The next to last day of the first month of the year of the owl pellett

I think that I have started another winter cold, so bring on the Zicam and I'll stay indoors for a bit. Need to work on the site anyway, adding a big number of new images so stay tuned to that site. http://skipwillitsfineartphotography.ifp3.com/.

Last year we found a place called "The Center for Birds of Prey" just outside of Charleston, SC. We had a delightful day watching the birds in their cages and the few birds the staff flew for the tourists. They eventually had a photographer's day a couple of months later for about thirty of us. The birds were brought out into almost natural areas and most were flown so we could get some good flight shots. The Red Tail hawks on this page are two of the images I made. The key to scheduling something like this, or even an animal farm, is that you often get closer to wild critters than otherwise.

For the uninitiated photographers, a staged or set up shoot can often provide better images than hanging out in the wild waiting for the critter to magically appear. However, a day like we had takes planning. First, to find an event or farm where decent photos can be made. Then, if possible, consider the lighting/weather available on the day or time of year you choose to make your "Adventure". Often we just have to take what God gives us as far as weather is concerned. Then of course you must prepare all the equipment, luggage, and scheduling arrangements you need for the trip.

Some years ago, I photographed the lighthouses of Florida in 10 days, two of which were apent in airplanes. I was told by colleagues and friends that September was not the month to go because of the possiblities of bad weather. Namely hurricanes. September was the only time I could go because of a number of constraints, the major of which was a publication deadline. Well, no hurricanes but some really great afternoon thunderstorms made the images just plain dramatic. The rest of the time we had blue bird skies. Go figure. But planning under constraints is a very important part of an adventure.

We spent about a half day with the staff and colleagues at the center and got some pretty good images. We met and made friends with the staff, so that return trips now will be a gathering of friends as well as a working event. Their website is http://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/index.html, and is certainly worthwhile giving a look.