The snowbirds are back and it's beautiful

In case you hadn’t noticed the snowbirds are back. I know you have probably experienced an uptick in traffic. And if you shop for groceries on a Saturday, certainly you have pushed through the clogged aisles and maybe even had to hunt for a grocery cart. But I’m not here to remind you of life’s little irritations. I’m here to tell you the snowbirds are back and it’s beautiful.

I witnessed a traffic jam of epic proportions this morning as dozens of White Pelicans all tried to land at the grocery store known as the pond at Robinson Preserve. Seeing those elegant birds glide above the Preserve, drop down and lower their big feet like landing gear, and then ski across the water is something to behold. I could stand for hours watching — and taking photos of this wonderful phenomena. It was an amazing sight and it reminded me to be grateful for all of those who visit Florida for a week or for a season. This is the time of year that brings variety — whether in the people or the wildlife and sometimes there’s the combination of both. And yes, sometimes it tests our patience, but more often it brings wonderful opportunities.

I love the variety of birds that come in this time of year. I enjoy trying to identify the different ducks by their plumage. I relish the mix of colors, roseate spoonbills and yellow-crowned herons mixed in with the White Pelicans, with their black-tipped wings. I am thrilled with the different scenes across Florida. And the human snowbirds mean it’s the season for all sorts of activities. The restaurants are livelier, there are festivals and celebrations of all types, there is a variety of music as bands are playing throughout the region and there are parties everywhere. You certainly can’t claim boredom this time of year.

I have developed lasting friendships with a few photographers and birders who visit Florida during the season. I learn something from all of these seasonal residents and I enjoy their company here and even online when they are at their summer homes. I’ll even say something like, “I wish JoAnne (the most knowledgeable birder I know) was here to tell me about this bird I’m looking at.” So yes, I miss the snowbirds when they head north. And that means today, I greeted the snowbirds with a wide smile and my best lens.

Know your equipment to get your best shots

There is nothing worse than getting your fingers tied up in knots when a great photograph is one click of the shutter away. A mere 1/1000th of a second and you would have gotten it! But the camera was set for a beautiful landscape you shot just 10 minutes ago, the f-stop is at f16, the shutter is at 1/60, everything is working against you, and at the same time, every correction was at your finger tips.

Knowing the camera can set a photographer free. It is not enough to read the manual. Unfortunately that fine piece of equipment won’t think for you either. (I know there’s an automatic mode, but that won’t get you your great shots). So take your camera off the automatic mode and learn everything it has to offer. Your camera has to be an extension of your eyes going all the way to your hands. Think of it as a riff on that old ditty: The eye muscle is connected to the hand muscle.

Practice as musicians do with their instruments. Knowing what to push, twist or pull can make or break an opportunity for a great photo. Feel and learn the controls without looking. Learn to adjust your controls in the dark. It takes time and some of us older photographers have a bit of a head start. Photographers in the film days could put together a jig saw puzzle in total darkness, loading roll after roll of film onto developing reels in the darkroom.

You may not use every feature your camera offers, and that is OK. But there are essential controls you should know. The exposure compensation control, for example, is one of the most important tools, but it is often overlooked. Learn it. And for all of the camera controls you use regularly, you should know those by muscle memory, so you can concentrate on that next great photograph and not have your fingers tangled up figuring out your camera.

If you have any questions about the optimal use of your camera, feel free to ask in the comments and I will share what I know.