Exhibiting at the KIA

As a new teacher at the KIA, the Institute gave me some exhibition space to showcase my work. Can't beat that! If you get a chance, head on down and check it out.

The Warrior Mantis

The Young and the Old

In my pursuit of a good shot of this grand buck, 

I stumbled upon this fawn...

For all I know, this fawn may be his progeny.

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.

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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.

King of the Hill

Coyote on recycled asphalt mound

For years I've tried to lure in a Kalamazoo coyote using calls that imitate dying rabbits, fawns, or chickens, appealing to their base hunger. Or I've imitated their own howls, communicating either curiosity, territorialism, or sexual readiness. All with absolutely no success.

Well, this week I imitated a wounded coyote pup and VOILA!

In less than a minute, mom or dad magically appeared at the top of the asphalt mound, scanning the horizon in search of a pup in distress. I think it also brought in a juvenile.

AMAZING.

A very difficult animal to photograph in our area.

It turns out the parental instincts were this coyote's weakness. When you think about it, that makes perfect sense.

Bearing Gifts from the U.P.

Yes! I made it to the northern-most point of our state: the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. My personal migration plan worked beautifully (as stated in an earlier post). As temperatures were searing in the 90's in most of the state, I was exploring the beaches of Copper Harbor on 80º days and sleeping peacefully through 50-60º evenings. Whew! What a relief.


Of course there was so much more to the trip, but as you know, the weather is such a guiding force in our lives, and temperature can melt or lift the spirit so easily. To explore the great wild of the U.P., comfortably, is what made this a vacation, and in no way did it ever feel like work.