VLF News, and an image from the competition

Hi Everyone,

Just an update from the VLF Wildlife Photo Competition - details found here: VLF Wildlife Photo Competition

I confirmed today with a staff member at VLF that the letters notifying photographers which have placed in the contest are being sent out this week. Those who did not get a placing will not receive a letter. Those receiving a letter will have their image(s) published in the upcoming nature book. It's a coffee table format hardcover - the last edition had approx. 200 images in it, and proceeds are used towards land conservation efforts. VLF is a non-profit organization promoting private land conservation in deep south Texas, and long term plans are to potentially extend into the surrounding states. Private land conservation is important, since perhaps 20-25% of all lands in the US is public (state/national parks, etc.) .

So what's the good news? I have been told that I am receiving a letter notifying me of "several placings"... The staffer was not willing to provide any additional information at this time, so I must wait. Those images will be published in the book. I have no idea how many of my images have been selected or what they placed (1st, 2nd or 3rd). I also have no idea whether or not my images might have been a division winner, or the long shot of being good enough to be a contender or even considered in the Grand Prize portfolio competition.

I've only placed several images from the competition on my website, and you are welcome to view them in the Nature galleries. I do hope to have more up in the next few days or by the weekend. I know it may not sound like it, but this waiting is killing me!!!

The above image is a full frame shot of a Long-billed Thrasher, just 12-15 feet from the blind, and I took it with my 500/4.5. The head and bill are ~15" long at 100%!!!

VLF Wildlife Photo Competition - Update

I will also be posting some updates to my participation in the VLF Wildlife Photo Competition very soon! I have some positive news that will be forthcoming soon...

Macro Photography Presention - Grand Lake Camera Club

Just a quick note that I'll be presenting a photography class for the Grand Lake Camera Club this Tuesday, August 19th. I look forward to meeting new faces and talking shop about macro photography!

VLF Wildlife Photo Competition

Great news:
I received approval to compete in the 2008 ICF Pro Tour of Nature Photography! I don't doubt their claim as the richest photo competition in the world, at $160,000 in prize money. First prize is $40,000. Only 20 photographers are allowed.

One of the judges last year was Art Wolfe! All of the judges have been published multiple times in major magazines, including Time, Audubon, National Geographic, etc. One of the judges in the Pro Tour this year is the Executive Director at the International League of Conservation Photographers...

The Chairman of the event was intrigued that I shoot with Pentax. He was very kind in his reply:

"Marc,
You have a good looking web site and your photography looks good also. I think you will give many of the pros a run for their money. Plan to get lots of sleep before the competition starts as you will not get much after April 1."


Bad news: The month-long commitment wasn't possible with current work situation... so no Pro Tour... 8-( Had it been any other time, I would have been able to go...

Great News: However, I've been invited to compete in the 2008 Valley Land Fund Texas Shootout, which has a total prize list of $100,000... 8-)

First prize is $12,000! The Chairmen wants me to compete in this instead, to prep me for the Pro Tour in 2010. Of course, that only means I can get better! This is open to pro/am photographers, and the rules are the same. It also includes a rare cat contest: if you manage to photograph a Mountain Lion, Ocelot, or Jaguarundi in the wild, and you have the best image, it's worth $5000!

I will be assigned to a rancher who covers my lodging, etc. for the duration of the competition, and makes sure that I get all the photo opportunities I need for the various categories/divisions. We work as a team (photographer & rancher) to ensure our success, since the prizes are split amongst the team. They often have blinds and watering holes setup for the photographers. I am allowed to submit up to 50 images in my Portfolio submission. The premise of this event is to encourage private landowner conservation efforts: by allowing photographers access to these otherwise off-limit areas of the country.

That's a quick synopsis, but I plan to spend at least 3-4 weeks shooting during the 3 month period that is allowed for the team to obtain images. The shoot will occur inland of South Padre Island, north of the McAllen, TX area. I have been confirmed that I will be assigned to a 15,000 acre ranch for the competition. The competition runs from April 1 - June 30th, 2008.

Now I have to decide if I can get away with the FA* 300/2.8 and a TC, or plunk down some $$$ cash for either a Sigma EX 500/4.5 or the FA* 600/4.

Did I mention that I am very excited??

New Year's Resolution

Yes, after resisting for many months, I am finally putting up a blog.

I've had several requests from people if I could share what goes on behind the camera. Therefore I've decided to provide insight into how and what goes on in my corner of the photographic world. This year will be very busy for me, with many of my weekends taken up with travel, cycling or photographic related work. Therefore during available down-time, I'll try to keep up with some posts.

I've already published the information on my website about some upcoming classes and workshops I'll be teaching in 2008:

First is the Digital Photography class at our local Bedfords Camera and Video. Of note is that Bedfords received the distinguished Camera Dealer of the Year for 2006 award, so it's proof positive of how good they've become!

Another exciting event (which I am already thinking about) will be held in May. It's at Camera Craft and will be the Pentax Week promotion. It's a week-long event of classes and presentations for the newcomer(s) to the realm of digital photography, and some more involved demos and lectures by the staff and a workshop on Saturday (which I will lead). It's essentially tips and tricks for all types of photography. It should be a great time to talk shop and get insight on how things really work!

The premise is that we can give you the information and tools needed to take the images you want. However, you will have to take the time to become a better photographer - there is a learning curve that only practice will bring.

My camera gear

"It's the photographer, not the camera or lens. The camera is only a tool: the image is the product of your mind and vision."

This has been my motto since I began shooting with digital. The reason for the above statement is to show people that there are viable alternatives to using a camera system from the "big two". My tools do what I want them to - that's all that matters. I've also shot with the Canon system, and it can be a superb setup in most (but not all) conditions. All camera systems have strengths and weaknesses.

I chose Pentax simply because the K10D/K20D bodies and battery grip are weather-sealed. This is very useful when shooting for days/weeks in the outdoors. The newer DA* series lenses are motor-driven and weather-sealed. I don't have to worry about their performance under optimal or harsh conditions. The image quality is breathtaking, and the contrast and color of the optics are stunning. I primarily use a mix of older film (the professional FA* series) and newer digital specific (DA series) lenses.