Harbor Seals Archives -

The Best of 2013

December 28, 2013 by karenulvestad, posted in Best Of

It was a year of change, and it reflected in my photographic images. This first image is about community. I was experimenting with a new 2x tele-converter with my 100-400 mm lens, and this was the result. On a drifting log resting are harbor seals, cormorants, gulls, and sandpipers.

This next image is Oregon in hoarfrost with a redtail hawk at the top of the tree. I love the monochromatic of this image, and the color of the hawk.

Experimenting became one of the tools I used this past year. I love the peaceful feeling of this sunset, through the many layers of colors. This was done in the camera, then worked in the digital darkroom.

Next is the super moon of 2013. We missed most of the meteor showers and eclipses due to clouds. So, this was a fantastic opportunity.

Next is the power of a spring storm on the Oregon coast. The monochromatic nature of this image lends itself to the rain that is coming in off the Pacific Ocean. The bird is a cormorant, and the boat is a Coast Guard cutter.

I finish off with a pair of Peregrine Falcons. The female is on the cliff, and the male is flying in after she called him. It was a great event to photograph and experience.

For my annual video clip of my 2013 best, visit here.

Happy Shooting. . .Karen

Photographing Nesting Bird Colonies

June 4, 2013 by karenulvestad, posted in Instruction, Location, Workshops

I returned from teaching a fantastic workshop at Sitka on the Oregon coast last Thursday. We had the opportunity to photograph thousands of nesting birds. The low tide offered us an opportunity to walk closer to the bird colonies, and gave an opportunity to see tide pools filled with marine life. The lower rocks were filled with Harbor Seals.

One of the biggest parts of the class was learning to make order out of the pandemonium of the scene. The air is filled with the calls of the birds, the ocean waves are crashing on the rocky shoreline, and the constant movement of the birds. The area had over 60,000 nesting seabirds, raptors and songbirds. The species most prevalent were Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, White-crested Sparrow, Turkey Vultures, Gulls, and Great Blue Heron.

The photo above is a small section of the Common Murre colony. Often times, these areas are windy. It is advisable to use a lens with Image Stabilization (Vibration Reduction, etc.), or a sturdy tripod, when photographing the birds. Video clips always require a stable tripod.

The photograph below was taken from the beach looking up at the birds. These nesting areas usually have several species of birds nesting together, though each has a “zone” they will use. In this instance, the birds at the top are mostly Common Murre, while the Cormorants are intermingled or below. The lowest level in this image would be the Gulls.

In addition to all the visual, audio, and physical input, it is important to remember to think about composition, exposure, and focus. The image below was visualized before being taken. The composition is relatively simple. The exposure allows the fore-ground to silhouette against the sky. These are the pieces that create the successful image within the arena of pandemonium of the scene.

My next workshop on Bird & Wildlife photography will be July 27 & 28, 2013 through the Pacific Northwest Art School.

Happy Shooting. . .Karen

Spring on the Oregon Coast

April 27, 2013 by karenulvestad, posted in Location, Workshops

Spring is a wonderful season to adventure out to the coast for a day, weekend or longer. The change from winter to spring is highlighted by spring storms and warmer sunny days. The migratory birds are passing through to their nesting destinations, which include species of sandpipers, seabirds and others.

For the entire article, visit http://www.examiner.com/article/recreation-opportunities-on-the-coast?cid=db_articles

Of the Land, Sea & Air – A Coastal Photographic Adventure

March 25, 2013 by karenulvestad, posted in Instruction, Location, Workshops

copyright Karen Ulvestad — This bald eagle is flying in after missing a fish in the ocean. This is at Neskowin.

“It was perfect for all levels. It was a great combination of technique and artistry.” Susan H.

We will have minus tides during this workshop, which will allow students to view and photograph tide pools, walk closer to bird nesting areas and marine mammal resting areas. It’s a great opportunity to learn the details of bird and marine mammal photography, and shoot at beautiful locations. The coastal waters are filled with harbor seals, gray whales, and sea birds during the late spring season.

The workshop starts in the classroom, with an interactive presentation about exposure, techniques and equipment. Then, students go out into the field and practice what was learned in the classroom, ask questions and learn how to spot wildlife. Composition is discussed through-out the workshop, both in the classroom and in the field. The workshop is about 30% in the classroom and 70% shooting in the field with instruction.

This last photograph is the students photographing harbor seals in the surf. Most of the subjects can be photographed with a 400mm lens or shorter. It is recommended that students bring a tripod. For more information or to sign-up, visit Sitka Center.

Sitka Center Rocks!

July 7, 2012 by karenulvestad, posted in Location, Workshops

Just taught at the Sitka Center for Arts and Ecology last weekend. Absolutely incredible venue to teach through. My “Of the Land, Sea & Air – A Coastal Photographic Adventure” filled months ago, and had a waiting list. The students were great, and the wildlife made its appearance. The coastal weather was misty one day, and simply overcast the second day. Overall, a great experience to teach in, and a wonderful school to work with.

The students photographed the Common Murre colony, fledgling Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Herons, Black Oyster Catchers, Pigeon Guillemot, Black Guillemot and more. One student watched and photographed a Humpback Whale that was breaching.

The following photographs are from the workshop. . .

More Later, and Happy Shooting. . .Karen

Tag: Harbor Seals

The Best of 2013

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Photographing Nesting Bird Colonies

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Spring on the Oregon Coast

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Of the Land, Sea & Air – A Coastal Photographic Adventure

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Sitka Center Rocks!

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