Nature Photography Section One Recap

        The first topic in section one was on the basic kit or what Fitharris calls the "Essential Equipment for Photographing the Natural World."  It started off by talking about the basics which are the camera and tripod.  The camera needs to have; depth-of-field preview, high-speed image capture (+3 frames/sec) and capability of a shutter release.  The next things you should purchase for you photography equipment is a super-telephoto lense so you can get those close range full photo shots.  This section also talked about basic things such as filters, extension tubes. and tele-converters.
        The next main topic addressed was Tripods.  The tripod is really the key to taking a good picture.  You want something that is sturdy yet easily compactible and very portable.  There is much more put into a tripod than I would ever expect.  The most common type of head is a ball-and-socket head that can pan but for large heavy telephoto lenses you want a gimbal-type head for good stability, balance, and quick control.
        The third area looked at in section one was super-telephoto lenses.  Focal length is a key to picking the right super-telephoto lense.  The most common and best overall super-telephoto lense is a 500mm.  It is the most mobile for its type and is a good all arounder.  If you are looking for a cheaper way you could do a 300mm or 400mm with a teleconverter but your picture quality will not look as well.  The next few things to look at when working with a super-telephoto lense are; Lens speed, focusing, stabilization, and the focus.
        The next to topics that I am going to combine are; working in the field and winter photography.  Both of these topics to me seemed pretty much common sense.  Obviously you want to be prepared for anything when you are out there working especially in the cold bitterness of winter.  When working in the field you want to play close attention that you have all the tools necessary for any type of weather (this includes things for both you and your gear.)  You want to have backups for all you gear such as memory cards, batteries, camera (if possible) etc.  Make sure you have everything you need to keep you warm and safe and always remember layering is the best option. 
         The last topic Tim Fitharris talked about in section one was a "month-by-month guide to the best North American shooting sites."  This area just looked at what aspects are best to capture where during specific months.  It is a guide for the photographer to capture the best nature photography picture during a certain time.  My top three picks would probably be the months of August, September and October.  Mainly because it is my favorite time of the year and all the examples given seemed ideal for capturing the most amazing colors in nature.  The examples were Mount Rainer in August, Yellowstone and the Tetons in September and the Great Smoky Mountains in October.