Backyard Wildlife Photography

Whitetail fawns photographed in Green Hill Cemetery, Monroe County, WV. (Click on photo for larger image).
Whitetail fawn browsing on leaves, Green Hill Cemetery, Monroe County, WV. (Click on photo for larger image).

A photographer doesn’t have to go deep into the woods to get photos of wildlife. Backyards, local parks, roadsides, lakes and rivers, and cemeteries all provide ample opportunity to take photos of wild critters. Wildlife photography can be as simple or complex as one wants to make it. Birds, deer and small animals that one sees on a regular basis can often be photographed from the “back porch.” Others, like bears, and mountain lions, are more likely found after a hike into their habitat. We won’t concern ourselves with those.

A rabbit in the backyard. Photo from our back porch. (Click on photo for larger image).
An Egret at Cook’s Mill pond, Greenville, Monroe County, WV. (Click on photo for larger image).

Equipment does make a difference, but one can use whatever they have. Long lenses and zooms are handy as they allow the photographer to close in on the subject. The lenses I use most for wildlife are a 28-300mm and a 150-600mm zoom on full frame Nikon bodies. Also, a tripod, monopod, or other method to keep the camera steady while using slower shutter speeds can make a big difference in the quality of a photo..

While I’m not a wildlife photographer, I do enjoy shooting photos of the animals that wander close to home.

A hummingbird perched in a tree munching on a mosquito or gnat. Photo shot from my back porch, Marshall County, KY. (Click on photo for larger image).

Bird feeders can bring a variety of feathered subjects within the range of the camera, and can even be placed right outside of a window to allow viewing from inside the home.

The photos in this article are examples of wildlife photographed at home, or in readily accessible locations close to home:

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Jpeg or Raw? Looking Your Best in Digital Photography

It’s one of the oldest questions in digital photography:  Should I set my camera to shoot raw files, or jpeg, or both, and is there a real difference?

Shot in raw with a Nikon DSLR, this ground to cloud lightning strike likely would not have worked out nearly as well if it had been shot as a jpeg file. El Dorado, KS. (Click on photo for larger image).
A kitten playing in a bag, shot as a jpeg with a point-and-shoot camera that does not have a raw option. Benton, KY. (Click on photo for larger image).

With many inexpensive cameras and cell phones, you don’t have a choice.  Jpeg is it.  The camera processes the file according to its programming to give you what it interprets to be the best exposure and settings for the subject you are shooting.  With good lighting, the results can be fantastic.  More advanced cameras often give you an option of shooting raw files, which aren’t processed in the camera to give you optimal results.  They let you use a photo editing program to let you decide what the photo should look like.  Some cameras even have slots for two memory cards, where raw images can be stored on one, and jpegs of the same shot on the other.

Wonderful, even light enhanced this jpeg file, shot with a Canon DSLR camera. Shiloh Church, Huntsville, IL. (Click on photo for larger image).
My wife shot this one of Sam Carpenter (left), his pug, and I at his country store in jpeg mode using my Leica. The camera also shoots raw files. Max Meadows, VA. Photo by Debra Bell. (Click on photo for larger image).

 Jpeg file sizes are generally much smaller than raw, as unused data is discarded, after the camera has recorded an exposure.  This unused data can include information needed to adjust highlights, shadows, sharpness, color, and a variety of other properties of a photo.  Since the camera has already used an internal program to edit the photo, this information is no longer needed.  This means that editing a jpeg file to further enhance a photo is limited, as the unused data is no longer there.

Another image shot in raw with a Nikon DSLR that likely would not have turned out as well if shot as a jpeg. Union, Monroe County, WV. (Click on photo for larger image).

Raw files are much larger, and generally look somewhat flat when you look at them on a computer monitor.  This is because no adjustments have been made to the file.  It is up to the photographer to make these adjustments using his photo editing software of choice.  I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, as they are the programs that I know best.  However, there are other alternatives including free and open-source options.

A jpeg file captured with a point-and-shoot camera that came out just fine. Wadley, AL. (Click on photo for larger image).

Advantages of shooting jpegs include small file sizes, and the photos are already edited.  You can take a jpeg straight out a camera and use it as it is, post it on social media, or send it to a friend as an email attachment that can readily be seen without special software.  Also, you can get significantly more shots on your memory card, and your camera’s buffer won’t fill nearly as quickly, when writing files to the memory card.   Smaller files sizes mean you need less space on your computer’s hard drive to store them.

Clothes hanging on a line at a Cassville, West Virginia residence, shot as a jpeg with a point-and-shoot camera without raw option. (Click on photo for larger image).

On the other hand, raw files are specific to a camera manufacturer.  Nikons shoot .NEF extensions, Canons shoot .CR2, while Fujis shoots .RAF.  Other cameras have their own extensions, and they are not readable between camera brands .  Special software (Photoshop, for example, or the camera manufacturer’s own) is required to edit the photo and convert it to a usable, final image in jpeg (or other) format.  The big advantage of shooting raw files is that you have complete control to use the recorded data to make the finished photo look as you believe it should.

An Amish man and his team taken as a raw file with a Nikon DSLR, Monroe County, WV. (Click on photo for larger image).
A farmhouse in Pickaway, Monroe County, WV shot with a Nikon DSLR as a raw file. (Click on photo for larger image).

I’m often asked if I shoot raw or jpeg, or both.  I sometimes shoot both, but I rarely do anything with the jpeg files. I generally shoot photos of old homes, abandoned structures and farms.  I like cloudy days and generally expose for the sky, making sure that I don’t blow out the highlights.  I then bring up the shadows in Lightroom/Photoshop.  I sometimes dodge or burn and make other adjustments to get the desired results.  While a jpeg might look okay for my subjects, it’s certainly not going to look as good as a well edited raw file.

The Confederate War Memorial in Union, Monroe County, WV, shot as a raw file with a Nikon DSLR. (Click on photo for larger image).

  Many people believe that jpegs are more true to life, and closer to what you actually see, basically because the camera does the editing for you, and no other changes have been made.  I guess that’s a matter of opinion, but I can get much closer to what I see by shooting raw and adjusting shadows, highlights, color saturation, sharpness, and a number of other factors in Lightroom and Photoshop. 

Cherub on a bird bath shot in raw with a Leica, then converted to B&W. Beaver Dam, Ohio County, KY. (Click on photo for larger image).

What about black and white photography?   I know some photographers that shoot raw files on one memory card and black and white jpegs on the other.  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, as long as one is satisfied with the B&W jpeg as it comes out of the camera.  Again, the B&W jpeg image has discarded information and can’t be edited to any significant extent.  I prefer to convert a raw image to B&W in Lightroom or Photoshop to maintain more control over what a final photo will look like. 

A favorite shot of a window in an abandoned store, Monroe County, WV. The file was shot in raw with a Nikon DSLR. A jpeg file would likely not have produced the fine detail and colors. (Click on photo for larger image)
I, like most people, use my cell phone to take quick snaps of things around the house, or for social media, like food cooking in the smoker. Most cell phones shoot jpegs, like this one, but some of the newer ones have raw options (Click on photo for larger image).

I’m certainly not telling photographers that they should be shooting raw files, and not jpeg.  I’m letting you know what works for me.  Not everyone has my taste in photography.  Many photographers love to combine different jpeg exposures using multiple shots of a subject in what is known as High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography.  While that’s not my thing, it is very popular.  And, so is shooting plain jpegs out of a camera or phone.  I’m truly amazed by the quality of many cell phone shots.

My advice would be to shoot whatever works for you.  However, I would suggest that anyone who hasn’t tried raw photography to give it a try, and spend some time learning to edit the raw files.  It’s not difficult, and will be worth your while whether you choose to use it all the time, some of the time, or not at all.  At least you will be satisfied knowing that you have tried it and found out if it’s for you, or not.

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4 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Fixer-Upper

About the Author – Once again we are fortunate to have a guest submission by Ray Flynn. He is a civil engineer who co-created Diy Guys together with his friend Brett Engle who is an architect. They also have an upcoming book “How to DIY Damn Near Everything” that aims to give others the courage and confidence to pursue DIY projects in their own homes. Nowadays, they’re also focused on projects that promote green living.

by Ray Flynn

A fixer-upper in Monroe County, WV. (Click on image got larger photo). Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads

So, you’re thinking about buying a fixer-upper. You’ve seen the HGTV shows and are ready to take on the challenge. But before you start tearing down walls, there are a few things you need to consider.

A fixer-upper is a property that needs some work to be habitable or livable. This work can be anything from cosmetic updates and repairs to major renovations. The benefits of buying a fixer-upper are that you can usually purchase the property for less than market value, customize it to your taste and style, and potentially increase the home’s value through your renovations.

A fixer-upper in Monroe County, WV. (Click on image got larger photo). Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads

1. What to Look For in a Fixer-upper

A fixer-upper in Craig County, VA. (Click on image got larger photo). Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads

When looking for a fixer-upper, it’s important to find a property with good bones. This means that the foundation and structure of the home are sound and not in need of any significant repairs. You also want to look for a home that’s in a good location to ensure your home appreciates once you’ve completed your renovations. Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of the upgrades. You don’t want to overspend on a property that won’t give you a good return on your investment.

2. Projects to Tackle First

The Stella Campbell House in Union, Monroe County, WV, started out as a log cabin in about 1800, and was added to over the years. It is one of the homes restored by Chris and Anita Wszolek. (Click on image got larger photo). Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads

Once you’ve bought your fixer-upper, it’s time to plan your renovations. The first step is to prioritize your projects. Tackle the most critical repairs and updates first. Fix any structural issues, repair any systems — such as plumbing or electrical — and address health and safety concerns. Once you’ve taken care of the necessary repairs, you can start working on cosmetic updates and renovations.

3. Projects: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Another beautifully restored home in Union, Monroe County, WV. (Click on image got larger photo). Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads

Some projects you can do yourself, while others require the help of a professional. If you’re not sure if you can tackle a project, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and hire a professional. You may need to hire a professional for major repairs, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing. Other projects, including painting, tiling, and changing hardware, you can probably handle yourself if you’re handy and have some experience.

4. Should You Stay, Sell, or Rent After Renovations?

Once you’ve completed all your renovations, you must decide whether to stay in the home or sell it. If you’re happy with the results of your renovations and you enjoy living in the house, there’s no reason to sell. However, if you’re looking to profit from your investment, selling is probably the best option.

Historic home restored by Eric and Lisa Heavener, Pickaway, Monroe County, WV. (Click on image got larger photo). Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads

You can also consider renting out your home if you’re not ready to sell. If the house is in a location that attracts tourists, you can turn the property into a vacation rental. Alternatively, you can lease it to tenants for longer terms. It can be an excellent way to cover costs while allowing you to profit in the future. If you rent the property out, make sure to legally establish your company and register for an EIN (Employer Identification Number or tax ID number) to take advantage of tax deductions.

Make Your Dreams a Reality

Buying a fixer-upper can be a great way to upgrade your current home. With some elbow grease and some know-how, you can make your fixer-upper dreams a reality. If you like the charm of old houses, visit Driving Backroads.

A fixer-upper in rural Monroe County, WV. (Click on image got larger photo) Photo: Bob Bell/Driving Backroads
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