Wildlife and Nature photography, John Pickles

World Class Wildlife Photo contests
These are the only photography contests of their type. They are extraordinary experiences; demanding experiences; the ultimate experience for wildlife photographers who want a personal challenge.

-Valley Land Fund Wildlife Photography Contest

NOTICE! The Valley Land Fund has decided not to hold a 2010 "South Texas Shootout". This may be the end of one of the best wildlife photo contests in the country. I will post here if there is any change in the future.
UPDATE! The Valley Land Fund will hold a contest in 2010. You will find the details at www.photoboundtours.com

-Coastal Bend Wildlife Photography Contest

-ICF Pro-Tour Nature Photography contest

Website Links
Here are some useful and some interesting sites. I recommend the interesting. The useful....well,they are useful.

The Interesting:

--Close to Nature - Images by Ruth Hoyt

Ruth is an extraordinary photographer and teacher. Do yourself a favor and visit her website.

Update-- Ruth is now directing the new Valley Land Fund Photo contest. This a link to the Contest Webpage

--Fennessey Ranch near Refugio Texas

The Fennessey is a ranch dedicated to wildlife and the environment. It is a great place for birdwatchers, wildlife observers or photographers to spend time in their preferred environment. I photographed there with my partner Ruth Hoyt competing in the 2007 Coastal Bend Wildlife Photography Contest. We won First Grand Prize and one of our photographs was awarded the honor of "Best in Show". Take a look at the website.

--Chauvaud Photography

Ed and Lorna spend most of their time in the Great North West. Their dramatic images of the Pacific coast and their bears of Alaska are excellent. I recommend a visit to their website. I promise you will enjoy the images if you like the outdoors.

The Useful:

www.tripodhead.com --Wimberley Products

Wimberley is world famous for its WH-200 tripod head. This is the second generation of this unit. It is used by a very large number of ultra long lens shooters. I used the first generation Wimberley Head with my 600mm F4 lense for many years until the second generation became available. The second generation head is even more of a joy to use with extreme telephoto lenses. I strongly recommend it for anyone shooting a 500mm or 600mm lens. Take a look at their website for other great products. I use most of them. You can purchase Wimberley products from me or go to their website here

--Optimal Security

Optimal Security can supply a number of services from hosting your website to providing security for your corporate IT structure. If you are serious about IT security or want a reliable website host you should visit their website by clicking anywhere in this text.

--Hot Sheet
Just a great quick view web directory. Actually very useful.