PHOTOGRAPHY
Natural history includes much more for us who enjoy it than just teaching about how natural things work. Flats fishing and sailboating are examples of our natural history enjoyment. So is photography. I want to pass on an invitation for all of you to consider, natural history Photography. The Florida Keys back country affords many opportunities for photography. Great light, dramatic seascapes, wildlife are everywhere. However, good preparations are necessary if you want to optimise your results and return with excellent photos and equipment that still works.
Whatever equipment and protection for it that you need should be purchased prior to coming to the Keys. Most of the equipment available here is geared to the novice. On the otherhand Pro-photo here in Key West is an excellent processor. Things like fresh film and batteries are likewise available. As you will probably be bringing your own photo stuff make sure that you check it out and obtain whatever you think you need. If you are a birder a 300MM or longer is a must. Many small creatures abound in the woodlands, some will require a macro. You got the message.
Water, water, salty water everywhere. This is something to consider as you plan on photographing in the back country. A dry bag can take a lot of worry and possible big expense out of your expedition. If there is a splash it is certain that the water that lands will land on your camera. If your camera falls, it will fall into the water. Then there is sun, cloudless days of brilliant sunlight. While mornings and evenings are my favorite times, I still find winter sun a pleasure to work in. All bodies should be protected. Your needs are a hat, sunglasses and sunblock, your cameras and lenses need a towel or light shirt.
Before you come get an inexpensive tripod that you can use in salt water. Think pawnshop. If you rinse it and use WD-40 or something like that it will serve you well. A really good aluminum tripod will eventually begin a irreversable decline as salt in the pores corrodes it. For a dry bag substitute try poly food storage boxes that are water and vapor proof, something on the order of Tupperwave. Find sizes that work at K-Mart or mom's kitchen. Go to the Afterdeck bar at Louies Backyard and buy a bottle of insulator to protect your lenses from banging something. Filters, polarizing, UV, whatever, have them.
OK. Now you are in Key West and want to get some good pictures. If you come on by Mosquito Coast and bring me a good cigar I will tell you some of my favorite places depending on your interests. Land based there are birds, Key deer, and exotic vegetation to name a few. Marine environments include shallow water costal shorelines and the fish, birds and plants of these magnificent places. Our days are wonderous now, with fronts coming through followed by days of brillant sunlight. Potential for great photographs everywhere. Don't forget the human side. Great and noble buildings, neighborhoods, people galore, a cemetary of no small fame and not least, that special thing that you alone find and capture on film to share with others.
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Thanks for thinking about it. Dan McConnell, back country guide.
