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Lightroom tips

A few helpful shortcut keys. In the Develop Mode:

• "J" toggles on and off the highlight and shadow notification in the histogram.
• "I" turns on and off the image overlay information.
• "R" opens up the crop tool - very helpful for those of us who just can't seem to make a straight horizon!

Computer UpGrades

Finally, my move from a PC to a MAC will be happening in three weeks. Meanwhile, I've been working on both platforms and look forward to the simplicity of using only one.

Blog updates

I never thought this would happen but my photography blog is almost outpacing my website in statistical visitors. If you have not checked it out recently, please stop by for a visit.

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Slide Shows

Below are links to some of my popular slide shows, and there are many other categories that I've updated on this page.

Northern Greetings

Hello from the cold landscape of interior Alaska. Fairbanks has logged a historically cold month for December and a chilly January following. But, the daylight is now increasing, hinting of the brighter and warmer months ahead. For many who live here, the better months of winter are just about to unfold. Great skiing and winter activities to be had, including some photography outings.

Antarctica: A Whale of an Experience

Humpback whales, Antarctica.

The pathway to experience in nature is to be there. Throughout my years of travel, I've collected a few experiences that stand taller than the rest. They remain on the near side of my memory, special encounters that will not be easily forgotten. Marked by a sense of wonder and mystery, these few moments clearly remind me that there is probably a lot we don't know about the living creatures with which we share this planet.

I added one to that list on my January 2013 trip to Antarctica as staff with Cheeseman's Ecology Safaris, and here is what happened. Daily excursions from our large icebreaker ship occurred in small inflatable boats, carrying 10 passengers each. One windy afternoon, we launched small boats to cruise the iceberg dotted waters of Hope Bay, exploring and photographing the wildlife and scenery. A large penguin colony on the adjacent island made for a profusion of birds coming and going into the ocean, as they made trips back and forth to their nesting sites for food.

While drifting along photographing penguins on icebergs, I thought I heard the blow of a whale. At first, the resting whale's back was misinterpreted as an iceberg floating in the distance, until it slowly submerged into the water. Minutes later a blow spout spewed out air and mist just 20 meters from our boat. We all quickly turned around surprised, thinking that was very close. But close was quickly redefined as a large female humpback whale and her calf decided to romance our boat, coming at times to within inches of us. They would dive and disappear only for us to look deep into the water and find them directly under our boat, rolling and perhaps watching and wondering about us.

At one point, the cow whale surfaced so close to the back of the boat that I reached my hand out to touch her back, but for some unfortunate reason I resisted, as the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) discourages touching wildlife. It seemed as if that whale wanted to communicate. After much curious interaction, the young calf slowly poked its head straight out of the water, spyhopping just 5 meters from the boat to get a better look at us.

Humpback whale calf spy hopping in Antarctica.

This whale encounter went on for 20 minutes, as we were mesmerized and dazzled by the great curiosity and gentleness of these giant creatures. In due time, they went on their way. We went on our way too, but left with an experience that may forever change the way we feel about whales. As for photographing this experience, well it all happened so close, and a sacred tone hovered over those short but delightful moments. I did however, grab a few snapshots that help tell a little bit of the story. To see more from my recent trip to Antarctica, visit my blog.

March 2013 Northern Lights Tour

2013 is said to be a peak year of the solar cycle, resulting in extra special aurora borealis displays. Whether that proves true or not, it is hard to beat northern Alaska as a destination even on supposedly non-spectacular aurora predictions. Under the auroral belt, high in Alaska's arctic, the aurora can be seen on average, 250 nights a year. That is where I'm headed this March with co-guide Hugh Rose and 8 other photo enthusiasts in pursuit of that magical sky wonder. Hugh and I will be offering another Northern Lights Photo Tour in 2014, but the dates are yet to be announced.

Aurora borealis in Alaska's Arctic

Thanks for your interest

Stop by and visit again at www.AlaskaPhotoGraphics.com

Regards,

Patrick J. Endres: Photographer

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