Heading to Africa

September 8, 2021

I am leaving today to meet up with my co-leader Paul McKenzie to conduct another African Safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border.

Many folks feel that there is only one time to visit the Mara and that is during the migration. But what many don’t know is that there can be a crossing at any time and the numbers can be epic! If it rains in Tanzania the Wildebeest line up to cross over into Tanzania, and vice versa.

During September we usually miss out on most of the crowds. At some of the crossings, during migration period especially, the overwhelming number of tourists looking to watch this event is overwhelming. Getting a viewing spot takes careful planning and maneuvering to get a small viewing window. I much prefer the less crowded version of this epic event. I am curious if there will be crowds now because of Covid--probably not.

I’ll be home by October 3rd, if all goes well. If you sign up for a workshop or have a question I should still be able to stay in touch as we have added wifi to our safari vehicles. I’ll be bringing my Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera as my main camera body and I plan on using the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens as well as a wide variety of others…. The 200-600mm lens is a perfect choice because it gives me so much flexibility with my focal length. Since I am using the A1 (around 50 megapixels) I will be able to use the internal crop (APSc),and still retain about 21mp if needed. That’s a big help in the field because I won’t have to deal with a teleconverter and taking it off and on. I also truly love the internal zoom on the 200-600.

Also, in case you were wondering. I am fully vaccinated, I just passed a PCR Covid test and I will be retested at camp. We paid to have all of our drivers and guides tested before we come. I plan on wearing a good mask on the plane, using hand sanitizer (often) and avoiding any crowds. Stay safe out there wherever you are, going to the grocery store can be just as scary!!

After a crossing, when the dust started to settle.

Brooks Falls, Katmai NP, Alaska

September 7, 2021

My last trip to Katmai was an incredible adventure. Everyone on the trip captured loads and loads of great images. The day before our scheduled bear photography trip to Katmai National Park on the Alagnak River started, a few of us opted to go to Brooks Falls as a pre-trip. Brooks Falls is a waterfall located within Katmai, it is kind of a touristy place, and I was a bit hesitant to go. We arrived at the falls in the morning to avoid most of the crowds and boy am I glad we did. When we arrived, there was only one float plane on the shoreline-when we left the shoreline was completely filled with planes.

Because we got there before the crowds, we were able to go to the platform repeatedly without waiting. The platform overlooks the falls and most of the action. But towards the middle of the day the lines were long and wait times were in place. Even with a bit of waiting, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the falls and look forward to another visit. We counted 21 bears at one time, not to mention the fish… Anyway, the picture below tells the story. Special thanks and congratulations to Janice Rosner (it is her photo below). Janice sent me the email below yesterday-

Image copyright and courtesy of Janice Rosner 2021.

The email I received from Janice:

Denise,

I wanted to share this with you. I belong to PSA and am in a nature critique group. I submitted the attached bear image from Brooks falls and the critique I got is attached. Thanks for planning this fabulous trip. This is the 1st time I ever got a perfect 10.

Janice

Review by commentator Jan L.
Nature Story:

This is an excellent example of the Katmai bears fishing. It is hard to find a more instantly recognizable nature story. For the bears, this fishing is life itself. For the salmon, avoiding the bears and spawning means life for the species. This image is full of tension and activity without being at all gory.

Technical Quality:

You hit the nail on the head with your overall exposure. Rarely have I seen one of these images that is any better exposed. This is also looks to be tack sharp. Very impressive.

Pictorial Quality:

The pictorial elements are all strong. Not only does the story immediately hit you in the face, but the composition is as close to perfect as can be. I’ve played around with this a bit for fun, and I did not find any other composition that I like better.

N – 3, T – 3, P – 3, E – 1 = 10

Sunshine

September 5, 2021

I just wanted to share some of my sunflower images that I have captured over the years. I hope they brighten your day. We have a few fields near my home in Jersey, hope they were not flooded out. I always enjoy my time at a sunflower field, it’s like pure sunshine. Below my images are some of Donna Bourdon’s sunflower images.

In-camera multiple exposure, Camargue, France.

Backlit, backside of a Red Sunflower and bud.

My grandson's favorite image of mine. He likes the ladybug.

In-camera multiple exposure, my “soft-sharp technique”, NJ

In-camera multiple exposure created by turning the camera.

Bloomin'-Ideas-updated.jpg — Bloomin’ Ideas

Updated Version

A couple of Donna Bourdon’s beautiful sunflower/bird images below. Thanks for sharing these Donna!

Client's Photoshop Fun

September 3, 2021

I have been conducting Zoom Photoshop sessions for some of my clients. On Tuesday mornings, I offer a one-hour Creative Photoshop session. On Wednesday mornings, I usually work with nature photographers looking to learn or brush up on their Photoshop skills with layers/masks, image blending, my Photoshop Quick Tips, image review and more. I have been enjoying my time with each of them. I wanted to share a couple of creative images from two of my participants from the creative sessions.

Some of these images were worked on during class and some were given out as homework. Homework assignments are geared towards repetitive filter and tool work so that participants can learn the techniques completely. This is how I started with my creative journey. I worked on each and every tool and filter inside of Photoshop, creating an image using either one, two or three of the filters and/or tools. I learned so much about the program and plug-ins and had a blast doing so.

I think these women did a fantastic job with their first attempts at some of these filters/tools and I wanted to share them with you all. Not all ya’ll but you all <wink>.

Click on the images above to see the full version. All images above courtesy and copyright Pamela Corckran 2021. Pam used Topaz, cloning, color toning and Nik Color Efex to create her images.

The images below (before and after) are from a different client. I love the funky style and creativity of her creative edit. I can see it as a large print. She used the twirl filter along with Topaz, Nik Color Efex and blend modes. The artist would like to remain a bit anonymous.

I’ll be sharing more of their creative images as time allows. I think that they are both very brave to share a few of their images.

Her photo after her creative edit. — Her photo **after** her creative edit.

Here is her original capture before Photoshop.

Alaska's Inside Passage - 2 Spots left!

September 1, 2021

Juneau to Ketchikan ~ Whale, Bear and Glacier Photo Tour

I chose these dates after speaking to our Captain. He said that the whales have been coming later and later and that August was a good time. I think after carefully considering everything, this itinerary will give us the best photographic opportunities, especially with a visit to Anan Creek for bears!

Dates: August 1 - 8, 2022 , 7 nights, 8 days

Price: $7599.00pp based on double occupancy, All Inclusive

Limited single supplements available $1000.00 additional

Limit 10

Exploration and adventure awaits on this cruise from the spectacular fjords and glaciers of the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness area into Frederick Sound to search for Humpback Whales & other marine life. We’ll navigate the infamous “Wrangell Narrows” and an overnight stop in one of Alaska’s frontier towns of Petersburg or Wrangell often fits into the schedule before another trip highlight, a visit to Anan Creek Bear Observatory. Then sit back and relax as we make our way down Clarence Strait to Alaska’s gateway city of Ketchikan.

Day 1 – Into the Wild

A world of natural beauty unfolds as we leave civilization behind and cruise south in Stephens Passage. The atmosphere onboard is one of excitement and anticipation. Our destination for the evening is a small cove nestled beneath a hanging glacier at the edge of the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness. Icebergs often float into this bay and there is time to kayak or beach comb before guests join the Captain in the dining salon for a delicious 3 course evening meal.

Day 2 – Tracy Arm Wilderness (Fjords, Glaciers & Icebergs)

Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and take a stroll on deck before breakfast. Today we will cruise the length of spectacular Tracy or Endicott Arm Fjord. Nature is still raw here and you will be awed by the scale and grandeur of Alaska’s rugged beauty as we cruise beneath sheer granite walls with cascading waterfalls. We’ll navigate our way between glittering blue icebergs in the hope of reaching a massive tidewater glacier that calves regularly into the sea.

Watch for Bear, Mountain Goats, Bald Eagle, Harbor Seals with pups on icebergs and their nemesis the Orca (Killer) whale.

Day 3 – Whale watching in Frederick Sound

We will spend most of our time today cruising in Frederick Sound, searching for and watching Humpback Whales. The protected waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage support large numbers of these magnificent and graceful creatures during the summer feeding season and it is not uncommon to see more than a hundred individuals on any given day.

Our journey continues south to Admiralty Island. A National Monument and pristine wilderness area this island has the densest population of Brown Bear in the world and is a popular nesting site for Bald Eagle. We’ll visit a Sea Lion haulout along the way and fish for Halibut if time allows.

Day 4 – Admiralty Island to Petersburg

Today begins at a leisurely pace and keen kayakers have time for a paddle before breakfast. After breakfast we’ll don rubber boots and skiff to shore. This particular bay has a pretty hike to a salmon stream where we hope to see Brown Bear. The surrounding mountains provide a spectacular backdrop and you will not run out of photo opportunities as the trail winds through a grassy meadow and tidal flats on the way back to our skiff.

Watch for Humpback Whales, Orca, Dalls Porpoise and Sea Otter too as we cross Frederick Sound in the afternoon!! We may do a spot of Salmon fishing before continuing to the frontier Alaskan community of Petersburg that is situated at the northern entrance of the infamous Wrangell Narrows. With a proud Scandinavian heritage, canneries and a commercial fishing fleet it is an interesting and convenient overnight destination.

Day 5 – Wrangell Narrows to Anan Creek

The bench seat in front of the wheelhouse is a popular vantage point this morning as we cruise through the Wrangell Narrows. A winding, 22 mile long channel between Mitkof Island and Kupreanof Island this passage has 65 navigational markers and is in places barely wide enough to accommodate the Alaska State Ferry.

We will cruise to Fools Inlet, an anchorage that situates us well for an early start to an exciting day of bear viewing tomorrow. Help the crew set crab pots, drop a line in for Halibut and if time allows there is always the option to explore by kayak or go on a skiff tour.

Day 6 – Bear viewing at Anan Creek Bear Observatory

Today we will visit Anan Creek Bear Observatory. A short hike through beautiful temperate rainforest along Anan Lagoon leads to the viewing platform by a waterfall where predominately Black Bear congregate to feast on spawning salmon. Resident Brown bears, bald eagles, several species of gulls, and harbor seals are also attracted to this seasonal abundance. A covered photo blind is located at creek level to get you even closer to the action.

Day 7 – Clarence Strait to Behm Canal

We have a scenic days cruise today down Clarence Strait to our final anchorage and one last dinner to celebrate adventures shared and new friends made. There are some good fishing spots along the way and wildlife rich Behm Canal is another place to watch for the tell tale spouts of Humpback and Orca Whales.

Day 8 – Cruise to Ketchikan and disembark

It’s the final morning and a short 2 hour cruise into Ketchikan where we aim to be docked (after breakfast) by approximately 10am.

***

Will will be cruising through the Inside Passage on a beautiful 87 ‘ yacht that will afford us some fantastic photographic experiences. Unlike the large and sometimes huge cruise lines that go through the passage we will be on a private yacht full of old world charm and modern conveniences. This classic luxury yacht is set up perfectly for wildlife viewing. Wide, covered side decks allow uninterrupted access all around the boat . Our small skiff allows us to get to shore or closer to wildlife.

As far as flights essentially unless coming from the North all flights go through Seattle. To and from Seattle are one-way tickets in and out of SE Alaska. You can book it as RT but the cost is the same as two one ways. Between the fishing and cruising industry it is very common to fly in and out of different ports. Juneau being the Capitol has the most flights a day but Ketchikan has several flights a day. It’s easy getting to and from Seattle and plans from there of course could be the standard RT.

Trip Includes:

• All linens, towels, meals, a selection of non-alcoholic beverages (soda/water/coffee/tea) and wine served with

4pm Hors d’oeuvres & Dinner.

• All activities and excursions including Park Permits where required.

• Saltwater fishing tackle, bait, crab pots.

Trip does NOT include:

• Pre/post cruise accommodation, Airfares & Airport taxes, Passport/Visas, Travel Insurance

• Alaska State Fishing License (if desired).

• Beer, hard liquor, additional wine. You can purchase liquor and bring it on board with you.

• Crew tip, approx. $600.00pp

Deposit Info

A non-refundable $2,000/person to save a spot. Please be sure to check your schedule carefully before committing to the trip. I also urge you to purchase travel insurance (see below). Your balance will be due on February 28, 2022. Please make your check out to “Denise Ippolito LLC” If I do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date I will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. If your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance. Please don’t book your airfare until this trip is confirmed that it is a go, thank you.

I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance.

There are many other companies out there that offer travel insurance, some folks use Allianz Travel Insurance Co or InsureMyTrip. With any travel insurance, it is best to check out the company thoroughly. I have no allegiance to these companies and do not make one cent from the referral or sale of the insurance.

* A detailed PDF file will be sent upon registration.