Stacey Huston advises how to figure depth of focus

As the late summer sun cast a beautiful orange glow over the high plains of Wyoming, I once again found myself amazed by the beautiful pronghorn antelope and their magnificent horns; to me they resemble overgrown beetles. The pronghorn antelope are a very unique animal, found only in the sagebrush flats and high plains of the North American West. Pronghorn antelope are the fastest animals in North America, second in the world only to the cheetah – a common sight here in Wyoming, and a wonder to watch race across the sage covered landscapes.

As perfect example of health and fitness, this fantastic buck stands frozen, awaiting my next move, while behind him, the less educated bucks ignore me and continue with their antics: unafraid and unaware that hunting season has once again returned to their land. 

Depth of Field (D.O.F) … A quick overview

Depth of field is the amount of the image that appears to be in acceptable focus (in this image, that would be the older antelope buck in “focus”).  There are many factors that affect the depth of field in a photograph.. A wider D.O.F leaves the majority or all of an image in focus and a smaller D.O.F will blur the background and foreground putting emphasis on the subject. The question now is how to achieve the desired depth of field when taking a photograph. I could take the time here to go into F #’s and aperture , and camera settings and lenses but I know that  90 percent of the readers don’t care, and 5 percent of those who do will completely forget before they ever get the chance use the information. So, instead, I will give you a few simple and quick tips to use when trying to control the D.O.F. in your photographs.

Take a look at the settings on your camera; it doesn’t matter if you are using a simple point and shoot or a more high tech SLR camera.  If you want to bring the entire photo into focus, put your camera on the mountain (scenery) setting. This will allow your camera to detect the settings that will bring the entire frame into focus. If possible, zoom back as far as you can from the image.

To blur the background, set the manual setting on the camera to the portrait (head) setting, if you have a zoom (telephoto lens) use it, focus on the subject that you want to stay “in focus” – the closer you can get to the subject, the smaller the depth of field will become, and the farther away from the background the subject is, the more the background will blur.  If you have the option(and a cooperative subject), manually focus the camera, and watch the different effects through the lens.

In the case of this photo, I was alone with the antelope and they weren’t too awfully concerned with my presence, allowing me the time to experiment with the different settings on my camera, which were F6.3~ at 500mm ~ 1/2000. ~Stacey Huston

Stacey Huston is an outdoorswoman to the core, and would much rather spend time in the high country than in the local shopping mall, and feels more at home in heavy timber than in a salon. She is an accomplished photographer. Stacey is also a licensed falconer and raptor rehabilitation volunteer, helping injured raptors to once again soar on open skies. She resides with her husband of 19 years and their two boys in the mountains of western Wyoming. To see her photography, go to http://www.staceyhuston.com/

Stacey Huston … what she did on her summer vakay

Spending the summer on the road has presented many challenges, as well as many new and exciting photographic opportunities. Some that I have let slip by due to the fact that I didn’t want to turn the truck around (must get to destination) and later regretted the fact that I didn’t take the time to stop and capture the moment. Others I was not able to capture, simply because of the weather. Going through a tropical storm (aka Alex) on the Gulf coast of Texas recently, I was very excited at the prospect of photographing the raging waves and turmoil that was going on along the beach. I packed my camera inside a plastic bag and stored it safely in my water resistant camera bag, not a minute later I stood looking out at the ocean on a crumbling sand dune – soaked to the bone, pelted with rain and sand from the blowing wind, I realized that I was not at all prepared, or willing to take my camera out in this weather.

Even in the best weather conditions, taking your camera out on the beach is a challenge – blowing sand, humidity and salt in the air where my biggest concerns, but I was not about to let the “elements” stop me from capturing those “candid” moments with my family.

The beach is full of birds and little creatures that are not normally found anyplace else, and definitely not found in the mountains of northwest Wyoming (home). Add to that the beautiful sunsets/rises and perfect lighting, and for me, the risks are worth the rewards. Our oldest son turned 18 years old a few months ago and as a mother, I am thrilled that we have this summer to spend together as a family, exploring a new place before he moves on to start his life as an adult. This is a time that we will never be able to recapture, so documenting some of our most special moments together is very important to me..

My advice to anyone visiting the beach would be to take your camera along – just  be careful with it. I carry a soft brush in my camera bag to remove the sand that IS going to get on it. At the beach, sand gets in EVERYTHING. When I’m not using my camera, I keep it stored safely inside my camera bag (and if possible, inside the truck). I wipe my camera down with a damp soft washrag, and dry it when we return to our room each night. As much as I can help it, I avoid changing lenses.  I even carry my camera along with me, as I walk along searching for shells at the water edge (Just threaten any children close by so they don’t splash water on you or throw sand!) Before you take a photo, double check your background and make sure you don’t have any unintended subjects in the photo; also, make sure the horizon line is where you want it to be. But, most importantly, don’t be afraid to take your camera out and capture some of those memories; after all that is why you bought it.

How I took this photo: On a cloudy, overcast day, as the storm wound to an end, I once again ventured out to the beach. With the lack of sunshine, everything on the beach had taken on a gray color. Gone was the perfect light and beautiful blue sky, but I still had a great time photographing the local wildlife. As for the photos I took on these days, I enjoyed playing with black and white. With the modern editing software available today, converting any bland color photo to a moody black and white is only a click (or two) away) Shot at f6.3 ISO 200/auto focus and auto white balance at 500mm.

Stacey Huston is an outdoorswoman to the core, and would much rather spend time in the high country than in the local shopping mall, and feels more at home in heavy timber than in a salon. She is an accomplished photographer and is the staff photographer for Journey With Red Hawk T.V. series. Stacey is also a licensed falconer and raptor rehabilitation volunteer, helping injured raptors to once again soar on open skies. She resides with her husband of 18 years and their two boys in the mountains of western Wyoming. To see her photography, go to http://www.staceyhuston.com/

Stacey Huston’s ‘attitude in the turkey field’ pays off … in lots of ways

This photograph is just one of more than 100 spring turkey photos I took on our annual spring turkey hunting trip this year with our boys. I love turkey hunting, but honestly, it does not matter to me all that much if I “harvest” a turkey or not.

The first day we went out, I took my bow along and left my camera in the truck. Well, all day long, I kicked myself, because of all the great photos I was missing, such as 1) our older son – using an old rusted, abandoned car in the field as a blind, with four toms peaking over the hood of the car, trying to peer through tall grass to figure out if there was danger or 2) our younger son backed up into an overgrown bush, sporting a mud-painted face (aka turkey poo). He had perfectly camouflaged himself by collecting sticks, leaves and discarded feathers. As evening fell, I watched the entire flock come in and literally surround both of our boys in their “hiding” spots; but hunting with longbows, neither one was able to move for a shot without spooking away the entire flock.

The next morning, when I left the truck with my camera in hand, my husband just laughed at me, but didn’t argue. He knows, too, we weren’t really there just to kill something. It was more important to us that our boys get another chance at harvesting a turkey with their longbows, or, at the very least, they get the opportunity to choose their “hunting spot” and figure out where turkeys might pass by. For a child  to know that he sat perfectly still and let an entire flock of more than 100 turkeys pass by at less than 15 yards because he didn’t have a clear shot (without being detected), to sit and listen to calls, and to watch the hens and toms interact, and to learn the different tones they use when they spot danger and before they all fly to their roost tree for the evening … and for us to see the big smiles on their faces and hear in their words just how close that one turkey was, or did you see that hen that was limping or the beard on that one tom?  Well, THAT is what hunting is really all about.

I love hunting and I love spending time in the outdoors with my family, but as a photographer, there are times when I get just as much enjoyment by trading in my bow for my camera. And though the camera does not fill the freezer, I seldom return home empty handed.

In the past year I have talked to more women than I can count who really do not have a desire to hunt, but their husbands, fathers, sons or boyfriends have encouraged them to come along and spend time with them during hunting season. My advice to these women is always go! You don’t HAVE to hunt, you can always just watch or take your camera. You don’t have to like shooting guns, you don’t have to want to kill something, but if you take the time to go along, you may be surprised at just how much fun you will have, and what you might learn – about nature, about your significant other and even about your self. ~ Stacey Huston

Stacey Huston is an outdoorswoman to the core, and would much rather spend time in the high country than in the local shopping mall, and feels more at home in heavy timber than in a salon. She is an accomplished photographer and is the staff photographer for Journey With Red Hawk T.V. series. Stacey is also a licensed falconer and raptor rehabilitation volunteer, helping injured raptors to once again soar on open skies. She resides with her husband of 18 years and their two boys in the mountains of western Wyoming. To see her photography, go to http://www.staceyhuston.com/

Stacey Huston likes a little danger in her work

I came across this beautiful rattlesnake on a remote mountain road in the middle of nowhere, and as with most snakes, it was not in a friendly mood. As I got my camera ready, I checked the bushes and area around me to be sure he or she did not have any unexpected friends hanging out nearby. If you decide you want to try to photograph a snake or any other small creatures for that matter, it always makes a better photograph if you can get down on its level, rather than taking a picture from above. Have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment.

As a wildlife photographer, sometimes danger can be part of the game. Just don’t put yourself in any unneeded danger. Know your limitations and be cautious. There is danger in every day life, even the every day task of simply driving down the road.

When taking photographs of dangerous creatures or situations, it is handy to have a zoom lens. Though it may appear in this photograph that I am face-to-face with this poisonous snake, I am actually well out of striking distance. But also remember, in situations like this, to be aware of what is going on around you. And always keep in mind that objects in lenses may be closer than they appear!

Canon Camera ~ Hand held (for a quick get away)

F/10 ~ ISO 250-Exposure time 1/500 (left camera on automatic mode/ action in case “maybe” it would strike out I could get the shot)

Focal length 363mm (Not nearly enough considering how fast these little creatures can move on a hot summer day)

Other technical information: I had my husband standing by to keep the snake sidetracked and from running away – and to yell at me if I got to wrapped up in the photo session and let the snake get too close!

~Stacey Huston

Stacey Huston is an outdoorswoman to the core, and would much rather spend time in the high country than in the local shopping mall, and feels more at home in heavy timber than in a salon. She is an accomplished photographer and is the staff photographer for Journey With Red Hawk T.V. series. Stacey is also a licensed falconer and raptor rehabilitation volunteer, helping injured raptors to once again soar on open skies. She resides with her husband of 18 years and their two boys in the mountains of western Wyoming. To see her photography, go to http://www.staceyhuston.com/

Babbs in the Woods: Moving pictures, Gear Court update and no SHOT for this gal

When the video industry downsized the bulky video camera from “I-work-for-a-local-TV-station” size to “hold-in-one-hand” size, more outdoors lovers jumped into the production mode, filming their forays. Unfortunately, a lot of the outdoor TV shows still have that amateurish quality to them. On the topic of good footage, we’ve watched as Babes with Bullets ™ evolved into a website that features its own video clips and we’ve admired the work done by Marilyn Vogel and her brother, Bob Martin. The WON is happy to announce that we’ll be including video tips from these two in the popular Shoot to Thrill category. Read more

Stacey Huston says ‘look out your window’

We all enjoy venturing out into nature, if for nothing more than to recharge our souls. Nature has a way, if you are willing to put aside the pettiness of life, of putting life into perspective. She shows us the simple little things in life and lays them all out for each to discover.

If you are willing to look and listen, nature has the answer to most any problem. I hear people tell me all the time that if they had my camera, or my lens, or if they lived where I do, then they would be able to take good photos too. However, it honestly isn’t the equipment you use; cameras and lenses are only tools, even though I am pretty proud and protective of my camera. It is all in how you choose to look at life. You do not have to have the most expensive camera, and I can tell you from experience, if you enjoy wildlife photography, you will NEVER have a camera with a good enough zoom. Nature still exists, and will always do the coolest things just outside of your “zoom” range – that is part of the beauty of nature and my draw to photography. There are so many cool and wonderful things, and the ones that I am allowed to capture and share with the world are each a special gift to me. As for where I live, well it is a pretty amazing place, but there is beauty everywhere – if you choose to look for it, you will find it.

People, for the most part, tend to get stuck in the rut of life and with the state of our economy, it may only get tougher for those who have forgotten how to look and see the beauty that is all around them.

Look out your window; look in your own back yard. I would say that nature is there with all her glory and wonder, just waiting for you to discover the little treasures that she has placed there. Just for you, to remind you of what is truly important. Don’t overlook or take for granted what nature has to offer. In fact, my most valued gifts are the ones I almost took for granted, because I look out my window, or walk by them every day.

The mule deer cross through my yard everyday, morning and night. I know they are coming and will often find myself watching for them, but I very seldom stop to truly appreciate the beauty that they bring to my world each time they do. But on this evening, when I looked out my window, I saw things in a different light, as the sun’s light drained from the world that surrounded me, and the cool evening turned the air blue and cast dark shadows over the landscape. I was reminded once again that beauty isn’t only found by searching, going miles into the woods, or by spending thousands of dollars on expensive equipment and gas. Beauty is and has always been right in front of you … all you have to do is look.

To take a photo in low light it is important to eliminate camera shake as much as possible, and most photographers suggest using a tripod and remote shutter release to accomplish this task. With this shot, though, I did not have much time to think the shot through before the buck disappeared over the rise, or the light left completely, so I quickly grabbed my camera, slipped out on the deck and braced the camera in the corner, where our railing and porch post come together. I waited until the deer sky-lined, and took the photo, leaving the flash on for a faster shutter speed. Since he was walking away from me there was no eye shine. A little contrast adjustment and saturation removed more of the detail, leaving this silhouette photo. (Exposure 1/100 F6.3 at 400mm ISO400)

~Stacey Huston

Stacey Huston is an outdoorswoman to the core, and would much rather spend time in the high country than in the local shopping mall, and feels more at home in heavy timber than in a salon. She is an accomplished photographer and is the staff photographer for Journey With Red Hawk T.V. series. Stacey is also a licensed falconer and raptor rehabilitation volunteer, helping injured raptors to once again soar on open skies. She resides with her husband of 18 years and their two boys in the mountains of western Wyoming. To see her photography, go to http://afocusinthewild.blogspot.com/

Babbs in the Woods: That grass thing

I like to chew on dried grass when I’m in the field hunting. No, not like a cow in the field munching on it, but plucking one piece at a time – one with a nice tender green thread at the end, inserting it between a couple of molars and working on it throughout the morning. Or flossing my teeth with it. Hours can get long out there. Read more

Stacey Huston on ‘keeping it real’ with Hero Shots

I am a mother … and one of the things we do as moms is to try to teach our children not to lie. It is just a known fact that lying is not acceptable. But what about exaggerating?

Don’t get me wrong, I was raised an outdoors woman and I understand the romance of the old fishing tales of the “one that got away.” However, for those stories, there is no solid proof, no one will ever be the wiser, and hey … that fish that slipped from the end of your line, just MAY have been the biggest fish you ever hooked in your life. Having fun when you’re out enjoying nature is all part of the game, and a sense of humor essential.

Where my problem with exaggeration comes in, is with a growing trend that I have seen in what we in the business call “Hero Shots.” If you took the animal’s life, be proud of your harvest, don’t exaggerate and cheapen the experience in your hero shots. Keep it real. What is wrong with a hunter taking pictures of and being proud of a doe harvest? Many states have areas that are extremely over populated and offer doe tags. Harvesting a smart old lead doe takes more skill and cunning from a hunter than any rut-crazed buck. Sneaking up on a majestic old bull elk in September is pretty easy, “if” you can make it past the lead cow.

Now having said that … I am a woman, and I understand hiding flaws and sharing your best pictures. But the Internet is already chock full of photos of sportsmen and women who have learned to sit way behind the animal and hold the rack out close to the camera giving the illusion that the antlers are 3 times as large than they actually are. I believe that exaggerating something to try to impress others cheapens any experience. It’s a sacrifice I am not willing to make.

Because of these exaggerated hero shots, just like with over-edited cover shots on glamour magazines, our youth are often getting the wrong impression. There is nothing wrong with showing off your beautiful 6-point whitetail with a perfect basket, or portraying that nice 6X5 bull elk as he will be seen hanging on your living room wall. I think it is time to honor all the animals that we harvest, for what they are, and be proud of our accomplishments as outdoorsmen and women.

Because for me, every hunting experience in a wild place is perfect.

How to take a great Hero Shot

Taking a nice hero shot is really pretty simple; honor the animal. It only takes a few moments to set up a nice photo – one that you can be proud of. Remember, you only get one opportunity to do it right. Once that animal is butchered and in the freezer, you can’t go back and redo. Don’t take the photo in the back of the truck, or hanging in a tree or garage. If you can’t take the photos in the field, then take the animal someplace that looks natural, even your own back yard next to a tree or in front of a cedar fence can work. (I discourage you from doing this at your local park.) Check the background and clean up as much of the blood as possible, sometimes this means turning the animal around. Try photographing from different angles, you will find the angle and position that the animal looks very natural and real in. Have the photographer look closely through the lens before taking the picture. Is the tongue in the mouth? Are the animal’s eyes, ears, legs all in a natural position? How about the hunter? Is she cleaned up and placed near the animal? Look closely at the picture, if it is done with taste, then it will leave the right impression on the viewer … and there shouldn’t be any reason to exaggerate.

~Stacey Huston

Stacey Huston is an outdoors woman to the core, and would much rather spend time in the high country than in the local shopping mall, and feels more at home in heavy timber than in a salon. She is an accomplished photographer and is the staff photographer for Journey With Red Hawk T.V. series. Stacey is also a licensed falconer and raptor rehabilitation volunteer, helping injured raptors to once again soar on open skies. She resides with her husband of 18 years and their two boys in the mountains of western Wyoming. To see her photography, go to http://afocusinthewild.blogspot.com/

Babbs in the Woods: Hey, what’s in your pocket, girl?

“You know,” I thought to myself, “I don’t have that yet,” as I examined a photo of a huntress at the Próis Hunting Apparel webpage. I realized I don’t have the little wind puffer thingamadoohickey for checking wind direction. I once saw Tred Barta use one of these and a bunch of powder blew into his face. I’ve met Tred Barta, and I’ve seen his TV show where he sat on bunch of cactus and believe me, I can relate. So, I never really entertained the idea of swallowing talcum powder while on a hunt.

But what else don’t I have in my pockets? And I might need? So I reached out to some of the hunting world’s knowledgeable sources, and you can read for yourself just what they take along with them in their pockets: Read more

Another DoeVille sighting — Stacey Huston, her buck and her hoodie

What catches your eye first here? The beautiful woman? The beautiful buck?

The great green hoodie with the stylin’ logo? Or, all three combined in this shot of outdoor photographer extraordinaire Stacey Huston with her spike mule deer, taken at 5 yards with a cedar arrow?

You’ll like this sweatshirt because it works hard and relaxes plenty. The washed pigment-dyed, 100 percent ringspun cotton DoeVille hoodies come in Forest Green, Sunset Orange and Creek Rock Natural. On sale now, from $44.95 to just $20, with free shipping and handling while supplies last. See http://www.doeville.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=2&p=product&id=31&parent=2

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