ScottHale (420) [2008-01-14 17:14]

Scott,
First of all, I mean this in a good way. Your a "purist" as you have taught me to be and I think it's great! This photo looks artistic...so much like a painting. I only mean that in saying your photography has become an art form, not just a photograph. You have used the f/8 aperture to create some beautiful specks in the water. The sharpness is superb and the exposure is everything you would want. You have taken your photography to a new level.
I am glad to be able to witness it.
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-10-08 7:12] [+]

Scott,
First of all let me tell you how this photo affects me.
Saturday, after getting news that my older brother, who lives in Treasure Island Florida, passed away, I got online looking for some peace and distraction to help me stop thinking of him and his unexpected death. You know how your mind races in times like these.
I thought I'd browse TN because often when I seek peace and quiet at home I'd either call you to meet me or just go down to the Watershed Nature Center by myself. That's what friends are for huh?
I browsed your latest photo and you had this Treasure Island Sunset posted and I was stunned. It was more than just a photo. It has a special meaning because my brother lived and died there and it was a coincidence that you had posted this, a coincidence that I found it shortly after I got the bad news. You know I grieved for just a short time....but I kept thinking we all have to go sometime. He was a great guy and I'll never forget him. I want to thank you for something that you probably don't understand but this photo gave me peace......it felt like a sign from a friend.

About the photo:
I like how you have added the foreground vegetation, the photo wouldn't be the same without it. I also think you chose a good time for the cloud formation and the timely sunset works great here. the f/16 at 100 ISO was wise. It gave you enough detail yet no noise. I would have probably chose a 400 but that's mine probably wouldn't have been as nice!
I wonder if the treasure is buried right under that dune of sea oats?
Thank you my friend,
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-08-19 18:07] - [workshop] [compare] [+]

Reid,
EXCELLENT detail here. Great composition. I did a quick workshop illustrating how to remove that wire fence. Given the time, I really could have did a better job. This was just to show you what can be done in just a few minutes. I hope you understand my horrible instructions. Other than the fence (not your fault, it was there to protect the visitors), this is a AWESOME image.
Well done,
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-08-07 16:42]

Scott,
when I saw the thumbnail I thought, that's interesting!!! upon opening I can now add, that's unique, I believe it's the first time I have seen something composed this way. It's very artistic and original. Good detail with your Macro lens. I think the little ant is perfect here...it gives a good scale for the Blue Clipper.
Well done,
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-03-13 23:45]

Scott,
I think your composition along with amazing detail really makes this picture special. I believe THIS could go in any magazine. The plumage is perfectly captured and the small just of land here keeps my eye near the center of the photo. I also like how the ripples fade into the distance, so softly. Absolutely stunning work.
VERY well done, what a great shot!
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-03-07 7:22]

Scott,
I LOVE to see this! It's a beautiful bird and full of detail.
You have so many great shots from Florida you have pumped up your gallery/portfolio greatly. I feel like I'm looking at a photo in National Geographic here! I like the slightly open beak, the catch-light and the fine detail in the plumage. The Red Alge is a bonus that adds a lot of texture to this shot. The Sanderling AND the alge is in PERFECT focus. GREAT post....I'm envious a bit but in a good way.
I can't wait to get home to see ALL of your FLA. shots!
Does the Red Alge affect the birds like it does the fish?
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-03-05 2:37] [+]

juan,
VERY COOL! While not being visable in Japan, I missed the eclipse. I requested in the forums that someone photograph it....and here it is! Thanks for presenting us with this historic scientific event.
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-02-28 16:07]

Silke,
I like the split composition here. The blue sky and the snow are great contrasting colors and the tree is just an added feature that almost seperate the two. Mother Nature is quite the designer, isn't she?
Well done,
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-02-28 4:07]

Loot,
The detail and the use of light here is incredible.
This is a perfect example of the use of light and texture.
If you would have laughed out loud, would it have startled them and made them charge you?
This is definitely worthy of an enlargement, yet, so many of yours are!
Scott

ScottHale (420) [2007-02-28 3:54]

Niek,
A real beauty here. I enjoy the way the the water leads my eye to the back of the picture with a gentle nudge. I also enjoy your notes (as usual) some people really give so much to the Trek sites with great photo's and superb notes. Your surely one of them.
Well done,
Scott