or foreground to the image.

Full print size — The full digital image

Cropped print size — When you ask for a cropped print size

So what should you do?

When shooting images imagine that you have crop lines in your viewfinder. Or do like many did in years past and draw the crop lines in – if you so dare or are crazy enough to try. Then leave space around your images for the cropping to the common sizes.

If you want to do something artistic like shooting a image to print to 24″x8″ make sure that you let your client know first. That way they won’t try and order a 8×10 from that image. Or maybe do one that is more artistic in posing then do some that will fit the common format sizes.

If you do mess up and crop too tight for the print size, add some space using Photoshop. Unsure of how to add space ask when ordering and I will help you with it.

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Slow Down!!

August 6, 2019August 6, 2019 by Mike

What you see when you slow down!! I was out for a walk the other night at Belly River Campground in Waterton Lakes National Park. I have to walk slowly with my lung condition and this night was no different with the heat and humidity. As I stopped to catch my breath I could hear something in the tree beside me. It was a gentle noise like a light breeze but I could hear something in the tree. I stood still for a minute then this little guy appeared in front of my face, He had been checking me out as I stood there and had decided that I was no danger. Probably because of my wheezing he figured he could outrun me 🙂 🙂 . So he continued with his feeding. I was able to shoot a pile of images, the only thing that caused me to stop shooting was the horde of mosquitoes that showed up and the fact I left the bug spray in the van.

So the next time you are out shooting, don’t be in a rush. Slow down and see all the things that you would miss if you were rushing past.

#nature #wildlife #naturephotography #canon #lethbridgephotographer #summer #naturecanada #ourcanadamag #bbcearth #ShareCanGeo #outdoorphotographycanadamag #myalberta #albertalife #dailyviewalberta #greatescapepublishing #imagesofcanada #natgeowild #travelalberta #sigma #sigma150600 #calgary #alberta #Waterton

Borderless Art Card / Postcard

August 3, 2019August 3, 2019 by Mike

Finally available a folding borderless art card. Printed on a fine art paper this is great for a gift, for trade shows and art shows.

Art cards printed on fine art water color paper. These cards have a very expensive feel and look at a reasonable price!

I can make these cards using a digital image, negative, slide, print or from your art work

Suitable for:

Christmas cards
Birthday cards
Graduation cards
Thank you cards
Wedding announcements
Gift cards with your art work or photography
Art cards to sell at craft shows
and many more uses.

Flat cards

Flat cards are 5×7 in size and can be printed with or without borders. Back text can be black & white or color.

5×7 flat cards (standard – no text on back) $2.20
5×7 flat cards (deluxe – with text on back) $2.30

Folding cards

Folding cards are 5×7 when folded and can have a border of 1/4″ or no border. Back text can be black & white or color. Printing can be inside on top of fold, below fold and / or on back of card.

5×7 Folding cards with or without inside text including envelopes $2.75

Card Boxes

When you want to put together a collection of cards a card box is PERFECT. A clear top with black bottom will easily hold up to 24 folding cards and envelopes, or up to 48 flat cards and envelopes.

Boxes/ tops $4.00 each

Clear Envelopes

If you want to sell your cards you need a way to package them to prevent damage. Our clear envelopes are the perfect solution! Re-closable adhesive top, Perfectly clear so customers can easily see your art. You can purchase 1, 10 or 1000. Price breaks for larger quantities.

Advertising Information

If you are selling your cards I can print information on the back of the cards such as website, email, QR code, phone number or the name of the artwork. A great form of advertising. Set-up fees apply.

Lethbridge full service photo lab

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Window White Turtle III

August 3, 2019August 3, 2019 by Mike

Window to the world!!

I gave in and got a window!! I was not going to but after seeing these great windows that Wilderness Vans got in I had to get at least one!

In the past I have had RV’s with those cheap sliding windows that let more air in then they keep out. But this window is one piece and dual pane so it is VERY quiet!! Plus it does not let in any air when driving or parked. When I first got into the van after getting it installed other than the fact I could now see out I did not even notice that the window was there.

Window and bug screen — Closed with the bug screen

Window from the inside — Open so you can pass things through. Great for eating or cooking outside

Add to that the fact they are VERY functional and getting one was a easy decision. I love the built in blind and screen as well. They are really tinted so even without the blind closed there is a lot of privacy.

An additional benefit is that I could buy them locally and they even installed it. I took the van in on my way to work and by the time I was ready to go home it was done.

If you want more information visit Wilderness Vans website

To learn more about my van and adventures

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Radio – White Turtle III

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019 by Mike

A few weeks ago I could not believe how well things came together with the radio in the van. Some days things work out amazing and this was a major blessing and saved me some time and money as well.

When I am out shooting I like to have a radio to stay up to date on happenings as well as with the weather. Like most vehicles the radio in the Transit (White Turtle III) shuts off after about 15 minutes. A design that for most vehicles is great as it stops the battery from being drained. In a RV type vehicle it is nice to be able to listen a little longer. I did a pile of research on this and the only thing that I found to do was to run a power line to the radio that would power it after the key was off and after the 15 minute timer passed. I had been turning the key on and off to reset the timer every 15 minutes but this was a PAIN!!!!

Then a couple weeks ago my son and I were on the way to Calgary to get some supplies and we stopped for the night. For some reason after listening to the radio past the 15 minutes I pushed the power button and on it came again. That was weird!!! Tried it again and again and it worked each time.

I have looked up if anyone else knew about this but it seems even with it being there nobody knew about it.

So this discovery saved me some work and some money. PERFECT!!!!