[wzslider autoplay=”true” interval=”7000″ height=”800″ info=”true” lightbox=”true”]We’re fortunate enough to have our second contribution to this blog by my friend Ron DiCostanzo. Back in June of 2015 Ron, along with his wife, flew out to the area of Juneau Alaska which borders British Columbia Canada and hopped on a boat to try out his new Canon 7D Mark II (birders dream camera). He knew he could capture some good Eagle and Whale shots in this part of the world and his trip didn’t fail him.
His Eagle shots were either at Chichagof Island, (30 miles west of Juneau), or in the area of Juneau. The whale shots were also in the Juneau area.
The photograph depicting that beautiful flow of ice is the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Nearby is Mendenhall Falls which flows into, you guessed it, Mendenhall Lake. For those that can’t remember 9th grade geography, (which includes me), a glacier is compacted ice, which has a very slow flow to it, and is the result of years and years of accumulated, compacted, snowfall. They are many times found at the base of mountains. The very first picture (#1) in the slideshow is of Hubbard glacier.
I’m sure you’ll agree that his shots are stunning. What fascinates me about Ron is that all his bird in flight photo’s are taken with a 70-200 which, I believe, on the 7D Mark II has a 35mm equiv. length of 320. I go birding with the 35 mm equiv. of a 600 mm. Ron very nonchalantly clicks away with only a 320mm equiv. and blows me away with his results every time. Now granted he crops in after the shot. However on this 20MP camera to get the detail he does you have to have everything just right such as exposure, shutter speed, aperture, ISO etc. or you’ll end up with grainy photo’s after crop. His are clear and sharp. Trust me, it’s easier said than done when photography moving birds.
Although his bird in flight photo’s are captivating he’s actually best known for his surf casting photography which is mostly taken on the shores of Montauk NY (tip of Long Island). Just search his name in this blog and you’ll see his surfcasting photo’s.
Ron believes strongly in showing detail to wildlife such as the gripping talons or the details in the plumage. He is goal is for the viewer to feel like they are right there. Again, who does this with a 70-200?? He does!
He also believes it’s the photographer that makes the picture not the camera or the lens. He refuses to waste his money on the long lenses or the latest “toys”. In fact you’d be blown away by his “casual” Iphone 6 pictures.
He’s a G.M. for a local manufacturing company and, as a courtesy, does their product photography for them. When I do product photography I have to have Nikon’s best macro lens for it’s lifesize 1:1 ratio. Not Ron. He just takes his Canon 24-70 and delivers perfection. That’s what being a photographer is all about.
On a personal note. You can’t help but root for Ron. Not only because his work deserves it but because he never boasts or brags about himself. There is just no ego problem here (unlike 90% of us photographers). I wish Ron all the best and hope he continues to share his upcoming work with us.
Photographs take with Canon 7D Mark II, 20.2 MP camera, 70-200, 2.8, IS II USM lens, Canon EFS 18-55, 3.5-5.6 IS II lens, Olympus TG 610.
Recent Comments