Small Cameras are Great

Swimming in the Clear water's off Zanzibar (fujifilm XP)

Small Cameras are the Best

         Traveling for 6 months in Africa (Self drive and Tour Operator) We wanted a camera that you could carry everywhere, besides your main camera and this is what I came up with, a Fujifilm XP water/shock/dust and freeze proof, great for your pocket, I even carried it in my boot sock. walking around in towns/cities you stand out and scream rob me if you have a big DSLR hanging around your neck (with a group it's safer ) and I have seen this happen on a number of occasions and even warned one guy not to take his camera into town, he came back without it and had only just started his trip.
     With this camera we only used 2G cards just in case it did get taken, so we wouldn't lose to many photos in one hit (cards are cheap)

The Sand Dunes of Sossusviei in the Namibia Desert (fujifilm XP)

Dune 45 in Sossusviei, part of the Namibia Desert was another great reason to have a camera of this type with you. SAND

Namibia / Angola river Float (fijifilm XP)

What ever brand you choose it is a must have camera on any big or small trip, the benefits outweigh the negatives.
Keep it in your pocket, your sock, or down the front of your swimmers
It's better to have something than nothing.

Burrowing Owls of Yuma, Arizona

Burrowing Owls of Yuma Arizona.

On my visits to Yuma, I alway take the time to find the burrowing owls that live close to to were we stay and get some photos, In November the little family group that lived next door were doing fine, but by Christmas they had moved out due to the work that is taking over their living space, after checking out another area close by we found 8 birds happily standing in front of their holes, willing to sign model releases. The only problem with this spot was the light, it would have to be an afternoon shoot ( I prefer the mornings, something about the light at that time) the light was not strong on this day due to low cloud, as I use a Sigma 50 - 500 light is important as I like to keep my ISO down, 800 or less.(Yes, I could go higher) On the Canon 7D you can set a maximum ISO (if you have updated your firmware) I like 800 and then use auto, using shuttler priority mode, this gives me a good working ISO range starting at 100 to 800 and a good shutter speed around 250 depending what type of wildlife I’am shooting,this is not everyone cup of tea just mine.

Burrowing Owls (Athene Cunicularia) 

At this location they don’t seem to mind you been around if you move accordingly, After setting up my tripod and camera I got around 40 min of good -+ light before the sun hit the clouds and it was over. If you can’t take photos, hang around and watching these little guys can also be just as rewarding and give you ideas for the next time and there will be a next time.

Gear: Canon 7D sigma 50-500 and a tripod is a must.

Morning

Afternoon