Author Archives: Vincent Mistretta

About Vincent Mistretta

Photographer and wild nature enthusiast that enjoys sharing visual stories about our wonderful planet.

Its a Matter of Opinion

I ventured out on a beautiful fall day with the intention of photographing fall migrants at the beach. Some would say I failed since I came home with few bird pictures worth keeping…..if any.
This is what I did come home with

Fall Foliage

So while some might say I didn’t make any wildlife keepers, I would say I spent a beautiful day outside trying!

This was the closest to a keeper I had all day

Ring Billed Gull Eating

If it wasn’t for the gesture, I don’t think I would like this image either.

Have a great weekend.

Gesture

If you have ever been fortunate enough to listen to or attend a lecture given by Jay Maisel you would know that capturing gesture is very important in his photography. I have been fortunate to have studied with and read many articles written by and about Jay. A game I like to play with myself is to find gesture in wildlife. Doing so brings your subject to life. What better way to speak on behalf of an animal?

While it is not easy to capture gesture in wild animals the reward if you are successful are images that tug on the heart strings of the viewer. The ultimate reward for visual communicators. Here are some of my recent wildlife photographs that I think are good examples.

Laughing Gull Gesture

Ring Billed Gull Peek a Boo

Monday Musings

Fishing Shack in South Bristol, Maine

There is something about this fishing shack that makes you feel good. Maybe its the shirts lined up on the wall or the lobster traps. Add sunrise to the equation and its a great way to think about Monday and the week ahead! Isn’t what photography is all about, pulling at your heart strings?

Bad Weather Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Bad Photography

Well bad weather has gripped the North East. Wind, rain and cold are here resulting in most of the remaining fall color hitting the floor. If there were a silver lining in yesterdays rain clouds it came from the wet leaves and bark that resulted from the rain storm. The contrast created by the wet weather is truly awesome.

New Canaan Fall Foliage After Rain

Fall Foliage Color Pops When Tree Bark and Branches are Wet

So next time you think there are no photographic opportunities just because the weather is poor, look again!

Appreciation Comes in Many Forms

Its hard to believe that I started my post Bucknell life with little true appreciation for what my friend calls our wild heritage. Post college life quickly moves from building a career to raising children. Then the kids grow and find outlets of their own that usually don’t include their dad! As personal time becomes more abundant, I am finding myself hiking and traveling to remote places to experience some of the solitary beauty our planet has to offer.

Moose Portrait

We are so blessed to be able to share a planet with other creatures. One of the reasons I spend so much of my free time photographing wildlife is I feel in some way I am speaking on behalf of the animals. I strive to make better images so I can speak on their behalf with more emotion and impact. Its strange how life has a way of changing. 24 years ago I only spoke on behalf of capitalism. Now I am a capitalist that is trying to speak on behalf of nature and wildlife.

Bull Moose Pose

Monday Musings

I think some of the best photographic advice I have ever received was “the best zoom you have is your feet”. There really are many ways this can be applied to becoming a better photographer. On a recent trip to Portland Head Light, our subject was clearly the beautiful light house during this magnificent sunset.
Here is a postcard view from on top of the rocks.

Portland Head Light at Sunset

While the above image is ok, it wasn’t striking and after I returned from the trip, I decided (as I almost always do when I return from a trip) that I did not get THE shot I wanted and needed to go back sometime and photograph from a different location/vantage point.

However, what I did leave Portland Head Light with was one of my favorite images from my trip to Maine (below). It is an image of a photographer standing on a park bench, taking a picture of the U.S. flag at sunset.

Photographer at Sunset

An image created because I took the time to stop, turn around and move my feet. We have legs, and they are the easiest photographic tool to use. Why do so many of us stand in one spot when we make images?

What Better Way to Kick Off Halloween Weekend………

Than with a pumpkin festival! There is a small quaint town in Maine named Damariscotta where an annual pumpkin festival and regatta take center stage in October. On a recent trip to the area we were able to photograph some great works of art by local pumpkin artisans.
Here is one of my favorites

Pumpkin Art at the Damariscotta Pumpkin Festival

Have a great weekend!

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

On a recent trip to Maine, I had the pleasure of visiting a small coastal town named Bristol. One of the many attractions in Bristol is Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1827. This version didn’t last long because the mortar used in its construction as mixed with saltwater, causing the mortar to break apart.

The lighthouse that stands today was built in 1835 with mortar mixed only with freshwater. It seems like they got it right this time!
Here is one of my favorite images from the morning.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse at Sunrise

Another great vantage point to photograph this lighthouse from is down by the ocean. In order to get there you need to climb down some steep, wet rocks. Keep in mind it is pitch black while you are attempting to do this! Unfortunately I arrived after the best light but was still able to make this click. I especially like the reflection in the tidal pool. Only wish that pool was bigger.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse from the Ocean

This last image intrigued me because of the position of the flag, and the glow of the light around the lighthouse. Now that I look at it, I wish I had moved the tripod so the flag was a little more to the right of the lighthouse.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse with Flag

The last 2 images just don’t do it for me. They were good attempts but I guess I just have to go back to Bristol some time soon! It rarely happens that you are able to create the exact image you want the very first time. And with sunrise lasting only 30 minutes or less, you can’t get to every position around the lighthouse that you want. There are always sacrifices in life.

Monday Musings

Every photographer seems to have a renewed sense of inspiration when they visit a new location. Some of my best photographs were made at locations I visited for the first time. The real trick is to create great images in ordinary places. I often pick a spot close to home and make believe it is a new location. Removing the pretense of ordinary from the location allows my creative juices to flow, usually with good results.
These images were taken in my backyard!

Backyard Fall Foliage

One exercise you can do to help with creative block is to make sure to move your feet. Put differently, your feet are the best zoom lens you have! The two images below are the same plant, taken at the same time, on the same day. The only difference is that each image is taken from the opposite side of the plant!

Sea Grass Front Lit

The above image of front lit sea grass with fall foliage in the background is a nice image.

Sea Grass Backlit

Here the sea grass is backlit and turned into a b&w image for effect which I think makes the image much more compelling.
So next time you think you don’t have any good subjects to photograph, stop making excuses and get out and shoot.