Blastoff

Hi All

I'm just back from one of the most incredible photographic experiences I've had - photographing the "blastoff" at Bosque del Apache in New Mexico with my friends from Naturescapes. I'm working on an article that will be posted on my site soon. It will also be posted on the Naturescapes site. Here is an expert - the prelude to the photo tech talk.

“Amazing!” “Stunning!” “Breathtaking!” “Awesome!” “Freezing!!”

These were some of the comments that were shared at the two sunrise shoots during Naturescapes’s (www.naturescapes.net) first annual event this past December in Bosque del Apache, New Mexico. The site, about an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, is situated at an elevation of about 4,500 feet above sea level.

The “freezing” comment referred to the temperature: 21° F. The other comments referred to the sight before our eyes: thousands of snow geese “blasting off,” silhouetted against a spectacular sunrise. As an added attraction, hundreds of sandhill cranes swooped over our heads, some flying solo, some flying in formation - eventually landing in nearby shallow pools of water, posing for wildlife photographer with a special love for birds.

I echoed all the aforementioned comments. Being in Bosque del Apache to witness the “blastoff,” so called due to the sight and sound of the awe-inspiring, daily event at this time of year, exceeded all my expectations, including when it came to the low temperatures.

Truth is, before this event, I had only taken a few photographs of birds for my books and magazine articles. However, I did spend years photographing fast moving subjects - butterflies for my book, Flying Flowers, and fish for my six underwater books. So, I applied the same principles and techniques to my bird photography.

One other comment I hear more than a few times was, “Thanks, Greg.” It came from the novice bird photographers, as well as from some of pros (including yours truly), who were thanking Greg Downing, the creator of Naturespaces, for his expert advice on photographing birds.
Simply put, you gotta go to Bosque del Apache. If you want to travel and shoot (and have happy hour and enjoy a fun group dinner) with like-minded photographers, Naturescapes is putting on the event, which also includes seminars, in December 2009. I’m going to be there! Would not miss it for the world.

If you plan on attending, I’d like to give you an idea of the set-up, as well as a few general guidelines, and, of course, some photo tips!

Before you read on, check out the video I shot of the “blastoff.” Go to the Training page of www.ricksammon.com. You'll find a video of the event posted there. Some photos are also posted on the New page.

The Settings - Shooting the “blastoff” is a blast. Know that you will be shooting along with dozens of other photographers - all wanting to get the best position. However, there are hundreds of best spots for great shots. You and the other shooters line up along the shore of a tremendous pond and shoot toward the sunrise.

The “blastoff” happens every day precisely at 6:43 a.m. Only kidding, of course! You don’t know exactly when it’s going to happen, although an increase in bird chatter is the prelude to “blastoff.”

You must be patient - and you must try to stay warm because you will be hovering over your tripod like a bird protecting its eggs in a nest. You can park your car a few feet behind you on the road that runs along the edge of the pond, so you can use it to warm up from time to time.

After the “blastoff” there are more photo opportunities by nearby ponds. Be there or be square.

Dress for Success - Pack a winter coat, wool hat and good gloves for shooting. Also stock up on hand warmers if you want to keep your fingers toasty so that you operate your camera control. You’ll be on site from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. - after which is when the action begins to slow. (Some folks stay longer, and return at sunset, when it’s much warmer.)

You’ll want to dress in layers, as the rising sun welcomingly warms you up as the day progresses.
You’ll also want to bring a flashlight so you can see what the heck you are doing while you are setting up in total darkness. Head mounted flashlights are recommended.
Hey, as long as I am offering non-photo tip (yet), here are two more general guidelines: use lip balm and sun/windscreen. You’ll be glad you did.