Ritta Island, Lake Okeechobee: prepping for field work

Ritta Island, Lake Okeechobee-all that remains of the Pond Apple Forest Belt that once ran from Port Mayaca to Clewiston (almost 2.5-3 miles of forest on the southern area of the Lake that was destroyed during the 1940's)



Since I am heading out for some field work next week, my mind has been pre-visualizing some of the photographs I know that are important scientifically and personally. I find I get so excited once I am emerged in the natural landscape that I need to bring a small list with me. I just tuck it in my pocket and am sure to write with a ball point pen or sharpie (both water proof). I also review the edited images from previous trips as a reminder of things I missed or technical settings I want to experiment with. Sounds like a little work? Don't let the ease of point and shoot cameras or even moderate DSLR's fool you. Preparing for field work is extremely important not only to ensure you have charged batteries and CF cards, but also to mentally prepare for any lighting/weather situation, animal encounter, and have a good list as previously mentioned.
The digital technology has eased almost anyone into photography. To be a pro, one needs to have the photography skills, confidence, and vision on a consistent basis with images that are dynamic. As I have stated before, we are lucky to have Photoshop, but in camera is where I make my decisions. The software is just there for white point balancing, curve adjustments, and sharpening. These are all basic overall corrections. When I make my prints, (yes, I still do my own, but that is soapbox I'll save for another blog) I still examine and correct as I did in the wet darkroom with burning and dodging using the history brush. I choose this method of workflow to maintain the integrity of my pixels and not destroy what's there.
More to come on workflow....