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possible old friend
Your pictures are absolutely amazing....
On a side note are you the same Bob who use to work at Martins years ago

- Kelly Heath 9/9/2010 1:17:25 PM

I'm still with Martins. My photography helps keep me at least partially sane in a crazy world.

...what's new with you?

- Bob C.  9/9/2010 2:47:57 PM

Tripod usage
Your gallery is unbelievable and beyond descriptive words. I am truly inspired. My question is: What percentage of the time do you use a tripod?

Freddy Kietzmann

- Freddy Kietzmann 8/21/2010 2:54:31 AM

Camera support systems are among the most important items in any photographer's arsenal.
Personally, I have three tripods that fulfill just about every need.
A small compact, used for back-packing into remote areas, weighs very little and supports my cameras and smaller lenses relatively well.
A medium sized 'pod is used for all around work with wide-angle lenses, macro gear and medium telephoto applications.
And a heavy-duty Bogen/Manfrotto beast handles the big guns.
I also have a home made car door mount and a ground-level support system, which is nothing more than a block of wood with a tripod head attached.

How often do I use them?
Many folks have asked me that same question and my answer is always the same..."Whenever I have them with me".
There are times when we want to travel light and just sling a camera strap over our shoulder and take off.
Unfortunately, those are usually the times we end up regretting not having that tripod.
Tests have proven that using a tripod or other support definately helps produce sharper images.

- Bob C.  8/22/2010 10:20:37 AM

- NEW  4/27/2012 11:24:43 PM

Your photography
I am in the process of writing an environmental document, and while checking Giff's website for updated information I found your link. Since I think the world of Giff and he says such nice things about you, I checked it out. Words are not adequate. Your photography is amazingly beautiful and creative. I have bookmarked it in a new folder titled "stress management". I can go to it anytime I want to escape. Thank you !!

- Cindy Wentworth 11/4/2008 11:11:33 AM

- Bob C.  11/4/2008 12:16:52 PM

Printing
First off I would like to say that your shots are fantastic and this is coming from someone who is very passionate and serious about photography.

I noticed that you advertise printing up to 16X20 size. Do you have capabilites yourself for this size of printing or do you use a local shop? I am just getting started in the marketing part of this industry and am trying to compare how others are handling this area.

Gratefully,

Doug Farrell

- Doug Farrell 4/11/2008 6:55:29 AM

Thanks for your nice comments.
It's always refreshing to hear from someone else who's got the fever...who's "very passionate and serious about photography".

My printing is entirely farmed out.
The local labs near my home can produce high-quality prints up to 16"X20" from my original transparencies or from digital (scanned) equivalents so there's really no need for me to buy (and maintain) expensive large-format printing equipment.
I do my own mounting and framing though, due to the high cost of these services.

- Bob C.  4/11/2008 3:13:25 PM

Praise
Bob,

This article was very helpful. I have always avoided the sunny part of the day. I plan to try your techniques. When I used film, before digital manipulation, I used spot metering and the zone method. I have gotten lazy because I figure I can fix it later. Your article reminded me that I need to slow down and do it right in the camera. Thanks

- Donald R. Curry 4/4/2008 7:07:43 PM

Slowing down and doing things right in-camera takes a lot more discipline in modern times.
When there were no other options or the abilities to "fix things", we had no other choice than to learn our craft and perfect our skills.

- Bob C.  4/5/2008 3:33:26 PM

Reply to post at BP
Bob,
I wanted to say thanks for your input today,on my question at BP. And to compliment you on an Awesome Gallery! The first image in your slide show especially impressed me with how nice and clear it looks!! Very Nice!!

- Robert L. Andersen 1/29/2008 6:57:31 PM

- Bob C.  1/30/2008 10:01:17 AM

Old friends revisited
Bob, it been far too long since I last visited your site. Your photographs continue to dazzle me, as does your passion for the craft and the techniques you employ. I've enjoyed viewing the spectacular new additions to the site as well as visiting some of my old favourites. I will be back!

- Eric Highfield 7/15/2007 7:59:19 AM

- Bob C.  7/15/2007 12:41:23 PM

Location, location, location!
Hello Bob,
I happened to see a photo you did of a Blue Heron taken at Prime Hook in Delaware and was so glad to find someone from my area interested in wildlife and nature photography. I have been looking for some camera clubs and the like for quite awhile but haven't had much luck. I know you're from Maryland but I live in Seaford, Delaware and back in the mid-eighties lived in Prime Hook Beach.
In reading some of your articles you mentioned so many locations in Maryland for photography but left out one of my favorites. Perhaps you know of it but...bottom line...I am inviting you on a field trip if you will, on a river trip along the Pocomoke River. The Pocomoke River runs through what I still believe, to be the largest free standing Cypress forest left in the country. I have fished that river for over 30 years (big time Bass Tournament fishermen) and the beauty of this area is amazing. Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Delmarva Fox Squirrel, wild goats, whitetail deer, etc. I launch out of Snow Hill City Park and the Pocomoke has many tributaries that offer complete privacy and wonderful scenic oppurtunities. So, if you are interested in something like this, and don't mind the company of someone who will pick your brains on techniques, lighting, equipment, composition (you get the picture, no pun intended) then I would love to take you on my boat and explore this wonderful river. Also, if you know of any camera clubs in my area I would be greatly appreciative of any information or advice as to possibly starting one. If have a moment, you could check out my humble gallery (also with Betterphoto.com) and let me know what you think.
(www.betterphoto.com?rca)
Thanks for your time, and if you ever need a partner, apprentice, or just someone to carry your equipment on a shoot, feel free to contact me. Judging from what I saw in your galleries, my own photography would definitely benefit in more ways than I could hope for.
Respectfully,
Russ

- Russell Amidon 6/6/2007 4:46:56 AM

Bug shots
I am a newbie to photography and loving it so far. I noticed you are also from Maryland. I live in Rockville and was wonderring where you get the shots of the bugs/insects. My wife is hoping they don't reside anywhere in MD and is hoping you raise them in your basement in a safe environment under lock and key. ;-) Seriously though I do enjoy nature shots and am curious how you go about getting these shots. Thanks!

- James E. Narron, Jr. 5/13/2007 3:57:15 PM

My bug forays generally take me to the Catoctin Mountains west of Frederick but interesting specimens can be found almost anywhere in the state.
The fall months are best because most species have matured and are quite large making them easier to photograph.
Also, the mornings are cool that time of year and it's often possible to find a myriad of subjects in suspended animation shrowded in dew.

I have a bellows assembly and a full arsenal of macro equipment specialized for shooting close...(up to 40X-lifesize).

- Bob C.  5/13/2007 6:21:58 PM

- James N.  5/14/2007 5:08:58 PM

In my opinion, the best way to learn is by doing...by practicing...A LOT!

Try to remember what works and what doesn't.
When something works remember what you did so you know how to repeat it. When it doesn't work remember what you did so you can try something different when the same situation arises.
This simple formula establishes the groundwork for the empirical knowledge that only experience in the field can provide.

You should get to know your equipment intimately. Know its strengths and its weaknesses...as well as its limitations. When your practice sessions start paying off, your abilities will evolve beyond the limits of your equipment and it is then that you should consider upgrading and expanding your arsenal to accommodate your needs.

If you are really interested in macro, start with a true macro lens...(and a good tripod).

The Sony 100 2.8 macro will focus to around 13" from your subject and will yield 1:1 lifesize reproduction.
You will get much better results than with those screw-on close-up lenses.

...Hope this helps.

- Bob C.  5/14/2007 6:40:04 PM

- James N.  5/15/2007 7:34:18 AM

Cheers!

Jim

- James N.  6/5/2007 10:55:33 PM

- Bob C.  6/6/2007 3:42:46 AM

Praise
Hey Bob,

I just want to say I enjoyed visiting your site. We have similar interest in photo subjects. I like to shoot in manual as well. Back when I started that was the only choice we had. You have many amazing photos. I like to visit sites to learn and get ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Don Curry
Wildlife Trail Photography

- Donald R. Curry 2/17/2007 2:11:18 PM

It's refreshing to find someone who relishes their photography in its purist form...(i.e., full-manual).
That's especially rare in today's world.

When I started getting serious back in the early 80's, the auto-program boom was in its infancy and I was able to get my first manual SLR for next to nothing from someone who wanted to upgrade to the new technology.
That first "real" camera was my learning tool and I still use it to this very day.

I see photography as more than just capturing a moment in time. It's a compilation of challenges. understanding light, problem solving, and learning to master the tools at your disposal to get that image out of your head and onto that little piece of film or sensor in such a way that the viewer can share in the experience.

Sure, you can push a few buttons to expedite the process...but where's the fun in that?

- Bob C.  2/17/2007 3:43:55 PM

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