Whether you’re hot on the trail of an antelope galloping across the Serengeti, or trying to capture the perfect blade of grass in your backyard, great outdoor photography doesn’t just happen. If you’re looking to expand your artistic repertoire, there are some basic tools of the trade that every outdoor photographer should live by. It’s always wise to enroll in photography classes at Academy of Art, which will give you a platform to compare with others and build your abilities, but in the meantime, following these tips will help make your beautiful art more dazzling.

Sunny Side Down

Midday sun is the outdoor photographer’s worst enemy. Take a moment and think about the most beautiful outdoor photographs you have ever seen. Examine how the light licks the objects without enveloping them. When the sun is directly above you, the light it casts drenches the objects, creating stark shadows. These sharp-edged shadows mean your camera can’t properly capture the bright or dark sections of your photo, effectively turning your shot into an incomprehensible light goulash. This horrific exposure problem can be remedied by simply stepping into the shade. A shade-cloaked vantage point makes a delightful difference when it comes to light diffusion, and now the background can be overexposed without detriment to the composition.

Grab A Polarizing Filter

If you want to shoot anything outside, a polarizing filter is your ticket to undiluted beauty. Using a polarizing filter gives you the ability to only let light in from certain angles. You have the power to rotate the filter to your liking, which allows you to remove any unnecessary glare. These handy dandy kings of the filter world also allow you to control reflections from water or other shiny things, while darkening the sky. With a polarizing filter, you become the master of light, improving everything from small details to the quality of your overall composition.

Stay Golden

Shooting in midday light can be a nightmare, but shooting in the golden hours is a dream. The golden hours refers to the hour after the sun comes up and the hour before it goes down. These “sweet spot” hours catch the sun at its mellowest, when the light drips the most beautiful myriad of colors across the earth. The natural shadows and highlights do a remarkable job of capturing your subjects and landscapes in an ethereal glory that would otherwise be drowned out by the starkness of the midday sun.

Look To The Horizon

Unless you’re outside taking photos somewhere in space, there’s a pretty good chance there will be a horizon to consider. The horizon has the ability to drastically increase the allure of your photos, or suffocate them into the throwaway pile. Ensuring the horizon is straight, unless there’s a reason for it not to be, is one of the most important things to consider. From there, the placement of the horizon should depend on the content of the frame. Use common sense, if the sky is alight with heavenly clouds, lower the horizon. If your focal point is a herd of roving wildebeests, heighten the horizon to showcase them. Horizon placement has the ability to change the tone and emotion of a piece, so place it wisely.

Find a Natural Frame

Nature and manmade structures alike, you will find an abundance of unintentional, yet striking frames for your photos. Framing is when you use one object to “frame” the subject of your image. If you’re shooting a gaggle of geese waddling through a snowy meadow, use the ice-encased birch twigs in the foreground as a subtle frame to add depth to the geese winter walk. If you’re photographing a cityscape, use a bike rack or sculpture to frame the buildings in the background. The results will be rewarding, artistic and edgy.

Whether you are a novice photog with a love of nature, or a seasoned professional,the true artist always seeks to enhance their craft through trial, error and study.

After we stopped and talked with a fire marshall from the Falling Springs fire department we were able to find these waterfalls with his directions.

The amazing part about these waterfalls is not only that they are 150 feet high some of the highest in the Blue Ridge mountains, but that they are spring fed from a clean natural mountain spring high above any pollution or run off from homes and businesses.

When we first arrived here it was raining and for the sake of preserving my camera equipment we waited to climb down into the ravine. But after we saw that the rain was not going to subside we decided to go ahead and climb down into the gorge.

The trail down to the bottom of the waterfalls is very steep and rugged and I highly recommend that if you are going to attempt this that you do not go alone. I had my son stay at the top while I climbed down through the boulders and rocks, just in case one that he climbed on slipped and came tumbling down. Once I was so far down I motioned for him to come on.

Although we were not equipped to climb down this steep area (shorts and hiking/walking shoes) we could not pass up this present opportunity. Once at the bottom we found that the canopy of trees over head sheltered us mostly from the rain and gave me ample opportunity to get some pictures and video of the falls from below.

But the part which was the most fun was the pool of water below the falls that was literally shaped like a natural jacuzzi. After I had exhausted all of my photography opportunities I had to entertain my boy and get in the water with him. After all it was his birthday and this was the reason for our little trip in the mountains together.

I am considering posting our video of swimming in the pool of water but I am not sure. Since we did not have swimming trunks I went in my underwear and he in his sweat pants! ) Oh! well that is what makes life fun, just using what you have when you can. May as well post an edited version!

In case you are wondering what we are looking at while in the pool of water check out this video. It seems we could feel the minerals and nutrients nourishing our skin. The reason the water has a bluish green tint is because of the minerals from the spring.

It started raining fairly hard so we decided we needed to go ahead and climb back up especially before it got dark. And we wanted to try climbing up another way that seemed a little less dangerous.

We decided to climb up the other side of the gorge from the waterfalls which was literally about a 75-80 degree mountainside. After loading up my camera gear and grabbing my hiking stick I took off up the mountain, I wanted to get a little head start on my boy cause again it was safer than something sliding down the hill and hitting him, if he was directly behind.

The further I got to the top the steeper it became and it eventually got so steep I had to literally crawl, then after checking to make sure my boy was following behind I began to wonder if he was going to be able to make it all the way up. After I got to the top it was a big relief, but I still wondered how he would make it when it was pretty difficult for me and I am in decent shape.

Never the less my 11 year old son made it to the top and to see my boy brave something like this without whining or complaining was a real blessing. He toughed it out the whole way and this was one of the best days we ever had together.

Early on in the spring some flowers begin to show in March or even February if you are observant and look closely for the signs. Even though early signs of spring flowers may be slight they are possible to be seen when looking for certain characteristics and details.

One of the first indications that spring flowers are coming are the small green pointed shoots starting from the ground in late winter early spring. Although at this time there may still be snow on the ground, early spring flowers have a natural calendar that alerts the flowers that it is time to awake from their long winter sleep.

Creeping Phlox – (Phlox Stolonifera)

Creeping phlox bloom early and are recognized as a staple spring flower. Creeping phlox are ground dwelling herb type perennial flowers, which return year after year. They are native to the woodland areas of the Virginia and Carolina mountain areas. The multi-colored blossoms come in many shades of white, purple, pink and other wonderful colors. Though the flowers are relatively small, they grow in bunches and great numbers while creating a beautiful display in lawns and gardens.

Alphabetized List of Names of Spring Flowers

Creeping phlox are very strong growing plants. Once they are established and
well rooted phlox can withstand considerable cutting throughout the rest of the
season. They do thrive best in an area that is shady with well drained soil, and
thus make an excellent ground cover around the base of trees and shrubs.

A welcome advantage of these quick growing plants is the more they are cut back,
the more vigorously they spread, this is likely where they get their name.
Creeping phlox many times are seen dangling from rock walls and often spread
around the base of larger shrub plants in order to naturally restrict weeds from
over growing around flower gardens.

Tulips – (Tulipa Gesneriana)

Tulip flowers represent another very well loved
spring flower which
bloom relatively early. Similar to the characteristic early blooming of the
daffodil flower, tulip bulbs hide in their buried bulbs in the ground each
winter. Since tulips are a bulb type perennial spring flower, this gives them an
early advantage over other spring flowers. These spring flowers belong to the
flower species of the family Liliaceae. An amazing thing about Tulip flowers is
their native range which extends a massive region from northern Africa to
northwestern China. Tulips are grown in flower gardens, cultivated in flower
pots and are often sold in retail commercial flower stores as freshly cut
bouquets for Valentines day and Mothers day.

Since Tulips are a bulb type flower they are a perennial and most often come
back year after year for many years. Early in the spring season their green
flower foliage can be seen coming through the ground in early spring and late
winter. These wonderful spring blooming flowers come in many vibrant bright
colors. They can grow very short and small in stature or they also can grow in a
long stemmed larger variety of Tulips. The beautiful blossoms from the Tulip are
typically shaped like a cup with a wax like outside coating. Tulips have few
distinct leaves compared to other types of flowers and do not emit much of a noticeable pungent fragrance as many other fragrant flowers.

Tulips require a considerable period of dormancy through the winter in order to
thrive. This means they will grow best in the hills and lower mountain range
areas which have long cooler spring seasons and earlier ending summers to
accommodate long cold winters. If Tulips are grown in very warm regions they
often will need to be replanted.

A few interesting facts about the Tulip flower are; Tulips derive their name
from a Persia origin which implies the meaning or a Turban. It is also common
knowledge that Holland is considered the largest commercial Tulip producer in
the world. Several varieties of Tulips are grown and cultivated in this area
then shipped to many other countries. Although some countries have more Tulips
per square mile in the spring seasons than Holland, perhaps the fact that they
sell so many tulips is why the Netherlands are deemed the world’s greatest
commercial Tulip producer.

Tulips are beautiful spring flowers which can be started from seeds or cut clones. An offset is a type of genetic clone, when a flower cutting from a another plant is used to regenerate a start
of a plant. This botanical method produces a flower with the same exact genetic characteristics as its mother plant. When cultivators grow Tulips from seed the germination and growth require five to eight years prior before tulips begin to
flower. This is the primary reason professional botanists utilize clones and offsets in order to produce flowering plants in as little as 1 year. However, it is also important to consider that growing Tulips from seed generally produces a
much greater variety in genetics, disease resistance and newer colored hybrids.

Daffodil – (Easter Bell, Narcissus)

Daffodils are some of the earliest spring flowers to come back through winters ground in early spring. These lovely flowers are usually the first recognizable signs of spring flowers that
show in late February or early March. One should look very closely near the ground for green shoots pointing up through the foliage. These shoots will often stick out from frost or snow covered ground and press their way through leaves
and other ground cover. The early spring growth starts from a buried bulb which is protected many inches below the ground surface. Daffodil flower bulbs are similar to onion bulbs and have been mistaken for wild onion bulbs.
Unfortunately, historically they have been a cause for poisoning, since daffodils contain a poisonous toxin. After many weeks seeing green shoots from the bulb, the daffodil blossoms will begin to open.

Daffodils are a brilliant yellow colored flower and are often seen in large
clustered groups throughout the countryside and farms. Sometimes referred to as
an Easter lily, the daffodil flower is from the family of the Narcissus flower
species of spring flora. A common name that is much more accurate has been given
to these early spring flowers, Easter Bell. This name originates from Germany’s
cultural region. Daffodils have a long trumpet type shaped center which is
surrounded by six small floral leaves often of the same yellow color, but these
colors may vary and show as white in some due to hybrid interbreeding of this
flower.

There are many varieties of early spring flowers which are adored by flower
growers in many regions. The spring season is a wonderful time of the year;
which brings a lovely, fresh and welcome sight of colorful flowers after a long
gray winter. It is important to enjoy these times each spring as the colors of spring flowers and various scents in your region come to life. If everyone will set aside a few minutes throughout their days and weeks in the spring season, to enjoy and take in the new life all around. These benefits from the springing of new life can invigorate your mind and senses.

Most everyone who celebrates the holiday of love does so without realizing the history behind the tradition of flower giving. This holiday was named after several Christian martyrs who had the name of Valentine. This certainly is a traditional Christian holiday as it was established around A.D. 500 by the Roman Catholic Church Pope Gelasius the first, but then later was removed by Pope Paul the sixth in 1969.

In the Middle Ages Valentine’s Day became a tradition of love and flower giving as courting and romantic love blossomed. It was not until the 19th century that lovers began giving greeting cards to each other.
But how did the Legend of Love begin?

St. Valentine was a persecuted Christian who was eventually martyred because of his faith. When a Roman Emperor named Claudius II tried to convert Valentine to paganism in order to spare his life, he refused and in turn tried to convert Claudius to Christianity. The love that he showed for his Christian belief, even unto death displayed an uncommon love. However, prior to his execution St. Valentine performed a miracle to display the power of the love of God; and he healed the blinded daughter of the jailer who kept guard over him.

This however does not provide an explanation for sentiment, and additional folklore tells that Claudius forced the soldiers of his army to remain single and not to marry wives, so that his army would be stronger. But Valentine out of respect for the Godly institution of holy matrimony secretly married the soldiers and women. Once this was discovered Saint Valentine was arrested and became the Martyr for love.

What types of flowers are traditionally given on Valentine’s Day?

• Roses are the number one most popular flower given on Valentines Day with long lasting blooms and a strong fragrant smell you can’t go wrong with these.
• Tulips are next to the most popular flower given for Valentines they last a long time and are very beautiful
• Daisies come in various colors and sizes and are a welcome favorite for Valentine bouquets
• Azaleas are a beautiful type of flower given in Valentine flower arrangements
• Wild Flowers such as Daffodils make a nice sentimental gift from the heart as you often will need to go and pick these flowers yourself

Valentine’s Day is Celebrated Internationally

Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the World by many cultures and ethnic groups.

• France the holiday is known as “Saint Valentin”
• Sweden the holiday is called “All Hearts Day”
• Finland it is called “Friends Day”
• Turkey recognizes Valentines Day as “Sweethearts Day”
• Slovenia recognizes this holiday as the beginning of spring and appropriately calls it “Valentine the First Saint of Spring”
• South American Cultures recognize Valentines as the “Day of Love and Firendship”
• Asian Countries widely recognize Valentine’s Day and spend more money than any other culture on gifts
Although some countries and religions have banned the holiday the power of love has overcame many throughout the world and they willing celebrate one of nature’s most treasured feelings.

Candy and Cards are nice to give on Valentine’s Day. However nothing seems to show such affection as a wonderful bouquet of flowers for your sweetheart.

Consider the times when little boys thought of their little girl sweethearts as the plucked the pedals from a daisy saying
“She Loves me…She Loves me not…She Loves me… She Loves me not… SHE LOVES ME!”

Many colors abound throughout the deciduous forests and mountains of the Appalachian Mountains. Sometimes it is easy to tell exactly what the names of certain trees are by the shape of the leaves. However, many do not recognize the basic shapes and colors of plain maple and oak leaves.

This guide is written to help everyone be an autumn leaf expert, by not only recognizing the shape of fall tree leaves but the vibrant fall colors of each variety. Some maples trees have different colors than other varieties of maple trees, as well oak tree leaves have various colors during the autumn foliage display.

Common Autumn Foliage Leaf Shapes

American-Beech

American-Sycamore-Leaf

Ash-Leaf

Balsam-Poplar-Leaf

Basswood-Leaf

Bigtooth-Aspen-Leaf

Blackgum-Leaf

Buckeye-Leaf

Bush-Shad-Leaf

Dogwood-Leaf

Eastern-Cottonwood-Leaf

Elder-Leaf

Elm-Leaf

Hawthorn-Leaf

Hazelnut-leaf

Hickory-Leaf

Hophornbeam-Leaf

Hornbeam-Leaf

Kentucky-Coffee-Tree-Leaf

Locust-Tree-Leaf

Paper-Birch-Leaf

Pecan-Leaf

Persimmon-Leaf

Quaking-Aspen-Leaf

Redbud-Leaf

Red-Maple-Leaf

Red-Oak-Leaf

Sassafras-Leaf

Sourwood-Leaf

Sugar-Maple-Leaf

Sumac-Leaves/a>

Sweetgum-Leaf

Tulip-Tree-Leaf

Walnut-Leaf

White-Oak-Leaf

Witch-Hazel-Leaf

Autumn Leaf Colors

Brown colored autumn leaves

Bur Oak
Pale Brown

Post Oak
Pale Brown

Shingle Oak
Brown

Swamp White Oak
Pale Brown

Multiple Colored Leaf Foliage

Hawthorn Leaves
Brilliant Varying Colors

Hazel Nut
Brownish Yellow

Hornbeam
Orange and Scarlet

Red Maple
Red and Orange

Sugar Maple
Yellow, Orange and Red

Black Oak
Dull Red to Orangish Brown

Blackjack Oak
Dull Yellow and/or Brown

White Oak
Pink and/or Red

Persimmon
Glossy Greenish with Yellow

Sassafras
Red, Orange and Yellow

Sweetgum

Yellow, Orange and Brown

American Sycamore
Yellow and Brown

Witch Hazel
Bright Yellowish Orange

Red colored autumn leaves

Dogwood
Crimson

Black Gum
Deep Red

Northern Red Oak
Rusty Red

Pin Oak
Crimson

Scarlet Oak
Scarlet

Southern Red Oak
Rusty Red

Swamp Chestnut Oak

Dark Crimson

Sourwood

Deep Red

Sumac
Brilliant Red

Yellow colored autumn leaves

White Ash
Yellow

Basswood
Yellow

Beech
Bright Yellow

River Birch
Dull Yellow

Sweet Birch
Yellow

Ohio Buckeye
Yellow

Kentucky Coffee Tree
Yellow

Eastern Cottonwood
Yellow

Box Elder
Yellow

American Elm
Yellow

Hazel Nut
Brownish Yellow

Mockernut Hickory
Dull Yellow

Pignut Hickory
Dull Yellow

Shagbark Hickory
Dull Yellow

Shellbark Hickory
Dull Yellow

Eastern Hophornbeam
Yellow

Black Locust
Yellow

Honey Locust
Yellow

Silver Maple
Pale Yellow

Chestnut Oak
Yellow

Pecan
Dull Yellow

Eastern Redbud
Yellow

Bush Shad
Bright Clear Yellow

Tuliptree
Yellow

Black Walnut
Yellow

White Walnut
Bright Yellow

Black Willow
Pale Yellow

Hopefully, this will help you to identify the various types of tree leaves throughout the beautiful fall foliage season. Now you can be a tree expert and pass this knowledge on to your friends and family during your leaf peeping expedition this autumn.

In preparation for a fall camping trip it is important to remember a few critical points in order to enjoy the most memorable moments.

1. Remember that temperatures change quickly in autumn.

a. Mountainous area temperature fluctuations change dramatically from night to day in higher elevations and northern latitudes. It is critical to have a jacket and even a long sleeve shirt to wear throughout the day when cool autumn winds are blowing.

2. The temperature and seasonal change often brings unexpected rain showers.

a. Make provisions for rain gear and apparel in order to stay dry in the event of a rain shower. Ponchos are cheap and can easily be folded and carried in a pocket or backpack.

b. Waterproof tents for overnight stays are critical. Waterproof spray can be purchased that helps to seal any leaks or seepage that could occur during heavy downpours.

c. Temporary tarp shelters for a picnic table can make the difference in an enjoyable afternoon autumn shower and a drowned mess.

3. Don’t forget your camera; the fall foliage presents wonderful opportunities for photography.

a. Digital cameras are relatively inexpensive and are capable of capturing vivid colors from the foliage display.

b. If taking pictures of fall foliage scenery is a primary reason for the camping trip make certain to take extra batteries, memory cards and if possible a back up camera as these items are generally unobtainable in rural areas.

c. Visit websites that host fall foliage pictures in order to get an idea how to compose your shots. Many photographers have differing perspectives and simply mimicking their techniques can turn a novice photographer in to an amateur or semi-pro.

4. In order to make the most of the time that is available it is imperative to plan the routes, trails and camping areas for the trip.

a. Many maps are available online for free at trail websites. Many offer trials which expire after 30 days but will give an idea of some of the best places for fall camping.

b. The east coast offers a wide variety of areas for fall camping. Some of the most notable are in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. These areas offer some of the most beautiful fall foliage and outdoor wilderness experiences of anywhere in the U.S. during this time of year.

5. Consider hiring a guide or taking a friend.

a. Many would rather take the chance of getting lost rather than hiring a tour guide for a camping trip. However, consider that many wilderness areas have unforeseen dangers that lurk under leaves in the form of snakes (copperheads blend in perfectly with fallen leaves) and cliffs often exist in mountainous areas. Accidents happen because they are simply accidents, if they had been foreseen they would not be an accident.

b. At minimum take a friend or relative that is experienced in the woods and forest. If someone was to get hurt the other can get help, having companion to share a camping experience with almost always makes the trip more pleasurable.

In conclusion if preparation is made in advance for changing weather conditions, a camera to capture the fall scenery and time is taken to map out the best locations for a fall camping trip, not only will this camping experience be enjoyable, but it will generate memories for years to come.

The Fall Harvest around the World

The celebration of autumn is not only recognized in America around a Thanksgiving table, but many cultures and civilizations literally plan their entire year around the harvest season and the blessing of a bountiful crop. After all many today still depend on their fall harvest to sustain their families and communities until the following harvest the next year.

For instance Chusoek in the Korean culture is a major holiday that lasts for three days and is celebrated during the 8th month on the 15th day of the lunar calendar which is around the Autumn Equinox. The festival dates back several hundred years (as early as 57 B.C.). This fall harvest time of celebration is recognized by Koreans visiting their ancestral hometowns and family while feasting on Korean food from the harvest and playing folk games.
Similar festivals are recognized all over the world in many cultures and areas where family and friends gather together and celebrate food, prosperity and culture.

Examples of Fall Harvest Festivals in cultures around the world

Crop over: Barbados

Niiname-sai, Shinjo-sai: Japan

Dożynki: Poland

Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia: Argentina

Erntedank: Germany & Austria

Mehregan: Iran, Ancient Persia

Mid-Autumn Festival: China, Vietnam

Pongal: India

Sukkot: Jewish harvest festival lasting eight days in the fall, in which time is spent in tabernacles or booths

Hasyl toýy:Turkmenistan

Ikore: Nigeria

The Autumnal Harvest in America

Harvest festivals in America typically begin in late September and last through late October. Contrary to some beliefs, harvest is celebrated earlier than Thanksgiving. Fall festivals are hosted all across America when the cool crisp air of fall is felt and the leaves begin to change across the deciduous trees. These relatively comfortable days make ideal weather for several outdoor activities.

Pumpkin festivals attract visitors from all around to celebrate autumn. These festivals are usually held in rural areas and offer entertainment such as bluegrass music, pie eating contests, rodeos and many other attractions. These types of old fashioned country festivals will usually last for days or even weeks at a time. Many participants in fall festivals often sell crafts and display works of country crafted art which are very unique and collectable.

Fall festivals are often a theme for Christian worship in the fall season as country churches host revivals, homecomings, dinners and gospel music outdoors under tents and picnic shelters. Usually games will be present for children and other entertaining activities such as face painting and cake walks. In recent years many Christian churches have opted for an autumn harvest celebration in place of Halloween because of religious viewpoints of the holiday.
Arts and craft shows, parades, music, chili and even road kill cook offs make up many themes across America. One of the highlights of the autumn harvest is the vibrant and colorful display shown from the trees and fields in rural areas. Many festivals are hosted which simply celebrate the fall foliage displays throughout the forests and countryside.

Thanksgiving which comes later in the season (forth Thursday in November) has been celebrated since the pilgrim days when Indians and settlers gathered together to give thanks for the harvest they had been given. The harvest time in these days were critical to the survival of the colonies of settlers who had to endure harsh winters with little food. Thanksgiving is typically viewed as a time of family gathering (where harvest festivals involve friends and family) when many travel across the country to visit relatives and give thanks for the love and health of Fathers, Mothers, and Children. The traditional dinner for Thanksgiving is a large turkey and/or ham with sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and many other traditional dishes that vary from region to region and family to family.

The harvest festivals are a prelude to the Christmas season which follows. The day after Thanksgiving is considered to be the busiest shopping day in all of America and is the basis in which many judge the prosperity of the country’s consumer spending economics.

Harvest festivals are an integral part of society all around the world. The festivals have certainly changed over time for certain societies; from a time of gratitude and thanks for a harvest of food, to a time of feasting, family and celebration in prosperous cultures.

All types of Nature photography scenery exists throughout the state, from amazing forests and mountains to wildlife and waterfalls.

Many do not know that 2/3 of West Virginia is uninhabited and displays wonderful opportunities for beautiful nature scenery. The Monongahela forest is home to several state parks including Babcock state park where the famous old time Grist mill landmark of iconic West Virginia hosts many fall foliage peepers every year. The Babcock grist mill presents one of the most wonderful picture postcard scenes in all of the east coast.

Canaan valley is also a wonderful place that is full of wildlife and other amazing scenes such as Blackwater falls in the Blackwater falls state park. This is host to Elakala falls which is one of the most scenic waterfalls in all creation. Wonderful people and amazing culture exists all throughout the mountains and country towns in rural West Virginia many places do not exist like our state any longer and coming here is kind of like opening a time capsule from 20 years ago.

Fall scenery in West Virginia presents several opportunistic photographic scenes. Barns and bridges as well as churches and mountain vistas from the North Fork Mountain range and Spruce knob which is the highest point in West Virginia present some of the best scenes for fall nature photographers of deciduous forests. The colors are mostly vibrant when there has been plenty of water throughout the summer and not too dry in the fall. However, torrential storms will strip the trees of their fall colors early.

The best time for leaf peeping is around the week of October 7th – 14th depending on what part of the state you are visiting the higher in latitude that you are in the state the earlier the leaves change colors. So if you are visiting around the Canaan area you may want to check a week or two earlier.

Many trails and camping areas exist where you can explore the forests during the autumn color change, so it is advisable to plan your visit and research where you may enjoy your photographic adventure the most. If you like to take fall pictures of water scenes then you will want to stay near one of the many lakes, streams or mountain runs.

One way to find the most scenic places in West Virginia is to look at fall scenery pictures that other photographers have taken and find what nature pictures interest you then research and find those areas. You may even consider contacting the photographer and ask them where they took a specific picture.

I am willing to share any of the areas that we have ventured in West Virginia so feel free to contact me about the best places for fall foliage scenery or any other nature photography in West Virginia.

The paper can be downloaded below.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORTS BIBLICAL SCRIPTURES

Annotated Bibliography

Writing Outline

Presentation Script

Scientific Research Supports Biblical References in Scripture about Nature

Abstract

This paper documents research of an interesting correlation between modern scientific facts, laws, theories and classic Biblical scriptures written in the King James Version Bible, KJV (University of Michigan Digital library production service, 1997). The scientific evidence presented substantiates the ancient Biblical writings in many areas of nature including matter, time, the Earth and human biology. McColloster (1996) suggests that these correlations reveal that science and religion can co-exist and help to build upon one another when one considers the context of facts and information (McColloster, 1996). Multiple discovered natural aspects are referenced throughout this paper from concrete sources which enhance the credibility of this research. Research sources include documentation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) which provides a solid reference for a popular theory that, although not yet proven to be a law, certainly raises eyebrows when considering scriptures that have been read for hundreds or even thousands of years. This intriguing comparison is noted throughout this paper in both the Old and New Testament books of the Bible.

Scientific Research Supports Biblical References in Scripture about Nature

Science and religion are often areas of intense debate because of dogmatic unwavering views from either side of intellectual discussions. Although there is often disagreement between scholars and well educated theologians regarding the validity of scriptures and why humans exist, this research exposes the possibility that both the knowledge of science and the understanding of scripture can reason together. This paper will not explore such controversial areas of faith and belief, but rather provides a fact based comparative view of scientific research and Biblical writings.

Scientists and Religionists Can Agree

Many respected writers and well-read publications have made a comparison between science and scripture. In an article written for USA Today titled “Creation ‘Science’ vs. Religious Attitudes” McCollister writes (1996), “most scientists would agree with pro-evolution religionists that, when properly understood, religion and science enhance and complement each other, but only if the means, aims, methods, and ground rules of each are clearly understood.” (McColloster, 1996). Ms. McColloster is a freelance journalist and editor of Voices for Evolution, her articles have been published by notable publishers such as the National Center for Science Education in addition to USA today. McColloster’s peer reviewed articles and view points are recognized as an authoritative unbiased source dedicated to education and science.

When two areas of study provide information about similar subjects, it is logical to consider the material from both sources in a methodical comparison. Although science provides information as to how nature exists and functions, and the religious point of view is a theological answer as to why creation exists, valid scientific support can be recognized when the context of each source is considered. Ernest Lucas (2005) wrote in the journal of science and Christian belief that “there is no incompatibility between the biblically-based classical Christian doctrine of creation and modern science, provided one understands the different levels at which science and theology work and the limitations this puts on each of them.” (Lucas, 2005, p. 140). In consideration of the credibility of Dr. Lucas’ publications, The Faraday Institute (2009) wrote that “Ernest Lucas has a MA in Chemistry from Oxford University and a PhD in Chemistry from Kent.” He then studied theology at Oxford and was ordained a Baptist, later obtaining a PhD in Oriental studies from Liverpool. “Lucas was Associate Director of the Institute for Contemporary Christianity in London before moving to Bristol Baptist College, where he is Vice-Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies.” (The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, 2009). Ernest’s diverse background in science and religion provides an expert reference from both an educated scientific and religious point of view.

The levels of information and the methods by which scientific and Biblical knowledge is presented may often seem difficult to comprehend. In order to understand the rationalization for science and scripture coinciding together, it is necessary to begin with some questions.

1. Are there documented scientific facts of nature that support scriptural references to “The Beginning” in the Bible?

2. Is there specific scientific knowledge of natural characteristics that are evident in the Bible regarding the areas of matter, time, the weather, the Earth’s geology and human biology?

Science is a very diverse and in depth area of study and it would be seemingly impossible to cover every branch of research. As well, classic Biblical scriptures, some written hundreds of years ago, and others written thousands of years ago, all in different languages, make the Bible alone a vast area of study. In order to address this subject in a time efficient manner this research documents four basic areas of study. Research has revealed that scientific evidence supports Biblical accounts of the natural characteristics relative to the composition of the universe, the nature of time, the Earth, and human biology.

The Beginning: The Big Bang Theory Supports
the Beginning as Written in the Bible

The first area of research to address will appropriately be “the beginning” of the universe and time itself. As each day passes the progression of time is evident all around, and the questions of when everything began, or has everything simply existed, has been a puzzle that scientists have researched for hundreds of years. Until recently there was only speculation and belief about a beginning of the universe.

In 2003 NASA revealed an amazing discovery about the beginning of the universe. Dan Vergano (2003) wrote in an article for USA Today titled “NASA peers back to the beginning of the universe”. In this article NASA is noted for strengthening the Big Bang theory with a one hundred fifty million dollar project and Charles Bennett of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. is quoted stating “Astrophysicists will no longer have the freedom to invent whatever theory they want about the universe,” Bennett says, “We’ve ruled out a lot of the easy explanations.” (Vergano, 2003, para. 17). NASA is one of the world’s most recognized authorities on scientific exploration into the unknown. When comparing the science of a beginning to the Biblical account of a beginning, as written in Genesis “In the beginning” (Genesis 1:1 KJV), it is easy to understand that there is a complementary correlation between the two areas of study. Scientific theory clearly supports the fact that there was a beginning of time and matter.

When considering the theory of the Big Bang it is logical that in the progression of time and natural order that the Earth itself would begin to form. (The theory about how fast the formation of the Earth took place is not addressed in this research, as this would incorporate areas of faith and belief. The focus for this research is directly related to facts and science.)

Once the Earth was formed it is safe to consider that an atmosphere and water developed and that certain areas of the Earth were covered in water and other areas were exposed as dry land. The scientific theory for a mass continent called Pangaea supports the distinct likelihood that a super continent existed. This one mass of land is theorized to have drifted apart according to the pre-existing theory of Continental Drift. However, in the past 30 years continental drift has been explained through the forces of plate tectonics which explain how the plates of the Earth’s surface move (Kious, Tilling, 1996).

The Beginning: The Theory of Pangea Supports the
Formation of Land on the Earth in the Bible

A very interesting correlation is able to be seen between the Biblical reference of the formation of a super continent and the supporting scientific evidence. As the scripture states in the book of Genesis “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters” (Genesis 1:6). In addition to this scripture we see also another scripture written which states “Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear” (Genesis 1:9). In these scriptures we see a reference to a firmament and that the waters are gathered together into one place. This scriptural reference clearly is supported by the scientific theory of a single land mass and a single body of water.

The Beginning: Science States the Earth is Suspended
by Gravity as Written in the Bible

The forces of nature which formed the Earth are not only at work on the surface of the Earth, but the very planet itself is suspended by gravity, floating in the midst of space held by natural forces which are yet to be completely understood. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Information Programs or IIP (2008) “in 1972, astronauts on board Apollo 17 captured the first full view of Earth suspended in space, exposed in full sunlight” (U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Information Programs, 2008). This wonderful picture clearly shows the Earth suspended in space as has been known and recognized for hundreds of years. This scientific evidence supports the Biblical reference to the gravitational forces of “nothing” suspending the Earth in the book of Job (Job 26:7). It is quite interesting that this scientific evidence supports scriptures which clearly indicate that the Earth is suspended by forces which are not seen even with today’s modern advances in technology.

The Beginning: Gravitational Forces Affect
Celestial Objects in the Bible

The gravitational forces suspending the earth in the picture taken by the Apollo 17 astronauts affect all celestial bodies throughout the universe. The scientific documentation of planetary gravitational forces is noted in the writings of astrophysicists. In a book titled “A Year in the Life of the Universe: A Seasonal Guide to Viewing the Cosmos”, the authors write about the gravitationally bound Pleiades star cluster. Gendler & Ferris (2006) state that “the Pleiades will probably travel through space as a bound cluster for another 250 million years” (Gendler, Ferris, 2006). These stars are able to be seen by the unaided eye. In the ancient Biblical time of Job the forces of gravity of the star constellation was used in a rhetorical question. The Bible states that God asks Job, “Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?” (Job 38:31). It is obvious that binding the influences is referring to the gravitational forces which hold the stars together. The fact that the stars are bound together by gravity is a documented scientific fact which supports the natural occurrence of gravity documented in the Bible.

Relevant scientific research supports the facts which have been mentioned so far, and this documented research is shown to compliment and correlate with scripture which address very similar areas of science and knowledge. Scientific support for the beginning of time and matter are not the only occurrences which have been noted in research. Specific examples of natural facts in the areas regarding the end of matter, time zones, weather, and geology are also noted and provide further affirmation which anchors the fact that science and scripture can and do complement each other in many relevant fields of study.

The Nature of Matter: The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Supports the Destiny of the Universe in the Bible

Mankind has theorized and speculated about the end of the world and the universe as long as documented history can record. This question has fascinated everyone from common men and women to distinguished scholars. As science has progressed, the understanding of matter and the makeup of matter has advanced as well. When a scientific theory is tested over and over again, it is proven to be law; a scientific law typically does not change. The Second Law of Thermodynamics is a law which addresses the statistics of the order of molecules which make up matter. In his paper titled “Things Fall Apart: An Introduction to Entropy”, Gary Felder (2001) uses the example of a dandelion and spores. The statistical probability of dandelion spores being blown from the stem is much more likely than the dandelion spores re-attaching themselves to the stem from which they grew (Felder, 2001). This is an example of the statistical law of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. Research and statistics show that in every area of matter which includes everything on the Earth, the Earth itself and the entire universe is gradually falling apart through the progression of time. Although you cannot see the hands on a clock move they are still moving and this is simply how the Earth is breaking down as time progresses.

The second law of thermodynamics supports scriptures that were written in the Bible concerning the end of all creation. In the book of Psalms the scripture states “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment;” (Psalm 102:25, 26). In this scripture we see the words “perish” and “wax old” used describing the Earth itself and the heavens describing the universe and stars. Dr. Felder (2001) describes the end of all matter in the following statements “So far as we know entropy will continue increasing until someday the universe is filled with nothing but weak, uniform radiation.” He also states that “this scenario, known as “the heat death of the universe,” referencing that there will be a period when all matter experiences this ultimate progression of scientific law (Felder, 2001). Again this research supports additional scriptures one of which reads “the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10).

The Nature of Time: The Science of Day and Night
During one Time Period Supports Scripture

Although the progression of entropy may be very slow in the short life spans that humans live, the twenty four hour cycle of night and day is evident. Modern science and the ability to travel great distances has allowed people to go from time zone to time zone in a matter of hours. The Lunar and Planetary Institute (2004) explains how the Earth experiences this cycle because of the rotation of the Earth on its axis. It is interesting to note that New Testament scripture is supported by this ever occurring fact of science. In the book of Saint Luke, Jesus makes a statement about people sleeping in a bed and others working in a field; inferring that it will be night one place and day in another when He returns (Luke 17:34-36). This inference makes an interesting correlation between the science of time zones and scripture.

The Nature Weather: The Science of Jet Streams
Supports Biblical Scripture

In 1920 a discovery was made which drastically affected the study of weather patterns and air travel in modern avionics. This discovery is thought to have been made by meteorologist named Wasaburo Ooishi. His discovery was made possible by the use of a weather balloon which revealed the pattern of wind known today as jet streams (Sapojnikova, 2010), The air currents which travel at very high altitudes (some as high as 52,000 feet) help to increase the ground speed of jet airliners thus saving fuel and time. The jet streams are today well known facts of science that determine many factors of the Earths changing weather. Amazingly the circuits of the wind are noted in scripture which was written by the very wise King Solomon. In the book of Ecclesiastes it is written that “The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.” (Ecclesiastes 1:6). It is well known science that supports the fact that wind currents move toward different southern, northern and other points on the map, it is also known that these powerful wind currents whirl about and around the Earth returning to the same place as they circle the planet.

The Earth’s Geology: Oceanic Geological Science
Supports Biblical References

From the heights of the clouds to the very depths of the sea, sciences supporting biblical scriptures are recognized in nearly every area of study. A question was posed to Job by God saying “Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?” (Job 38:16). From a theological perspective this was asked of Job in order for Job to realize his limited ability, to know or be able to do as much as God, even though Job was a good man. But from a scientific perspective research has shown that scientific discoveries were made in 1977 that support the science of this scripture. Watson (1999) from the U.S. Geological Survey writes that in 1977 “scientists discovered hot springs at a depth of 2.5 km, on the Galapagos Rift” (Watson, 1999). Although there had been pre-existing theories about these springs since the 1970’s they had not been captured by a camera.

So far scientific research has supported the creation of time and the universe; as well as theories, facts and laws that have correlated with the principles of gravity affecting the Earth itself and stars. In addition research has shown specific examples of the destiny of useful matter, the affirmation of time zones, jet streams and oceanic springs. All of these areas of science specifically focus on the Earth and other natural surroundings. It is therefore necessary to explore the biological science and the interrelation of biblical scripture regarding the human body itself.

Human Biology: Recent Scientific Theories Support
the Account of a Type of Adam in the Bible

Recently DNA research has revealed an interesting theory regarding the early origins of mankind. This DNA research has led to the close consideration that early mankind developed from one man or one small group of people. In a National Geographic article Hillary Mayell (2003) writes “geneticist Spencer Wells has concluded that all humans alive today are descended from a single man who lived in Africa around 60,000 years ago.” (Hillary, 2003). Albeit Dr. Wells theory is still a theory which requires much more additional research in order to become fact, this modern discovery reveals an amazing basic support for the oldest Biblical accounts for mankind’s origin. As stated in the beginning of the book of Genesis, God created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and then in the New Testament a scripture describes “The first man Adam was made a living soul” (1 Corinthians 15:45). Still research continues to reveal if not only an inference, a direct resemblance to this carefully studied theory of the origin of mankind.

Human Biology: Science Supports an Admonishment
to Immoral Sexual Behavior in the Bible

The creation and growth of man will likely always be a subject of intense study that may never be completely understood. However, one area of research that has grown to epidemic proportions in modern science and medical study is the analysis of sexually transmitted diseases. In the British Medical Journal an article written by Ebrahim, McKenna & Marks (2005) provides statistics which expose that in 1990 thirty thousand deaths were attributed to sexual behavior. Sexual behavior is not only attributed to death but to other detrimental consequences as stated in the article “Sexual behaviour leads to a variety of harmful consequences, such as unintended pregnancy, social stigma, infections, and chronic psychological or pathological sequelae.” (Ebrahim, McKenna & Marks, 2005). Clearly the medical evidence shown throughout modern history underscores the fact that immoral or unrestrained sexual behavior is detrimental to the human body. Biblical scriptures are clearly supported by this fact which is identified by the Apostle Paul as he admonishes the church of Corinth. The New Testament scripture declares “he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Fornication is the practice of immoral sexual activity outside of wedlock. It is well known and documented that sexual promiscuity leads to many of the diseases that modern day society faces in monumental proportions.

Conclusion

In light of the research presented in this paper it is evident that science supports Biblical scriptures and in return that Biblical scriptures reference documented scientific facts of nature. These written references affirm the many areas of study in which science references subjects that have been written and discussed in scriptures for hundreds of years. The scientific facts have been presented in these various areas, subsequent scriptures are then documented which are obviously supported by modern evidence.

Although much discussion and many debates have taken place about the validity of scripture in the context of known scientific facts, many respected scholars such as those from the Institute for Creation Research (2010) agree that there are valid and considerable comparisons in the studies of both. When the application of science and scripture are properly addressed accounting for the time period in which they were documented, the authors of the content, and the method in how they both are compared, it becomes apparent how these areas of study compliment one another.

The focus and research of this paper is to establish the fact that modern science supports many Biblical scriptures. One must realize the limitations of the compatibility of science and scripture, yet at the same time research clearly presents facts. In this research science supports a theory of a beginning in time and space, and then the scripture is presented which represents the beginning of time and space. The scientific evidence for the forces and laws of gravity are presented, subsequently the scriptural references are recorded which reference these areas. Research presents the second law of thermodynamics and then similar accounts of the Biblical record for the end of all matter are exhibited. Not only is scientific evidence presented which clarifies support for the Earth, space and time but research also supports the biology of the human body itself.

Many references throughout the various fields of science are written about in the Biblical scriptures, several of which are not mentioned in this document. In the clear viewpoint of this research it is logical to ascertain that modern scientific studies document references of the natural characteristics written in the Bible regarding the composition of the universe, the nature of time, the Earth, and human biology.

I started out in photography using a canon powershot A50. I had bought the camera in 2000 because that is when my first son was born. I did not want to miss anything as he grew up and I had never owned a camera before. I had heard of digital cameras but had not really ever used one. This canon powershot A50 was a 1 mega pixel camera that had some neat features for the cameras at this time. No video or anything like that but I learned to use some of the features of the camera fairly easily. It was quite expensive for my wife and I to buy this camera as it was around $250 and when you have just been married a few years and have a new baby that is a lot of money.

This camera lasted until my son was about 5 years old. I had began taking him fishing and hiking places with me and we took pictures along the way when we would go hiking. So we decided one fall in 2005 to go hiking and exploring in the mountains of West Virginia, when I say mountains I mean the Monongahela forest. There were so many areas to see and I was not sure really where to begin so we started at the falls of hills creek and immediately I knew that I was in love with nature photography and particularly waterfall nature photography. We eventually made our way up to the Seneca rock area of the northern Monongahela forest and took a tour of Seneca caverns, which was a great place to visit and a got a few pictures inside the caverns of bats and various rock formations. However, when we left I set my camera on top of the car and was getting our things arranged in the car preparing for our drive and inadvertently left the camera on top of the care. We started down the road and after about half of a mile I heard something go tumbling down the back of the car window. I looked in my rearview mirror and saw my $250 camera bouncing up and down on the road and pieces fly all over. This was very disheartening as we had planned to continue to spruce knob West Virginia which is the highest point in the state.

I managed to gather the pieces of my canon powershot A50 from off the road and made up my mind that we were not going to get any more pictures on our trip. This was pretty disappointing but I convinced myself that the trip was not about pictures but rather about my boy and his daddy spending time together. So we continued on to Spruce Knob and while up there I decided to look at the camera and see if it could be used even though it was in a bunch of pieces. I began getting the pieces together and believe it or not managed to get the camera to turn on by rigging the switch for the flash card door. Even though the LCD was cracked in many places it actually came on and I actually was able to take pictures with this camera that was stuck together literally with a couple small sticks and some tape. From this point forward not only did I realize that I loved nature photography but that Canon was the best camera I could have.

Once I began too look at other waterfall nature photos on the internet, I began to hunger for a new camera. I thought that I must be able to figure out how they made the waterfalls look so smooth and silky. This gave me the unction to save up and buy a new Canon Rebel 350D in early 2006. This camera was in my opinion the best camera I could have, although many others were much more expensive and had many more features, this was the first SLR I had ever held in my hand. I learned the different settings and was amazed at what aperture and exposure time could do to the look of a waterfall or stream. This is when Forestwander Free Nature Picture Photography was inspired one day walking home from work singing the gospel song “How Great Thou Art”.

After I had obtained a better camera I realized that the look and sharpness of a digital image did not depend solely on the body of a camera but largely depended on the quality of the lens. This is when I became determined to get a better fixed focal length lens and realized the difference in a quality lens and a cheaper zoom lens. I wondered can photography get any better and if so what would it take to make the very best images. Although I lacked the funding to obtain a high quality professional full frame digital camera I had the passion to still explore and take more and more pictures refining my skills and beginning to document each expedition in greater detail. I knew that I needed to begin capturing our hiking adventures on video but did not want to lug around a camcorder.

In 2007 we obtained a new Canon G9 which combined a high quality point and shoot lens with the latest technology video and audio capture built right into a very small camera. This camera had the best of both worlds and allowed us to hike and take great wildlife shots and even great macro floral photography. This is when I learned that RAW image format was the best way to shoot so that I could manipulate the exposure and color in post processing. Wow! I had thought jpeg was great until I experienced the benefits of salvaging typically unusable images by processing them with Canon photo professional. The Canon G9 really is a great little camera but it lacked the super sharp detail and range that my Digital Rebel 350D could attain. For the next two years I imagined how convenient it would be to be able to hike and take great quality SLR images as well as take nature adventure video at the same time with the same camera.

One day in late 2008 I read about new model Canon that was going to be released and that this camera would combine super quality 21 mega pixel full frame Canon technology with not only high resolution video, but HD 1080p quality video. I said to myself no doubt this camera would be far beyond my reach and must certainly cost $5,000 or more. However, I learned that this new camera could be purchased for a little under $3,500 with a high quality low aperture f4 zoom lens that also sports moisture resistant weather seals. This was without a doubt the answer to all of my needs and wants as a novice adventure nature photographer. After several months of saving a planning I was blessed with a new Canon 5D Mark II and accompanying 24-104mm F4 zoom lens.

I have now been the proud owner of this wonderful camera for almost a year now and am convinced that this camera is all that I will ever need. Even though there may be newer technologies that come out such as 3 dimensional holographic photography (think I am kidding, watch and see). The Canon 5D Mark II will always be my favorite camera. This camera marked the camera that brought me into the full frame professional market. This camera takes amazing low light photography at higher ISO settings, I often take low light photography in the forest and even take some night landscape shots from lofty mountain heights, it is imperative that the noise of these images is kept to a minimum.

Recently I have learned that I can connect my Canon 5D Mark II to my laptop and store images directly from the camera to my 500 GB hard drive. This gives me hours and hours of high quality video recording and thousands of 21 MP images. No doubt I have a lot to share with this new camera and I have only began to experience the wonderful quality this camera provides. So far I have posted at least 100 new 21 MP images on ForestWander and I have to say that they are some of the best images I have ever taken and they only keep getting better as I learn more about the 5D. The automatic bracketing features are really great and are helping me to experience the wide range resolution possible with HDR.

The live view function is truly amazing as it allows me to set up my 5D on a tripod close to the ground for a macro shot of a mushroom for instance. It would otherwise be impossible to focus on a small mushroom very close to the ground while looking through a view finder. Then I can press a button and focus and see the real results directly on the 3 inch screen. This is not only great for live real-time viewing but it is great for post image viewing, as I can literally zoom in on a particular area of a high resolution image and verify that it is in perfect focus before I even transfer and process the image on my local laptop. also, the automatic sensor cleaning system is great for a nature photographer who frequently changes lenses in the field where dust and contaminants are inevitable.

Below I have listed some of the features of the Canon 5d Mark II but do not compare only the specifications to other cameras keep in mind that Canon makes a great product and that their cameras are rugged, long lasting and even if other specifications on other Cameras that start with an N are slightly higher I will always be a die hard Canon fan from the real world experiences I have lived through over the past 6 years as an adventure nature photographer.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II specifications

List price
(body only)
US: $ 2,699
EU: € 2,499
UK: £ 2,299

List price
(EF 24-105 L kit)
US: $ 3,499
EU: € 3,299
UK: £ 3,049

Body material
Magnesium alloy

Sensor
36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
Full 35 mm size frame
RGB Color Filter Array
Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
22.0 million total pixels
21.1 million effective pixels
3:2 aspect ratio

Lenses
Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses)
No field of view crop (1.0x)

Dust reduction
“EOS Integrated Cleaning System”
Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown – can be disabled)
Dust Delete Data – Data from a test shot is used to ‘map’ dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software

Image processor
DIGIC 4
A/D conversion 14 bit

Image sizes (JPEG)
5616 x 3744 (21.0 MP)
4080 x 2720 (11.1 MP)
2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP)

Image sizes (RAW)
5616 x 3744 (21.0 MP)
3861 x 2574 (10.0 MP)
2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP)

File formats
RAW (.CR2; 14-bit)
JPEG (EXIF 2.21) – Fine / Normal
RAW + JPEG (separate files)
sRAW1, sRAW2 (see above)

Auto focus
9-point TTL CMOS sensor
6 “Invisible Assist AF points”
Centre point cross type F5.6 or faster
Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
AF working range: -0.5 – 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)

Focus modes
One shot AF
AI Servo AF
AI Focus AF
Manual focus

AF micro adjustment
Adjust all lenses by same amount (effectively body adjustment)
Adjust up to 20 lenses individually

AF point selection
Auto
Manual

Predictive AF
As close as 8 m (with 300 mm F2.8L lens at 50 kph)
AF assist No (only with external flash)

Metering
TTL full aperture metering 35 zone SPC
Metering range: 1.0 – 20 EV

Metering modes
Evaluative 35 zone (linked to any AF point)
Partial (8% at center)
Spot metering (approx. 3.5% at center)
Center-weighted average

AE lock
Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering
Manual: AE lock button

Exposure compensation
+/-2.0 EV
0.3 or 0.5 EV increments

Exposure bracketing
+/- 2.0 EV
0.3 or 0.5 EV increments

Sensitivity
ISO 100 – 6400
0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
Auto ISO (100-3200)
Expansion options:
ISO 50 (L1)
ISO 12800 (H1)
ISO 25600 (H2)

Shutter
Focal-plane shutter
150,000 exposure durability
30 – 1/8000 sec
0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec
Bulb

Aperture values
F1.0 – F91
0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Actual aperture range depends on lens used

White balance
Auto
Daylight
Shade
Cloudy
Tungsten
Fluorescent
Flash
Custom
Kelvin (2500 – 10000 K in 100 K steps)

WB bracketing
+/-3 levels
3 images
Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias

WB shift
Blue (-9) To Amber (+9)
Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)

Picture style
Standard
Portrait
Landscape
Neutral
Faithful
Monochrome
User def. 1
User def. 2
User def. 3

Custom image parameters
Sharpness: 0 to 7
Contrast: -4 to +4
Saturation: -4 to +4
Color tone: -4 to +4
B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G
B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G

Image processing options
Highlight tone priority
Auto lighting optimizer (4 settings)
Long exposure noise reduction
High ISO noise reduction (4 settings)
Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination (vignetting)

Color space
sRGB
Adobe RGB

Viewfinder
Eye-level pentaprism
98% frame coverage
Magnification: 0.71x (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint: Approx. 21 mm
Interchangeable focusing screen (3 other types optional)
Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter

Mirror
Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 40:60)
Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)

Viewfinder info
AF information:

AF points
Focus confirmation light

Exposure information
Shutter speed
Aperture value
ISO speed (always displayed)
AE lock
Exposure level/compensation
Spot metering circle
Exposure warning
AEB

Flash information
Flash ready
High-speed sync
FE lock
Flash exposure compensation
Image information:
White balance correction
CF card information
Monochrome shooting
Maximum burst (2 digit display)
Highlight tone priority (D+)

LCD monitor
3.0 ” TFT LCD
920,000 pixels
Automatic 3 level brightness adjustment plus 7 manual levels
170 ° viewing angle
Dual anti-reflection (‘Clear View’)

LCD Live view
Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor
100% frame coverage
30 fps
Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor
Best view or exposure simulation
Silent mode
Grid optional (x2)
Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point)
Three AF modes – Live mode / Quick mode / Face Detection
Live histogram (Luminance or RGB)
Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)

Movie recording
Available optionally during Live view mode
1920 x 1080 (16:9) up to 12 mins (Quicktime 1080p H.264; 38.6 Mbits/sec)
640 x 480 (4:3) up to 24 mins (Quicktime 480p H.264; 17.3 Mbits/sec)
Max file size 4 GB
Quicktime MOV format (H.264 video, PCM sound)
30 fps

Record review
Off
On (histogram via INFO button)
Display mode same as last used Play mode
2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold

Playback modes
1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot
2. As 1 but also image count and quality
3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram
4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms

Playback features
Optional blinking highlight alert
Optional AF point display
Magnified view (up to 10x)
2×2 or 3×3 thumbnail index
Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images, screen, date, folder, movies, stills)*
Delete / Protect

Flash
No built-in flash unit
E-TTL II auto flash / metered manual
Flash compensation +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
X-Sync: 1/200 sec
Hot-shoe & PC Terminal

External flash
E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites
In-camera flash configuration (currently only 580 EX II)
Wireless multi-flash support
PC Sync

Shooting modes
Auto
Creative Auto *
Program AE (P)
Shutter priority AE (Tv)
Aperture priority AE (Av)
Manual (M)
Custom 1
Custom 2 *
Custom 3 *

Drive modes
Single
Continuous: 3.9 fps *
Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (2 sec with mirror lock-up)

Burst buffer
Large/Fine JPEG: 78 frames (310 with UDMA card)
RAW: 13 frames

Orientation sensor
Yes

Auto rotation
On (recorded and LCD display)
On (recorded only)
Off

Custom functions
25 custom functions with 71 settings in 4 groups
Menu languages
25 Languages
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese

Firmware
User upgradable
Portrait grip
Optional WFT-E4 (WiFi / LAN / USB mass storage)
Optional BG-E6 battery grip

Connectivity
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
AV out (video & audio *)
HDMI connector
Microphone input
PC Sync flash terminal
Communication terminal on base for WFT-E4
InfraRed

Storage
Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32)
Supports UDMA cards
Copyright metatag support
Canon Original Data Security Kit supported (“Original Image Data”)

Power
Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
CR1616 for date & settings
Approx. 850 shots at 20°C
Battery indication 6 levels & percentage (memorized)

Dimensions
152 x 114 x 75 mm (6.0 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)

Weight
No battery: 810 g (1.8 lb)

Accessories
Viewfinder: Eyecup Eb, E-series Dioptric Adjustment Lens with Rubber Frame Eb, Eyepiece Extender EP-EX15, Focusing Screens Eg, Angle Finder C
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4
Battery Grip BG-E6
All EF lenses (excludes EF-S lenses)
Canon Speedlites (220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II, Macro-Ring-Lite, MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2)
Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-1, Remote Controller RC-5
Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3