Cover Photo – Summer, 2009 Nature Photographer Magazine

G’day Everyone,

For those of us sufficiently aged to remember the music of the seventies, you might recall the tongue-in-cheek song by Dr. Hook, “The Cover Of The Rolling Stone”.  Whether you’re a “big rock singer with golden fingers” or a nature photographer with a keen eye, a cover shot, in particular, on a national publication, is about as good as it gets.  You’d think, being a professional and all, getting one’s images published loses its allure after a while.  Not for this pro.  What with the competition these days, it’s more important than ever to stand out and there’s not much that spotlights one’s work better than a national cover.  Well, ok, there’s winning the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award and the Pulitzer Prize, but let’s keep it real.

My image, “Sunrise at Otter Rocks” (below), appears on the front cover of the current issue (Summer, 2009) of Nature Photographer magazine.   I’m offering a signed 18″ x 24″ print,  matted and framed in solid oak of the cover image, along with an autographed copy of the magazine with free shipping to all Sojourns In Nature subscribers for $195.00.   Simply email me at gustav@sojournsinnature.com if you’re interested.   You might also consider joining me in Maine on the Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Coast Tour next summer.  Who knows, if you stood right next to me…..  

Sunrise at Otter Rocks 
Canon EOS  1-D  Mark II N
Nikon 24mm f/1.2 with Canon-Nikon Adaptor Ring
f/22 @ 1.5″, +1 exposure compensation,  ASA 100
Cokin -3 GND filter
Gitzo 2220 tripod with Manfrotto 3047 head
cable release, mirror lockup

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Posted by Gustav under Filters,Maine,Publications,Shows & Exhibits,Summer,Technique,Vermont,Workshops & Tours | Comments (5)

Gustav’s Blog Debut

Gustav here…

As Rob mentioned, up here in the Northeast, it’s been a difficult summer for photography.  Between the rain and gas prices, getting into the field, especially farther afield, has been a real challenge.  Of course one doesn’t necessarily have to get into the truck or car to find nature.  Especially here in Vermont, nature is right outside the door.  Mornings are growing cool, almost frosty.  Time to prowl for those dewy insects and webs in the meadow.

 Monarch Chrysalis Jewel Stage with Dew
 Canon EOS -1D Mark II N with Nikon Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4 lens and 52.5mm extension

1/6 second at f/32, ISO 100

Novoflex single axis focusing rail 

Gitzo G2220 tripod, Bogen 3047 head, cable release, mirror lock-up

The time I have not spent running the roads, I’ve invested in my exhibits instead and I’m delighted to report that it’s paid off.   I have often been asked, at presentations, at exhibits, and in emails, how one gets away with making a living in nature photography.  Yes, I’m certainly getting away with something that keeps me looking over my shoulder (now going on 25 years) for someone to grab me by the scruff of my neck and plunk me down on an assembly line (done that) or at the head of a classroom (done that) or in an office cubicle (haven’t done that but have seen several episodes of “The Office” on TV) or in some other sort of employment generally considered by society as a “real job”.   I’m 54 now and generally unemployable.  I believe I could no more apply for a job than I could consider enlisting in the marines.  Thus, part of my answer to the question of how I get away with this is, I have no choice.  That’s a good thing. 

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Posted by Gustav under Business of Nature Photography,Participants' Photos,Vermont,Workshops & Tours | Comments (7)