David Cramer Photography

In loving memory of our beloved David 12.18.51 – 3.25.10

david — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:37:55 +0000

Artist’s Statement – David W. Cramer
Nature photography has a hold on me. It is a thing that grabs deep inside, and wraps itself around my bones. It mingles and blends itself with my love of the natural world in a way that makes it impossible to shake. It also directs me outward. Outward into this natural world, where I have little, if any, control over what the forces will do. My desire to photograph is rooted in curiosity, and in wonder, and in awe about the immensity of life and creation. While we go about our daily lives, billions upon billions of events are unfolding each and every day in the natural world. Each one of these is a marvel. Each one only exists once, momentarily, and then is gone forever. I convince myself that photography gives me a means of trying to have some sway over these events, these experiences that exist on their own. Perhaps if I can capture that elusive moment, it will become timeless. In a way, they do. I remember countless numbers of my photographic endeavors as one would remember an entry in a diary. Looking at an image taken long ago, I can often recall many details about the day, the setting, my frame of mind, the quality of light. I think that photography helps me feel a part of these experiences, at the same time it helps me believe I have some control over them. A false belief for sure, but one that enables me to keep going each time with camera in hand, to record the next moment that will never be experienced again.

Bosque without Cranes…

david — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:43:20 +0000

… can still be a great place for bird photography.

The Conservators’ Center

david — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:25:43 +0000

While visiting North Carolina, we stopped by this wonderful center that provides a great home for wild animals rescued from life-threatening and abusive situations. Many of the animals would not be with us without this resource. Their pens are expansive, and the staff employs an active stimulation program to keep the animals from developing the boredom and restlessness often found in zoos. Support them if you can, and be sure to arrange a visit with them when you are in North Carolina.

Nature Photographer Magazine

david — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:15:07 +0000

The Spring issue of Nature Photographer Magazine has published my article on the Lesser-Prairie Chickens of New Mexico. You can order a copy here. As always, it is full of great articles and images. More Prairie Chicken images and audio here and here.

Ex Arte Equinus 3 Now Available

david — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:18:53 +0000

This premier fine art book is now available for preview and purchase. The book is the result of the third Art Horse Magazine International Equine Art Competition. Give it a look! There is a lot to enjoy.

Winter’s Not Done

david — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:49:22 +0000

Update on the Calico Roundup

david — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:58:27 +0000

Cost upwards of $700K and death toll over 100. R.T. Fitch’s blog has the story.

Is it real, or is it Memorex?

david — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:22:06 +0000

This past year has seen several major wildlife photography contests disrupted by illegal staged or “photoshopped” images. Another important discussion has been going on about the ethics of “game farms,” where animals that are normally only found in the wild are kept for the purpose of use for photography or movies. Audobon Magazine has a good read on this topic. Having been to the Triple D, I can attest for how well they run their program. Being so close to those animals was definitely a thrill… but after the experience I was left with second thoughts and regrets. My images from Triple D are labeled accordingly in my galleries. Proceeds from any sales of these images will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation.

Harrier Flyover

david — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:46:22 +0000

A female northern harrier taken at Bosque del Apache.

Eagle Chase

david — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:35:30 +0000

I went with my friend Ira from Santa Fe, and his buddy Steve, who is visiting from the Bay area, to Heron Lake in search of eagles. Ira’s taking up wildlife/birding photography with a vengance, and wanted to try out his new Canon 500 f/4 IS with wimberely gimbal head. We found three eagles around the Lake, all of which eluded our efforts either through distance or skittishness. Still it was a fun outing and we did get some nice images from the snow-covered landscapes. And it’s the first time I have witnessed ice fishing On our way back to Santa Fe, we stopped by to visit Abiquiu. While we were photographing the Morada, a big, beautiful bald eagle flew by us, and of course we all had our wide angle lenses on the camera bodies! I knew I should have taken that second body! Lesson learned.