Shootout at Robinson Preserve Produces a Variety of Views

It’s always eye-opening to see how different people view a moment in time. That was the idea behind the Photography Shootout at Robinson Preserve. I thought it would be fun to see what people would come back with given a limited amount of time in the same location. About 35 photographers showed up and I did not see the same photo twice. Photographers were fortunate enough to get all the weather during the two-day event. We started with fog, then rain, then wind. The next day was sunny, even if it was a little cold. The other advantage of finding unique shots at Robinson Preserve is the size of the preserve and the variety of terrain.

The birds were out in full force in the fog on that Saturday morning. The photographers who braved the weather got some ethereal photos that really highlighted the beauty of Robinson Preserve. They also got plenty of wildlife action. Sure photographers saw a bevy of birds but there were also otters, raccoons and lizards. The 35 photographers turned in about 130 photos in four categories from the two days at the preserve. The Best in Show, a stunning photo by Ken Macejka, will be on exhibit at the Valentine House in Robinson Preserve beginning in March.

The best part was seeing a community of photographers get together in one place. They were really interested in seeing one anothers work and applauded the photos shown at the awards ceremony — all of them, not just the winners. I was particularly proud to see the next generation of photographers there. Two 11-year-olds signed up and competed against the adults. And they turned in exceptional photos. It was nice to see that they were already developing an appreciation, and an eye, for nature and wildlife. It also confirmed for me that the environment is in good hands with this up and coming generation.

The photography contest was such a success that I’m convinced we should probably do it again next year. I’m looking forward to meeting more photographers and seeing what they bring back. Now I just need to decide on where to do the next contest. Some places that come to mind in Manatee County are Emerson Point Preserve, Tom Bennett Park, Rye Preserve, Duette Preserve or Ft. Hamer. Of course we could always go back to Robinson Preserve. I’m sure I’m missing one that you would like to see on the list, so let me know.

Top winner in the 2020 Shootout at Robinson Preserve. Photograph by Ken Macejka

A good camera and lens combination are essential, like peanut butter and jelly.

A recent trip to Myakka River State Park started off with me hauling a 600mm through the woods chasing after deer and several wild pigs snorting and rooting in the rich mud. But I eventually traded in the long lens and monopod for a tripod and a 19mm PC lens to capture the ever changing light moving across the park’s vast landscape.

The Nikkor 19mm PC (Perspective Control) lens is a wonderful tool and magical in its images. The tilt and shift capabilities bring back the days of using a view camera in the field. The 19mm PC is all manual, sharp and begs for you to take your time as you set up to compose a photograph. The front element is large and protruding, and demands caution where ever you are traveling. This lens may not be in everyone’s arsenal, and it is expensive, but it is one of my favorites.

As a landscape photographer, it’s challenging to capture some scenes in one frame without the distortion of a super wide angle lens. But with the 19mm PC and its shift capabilities, I can “shift” the lens and take advantage of the full cone of light.

Back at home, I will “stitch” together multiple images using Photoshop’s Photomerge and create a seamless high resolution panorama. The landscapes below are made up of multiple frames stitched together using a Nikon 810 and the 19mm PC lens. Much like a peanut and jelly sandwich, the high resolution D810 and the 19mm PC just go together.