Dusk Hunt

Juvenile Coopers Hawk at Schippers Crossing. 

I stumbled upon their nest in early Spring but wasn't able to follow the progress of the young. It's always nice to see a young one only a couple hundred yards from the nest, knowing they're expanding their orbit, just as I did when I first moved in to my little house next to Schippers.

SIGN UP NOW!

Black on Black

Teaching the Craft

When I began my pursuit of wildlife in the city nearly 10 years ago, I etched out that path because I loved it. 

But I never really gave any thought to the idea of others wanting to walk that path. Until now.

A few months back, Stuart Gibson, chair of the 2-D department at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) in Kalamazoo, approached me about the possibility of teaching wildlife photography at the KIA. I wondered "who would want to?" and then said "yes!". 

So, this fall I'll be teaching a one month intensive on beginning wildlife photography, for anyone with a DSLR, at least a 300mm lens, and a modicum of gumption to get out and brave the elements for a good shot of an animal.

If you're interested, we'd love to have you join us for a fun, informative, and instructional class in the basics of taking quality photos of the wildlife that surrounds and inspires us.

Here's the class description:

Beginning Wildlife Photography (809)

Matt Clysdale
Monday, 6:30-9p.m.
8 sessions, beginning October 1,
Classroom 13
Members: $135, Non-Members: $155
Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography or equivalent.
This course will provide an introductory experience and education in photographing wildlife (mammals and birds), with fundamental instruction in camera technique and visual artistry as well as rudimentary skills in wildlife pursuit and camouflaging techniques. The class will meet twice a week, with four classroom meetings and four offsite field trips (days and times to be determined at the first class meeting). Students are required to provide their own DSLR camera with a minimum lens length of 300mm and a tripod. No tracking/hunting skills required, but helpful. Optional accessories: camouflage clothing and/ or blind. For additional information please email the instructor at matt@mattclysdale.com. Instructor's website is: www.mattclysdale.com



To learn more and register, click HERE.

Tropical Garden

It doesn't get any more "backyard" than this: a tree frog in my friend's garden. 

When I think tree frog, I used to think tropical. Time to think Kalamazoo.

This pic gives you an idea of size. 
Think tiny.