tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12180261746819226952024-03-05T05:47:57.537-08:00Lynn Chamberlain's "Camera Outdoors"I have been a professional Outdoor Photographer for over 30 years. I personally believe that you take better photos when you really understand your subject. As a result, I have made the study of nature a lifelong quest. I hope you enjoy these photographs and learn something valuable from the explanation that accompanies them.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-10910836189494460932012-02-07T10:50:00.000-08:002012-02-07T10:50:50.359-08:00Come to the Snow goose Festival in Delta this month.Each year millions of Lessor Snow geese make the trip between Baja Mexico and the Arctic Circle twice. They gather in large flocks and travel the 6,000 mile distance once in the Spring to go the nesting grounds, above the Arctic Circle, and again in the Fall to spend the winter in Mexico.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836787607/" title="My dad-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6836787607_08f9b77e94.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="My dad-1.JPG"></a> <br />
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I remember a day over 20 years ago when I was standing in a snow storm in Delta, Utah on the shore of Gunnison Bend Reservoir photographing well over 20,000 snow geese flying over head. I still recall vividly the sight, the sound and the feeling as those beautiful white birds flew by and landed on the water before me. It is difficult to describe the spectacle as the sky is literally filled with honking, fluttering geese, all looking for a place to land on the water. I was awestruck by the teaming mass of life that was displayed so beautifully before me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836789603/" title="My dad-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6836789603_7f7143e7b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="423" alt="My dad-2.JPG"></a> <br />
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I turned to see if there was anyone else there. Almost unbelievably, There was not another human in site. I could hardly believe that something so incredible could happen with out anyone else to see it. No other witness to one of the most spectacular sights that I had ever seen. I was the only person to experience one of natures most magnificent displays. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836791217/" title="My dad-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6836791217_4e07d78a95_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="My dad-3.JPG"></a> <br />
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My excitement was great but somewhat dampened because I had only photographs with which to share what I had experienced. The event was so much more than just visual. This was a case where you truly had to be there in order to understand the magnitude of what was happening. You also needed to have some knowledge of where these geese had been and what they had been through before they got hear to really appreciate the spectacle before you. I was determined to somehow share the experience with others, many others.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836795065/" title="My dad-5.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6836795065_56a09aa64f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="My dad-5.JPG"></a><br />
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The annual migration of Lessor Snow geese, and their gathering at Gunnison Bend reservoir, is an event that happens every year and is as predictable as anything that involves wildlife. Each February, the city of Delta hosts the annual Snow goose Festival and now draws thousands of people to see the geese.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836802727/" title="My dad-7.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6836802727_0c23be9012_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="My dad-7.JPG"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836808551/" title="My dad-8.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6836808551_d41c82297d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="My dad-8.JPG"></a> <br />
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This years festival will be held on the 24th and 25th of February. I am always there and it still raises my heart rate to watch the geese fly in. It further enhances my experience to watch others find that same wonder and amazement that I felt on that snowy morning so many years ago. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6836792747/" title="My dad-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6836792747_c7346c1a8f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="My dad-4.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-69223250868781151082012-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:002012-01-18T16:59:54.904-08:00White-tailed kiteI had the chance to photograph a White-tailed kite in the Washington fields this evening. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6722886097/" title="My dad-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="My dad-1.JPG" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6722886097_3d9aa6a3c8_z.jpg" width="423" /></a><br />
This is the first one that I have seen in Utah. They are usually only found on the west coast and around the Gulf of Mexico. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6722888397/" title="White-tailed kite by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="White-tailed kite" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6722888397_996b16005b_z.jpg" width="442" /></a><br />
They grassy areas and feed almost exclusively on insects and mice. They were once a rare sight even in their range but have made a great comeback and are now fairly common. <b>But not in Utah!<i></i></b> <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6722890319/" title="White-tailed kit 2 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="White-tailed kit 2" height="417" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6722890319_7b1fff03b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
If you want to see it head for the Southeast corner of the Washington fields, around 2000 South and 3000 East. Look for the George Washington Academy. The field across the street can be productive. If you don't see it there drive around the area a little. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6722891847/" title="White-tailed kite 4 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="White-tailed kite 4" height="297" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6722891847_39d0c95151_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Hopefully you will get lucky like I did. Thanks to <b>Rick Fridell<i></i></b> for the tip.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-28676201739309698902012-01-04T19:17:00.001-08:002012-01-04T19:17:54.277-08:00Photographing Mule deer on KolobHad a great day photographing Mule deer on Kolob.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6591081551/" title="Mule deer on Kolob 4 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6591081551_b41ecc74ff.jpg" width="352" height="500" alt="Mule deer on Kolob 4"></a><br />
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My very best friend Eldon Pierce got a new camera so we had to go try it out. We saw lots of deer and around 40 head of Elk. Evening is a great time to see some really nice deer right now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6591086055/" title="Mule deer on Kolob 3 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6591086055_0321f08b9f.jpg" width="350" height="500" alt="Mule deer on Kolob 3"></a><br />
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As you can see there are some excellent bucks out there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6591076745/" title="Mule deer on Kolob 1 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6591076745_c73913bb95_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Mule deer on Kolob 1"></a><br />
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It was also great to see the Elk. I love to see them in Zion. We were not able to get close but they add nicely to the scenery.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6591128163/" title="Elk on Kolob by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6591128163_9ceed2bc2f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Elk on Kolob"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-60906122259709010002011-09-27T15:21:00.000-07:002011-09-27T15:21:11.649-07:00Photographing Great Basin National ParkMy wife, Kay and I, recently took a short trip to Great Basin National Park in Eastern Nevada. Most people go there to see Lehman's Cave but the main attraction for me is the exquisite alpine scenery. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6101300988/" title="Great Basin National Park-5.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6101300988_b25fcc6e06_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Great Basin National Park-5.JPG"></a><br />
<b>Teresa Lake<i></i></b><br />
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Wheeler Peak is the highest point in Nevada at just over 13,000 feet. There are two, glacier formed, lakes at the foot of the mountain that make great vantage points to photograph from. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6100746667/" title="Great Basin National Park-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6100746667_d0739fa89c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Great Basin National Park-1.JPG"></a><br />
<b>Kay at Stella Lake<i></i></b><br />
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This is one of the few times in my life that I actually used a model (my beautiful wife) intentionally in my photos. The intent was to add depth and perspective to the images.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6100756875/" title="Great Basin National Park-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6100756875_2b40eaef60_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Great Basin National Park-6.JPG"></a> <br />
<b>Kay hiking the trail to Wheeler Peak<i></i></b> <br />
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Along the trail you pass hundreds of Bristle-cone pines; the oldest living things on Earth. Some of them are 4,000 to 5,000 years old. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6100758959/" title="Great Basin National Park-7.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6100758959_ca0b32ea33_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Great Basin National Park-7.JPG"></a><br />
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They are very photogenic against the deep blue alpine sky.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-44110542682795639622011-09-23T14:13:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:13:03.832-07:00Old photo of my fatherMy sister Karren had this old photo on her wall of my dad at the cabin. After I looked at it for a while I realized that it is my old Subaru in the photo and that I took it. Brings back a lot of memories.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6176325072/" title="My dad-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6176325072_26c18b234e.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="My dad-1.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-62095317238478048842011-09-21T18:38:00.000-07:002011-09-21T18:38:28.648-07:00Self Assignment: Photographing My home. Toquerville, Utah<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6170570587/" title="Toquerville-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6170570587_dd8a59f6b3_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Toquerville-1.JPG"></a><br />
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I thought I would share a few photos that I took on a self assignment a few days ago. My goal was to stay within 5 miles of my home.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6170573223/" title="Toquerville-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6170573223_69068e93a7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toquerville-4.JPG"></a><br />
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These photos were all taken with in the city limits of Toquerville, Utah, my home. A sub assignment was to make it not look like the driest area in the second driest state in the nation. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6171105836/" title="Toquerville-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6171105836_97718c24a3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toquerville-3.JPG"></a><br />
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I think I pulled it off rather nicely.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6171107498/" title="Toquerville-5.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6171107498_c15a622dc8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toquerville-5.JPG"></a> <br />
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The photo above is an HDR experiment using some new software that I have come across. It is called HDR Express and works as a plugin for Lightroom. It worked well and is very easy to use. I am looking forward to more experimentation and will let you see the results when I get a chance.<br />
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I live in a beautiful place, don't I.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6170571501/" title="Toquerville-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6170571501_e4af174bc4_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Toquerville-2.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-21242548707320273102011-09-07T12:57:00.000-07:002011-09-07T12:57:05.493-07:00A chance to photograph a Ring-tailed catEveryone who knows me knows that I am a wildlife photographer. Most of them like to lend me a hand when they have a chance. Such a friend is Bob Olsen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6124964140/" title="Ring-tailed cat-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6124964140_f673b7aae1_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Ring-tailed cat-1.JPG"></a><br />
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Bob lives in Toquerville, right next to Ash Creek. He has live traps out all the time in order to control the skunks and squirrels. A few days ago I got a call from Bob announcing that he had captured a ring-tailed cat and wanted to know if I wished to photograph it. Of course, I jumped at the chance.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6124433689/" title="Ring-tailed cat-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6124433689_e99f20ce83_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Ring-tailed cat-6.JPG"></a><br />
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In the thirty plus years that I have been a wildlife photographer, I have only had a ring-tail in hand twice. They are actually fairly common in the southwest but are strictly nocturnal so they are seldom seen by humans. The wide eyes, whisker-covered face and long tail are all adaptations that allow this raccoon cousin to function in the dark. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6124437153/" title="Ring-tailed cat-8.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6124437153_c6847b3614_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Ring-tailed cat-8.JPG"></a> <br />
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I ended up photographing the little guy in the fading light of evening. He was surprisingly calm and cooperative. My son Alex shot video while I was shooting stills. When we were finished, we just walked away and let our subject go free. I hope you like the images.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6124425293/" title="Ring-tailed cat-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6124425293_a720c379bd_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Ring-tailed cat-2.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-30512508412118314982011-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:002011-08-24T07:26:18.555-07:00Photographing the formations North of the Paria Contact Station.I was directed to a new photo destination last weekend. A good friend of mine and outstanding landscape photographer <a href="http://phillmonsonphoto.blogspot.com/">Phill Monson</a> took me to a part of the Paria that I had never explored before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6076156675/" title="Paria-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6076156675_2cc520b929.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Paria-1.JPG"></a><br />
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We went to the Paria contact station at mile post 20.5 on the road between Kanab and Lake Powel but instead of hiking South to the Paria we went North of the contact station to an area known as the Toad Stools.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6076161667/" title="Paria-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6076161667_cb9d1d0577.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Paria-4.JPG"></a><br />
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We never actually found the Toad Stools but we saw some beautiful formations and took some great photos. Had a lot of fun along the way with Phil and my son Alex. We were favored by great clouds as well. Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6076697100/" title="Paria-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6076697100_62afc17e76_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Paria-3.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-72328282006986393782011-08-13T14:00:00.000-07:002011-08-13T14:04:13.121-07:00A portfolio of my photographs from the past 5 years.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/4404482379/" title="IMG_0209_edited-2 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0209_edited-2" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4404482379_0c9ac3d0c4.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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I just put together a portfolio of my work from the past 5 years. It was a great experience to go back through Over 80,000 images and pick out some of my favorites. It also shows me how my style has changed and I think improved over time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/4426144036/" title="IMG_0035_edited-3 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4426144036_cf128c1a7b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0035_edited-3"></a> <br />
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Here is a <a href="http://www.cameraoutdoors.com/Light-boxes/Portfolio/18498978_VjNgKT#1428918400_w8CDXbm">link.</a> <br />
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I hope you will take a look and let me know what you think.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-86473996342860640472011-08-08T09:53:00.000-07:002011-08-08T09:53:28.669-07:00Be there when the light is best for better outdoor photographs.There are a lot of places that I love to go and photograph wildlife. Yellowstone National Park is among my favorites. And early September is my favorite time to be there. There is just so much happening. The most exciting activity for me is the elk mating season called the rut. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6015850315/" title="Griffith Creek-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/6015850315_319ab90426_m.jpg" width="240" height="127" alt="Griffith Creek-1.JPG"></a><br />
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The bulls are at their peak physically and actively competing for the attention of the cows. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6016405574/" title="Griffith Creek-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/6016405574_d7585560c9.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="Griffith Creek-2.JPG"></a><br />
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They bugle and fight and chase the cows from one end of the meadow to the other, never taking time to eat or care for themselves. Their only focus is breeding the cows. Each mature bull attempts to gather a harem of as many cows as possible. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6015879037/" title="Griffith Creek-8.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6015879037_c0b46368a8.jpg" width="500" height="167" alt="Griffith Creek-8.JPG"></a><br />
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Many times this involves stealing cows from another mature bull. That's when the fights break out. To be there with a camera and telephoto lens during this behavior is a real treat. <br />
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Elk can be seen anywhere in the park but one of my favorite locations is the Madison River pull-out just east of West Yellowstone. In September, the light is good all day long but as usual it is best in the morning and evening. I arrived there at about 6:30 pm one evening and found this beautiful bull tending his harem. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6015859119/" title="Griffith Creek-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6015859119_234a5b0fbd.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Griffith Creek-4.JPG"></a><br />
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I set up my tripod and spent the rest of the evening right there. The canyon is positioned so that the evening sun skims the meadow unobstructed by any mountains. I shot for nearly 2 hours as the light continued to lower and lower and better until the sun set for the night. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6015855509/" title="Griffith Creek-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/6015855509_835c40d426.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Griffith Creek-3.JPG"></a><br />
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To my surprise, there were no other photographers there. Everyone left and headed for their motels for the night. I was alone with the light.<br />
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I was really excited about the photos that I had taken so I decided to try the sunrise in the same place. The next morning, I rose early and was in place at the turn out by 7 am. The sun was not up yet and it was only 21 degrees F. The cold temperature caused a heavy mist to rise from the Madison River. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6015869969/" title="Griffith Creek-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/6015869969_6b420c0aff.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Griffith Creek-6.JPG"></a><br />
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When the sun struck it in full force, It created an almost surreal scene with the elk moving about in the mist. I set up my camera and proceeded to produce what I consider to be some of the finest photographs in my collection. Again I was alone with the elk and the mist. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6016417966/" title="Griffith Creek-5.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/6016417966_a2c254e3de.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Griffith Creek-5.JPG"></a><br />
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By 8:30 the temperature had increased to 28 degrees and the mist was gone. Everyone else decided to stay in bed that morning. What a shame that they missed the magnificent show that morning on the Madison River.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/6016425962/" title="Griffith Creek-7.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/6016425962_6921b56220_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Griffith Creek-7.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-28343547060877055912011-07-28T17:48:00.000-07:002011-07-28T17:48:42.816-07:00A beautiful mountain stream.I found myself on the Tushar Mountains east of Beaver, Utah. I couldn't help myself. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5986333218/" title="Griffith Creek-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5986333218_56de5f9193_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Griffith Creek-2.JPG"></a><br />
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Griffith Creek is a small stream that that runs year round and is always so inviting to look at. Something about it seems to say "Come photograph me". Well, today I did. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5985786855/" title="Griffith Creek-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5985786855_eb6feaa037_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Griffith Creek-6.JPG"></a><br />
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The flowers were gorgeous and so lush. I took all of these photos within about 1/2 mile from were I parked my truck. Overcast skys added to the light and allowed me to use a slow shutter speed (1/2 second or longer). I love the effect on the water. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5985784225/" title="Griffith Creek-5.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5985784225_83aa50359e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Griffith Creek-5.JPG"></a><br />
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Obviously you have to use a tripod at those shutter speeds. I like to use the "live view" feature to frame the photos and the self-timer set at 2 seconds delay to add sharpness to the photo. All photos were taken with a 24 - 105 mm lens set at f/22. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5985770589/" title="Griffith Creek-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5985770589_64a9bfca1b_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Griffith Creek-1.JPG"></a><br />
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I always feel like I have accomplished something when I get out of my car and go make some pictures.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-67391781267155480722011-07-27T10:53:00.000-07:002011-07-27T10:53:09.154-07:00Mountain WildflowersI have never considered myself a flower photographer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5982003030/" title="Mountain flowers-13.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5982003030_a8ae29ce06.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Mountain flowers-13.JPG"></a><br />
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Indeed I have always been disappointed in my efforts to produce floral photos that I wanted o take a second look at. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5981440107/" title="Mountain flowers-12.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5981440107_2b6055ac9f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Mountain flowers-12.JPG"></a><br />
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This has been a unique year for moisture on the mountain. As a result, the wild flower bloom has been exceptional. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5981997662/" title="Mountain flowers-11.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5981997662_c764fb1b20.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Mountain flowers-11.JPG"></a><br />
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I decided to take advantage of the situation and give it one more try. This time, I committed to be patient and spend the time that was needed to create some images. (I usually get antsy and go try to find some kind of wildlife.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5981993362/" title="Mountain flowers-9.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5981993362_d52b6613ca.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Mountain flowers-9.JPG"></a><br />
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Cedar Breaks National Monument offers a great selection of flowers and is close to my home. The month of July and Early August is prime time for flowers there. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5981429427/" title="Mountain flowers-7.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5981429427_19b610d199.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Mountain flowers-7.JPG"></a><br />
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This year is truly exceptional. If you haven't been there yet be sure you get out and go. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5981982826/" title="Mountain flowers-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5981982826_1a59ceea0e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Mountain flowers-4.JPG"></a> <br />
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I satisfied myself on this trip. I proved to myself that with patience and persistence, you can produce images that are worth taking a second and even a third look at.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5981418773/" title="Mountain flowers-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5981418773_03d6b64f20_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Mountain flowers-2.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-48069642021770971472011-07-22T15:20:00.000-07:002011-07-22T15:20:15.221-07:00A basic understanding of the elements of compsition can help you produce better outdoor photographs.I hope you enjoy this little video and that you will learn a little along the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fT07H2yA6YI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-22590849336164677692011-07-21T14:49:00.000-07:002011-07-21T14:49:03.544-07:00Photographing Alligators in the EvergladesA few years ago I was fortunate enough to produce and host a TV show about outdoor photography entitled "Outdoor Photo Adventures" for the Outdoor Channel. The very first show that we did was based in the Everglades National Park. Wow! What a treat for a boy from Utah to go to the worlds most famous marsh to photograph wildlife. The bird photography was great and I will talk about that later. I wanted to start this series on the Everglades with a few photos of Alligators.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5756299506/" title="Alligator-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5756299506_b8e6d0d8f4_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Alligator-1.JPG"></a><br />
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The American alligator is probably the iconic species of the Everglades. You see them everywhere you go and they behave like they own the place (I guess they pretty much do). We were there in late February which is the best time to visit the park. The water level is still low and the stormy season is over. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5755759557/" title="Alligator-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/5755759557_ff3a24ac7d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alligator-3.JPG"></a> <br />
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I was walking along the pathway at the Anhinga trail when I came across this large male alligator with his head held high out of the water.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5755757679/" title="Alligator-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/5755757679_ab060016de_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Alligator-2.JPG"></a><br />
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I, of course, stopped and took a couple of photos (okay maybe I took several dozen) When he started to bellow. He would move up and down in the water and let out this low growling noise. I had seen enough David Attenborough specials to know that this was a mating display and was designed to drive the females crazy with passion. Within a few seconds the entire marsh came alive with the deep, rolling, sound of many love starved alligators just out of sight of the camera. Needless to say, I took many more photos but non of them do justice to the event. The video that was shot for the show adds a lot to the experience.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5755760875/" title="Alligator-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/5755760875_5f6f099289_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Alligator-4.JPG"></a><br />
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This experience illustrates the point that it is great to look at others photos but it is much better to get out and see the world for yourself.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-4778407001987048802011-07-21T11:00:00.000-07:002011-07-21T11:00:43.455-07:00The California Condor: A very Personal experience with one of the worlds most endangered animalsAs a wildlife photographer, I am always looking for an opportunity to get close to wild animals. Several years ago, when rumors started to fly about California Condors frequenting the Kolob area near Zion National park, I decided to investigate and see for myself. <br />
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The first time I saw them, I found five, birds near a mountain cabin at the present viewing site. They were perched in the top of a tree and on the nearby rocks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5815425575/" title="California Condor-7.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5154/5815425575_7f4660c042_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="California Condor-7.JPG"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5815423785/" title="California Condor-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/5815423785_028e6020ff_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="California Condor-6.JPG"></a><br />
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I took several photos and was just admiring them when I heard the rushing of the wind coming from close behind me. I instinctively ducked, slightly as a giant pair of wings passed no more than two feet over my head.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5815426901/" title="California Condor-8.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5815426901_4cffb815ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="California Condor-8.JPG"></a><br />
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I can still remember feeling the air pressure change which caused me to lurch forward slightly as the condor passed by. It was a mature bird with a wingspan of over 9 feet and it landed on the fence not more than 30 feet in front of me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5815982720/" title="California Condor-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/5815982720_d60ef0e4e1_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="California Condor-1.JPG"></a><br />
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I got several close photos and the experience left me with a feeling of awe for this very special bird. <br />
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Since that time I have viewed and photographed condors many times. I have watched them as they perform aerial ballets for the crowds that gather to see them on “The Day of the Condor” and since this is not a scientific writing, I can tell you that I am convinced that they enjoy putting on a show for people. I think that that bird was intentionally messing with me when it flew so close over my head. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5815987778/" title="California Condor-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5815987778_0c3f5066d3_b.jpg" width="791" height="1024" alt="California Condor-4.JPG"></a><br />
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Because of that first experience, I feel a tie with condors and I love to share these birds with others that may come away from the experience feeling a little stronger link with wildlife.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-1905568316622075242011-07-20T12:27:00.000-07:002011-07-20T12:27:44.011-07:00Mount McKinley, What a way to end the day.<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">One of the absolute highlights of my trip to Alaska was the opportunity that I had to photograph Mt. McKinley. We were very fortunate in that it was visible on the evening that we had set aside. It is typically only seen about 3 days in 10 so I was excited to see the clouds part. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5737949965/" title="Mt. McKinley-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-2.JPG" height="427" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/5737949965_3d3a8a5fb6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Mt. McKinley is 20,320 feet tall and is located in the middle of Denali National Park. The 90 mile gravel road, to the park's interior, is mostly traveled by buses as only a few private vehicles are allowed to traverse it. We were fortunate enough to purchase a photographer's pass so that we had free run of the road on our own time schedule. Most visitors must ride the bus, which is really quite convenient as they run every 15 minutes or so and make frequent stops. If you wish to spend additional time in one area you simply get off of the bus and catch the next one when you are ready to move on. This works well unless you want to stay late and catch the sunset on the highest mountain in North America. We were there in August and the light hung on until well after midnight. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5737948569/" title="Mt. McKinley-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-1.JPG" height="427" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/5737948569_91f64bdc14_b.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Reflection Lake is located near Wonder Lake at about the 84 mile mark along the way. This is a great vantage point from which to shoot the mountain but it takes a long while to get there and if you stay until the light is gone. You will end up camping somewhere near it. We had a 20 foot motor home so that made it quite convenient. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5737951185/" title="Mt. McKinley-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-3.JPG" height="427" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/5737951185_dc73e5597c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We arrived at about 8 pm and set up the cameras. By the time we had set up, the clouds had opened up and the mountain was glorious. I started snapping photos and was able to try many different compositions. I continued taking pictures for over 2 hours. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">At one point I turned around to see a bull caribou standing on the hill behind me. I had to stop long enough to photograph him as well. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5738048425/" title="Mt. McKinley-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-4.JPG" height="160" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/5738048425_b7c2ae80e3_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5738047245/" title="Mt. McKinley-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-3.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5738047245_d18180e765_m.jpg" width="159" /></a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">About 9:30 pm I decided to try a panorama and shot 6 photos with the idea of stitching them together in Photoshop later. The panorama turned out to be one of my favorites and it hangs on my wall as a 17 x 70 inch print to this day. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5737954565/" title="Mt. McKinley-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-6.JPG" height="267" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5737954565_3eb8e85954_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Many of the photos that I took, even later than that, turned out beautifully as well. I especially like the alpen glow affect on some of the later photos.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5738503570/" title="Mt. McKinley-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-4.JPG" height="427" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/5738503570_b65a726bd9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5737953399/" title="Mt. McKinley-5.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="Mt. McKinley-5.JPG" height="427" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5737953399_80329ac9be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a moment that I will never forget. I will always be grateful for the chance to visit Alask</div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-7165357395967964662011-07-20T11:42:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:42:31.596-07:00Panorama video how to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IMdvSoQqtP8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-91064594624981598242011-07-20T07:33:00.001-07:002011-07-20T07:33:50.272-07:00Bald eagle<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5329047332/" title="Bryce National Park-3.jpg by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5329047332_64a6aced2a.jpg" width="319" height="500" alt="Bryce National Park-3.jpg"></a><br />
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Driving through Zion National Park today I saw this Bald eagle on an old dead ponderosa pine tree. I was able to take this photo right out of the truck window with my trusty Canon 100 - 400 mm IS L zoom. My Canon 7D with 18+ megapixels allowed me to crop just a litte bit to further help the image.<br />
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By the way, there are three deer carcasses in the area and the eagles are eating well. California condors have also been seen on the dead deer. It is located just 200 yards to the east of the east entrance station but still inside of the park.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-4984404342718745402011-07-20T07:26:00.001-07:002011-07-20T07:26:45.723-07:00Mountain lion<div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/4410337599/" title="IMG_6569_edited-1 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6569_edited-1" height="427" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4410337599_36a6684671_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Mountain lions are large, powerful, predators that deserve our respect and protection. A large male may weigh as much as 200 pounds and be over 8 feet long from nose to tail.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/4409766801/" title="IMG_5500_edited-1 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5500_edited-1" height="427" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4409766801_e1c96e81e4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
There have been recent attacks by lions but mainly in places were they are not hunted. When they are hunted, they tend to maintain a healthy distance from humans.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/4410332691/" title="IMG_6564_edited-1 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6564_edited-1" height="427" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4410332691_f3189d0e22_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
They are seldom seen in the wild because they are so aware of their surroundings and will usually do what they need to do to stray away from people. These photos were taken of a captive animal courtesy of Triple-D Game Farms from Montana. They will be bringing their beautiful animals to Southern Utah in April. Contact me if you are interested in photographing them. lynnchamberlain.photo@gmail.comLynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-2893735500360138622011-07-20T07:25:00.001-07:002011-07-20T07:25:03.733-07:00Bighorn Sheep<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5145888761/" title="20080206-_MG_4836.jpg by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="20080206-_MG_4836.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1333/5145888761_44294e6ce2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a> <br />
There is a resident herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep in Zion National Park. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5146489624/" title="[7D] 2010-09-11 08.22.02(0001).jpg by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="[7D] 2010-09-11 08.22.02(0001).jpg" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1116/5146489624_1e62938cc8_z.jpg" width="427" /></a> <br />
They were put there in the late 1960's and were thought to be lost until recently.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5146491158/" title="[7D] 2010-09-11 08.38.02.jpg by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="[7D] 2010-09-11 08.38.02.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5146491158_91ce143512_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
Now they are considered one of the largest sheep herds in Utah.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5146491482/" title="[7D] 2010-10-07 09.16.18(0002).jpg by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img alt="[7D] 2010-10-07 09.16.18(0002).jpg" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/5146491482_669028cd07_z.jpg" width="427" /></a> <br />
They fooled everyone and managed to thrive. "Life finds a way"Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-38147678499424665582011-07-18T18:44:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:44:24.382-07:00Sage grouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZKdD3yT1BDJHpEAY0PnGrdqvFEUaSK_sydC7WcnOM55iq05qmkWsLLlPdG4ZS6CVjsEfKV233PWUuIERtUIcdlOEYrMiM9LNWiBcGNGSt1maLOvTfgLu_C8IiR2sd2a8JUMFMFy5Q6Cj/s1600-h/Sage+Grouse+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397784973644639570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZKdD3yT1BDJHpEAY0PnGrdqvFEUaSK_sydC7WcnOM55iq05qmkWsLLlPdG4ZS6CVjsEfKV233PWUuIERtUIcdlOEYrMiM9LNWiBcGNGSt1maLOvTfgLu_C8IiR2sd2a8JUMFMFy5Q6Cj/s320/Sage+Grouse+1.jpg" style="float: left; height: 214px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5vlAmYN3vgifhoqI6HqTUyxuI2bR746NtEg56CKEjtCjHoZ5j_xiO2-9RW4Sib3GxCjcXTEdnr155E88Ok5YRRhwCT_m_1T2gQvd6Hb8z5SYRkBd8MBWBAylU4C9_bQqqMRNutmfbx2h/s1600-h/Sage+Grouse+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397784058490245186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5vlAmYN3vgifhoqI6HqTUyxuI2bR746NtEg56CKEjtCjHoZ5j_xiO2-9RW4Sib3GxCjcXTEdnr155E88Ok5YRRhwCT_m_1T2gQvd6Hb8z5SYRkBd8MBWBAylU4C9_bQqqMRNutmfbx2h/s320/Sage+Grouse+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 214px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3T0s_KJAsenuTZKlQqGMCzC2wXIoe8b0Xx6pjd7Ftw3Z4KtoxphjJJ5YihJxZOWeBeaqewQM7cwsg10_tWAW1aQzpbXVg6YuTB5jNNgSeHnEddt-yoQ4XYv96jFjni7hoThikYmYvEmE/s1600-h/Sage+Grouse+6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397783924337902242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3T0s_KJAsenuTZKlQqGMCzC2wXIoe8b0Xx6pjd7Ftw3Z4KtoxphjJJ5YihJxZOWeBeaqewQM7cwsg10_tWAW1aQzpbXVg6YuTB5jNNgSeHnEddt-yoQ4XYv96jFjni7hoThikYmYvEmE/s320/Sage+Grouse+6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 214px;" /></a>Early, every spring, sage grouse begin their mating dance that is played out on the prairie floor with great energy and persistence. In mid march and early April the male grouse begin gathering at breeding grounds called leks.<br />
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Many leks have been in use for longer than records have been kept. The males return year after year to continue the dance and attract females for breeding. They arrive in the middle of the night and reserve a favorite spot to display. Just before dawn, the females fly in from the surrounding sage and the party begins. Females stroll by, seemingly ignoring the strutting males. Then for some reason undetectable to this observer she will select a male and mate.<br />
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It is a process that has gone on for hundreds of years in the same place. Recently efforts have been undertaken to catalog and study these leks in an effort to sustain this species and better understand them.<br />
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In order to photograph these fascinating birds you first have to locate a suitable lek. Then be prepared to arrive well before daylight, set up your blind, and stay until the birds leave, well after sunrise.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-80735142051284439322011-07-18T18:41:00.001-07:002011-07-18T18:42:28.190-07:00Pika<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EMd1569sOkGXTTazumScEBZdypgiCbRJFTWNEk8pdmpZN0Pj2fCCiSLphFDKoIAMbjW9FevYPUfK86pztsahKUNgYW_6RpQ7EswCoWvubdNL9C67B-nN9D6oCXzTv9CcZHHaeCH0hdZH/s1600-h/Pika+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EMd1569sOkGXTTazumScEBZdypgiCbRJFTWNEk8pdmpZN0Pj2fCCiSLphFDKoIAMbjW9FevYPUfK86pztsahKUNgYW_6RpQ7EswCoWvubdNL9C67B-nN9D6oCXzTv9CcZHHaeCH0hdZH/s320/Pika+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397418766960557922" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYrgQkxc9adKD14mR5scbcVCtLbL1MFuy_kWWL80CB-RnN2t74z8pkgnIXi4rW4oENhHQbpgsNfs54io7hV6Y7kH8HQstAqckwH8LF2AE7YS6NgcAJThUTuNqswafMaTiPpQH8hP2-LYO/s1600-h/Pika+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYrgQkxc9adKD14mR5scbcVCtLbL1MFuy_kWWL80CB-RnN2t74z8pkgnIXi4rW4oENhHQbpgsNfs54io7hV6Y7kH8HQstAqckwH8LF2AE7YS6NgcAJThUTuNqswafMaTiPpQH8hP2-LYO/s320/Pika+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397418466877897074" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNleI7I_iN5V4hBj3kVeRwPRQCuChB5AH8jgEHA-7Qqm_box33toygSISLv8iIf63meoGQ8nwzbSQbfxgYwqlYeB1mfFg1P_7Eodjw1eS7XOjK5HG5LrsKYOyYr8kUlVAxY8LZfiDX7s2n/s1600-h/Pika+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNleI7I_iN5V4hBj3kVeRwPRQCuChB5AH8jgEHA-7Qqm_box33toygSISLv8iIf63meoGQ8nwzbSQbfxgYwqlYeB1mfFg1P_7Eodjw1eS7XOjK5HG5LrsKYOyYr8kUlVAxY8LZfiDX7s2n/s320/Pika+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397365963468959762" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4GyQ7ZWp-8TITemAs5ax1ryd5ZqdLUZ98k8w4eQZ3QrzuQpjGcNctWaGyais3wp9wM-JuwjLqLmxdRHmpSGj85lt-Hjt3-61EuPg7ZmNRZLAPLXCaQtdU-TeS_Z13RVUmUbF5uhKtPXF/s1600-h/Pika+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4GyQ7ZWp-8TITemAs5ax1ryd5ZqdLUZ98k8w4eQZ3QrzuQpjGcNctWaGyais3wp9wM-JuwjLqLmxdRHmpSGj85lt-Hjt3-61EuPg7ZmNRZLAPLXCaQtdU-TeS_Z13RVUmUbF5uhKtPXF/s320/Pika+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397365764572784210" border="0" /></a>A pika is a small, furry creature that lives in rocky slopes at high altitudes in the mountains of the western U.S and Canada. They are actually the smallest member of the Rabbit family and look a little like a cross between a rabbit and a mouse.<br />
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Pika thrive in one of the most inhospitable habitats to be found anywhere. They endure sub-alpine winters where the snow depth can be in excess of 30 feet and the temperature regularly reaches -30 F. in the winter. This is particularly interesting since, as rabbits, they do not hibernate.<br />
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Pika have adapted a very interesting lifestyle in order to deal with the harshness of their environment. They develop family communes in the rocks and work together to fill their needs. During the short alpine summer, they scurry about gathering grasses and sedges that surround the rocks and pile them up in stone pockets that are found under the surface of the talus slope. When the snow flies and the wind blows in the winter, the pika in the colony retreat to the depths of the rock pile and eat the fruits of their labors all winter long. The temperature under the surface stays warmer as they are insulated by the snow cover and in this way they are able to survive the cold.<br />
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Pika can be found on almost any mountain top over 9,000 feet. Locate them by walking through the rocks and listening for the "chee chee" sound that they emit when they are alarmed. To photograph them just find a comfortable place to sit and soon you will see them scurrying about gathering their years supply.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-1158007132396203372011-07-18T18:34:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:34:08.670-07:00Mule deer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb3r47PaBnfcGn1vQH3xQYQ9rn1VuP1P3G2r50kSnXrn_IKx9Avx5grZtCFMG3mdzR_COwsrHHP9H9uK9VY39ubzq9VET0va6vZyZ8t57AICQTRaw91izoz9sprWVFFwB5B0VWE6XpSXm/s1600-h/Mule+deer-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb3r47PaBnfcGn1vQH3xQYQ9rn1VuP1P3G2r50kSnXrn_IKx9Avx5grZtCFMG3mdzR_COwsrHHP9H9uK9VY39ubzq9VET0va6vZyZ8t57AICQTRaw91izoz9sprWVFFwB5B0VWE6XpSXm/s320/Mule+deer-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397024263531810002" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfMgtoa1x29OMz93BD-Iqyw9L31u7SSspTKS6U4GtjhLxHrQCUj7GR_8Bpc3KQwl4VvAtVAbm3n1HBQcpHoHz0HGEyrAlLu07bvM6JelYNzoYrZAMqeb3lLrZst6JjIMjQDiBKFMqy3L2/s1600-h/Mule+deer-17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfMgtoa1x29OMz93BD-Iqyw9L31u7SSspTKS6U4GtjhLxHrQCUj7GR_8Bpc3KQwl4VvAtVAbm3n1HBQcpHoHz0HGEyrAlLu07bvM6JelYNzoYrZAMqeb3lLrZst6JjIMjQDiBKFMqy3L2/s320/Mule+deer-17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397024091447006738" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy4A2_Oe7YMohVGPlrpnEpV3WIcqLs2O_xEKO_DbFb0_VHbhsH4UnaSG49Kb_WvNOrQnUQZSitOvjJzYixeRbMVkRXCemEAN01-PnQEDZYlYWxhUSMymSpq5ckD00qscDBOjTg4my09Us/s1600-h/Mule+deer-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy4A2_Oe7YMohVGPlrpnEpV3WIcqLs2O_xEKO_DbFb0_VHbhsH4UnaSG49Kb_WvNOrQnUQZSitOvjJzYixeRbMVkRXCemEAN01-PnQEDZYlYWxhUSMymSpq5ckD00qscDBOjTg4my09Us/s320/Mule+deer-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397023952782338866" border="0" /></a><br />
We are just coming into the best time of year to photograph wild Mule deer. The month of November is the mating season for muleys and the bucks are at their prime.<br />
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Referred to as the RUT, the mating season lasts for about 4 weeks and the competition is high for the does. Mature bucks will gather harems of females and defend them against all other bucks that may try to steal one or two. This is one of the few times that bucks and does spend any time together.<br />
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Two of my favorite places to photograph mule deer are almost in my back yard. Zion National Park receives little visitation from humans in November but I'll be there with my telephoto lens. Look for deer up Zion canyon near the Zion Lodge. Some nice bucks move into the park for the winter and they are quite approachable.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-46196004725470464372011-07-18T18:32:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:32:16.031-07:00California Condor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWAITX1YPnIv-dG5_y-eBn6rj_lfeqyPKPKKPOVyjnkUCdIFZm36Q1FeJYzYlzuHQGQxDxIM8WdTjN3n6gmKnuawMRupnXs2mNjZonGuFproFHI7Be0gNlYaYmKhOeGD1yFUqo_DPyyQM/s1600-h/Condor+2+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWAITX1YPnIv-dG5_y-eBn6rj_lfeqyPKPKKPOVyjnkUCdIFZm36Q1FeJYzYlzuHQGQxDxIM8WdTjN3n6gmKnuawMRupnXs2mNjZonGuFproFHI7Be0gNlYaYmKhOeGD1yFUqo_DPyyQM/s320/Condor+2+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984493665417986" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykxa1Uk1yii6nZsTavGontn0bjMFotGSDFAavPG3Fy5Y0DNGSx4i-ZT90LZEhT8ljrk75_NDiI5Bpot_aBOCvCFfRGsgpseO0EbCeYMqWG8tL9oddyWejoEogjXjkzILbYmcjzrvUUQFX/s1600-h/Condor+13+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykxa1Uk1yii6nZsTavGontn0bjMFotGSDFAavPG3Fy5Y0DNGSx4i-ZT90LZEhT8ljrk75_NDiI5Bpot_aBOCvCFfRGsgpseO0EbCeYMqWG8tL9oddyWejoEogjXjkzILbYmcjzrvUUQFX/s320/Condor+13+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396981968294512898" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8E5TK6p5q5dDO3-nJHEttqTDEEILKG874Bed80a8i53sOl_-0W9oI155W7HAfy9R_KgLrNNfGi8kVpTrqpUsuE_5UTq4G8ynOJLkaxDX-P0dyCvteaMAOHxxxMigIzfugxktRB7MCCBw/s1600-h/Condor+7+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8E5TK6p5q5dDO3-nJHEttqTDEEILKG874Bed80a8i53sOl_-0W9oI155W7HAfy9R_KgLrNNfGi8kVpTrqpUsuE_5UTq4G8ynOJLkaxDX-P0dyCvteaMAOHxxxMigIzfugxktRB7MCCBw/s320/Condor+7+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396981805897628562" border="0" /></a><br />
The California Condor is one of the rarest birds in the world. There are less than 325 of them flying in the wild. The last remaining wild birds were taken from the mountains of South Central California and put into a captive breeding program in 1983. They were later reintroduced in California, Baja and Northern Arizona. More than 60 of these magnificent birds frequent the Kolob reservoir area in Southern Utah near Zion National Park. There is no better place to see and photograph them. The largest flying birds in North America, condors have a wingspan that approaches 10 feet. They can sail for hours on thermals and frequently travel for miles without stopping. They feed exclusively on carrion and locate food by using their keen eyesight and believe it or not, by following turkey vultures and ravens.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1218026174681922695.post-72228373437874912282011-07-18T18:20:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:20:04.383-07:00The Yellow-bellied Marmot is not just another rodent.Yellow-bellied marmots are one of my favorite photographic subjects.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937392271/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5937392271_13737f6014.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-1.JPG"></a><br />
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I know they just look like overgrown rats with short fluffy tails to most but to me they have several redeeming factors that boost them up the scale from the other lowly rodents. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937398229/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5937398229_c7a4b54101.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-4.JPG"></a> <br />
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For one thing, they inhabit the upper elevations above 7000 feet and are, to me, a symbol of the high country. They often live in the same rock pile with one of my other favorites, the <a href="http://outdoorphotoquest.blogspot.com/2009/10/pika.html">Pika</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/4446093413/" title="IMG_0812_edited-1 by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4446093413_28cb35eff5_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_0812_edited-1"></a><br />
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They live in family units and warn each other when they spot something that might be dangerous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937878244/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-2.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5937878244_f38ff1b2da.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-2.JPG"></a><br />
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They have beautiful coloration especially when the sun hits them just right. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937881818/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-4.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5937881818_43bff566f7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-4.JPG"></a><br />
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They are easy to sneak up on for close photographs and they pose so nicely for the camera. (Notice the defiant look and the articulated limbs.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937402473/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-6.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5937402473_57119bd33f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-6.JPG"></a><br />
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For these reasons, I find Marmots almost impossible to pass up when I see them in the wild. I have actually sold several marmot photos including one or two cover shots for Varmint Hunter magazine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937879760/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-3.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5937879760_cfd48ca16b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-3.JPG"></a><br />
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Marmots are easy to find. Just look in almost any rock pile above 7500 feet and you will quickly notice them basking in the morning sun or scurrying about feeding on nearby grasses and other plants. Look for them the next time you are photographing in the high country. Get to know them a little better and I think you will appreciate them just like I do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnchamberlain/5937876480/" title="Yellow-bellied marmot-1.JPG by Lynn Chamberlain, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/5937876480_06c9d1eb4f_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Yellow-bellied marmot-1.JPG"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966520316651409096noreply@blogger.com0