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Tag Archives: raw

Not All Photography Is Equal

13 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by dawnjbenko in Stokes State Forest

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Tags

frog, landscape, montague, nature, new jersey, nj, parker brook, photography, raw, scenic, snake, stokes state forest, summer, wildlife, winter

One of the things that frustrates me as a professional photographer is the all too common belief that great photography is just a simple matter of pointing the camera and pressing the button and then, maybe, adding some weird, digital filter to the final photo.  Photography is a skill, an art, a passion.  Some have it and some don’t.  There is a difference between taking a photograph and making a photograph.

Ice formation on Parker Brook in Stokes State Forest
©Dawn J. Benko

I arrived at this spot (above) on a cold, February morning, somewhere between 8 and 9 o’clock.  I didn’t like the light, so I moved on, wandering up and down the brook all day taking photos.  I would come back to this scene every so often to see if it was ready for it’s closeup.  This photograph was, finally, created around 5pm.  I had about a ten minute window to setup my tripod and camera and find the angle I wanted.

A northern water snake takes a has a green frog for dinner.
© Dawn J. Benko

Similarly, I arrived at this swamp between 8 and 9 am.  This shot was made around 5:30pm.  In reality, it took days, weeks, even months of sitting in (yes, IN) the swamp in the hot sun watching, and waiting.  That time was also spent learning.  And once the action began, I had to find ways to get my photos without interfering with the natural process.

I had posted this photo on Facebook, and a friend remarked on what a lucky shot it was.  After I explained what it took to get the shot, another friend remarked, “It’s hard work being that lucky.”

Indeed.

 

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EarthShare Celebrates NJ 2015

07 Tuesday Apr 2015

Tags

animal kingdom, bog, eat, green frog, life and death, montague, natural history, nature, new jersey, nj, northern watersnake, raw, snake, stokes state forest, struggle, swamp, water, wetlands, wildlife

stock_NorthernWaterSnake_DJB000028

“EarthShare New Jersey’s 9th annual celebration features a photography exhibition showcasing NJ’s wildlife, landscapes and waterways; ecofriendly auction prizes of unique experiences such as wildlife releases and art work; tastings of beverages and specialty dishes served by chefs from across the state; and live jazz music presented by Stringzville.”

FA_TerraFirma_DJB000038

Both of my photos above were finalists, and one was chosen as a Grand Finalist.  The winners will be announced at the dinner.

Purchase Your Tickets Here

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Posted by dawnjbenko | Filed under Stokes State Forest

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