Beyond the Cast

Category: Photography

The Lone Sailor – Honoring Service Through the Lens

Photos and story by David Poole

While walking the National Mall during golden hour, I stopped to photograph one of the more quietly powerful tributes in D.C.—The Lone Sailor statue, located just outside the National Archives. This figure stands as a symbol of all who have served in the U.S. Navy, representing both honor and solitude. The contrast of bronze and stone against the soft, fading light created the perfect opportunity to slow down and reflect through photography.

“The Lone Sailor may be a statue, but through the lens, he becomes a reminder of those quiet moments of waiting, traveling, and sacrifice.”

The Lone Sailor statue stands in silent reflection, facing the National Archives building in Washington, D.C.—a powerful tribute to service, memory, and history

Composition & Creative Approach

The first image frames the statue from behind, gazing toward the National Archives building just as the city lights begin to glow against the deep blue sky. I composed it wide to balance the lone figure with the architectural symmetry and American flags above.

The second shot tightens the frame for a portrait-style perspective. This highlights the sailor’s detailed expression and gear, with a shallow depth of field blurring the cityscape behind him. I wanted the viewer to feel like they had walked right up to the statue for a conversation.

A front portrait of the Lone Sailor statue in Washington, D.C., capturing the solemn expression and dignified stance as he faces the National Archives in quiet tribute

Gear Used

• Camera: Canon R5

• Lens: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L

• Tripod: K&F Concept Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Editing: Lightroom (iPad Pro)

• Selective radial filters for depth

• Texture slider to enhance bronze details

• Minimal color grading to preserve realism

Photography Tips

• Golden + Blue Hour: These times give you soft, directional light with rich contrast—perfect for monuments.

• Perspective: Lower angles create more presence and power in statues. Don’t shoot everything from eye level.

• Background Awareness: A wide aperture (like f/1.2–f/2.8) helps isolate the subject and reduce distracting background elements.

• Surface Reflections: Slightly wet pavement or stone can enhance contrast and mood. Look for patterns or shine in the ground.

Historical Note

The Lone Sailor is a life-size bronze statue created by artist Stanley Bleifeld and dedicated in 1987 by the United States Navy Memorial Foundation. It represents the personal experiences of every Navy service member—standing watch, ready to deploy, duffle bag at his side. Positioned in the heart of the nation’s capital, the statue serves as a powerful tribute to those who’ve served and sacrificed across all naval conflicts.

A side view of the Lone Sailor statue in Norfolk, Virginia, captures the sailor’s steady gaze and weathered sea bag, symbolizing honor and readiness by the water’s edge

Final Thoughts

The Lone Sailor statue isn’t just bronze and detail—it’s memory cast in metal. It honors every sailor who ever stood on a pier and looked out over uncertain waters, carrying hope, fear, pride, and purpose. Capturing it through the lens reminded me why photography matters—it freezes emotion, preserves light, and offers space for reflection.

Whether I’m out fly fishing in the Rockies or walking through a city with camera in hand, moments like these remind me that stillness can speak just as loudly as motion. This statue, set against the hustle of Washington, D.C., tells a quiet story of duty and distance—and invites each of us to pause and remember.

“Some monuments don’t just honor history—they make you feel it.”

Thanks for reading and stepping into this moment with me. More photo essays, fishing stories, and explorations coming soon. Until then, keep your eyes open and your shutter ready—because meaning lives in the details.

April 24, 2025
Bridges of Time: From the Ohio River to the East River

Bridges fascinate me. Not just as structures, but as symbols—of movement, ambition, and connection. On a recent photo journey, I captured three iconic bridges that span both distance and time: the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge in New York. Each tells a story—woven through cables and steel—of the people who dreamed them into being.

1. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge – Cincinnati, Ohio

A black and white image of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio, highlighting the timeless elegance and architectural detail of this iconic river crossing

Stretching across the Ohio River, this was the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge. Designed by John A. Roebling, it was completed in 1866 and, at the time, held the record for the longest suspension bridge in the world. Roebling’s engineering brilliance—using a combination of wrought iron cables and stone towers—set the stage for a new era of American infrastructure.

“Before New York, there was Cincinnati—Roebling’s first vision suspended in blue over the Ohio.”

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio, captured in full color—its blue steel and stone towers standing tall over the Ohio River, blending historic charm with bold engineering

Standing beneath it with my Canon R5 and Sigma lens, I was drawn to its symmetry and quiet strength. The bridge’s powder-blue hue gives it a timeless, almost dreamlike presence against the river’s steady flow.

2. Brooklyn Bridge – New York City

A black and white view of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, showcasing its iconic arches and sweeping cables in timeless contrast and detail

Roebling’s ultimate vision came to life years later in New York. The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, combined stone masonry with advanced steel cable suspension, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn in a feat many once believed impossible. Its story is one of perseverance: Roebling died during early construction, and his son Washington took over—only to become bedridden from caisson disease. Washington’s wife, Emily Roebling, stepped in as a key player, relaying instructions and overseeing much of the final work.

“A bridge that began with tragedy became an enduring symbol of grit and grace.”

Photographing it from beneath the Manhattan Bridge felt like witnessing the ghost of Roebling’s genius lingering between towers of stone and light.

3. Manhattan Bridge – New York City

A black and white composition featuring both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, capturing the timeless elegance of New York City’s iconic river crossings

Just upstream, the Manhattan Bridge—completed in 1909—stands as the younger, grittier sibling of the Brooklyn Bridge. Designed by Leon Moisseiff, it marked a turning point in engineering, featuring modern steel and a design built to withstand the demands of subway traffic. It may not have the fame of the Brooklyn Bridge, but its lines are bold, and its symmetry underappreciated.

A striking monochrome view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the New York City skyline, highlighting the bold lines and timeless character of the urban landscape

Shot with my Canon R5 and Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8, I worked from the shoreline to emphasize its sweeping structure and moody urban drama. The overcast sky added natural contrast, highlighting the steelwork and texture.

“Three bridges, three rivers, one story—of legacy suspended in steel.”

Gear Breakdown:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5

• Lens: Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

• Tripod: K&F Concept (used for longer exposures in lower light)

• Editing: Lightroom for iPad Pro (Selective contrast + dehaze for architectural texture)

Photography Tip: Use leading lines and vanishing points to draw viewers through the frame—especially when shooting suspension bridges from ground level. Don’t be afraid to tilt upward to exaggerate scale.

Final Thoughts

Each of these bridges tells its own story—not just of engineering brilliance, but of human resilience, vision, and the pursuit of connection. From Roebling’s first suspension design in Ohio to his iconic achievement in Brooklyn, and finally to the steel giant of the Manhattan Bridge, these structures rise above the water as monuments to ingenuity and time.

As a photographer, standing beneath them reminds me why I chase light and line through the lens. It’s not just about capturing a structure—it’s about capturing the soul of a place, the echo of footsteps across a span, the silent stories carved into steel and stone.

“In a world always in motion, bridges remind us that great things stand still—and still stand.”

Thanks for following along on this journey across rivers and time. I’ll be sharing more urban photography, historical explorations, and behind-the-scenes gear tips in upcoming posts—whether it’s under a steel truss or out in the wild. Until then, keep chasing light, chasing stories, and always take the long way across.

April 20, 2025
Chasing Light and Perspective: Finding the Shot Beyond the Obvious

Photography in the outdoors isn’t just about clicking the shutter—it’s about reading the light, finding intentional angles, and understanding how timing transforms a scene. Whether I’m hiking through wildflowers, waiting quietly in a bird blind, or navigating city streets with a wide lens, I’m always chasing the moment that tells the story best.

Timing the Wild: Bald Eagle at Golden Hour

This bald eagle shot captures more than a bird—it captures focus, patience, and light. I waited for the golden hour to gently highlight the eagle’s feathers and profile, shooting through a natural frame of blurred branches to keep attention on the intensity of its gaze.

Close-up of a bald eagle staring intensely with sharp yellow eyes, showcasing its powerful beak and detailed feathers against a blurred natural background

Outdoor bird photography tip: Use natural framing and soft backlight for dramatic wildlife portraits.

Gear: Canon R5 with canon 400mm L series lens. Edited in Lightroom for natural contrast and feather detail.

Path to the Sun: Framing With Leading Lines

This image of a wooden boardwalk leading toward the glowing sunset was all about golden hour beach photography and using strong leading lines. The reflection of sunlight on the wet boards gave the image texture and warmth, making it feel like you’re stepping straight into the light.

Photography tip: Position yourself at a low angle to exaggerate reflections and symmetry, especially when shooting at sunrise or sunset.

Gear: iPhone capture, edited in Lightroom Mobile to adjust warmth, contrast, and highlights.

Low and Wild: Bluebonnets and Cabins

Spring in Texas brings with it a flood of color—especially bluebonnets. This low-angle wildflower shot was taken by lying on the ground to let the flowers dominate the foreground. The rustic cabin in the background gives a sense of place and scale, inviting the viewer to imagine stepping into that clearing.

Texas Hill Country cabin with bluebonnets in full bloom, low-angle photography capturing rustic charm and wildflowers in spring

Photography tip: Don’t be afraid to get dirty—some of the best shots come from the ground level.

Fog and Structure: Lighthouse in the Mist

Fog can strip away distractions and emphasize mood. This shot of a lighthouse barely emerging through the coastal fog was taken early in the morning. The structure becomes a silhouette, and the lack of color enhances the sense of solitude.

Mist drapes the Hudson River Lighthouse in a soft veil of fog, capturing a quiet, ethereal moment on the water

Photography tip: Switch to monochrome or embrace fog’s desaturation in post to focus attention on contrast and composition.

Moments in Motion: Washington, D.C. Street Perspective

In this street photo of two people walking through Washington, D.C., I focused on symmetry and timing. Lining up the trees and path allowed the subjects to become part of the environment rather than the center of attention—storytelling through subtlety.

In black and white, two figures walk the National Mall in Washington, D.C., their shadows stretching across the sidewalk as the fading light of evening adds a touch of nostalgia to the scene

Gear: Canon 24–70mm lens.

Urban Giants: Low Angle in Cincinnati

Standing at the base of a towering building in Cincinnati, I wanted to emphasize the size and geometry of the architecture. Shooting from a low angle with a wide lens, I caught clean lines pulling skyward while the morning light cast soft shadows down the building’s face. The cloudy sky above added contrast to the structure’s strong verticals.

An old stone building, rich with history and character, stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and enduring architectural beauty

Architecture photography tip: Use a wide-angle lens and crouch low to create a sense of scale and grandeur. Overcast skies can be great for soft, even light.

Gear: Canon 16–35mm f/4L lens. Slight Lightroom correction for vertical distortion and contrast.

Echoes of Time: Plantation Home Beneath a Century-Old Oak

There’s something timeless about black and white photography—especially when the subject already carries a hundred years of history in its bones.

This image features a historical plantation home framed beneath the sprawling arms of a live oak tree that’s likely been standing for over a century. Shot in monochrome, every crack in the bark and weathered board on the home tells its own story. The absence of color lets the textures do the talking—the gnarled branches, the sharp contrast between shadow and light, the sun casting a soft glow on the edge of the roofline.

historic plantation home stands behind a century-old oak tree, its majestic branches creating a serene backdrop for the timeless architecture

What drew me to this shot wasn’t just the structure, but the relationship between the house and the tree. The oak doesn’t just stand in front of the house—it presides over it. Its limbs stretch wide like protective arms, yet its roots run just as deep into the same soil that built the home.

Photography tip: When capturing historic architecture in black and white, shoot during late afternoon or early morning when shadows stretch longer. Let contrast tell the story—light becomes your narrator.

Gear: Canon R5, 24–105mm L lens. Converted to monochrome in Lightroom, with emphasis on clarity and shadow depth.

Final Thoughts: Walk Farther, Wait Longer

Every photo tells a story, but it’s the search for that story—the walking, waiting, watching—that makes the capture worth it. Whether it’s chasing golden hour on a boardwalk in the Cozumel, crouching low to frame a Cincinnati building just right, or catching the fog wrap around a lighthouse like a secret, it’s all about finding the angle that speaks.

Some moments, like the soft silhouette of two people walking a path in D.C., are subtle. Others—like the commanding presence of a black-and-white plantation home beneath a 100-year-old oak—are loud in their stillness. They remind us that time, light, and history are always working together in the frame.

Behind the lens and out in the wild, whether I’m on the flats chasing redfish or tucked beneath a canopy of trees chasing light, my goal is always the same: tell a story worth pausing for. Through my blog, I share not just images, but the journey it took to get them—gear tips, camera setups, editing workflows, and the terrain beneath my boots.

Keep exploring, keep shooting, and always chase the light.

April 18, 2025
Mini Street Series: Light, Lines & Legacy

Street photography is about more than documenting buildings or city scenes—it’s about pausing in the hum of a city’s rhythm to frame character, history, and light in a single moment. This short series explores a few such moments from my walk through the streets and riverfront of downtown Cincinnati.

1. Lyric Piano Company & Tri-State Jeweler Row

Black and white photo of Lyric Piano Company and Tri-State Jewelers Row storefronts, showcasing historic architecture in downtown Cincinnati

Black and white always strips a scene down to form, texture, and contrast. In this image, I was drawn to the architectural details of these neighboring buildings. The Lyric Piano Co. facade, adorned with Roman columns and arched windows, tells of a once-vibrant musical past, now quietly echoing into modernity.

Beside it, the Tri-State Jewelers storefront anchors the present with its bold signage—functional, utilitarian, and a little worn. Above, the sky breaks into soft clouds, adding an airy counterbalance to the hard geometry of the structures below. The car, the walker—passing stories in a place that feels paused.

2. Roebling Bridge: Steel & Shadow

Black and white image of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, highlighting steel cables and dramatic shadows with architectural contrast

The Roebling Suspension Bridge, a historical marvel that spans the Ohio River, offered a chance to capture scale and symmetry. Shot in monochrome to emphasize the structural lines and mood, I waited until the sun broke through behind the towers, casting deep shadows and light beams across the clouds.

From this angle, the bridge rises like a gateway, connecting not just Kentucky and Ohio, but the past and present—steel cables and weathered stone holding decades of transit, trade, and change. You can almost feel the wind cutting across the river as trains roll in the distance.

Street-level view of Cincinnati City Hall in full color, where historic architecture meets everyday city life on the sidewalk

3. City Hall & Sidewalk Voices

This final image returns to full color—a bold departure that matches the mood of the scene. The warm stonework of Cincinnati’s historic City Hall glows under the midday sun, flanked by deep blue skies and kinetic clouds.

But the most powerful element is at your feet. The painted fists and vibrant mural on the pavement transform the street into a message. It’s protest, pride, and art—urban storytelling beneath gothic towers. This contrast between civic architecture and grassroots voice is what makes street photography come alive.

Gear Used:

Canon R5, Sigma Art lenses, edited in Lightroom on iPad Pro with contrast-focused black and white presets and radial masking for sky balance.

Closing Thoughts — Legacy in Every Line

Street photography isn’t just about documenting what we see—it’s about interpreting how we feel in the presence of place, shadow, and time.

As I walked through downtown Cincinnati, camera in hand, I wasn’t chasing the perfect subject. I was following textures, contrasts, and the way light touched the city’s surfaces. Each image in this mini series captures a layered moment: the quiet power of a historic bridge, the voice of protest beneath gothic spires, the way old storefronts still speak in black and white.

These streets hold more than movement—they hold memory.

Legacy is written in brick, steel, glass, and sky.

And with every frame, we get to preserve a small part of it.

Thank you for joining me on this walk through Light, Lines & Legacy.

Share your own images with the tag #LegacyInLines

And above all—keep looking deeper. The stories are always there, waiting in the light.

April 15, 2025
Shadows & Stone: New York and Virginia in Black and White

There’s something powerful about black and white photography—how it reduces the noise and highlights the soul of a scene. On a recent walk through New York and Virginia , I brought my camera and captured moments that felt timeless, quiet, and full of contrast.

• Brooklyn Bridge in Shadow: Steel cables, towering arches, and a sky fading to white. A frame that speaks of structure and history.

• Reflections in a Puddle: A tall New York building reflected in rainwater. Urban symmetry at its most fleeting.

• Statue of Neptune: Weathered bronze, lost in thought, surrounded by stone. The sea god looks at home in the chaos of the city.

• Clocktower & Gravestone: A juxtaposition of time—one ticking on, the other long past. The cemetery, quiet beneath the gaze of an old city clock.

• Buildings in Contrast: Sharp angles and soft skies. Light breaking across brick, glass, and iron.

Closing Paragraph:

These black and white shots reminded me why I love wandering with a camera—because the smallest things become monumental in the right light. In a city that never slows down, this series let me freeze moments that often go unnoticed.

April 6, 2025
Comanche Point – Valle Vidal, New Mexico (Scenic Viewpoint, Hiking, Wildlife, Photography)

Comanche Point

Nestled in the heart of Valle Vidal, New Mexico, Comanche Point offers one of the most dramatic and scenic viewpoints in the state. Surrounded by vast alpine meadows, aspen forests, and rugged ridgelines, it’s a top destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and landscape photography in northern New Mexico.

This remote area—part of the Carson National Forest—is known for its solitude and abundance of elk, black bears, and wild turkeys. The views from Comanche Point stretch across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, making it a must-see stop for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers exploring Valle Vidal.

Perfect for a day hike or scenic stop on a backcountry adventure, Comanche Point captures the raw beauty and history of the New Mexico high country.

April 5, 2025
Planning My Fishing Trips: From Texas Marshes to Colorado’s Wild Trout Streams

Every fishing trip I take starts with a map, a cup of coffee, and a little imagination. Whether I’m launching my kayak into the quiet marshes of Galveston Bay or loading up my fly rod for a week chasing trout in the mountains of southwest Colorado, I treat every trip like its own adventure.

Over time, I’ve built a system that helps me find the right water, prepare for changing conditions, and capture moments along the way through fishing photography. It’s a mix of digital scouting, tide and river flow research, fly fishing strategy, and a lot of intuition.

Here’s how I plan my trips—from coastal redfish missions to high-country fly fishing—along with the tools, tactics, and gear that help me get the most out of every cast.

Step One: Finding the Right Water

When I’m planning a coastal trip around Galveston, I start with Google Earth fishing maps. I zoom in on marsh drains, shell reefs, and grass flats, marking potential ambush points where redfish and speckled trout might be waiting for bait to push through with the tide.

For trout fishing trips, I turn to the TroutRoutes app, especially when heading into places like the Dolores River, Pine River, Animas River, or Florida River in Colorado. TroutRoutes shows me public access points, fly fishing regulations, and real-time stream flows—all in one spot. It’s hands-down one of my favorite apps for planning fly fishing trips in Colorado.

Screenshot trout fishing map of Dolores River using TroutRoutes

Screenshot trout fishing map of Dolores River using Google Earth

I also pull up local fly shop reports and check in with forums and social groups. A few minutes of reading recent trip reports can save me hours on the water later.

Timing is Everything: Tides, River Flows & Weather

Fishing success is all about timing and conditions.

On the coast, I build my trips around tide charts, solunar tables, and wind forecasts. I want to be on the water as the tide’s moving—either pulling bait into the marsh or draining it out through cuts and creeks. That moving water gets everything active, especially when paired with stable pressure and clean water.

For my Colorado trips, I pay close attention to USGS stream gauges. If flows are too high from runoff or summer storms, I might switch to a smaller tributary or hit a tailwater like the lower Dolores. Watching water temperature is equally important—trout get lethargic in warmer water, especially in late summer.

“Success often comes down to 15 minutes of movement—when the tide shifts or the hatch explodes.”

My Fishing Strategies: Flats to Freestones

Inshore Fishing: Texas Marsh Tactics

When I’m chasing redfish on the flats, I’m looking for signs of life—nervous bait, shrimp jumping, birds diving, or the golden back of a redfish pushing through grass. I love fishing with paddle tails, especially the JVS Custom Baits Rip Rap in Copper Penny or a 3.5” Speed Shrimp when fish are keyed in on crustaceans.

If I’m fly fishing in the marsh, I keep it simple: crab and shrimp patterns, long leaders, and a quiet approach. Sight casting to tailing reds never gets old.

Mountain Fly Fishing: Reading Water & Matching the Hatch

In Colorado, fishing rivers like the Pine or Animas means constantly adjusting to what the water gives me. One bend might call for dry flies in pocket water, the next might demand nymphs under an indicator in a deep, slow pool.

When the hatch is on—especially during a caddis or stonefly emergence—I’m in heaven. There’s something about watching a trout rise in fast water, especially when I’ve hiked in for miles with just a small pack and a fly box in my pocket.

Safety First: Especially in the Backcountry

Whether I’m kayaking a remote bay system or hiking into the upper Florida River, I take safety seriously.

• I carry offline maps and GPS, especially when I’m deep in the mountains or out of cell range in a bay system.

• I use a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for emergencies—peace of mind goes a long way.

• In mountain country, I pack layers for changing weather, a water filter, and bear spray when needed.

Knowing how to read the weather—and knowing when to pull the plug—has saved me more than once.

Capturing the Experience: Fishing Photography in the Field

Fishing is about more than just catching fish. For me, it’s also about the quiet moments between casts—the mist rising off a river at dawn, a redfish tail breaking the surface, or a trout slipping back into cold, clear water.

That’s where photography comes in. I bring my Canon R5, along with a few key lenses: a Canon L-series for landscape shots, and a Sigma for tighter portraits of fish and wildlife.

I use:

• A K&F Concept tripod for stability when shooting long exposures

• Polarizing filters to cut glare and bring out the detail in water shots

• A dry bag and padded camera insert to protect my gear in the kayak or backpack

Some of my favorite moments are captured during the golden hour—sunset glowing off a canyon wall in the Animas, or first light over the saltgrass back home in Galveston.

Final Thoughts: Why I Plan Fishing Trips This Way

I fish for the thrill of the catch—but also for the quiet, the challenge, and the story. The time I spend planning my trips—researching tides, scouting rivers, organizing gear—is all part of the journey.

Fishing the Dolores River one day and stalking redfish on the Texas coast the next keeps me connected to the water in totally different ways. Both require patience, curiosity, and a little humility.

If you’re planning your own trip—whether it’s chasing tailing redfish or hiking into a hidden trout stream—take your time. Look at maps. Check the flows. Watch the weather. Bring a camera. And most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Tight lines and clear skies—see you out there.

April 4, 2025
Following the Wings: Birding and Migration in Galveston’s Coastal Flats

Long-billed Dowitcher

Galveston’s coastal marshes, beaches, and tidal flats serve as critical stopover points for migratory birds along the Central Flyway. For bird photographers, this region offers a dynamic blend of year-round residents and seasonal migrants, each presenting unique opportunities to capture stunning images.

Spending time on the water fishing, hiking through coastal trails, or wading the back bays gives me a front-row seat to this natural phenomenon. In this blog, I’ll explore the best locations for birdwatching in Galveston, break down the camera gear and settings that work best for bird photography, share editing tips, and discuss how angles and composition can elevate your shots.

Best Locations for Bird Photography in Galveston

Finding the right location is key to capturing great bird photographs. Galveston and the surrounding areas provide a variety of habitats, from salt marshes to coastal woodlands, attracting different species. Here are some of the best spots:

1. Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Great Egret

• One of the best spots for photographing shorebirds, pelicans, and wading birds.

• Low tide reveals expansive sandbars and mudflats, which attract feeding birds.

• Ideal for capturing birds in flight, reflections on wet sand, and birds interacting in flocks.

• Best time: Early morning and late afternoon for softer light and active bird behavior.

2. Galveston Island State Park

White Ibis in Galveston State Park

• A mix of beachfront, salt marshes, and coastal prairie draws a diverse range of species.

• Great location for spotting roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and herons.

• The marsh boardwalk offers close-up views without disturbing birds.

• Best time: Sunrise and sunset for golden light and fewer crowds.

3. San Luis Pass

• Excellent for capturing birds in action, such as pelicans diving or ospreys hunting.

Osprey with a freshly caught fish

• Strong currents and sandbars make this a hotspot for terns, gulls, and waders.

• The dramatic landscape adds depth to compositions.

• Best time: Morning, when birds are actively foraging.

4. Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve

• A wooded sanctuary perfect for warblers, buntings, and other migratory songbirds.

• A great place to practice close-up photography with perched birds.

• Best time: Spring and fall migration, when small songbirds stop to rest after crossing the Gulf.

5. Freeport Marshes & Christmas Bay

• These shallow waters attract egrets, herons, spoonbills, and ibis.

• Best explored by kayak to get low-angle shots and access hard-to-reach spots.

• Best time: Mid-morning when the sun is high enough to illuminate the birds.

Spoonbill

Camera Equipment for Bird Photography

1. Camera Body Recommendations

Bird photography requires fast autofocus, high resolution, and good low-light performance. My go-to camera is the Canon R5, which offers:

• 45MP resolution for capturing fine feather details.

• Animal Eye Autofocus to track birds in motion.

• Fast burst shooting (up to 20 FPS) for action shots.

Other great options include the Sony A1, Nikon Z9, or Canon R7 (for a budget-friendly APS-C choice).

2. Best Lenses for Bird Photography

A telephoto lens is essential for getting close to birds without disturbing them. My favorites:

• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM – Versatile for both perched and flying birds.

• Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM – Budget-friendly but sharp.

• Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM – Lightweight for handheld shooting.

A 1.4x or 2x teleconverter can extend reach but may reduce autofocus speed.

3. Ideal Camera Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/1000s or faster to freeze motion.

• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for sharpness and depth of field.

• ISO: 100–800 in good light, 1600+ in low light (with noise reduction in post).

• Focus mode: Continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C) for moving birds.

Angles & Composition for Better Bird Photography

1. Eye-Level Shots

• Birds appear more engaging and natural when photographed at their eye level.

• How to do it: Shoot from a low position—kneel, lie down, or use a kayak.

• Example: A close-up of a sandpiper walking through shallow water, with a blurred background.

2. Backlit Silhouettes

• Creates dramatic, artistic images, especially at sunrise or sunset.

• How to do it: Position the bird between you and the sun for a glowing outline.

• Example: A heron standing in the marsh at dawn, surrounded by golden light.

Tricolored Heron in West Bay Galveston

3. Action Shots

• Captures birds hunting, taking off, or interacting.

• How to do it: Use fast burst mode and pre-focus on the area where the action is likely to happen.

• Example: An osprey diving for fish with wings fully extended.

4. Reflections & Water Scenes

• Water can add a symmetrical, serene effect to photos.

• How to do it: Shoot when the water is calm and position the bird where the reflection is clearest.

• Example: A pelican gliding over glassy water with a perfect mirror image below.

Pelican

Editing Techniques in Lightroom & Photoshop

1. Adjusting Exposure & Contrast

• Increase contrast to define feathers.

• Adjust highlights and shadows to recover details.

2. Enhancing Colors Naturally

• Use the HSL panel to fine-tune individual colors without oversaturation.

• Warm up images slightly for morning/evening shots.

3. Noise Reduction for High ISO Shots

• Use Lightroom’s Noise Reduction slider to smooth out grainy images.

• Apply selectively—too much can remove fine details.

4. Cropping for Composition

• Use the rule of thirds to position the bird in a natural frame.

• Leave space in front of the bird for a sense of movement.

Conclusion

Bird photography in Galveston offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Whether you’re tracking a flock of migrating shorebirds, watching a spoonbill feed in the marsh, or capturing an osprey mid-dive, each moment tells a unique story.

By knowing the best locations, using the right camera gear, mastering angles, and refining editing techniques, you can create images that truly showcase the beauty of the birds along the Central Flyway.

What’s your favorite birding spot in Galveston? Let me know in the comments!

April 2, 2025
The Art of Outdoor Photography: Gear, Techniques, and Editing

Photography is more than just capturing an image—it’s about telling a story, finding the perfect composition, and adjusting to ever-changing outdoor conditions. Whether I’m fishing in Texas, hiking through the mountains, or capturing the night sky, my approach to photography combines technical knowledge with an artistic eye.

On my recent trip to New Mexico, as I pursued the Trout Grand Slam, I found myself surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever photographed. The Rio Grande Gorge, Red River, and Rio Costilla offered not only incredible fishing but also endless opportunities for photography.

My Gear Setup

Camera and Lenses

I shoot with the Canon R5, a powerhouse mirrorless camera with outstanding image quality and dynamic range. To adapt to different shooting conditions, I rely on a mix of Sigma series lenses and Canon L series lenses, which offer sharp optics and great performance in low light.

For landscapes, my go-to is a wide-angle lens, such as the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, which allows me to capture vast mountain vistas and sweeping coastal scenes. When shooting astrophotography, I use fast prime lenses, like the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ART, which excels at gathering light for crisp, detailed shots of the night sky.

Accessories for Outdoor Photography

• K&F Concept Backpack – A durable and spacious pack that safely holds my camera gear, extra batteries, and filters.

• K&F Concept Tripod – A sturdy, lightweight tripod is essential for long exposures, low-light photography, and astrophotography.

• ND and Polarizing Filters – Useful for managing reflections, enhancing colors, and allowing for longer exposures in daylight.

Mastering Exposure: ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture

One of the keys to great photography is understanding the exposure triangle: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Since conditions can change rapidly outdoors, I keep a cheat sheet handy for quick reference:

• ISO – Keep it low (100-400) for bright conditions to avoid noise. Increase it in low light but balance it with shutter speed.

• Shutter Speed – Fast (1/1000s or higher) for action shots, slower (1/10s to several seconds) for landscapes, and long (15s+ for astrophotography).

• Aperture (f-stop) – Wide (f/1.8–f/2.8) for night shots, mid-range (f/8–f/11) for landscapes, and narrow (f/16+) for deep depth of field.

Composition and the Art of Photography

A great photo isn’t just about sharpness—it’s about composition and storytelling. I look for leading lines, balance, and unique angles to create compelling images. Shooting from different perspectives—such as low to the ground for foreground depth or high vantage points for expansive views—makes a huge difference.

Protecting Gear in Harsh Conditions

Since I shoot in rugged environments—mountains, rivers, and coastal areas—protecting my gear is crucial. I always bring:

• Weather-sealed camera covers to protect against rain and dust.

• Microfiber cloths for wiping lenses.

• Silica gel packs in my bag to prevent moisture buildup.

• Lens hoods to reduce glare and shield against elements.

Editing on the Go: Lightroom & iPad Pro

Once I’ve captured my shots, I refine them in Adobe Lightroom, often using my iPad Pro for quick field edits. This allows me to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance on-site without waiting to get back to my desktop.

Key Lightroom Techniques:

• Photo Stacking – Merging multiple shots for sharper images.

• Graduated Filters – Enhancing skies and landscapes selectively.

• Noise Reduction – Crucial for high-ISO astrophotography.

Before and After

Astrophotography: Lenses & Techniques

Astrophotography is one of my favorite challenges. Fast prime lenses like the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ARTor the Canon RF 24mm f/1.4L allow for more light intake, creating sharp, vibrant night sky images. Using a tripod and remote shutter release, I capture long exposures (15-30 seconds) at a high ISO (3200-6400).

Astrophotography in the Mountains

There’s nothing like seeing the Milky Way stretch over a remote mountain range. Shooting astrophotography at high altitudes reduces light pollution and enhances clarity.

Final Thoughts

Photography is an art that blends technical skills with creativity. Whether I’m shooting sunrises on the coast, rugged mountain landscapes, or the Milky Way, every photo tells a story. With the right gear, knowledge, and post-processing techniques, I can capture the world the way I see it—one shot at a time.

Stay Connected with Beyond the Cast

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post and want more fishing tips, photography tips, trip reports, and on-the-water action, be sure to follow along.

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Tight lines, and see you Beyond the Cast!

March 23, 2025
Capturing Nature: The Art of Photography While Fishing and Hiking

There’s something about being out in nature that awakens the creative side of me. Whether I’m fishing in the still waters of a misty morning or hiking through rugged mountain trails, my Canon R5 is always by my side, ready to capture the beauty that unfolds around me. Photography, much like fishing, is a pursuit of patience and precision—waiting for the right moment, the perfect light, and the ideal composition to bring a scene to life.

The Art of Seeing While Fishing

Fishing has always been about more than just the catch for me. It’s about the experience—the rhythm of the water, the way the sky shifts in color as the day progresses, and the subtle interactions of nature happening all around. When I’m on the water, I’m not just scanning for signs of fish; I’m searching for those fleeting, beautiful moments that make fishing such an immersive experience.

The golden hour, when the first light of dawn touches the water or when the sun dips low in the evening, offers some of the most magical photography opportunities. The reflections on the water, the soft hues blending across the horizon, the silhouette of a wading bird patiently stalking its prey—all of these moments tell a story. I often find myself pausing mid-cast just to take it all in, knowing that sometimes the most rewarding part of the trip isn’t reeling in a fish but capturing the essence of the moment through my lens.

The challenge of photographing on the water lies in movement—both mine and my surroundings. Kayak fishing, in particular, adds an extra layer of difficulty. The water shifts, the wind pushes, and my subject rarely stays still. But that’s part of the excitement. It forces me to be deliberate in my composition, to anticipate the perfect frame before I even lift my camera. The Canon R5’s fast autofocus and incredible dynamic range allow me to capture fine details, from the scales of a freshly caught redfish glistening in the sun to the intricate ripples left behind by a leaping mullet.

Beyond the technical aspects, photography while fishing is a way of documenting the journey. It’s about freezing those perfect, untamed moments—like the way the early morning mist clings to the water’s surface or how a storm front builds over the horizon, creating a dramatic contrast against the calm bay. These are the images that bring back the feeling of the trip long after I’ve left the water.

Finding Beauty in the Mountains

When I’m not on the water, I often find myself drawn to the mountains. Hiking is an entirely different experience, but one that feeds my love for both adventure and photography. Unlike fishing, where I’m often stationary for long stretches, hiking presents an ever-changing landscape, each bend in the trail revealing new opportunities to frame a shot.

The mountains have a way of humbling you. Standing at the base of a towering peak or gazing out over a valley stretching endlessly into the horizon, you realize how small you are in comparison to the vastness of nature. Capturing that feeling in a photograph is both a challenge and a joy. Composition plays a crucial role—finding the right foreground elements to give a sense of depth, using leading lines to draw the eye toward a distant summit, or waiting for the clouds to break just enough to let a dramatic ray of light cascade down the slopes.

I love the contrast between grand landscapes and small details. While a panoramic shot of mountain ridges bathed in morning light can be breathtaking, sometimes it’s the little things that tell the most powerful stories—the gnarled roots of an ancient tree gripping the rocky soil, a single wildflower blooming defiantly at the edge of a cliff, or the way frost patterns form on a high-altitude lake at dawn. My Canon R5 excels at capturing both extremes, allowing me to shoot sweeping landscapes and intricate macro shots with equal clarity.

One of my favorite aspects of mountain photography is how the environment constantly changes. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and that unpredictability creates some of the most striking images. A sudden break in the clouds after a storm can flood the valley with golden light, turning an otherwise ordinary scene into something spectacular. The play of shadows as the sun moves across jagged peaks can create dramatic contrasts that make the landscape come alive. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time—another parallel between photography and fishing.

Blending Adventure with Artistry

What I love most about photography, whether on the water or in the mountains, is how it forces me to slow down and truly see the world around me. It’s easy to rush through a fishing trip focused only on the next cast or to hike with a mindset of simply reaching the summit. But photography encourages me to be present—to notice the light filtering through the trees, the patterns in the waves, the way nature composes itself in perfect harmony if you take the time to see it.

Fishing and hiking both offer a sense of escape, a break from the noise of everyday life. Photography allows me to take a piece of that escape with me, to relive those moments through images that hold not just the visuals, but the emotions of the experience. It’s about more than just snapping a picture; it’s about telling a story—one of adventure, of solitude, of the raw beauty that exists in the natural world.

With every trip, I come home with a collection of images, each one a reminder of where I’ve been and what I’ve seen. Some of them end up shared, printed, or framed, while others remain personal, tucked away as snapshots of my journey. But all of them serve the same purpose: they capture the moments that make being out in nature so meaningful. And as long as I have a fishing rod in one hand and my Canon R5 in the other, I know there will always be more moments waiting to be captured.

Stay Connected with Beyond the Cast

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for fishing videos, gear breakdowns, and on-the-water action. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, where we share fishing reports, trip updates, and connect with fellow anglers.

Join the conversation, share your catches, and let’s keep exploring the water together.

Tight lines, and see you Beyond the Cast!

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March 21, 2025