Research/Note taking

  • Doing more – Taking more photos – will eventually create much better results in the long run.
  • Taking pictures regularly will train the eye and brain to recognize potential photos in places where other photographers may not.
  • Will eventually become an unnoticeable habit – a photo a day means taking photos every possible moment – whether that be with your digital camera or with your phone.
  • The goal – Photographing everyday allows you to spot differences, certain elements a lot faster. Basing your decisions on all your gathered experiences.
  • Practice is a good way to try things out with no pressure or failure, can improve motivation and motivates you to try new and different techniques, along with new equipment.
  • Practicing and photographing everyday can give you a consistent outlook on your progress.
  • The only way you can learn about shots (composition, what works and what doesn’t) is by taking those shots in the first place – Research and reading can help but hands on practice will give you better and faster results.

Week 1

Throughout all photos – common editing workflow consisted of basic touch ups: Exposure, contrast, vibrancy, cropping, clarity, etc. I still have the “wrong” – more advanced? – Lightroom, but am becoming more comfortable with it (my adobe cloud account is not updating so I can’t access). Only used the Healing Brush on the first photo on March 11.

Reflection: It was difficult for week 1, I didn’t managed to get a photo a day so that was one of my main challenges. Aside from that, everything went smoothly when I had the time to photograph. I tried to take advantage of the weather as it is very common to rain on the North Island 24/7. Another challenge was finding an injured red-breasted merganser which took up the evening I intended on walking the beach and taking photos. I’m really drawn to nature and heritage so I plan to focus the rest of my assignment on these topics. Week 2 will consist of beach treasures, local fishing/net sheds that are falling down, local boat yard, boat dock. All sites are relatively easy to access unless it’s super windy. I am leaning towards close-up shots, aperture and exposure.

March 11 – A slow recovery but a lifting Sunset

  • 1/400 sec. f/8 150 mm ISO: 100
  • 1/200 sec. f/8 70 mm ISO: 100
  • 1/400 sec. f/10 90 mm ISO: 400
Unfortunately did not get many shots for the first week. Was able to capture the evening sunset though.

March 14 – Switching of time

After some recovery and appointments Saturday, Sunday brought a white surprise of snow! This is when I knew I couldn’t stay inside. I was lucky enough to get photos in varied environments. Driving and looking along the beach first and ending at the dock!

  • 1/800 sec. f/5.6 80 mm ISO: 200
  • 1/3200 sec. f/5.6 80 mm ISO: 160
  • 1/3200 sec. f/5.6 20 mm ISO: 160
  • 1/400 sec. f/5.6 140 mm ISO: 250
  • 1/1000 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO: 160
The last photo was taken as I was walking back up the dock to the vehicle. I began noticing the colours, lines, textures of all the fishing gear around me and became infactuated.

March 15 – In memory

Evening beach walk… Starting off, I brought my camera with me but quickly found that it would get in the way so I bought it back home and opted for my phone camera. The evening before I found an injured Red- Breasted Merganser along the same shore who had probably been attacked by an eagle or mink. (His story below). While walking the beach I found an empty abalone shell in the same place where I rescued the merganser. Shell included in the photos.

  • 1/640 sec. f/5.6 70 mm ISO: 160
  • Phone does not include info
  • Phone does not include info
  • Phone does not include info
  • Phone does not include info
Last photos were taken while walking back along the beach shore.

Screenshots of Albums

March 11 2021
March 14 2021
March 15 2021

Rest in Peace Swin, the Red

Breasted Merganser

Photo taken for identification – Taken right after we pulled him from the waves. He was very weak, unable to hold his head up and had blood on his neck. Quickly took him home and wrapped him up in a towel to dry and warm him, placed him in a box and covered it. Got in hold with a woman who rehabbed birds and brought him to her. She was able to feed him some salmon infused water which lifted his spirits… But unfortunately succumbed to his injuries in the middle of the night.

I have a deep connection with nature and wildlife, to find this injured merganser in my time of struggle has helped me greatly. I am happy that I, and everyone else who helped, was able to give this beautiful bird a fighting chance, and a comfortable, warm, final resting place…