GORM TEPERA visit to the Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest)
Posted on September 11, 2016
Last week I had my first visit to the Bavarian Forest, in eastern Bavaria, Germany. Its the first of many I think, as it was really a great experience! The area is huge, and we just had two days, so my goals for the trip was to experience the tree top walk, and see some of the animals. There are many things to do there, including tree top walking, zoo, hiking and so on. However getting exact information about it can be a bit tricky, I really didn’t know what to expect. Especially with the semi-wild zoo, this was something of a mystery. Although the weather wasn’t fully on our side, the trip was great.
The official website in English is here; http://www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de/english/
Some points to consider
- The area does not have that many accommodation options, and this should be planned in advanced.
- The area is huge… plan what you want to see before visiting.
- There is good multi-day parking near the facilities, its 6-12 EUR depending on the length of time.
- There are a couple of good cafes around the facilities.
- The tree top walk is well worth it, and is quite high! It cost around 10 EUR, but its awesome.
- The zoo is free! But the “zoo” isn’t really a zoo. Its a massive area, the animals have enclosures, but they are huge. The enclosures are quite far from each other, all is a naturally wooded area.
- Except for bathrooms, there are no facilities inside the zoo.
- There is a lot of walking involved in seeing the animals, if that’s an issue.
- If you want to see all the animals, you’ll have to be very patient, as the enclosures are so big, and the animals so few.
- Its very rewarding when you do see the animals however, its a very real feeling.
- The park sorta continues on into the Czech Republic.
Photography tips
- First things first.. this place is a wildlife photographer’s dream.
- I brought my 5D Mark III and a few lenses including 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS II and 1.4x teleconverter.
- You will need at least a 400mm lens on full frame.
- A fast solution is advised. The 100-400L isn’t that fast, and I was needing ISO 3200 most of the time.
- Make sure you have some kind of rain/weather protection, as its a long way back to the car..
- There are lots of macro opportunities along the way as well.
- Its a fantastic place to get amazing semi-wild photos of majestic creatures with out a lot of other people, and fencing in the way!
- Although well worth it, there isn’t that much to photograph on the tree top walk.
- There is an interesting museum to see at the park.
All in all, a great place, and I will be returning in winter again!
Hope you enjoy!
Here are some of my keepers from the two days
Advantages of a Polariser
Posted on August 26, 2016
I went down to the lake the other day. It was a beautiful sunny summer’s day. I took a few snaps, nothing record breaking, but I did find a good example of why a polariser is a must for any photographer.
Most people tell you that a polariser is used to remove reflections and darken skies. That’s true enough, but the reason I use a polariser is for the added colour boost you get.
Here is an example.
This photo is taken with no polariser.
And this photo is taken with a polariser.
Quite a difference huh…. and its no shabby lens, this was with the Canon 135mm 2.0L lens. You can notice much improved colour, and less bokeh highlights.
I use two brands of polariser myself. In the above example I used a B+W XS-Pro KSM C-POL MRC nano filter. I highly recommend the B+W filters. I have two, and they are excellent. I recommend going for the KSM nano coated ones, even if they are a bit more expensive. The other brand I would recommend is the Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL filter. I supported Breakthrough via a Kickstarter campaign, and I was one of the first to get one in Australia. It’s a great filter which also uses Schott glass and has even better saturation than the B+W filters. Both these filters have a slim brass construction. I plan to do a short review of the Breakthrough filter soon.
For more information about the filters I use, see here:
B+W Filter: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1141526-REG/b_w_1081479_82mm_xs_pro_mc_kaesemn.html
Breakthrough Photography X4: http://breakthrough.photography/product/x4-circular-polarizer/
If you are in the market for a polariser, get the best polariser you can afford! You will regret buying a cheapy as soon as you realise it doesn’t do anything except make your images soft.
Happy Shooting!
New lens review!
Posted on August 21, 2016
Been working on the Samyang 12mm 2.8 Fisheye review for some time, and finally got a chance to finish it! Pretty cool little lens, and a lot of fun to use. It doesn’t break the bank either. As ever you won’t find any brick walls or 100% crops in this review. I’ve had this lens for about 6months, and its time to share my field findings. Hope you enjoy, and please share any feedback!
Samyang 12mm 2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye lens
Lens sees all!
Click here to read the review!
First Japan Trip
Posted on August 8, 2016
I have not posted anything in a while! We have been busy re-establishing ourselves in Bavaria, Germany. New job, home, car and lifestyle! There has been so much to do, and all my CF cards have been busting. But now I finally got my main computer back, and I’ve been busy processing my photos from the last 3 months. I hope to be more active on my blog now. Lots to do!
Japan gallery is finally up!
I have always wanted to visit Japan. I finally got my chance this year in April, when we planned to visit during the cherry blossom. We just got the last of the beautiful flowering trees. Japan is a favorite for photographers, and now that I’ve seen it, its easy to see why. Such great culture, people and tradition. So many sights, colour, and unique styles. Cannot wait for my next trip back!
Fushimi Inari-taisha in the rain!
Click here for the full gallery!
https://gormteper.net/photography/travel-photography/japan-2016/
Big changes!!
Posted on May 14, 2016
Hey everyone! I must apologise for not posting any new material in a while! Luckily I have a good excuse, we are in the process of moving to Bavaria! Much of my equipment is being shipped here as I write this. We are frantically looking for a new place to live – not fun. The good news is that this is a wonderful and beautiful part of the world! Watch this space!
Portrait Gallery
Posted on March 18, 2016
For me, portrait photography is certainly to hardest form of photography. There are so many emotions, and other factors to consider. Its all about catching moments, moments that only hang around for a second! Still, you must face your fears! Below are some of my favorite portraits. Hope you enjoy them!
Product Gallery
Posted on March 18, 2016
Product Photography is the art of photographing items or products for business use or just for fun. Special lighting and sharp close focusing lenses is used to bring the best out of the product. Good product photography is essential for marketing and sales. Nobody wants to buy a product with a photo which looks as though it was taken on a phone!
Macro Gallery
Posted on March 18, 2016
Although I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like, I’m a big fan of close up photography. It is great fun to see the details of small insects, and their tiny world up close.
Landscape Gallery
Posted on March 18, 2016
Nothing like being in a beautiful part of the world, with nice light and a camera! Getting up early and going out with your gear to watch the sunrise is certainly always rewarding.
Added Portrait Page!
Posted on January 17, 2016
I have added a portrait page to my blog. Portrait photography is challenging for me, but I hope you like them!
Click on the image below to see the gallery!
Sunday photo shoot in Melbourne
GORM TEPER 