Helpful websites for the nature photographer

It could be said that Yankee Magazines "Farmer’s Almanac" once provided all the information a nature or wildlife photographer would ever need.  Weather forecasts, tidal calendars, moon phases, and when the photo subjects weren’t being cooperative, plenty of interesting stories to pass the time.
But times have changed. And while the Farmer’s Almanac still provides all of the above information, today’s photographers have a wide range of software, websites and technology that gives instant access to all that information and more.
Below is a list of websites that I have found invaluable and use frequently, and a brief explanation of what they provide.
The Golden Hour Calculator / Sunrise and Sunset information for photographers
By inserting your present location into this site, it calculates sunrise, sunset,and the golden hour for that specific location.  If you are planning a trip, you can change the date on the calendar and see the same information for that future date.

Using the Golden Hour Calculator will allow you to be set up for your shot at the exact right moment.

http://photoephemeris.com/
This is another website that allows you to insert a location and see not only sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moon set info, but also maps out the path that each will take. This software is available as a free desktop download, and is also available as an Iphone app.

Photo Ephemeris will help you plot the proper location to be in to take your photo of a moonrise, a sunrise, or a sunset.

http://www.google.com/earth/index.html
Google earth allows you to “fly” to locations you are planning to visit, and see the area before you arrive. I often use this to find hidden marshes and ponds that cannot always be seen from the road. It is available as a free download for desktops, iphones, and Android smartphones.
http://www.wunderground.com/
This weather site along with many others, gives a photographer in the field instant access to forecasts and radar loops that are critical to staying safe, or lining up a once in a lifetime storm shot. In addition, during foliage season they have updated maps indicating where peak colors can be found. Most sites also have free mobile apps.

Wunderground will not only help keep you safe, but can put you in the right spot to take amazing weather shots

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
When it’s critical that you have the right depth of sharp focus in your shot, go to this site. Input your camera model, the f/stop you intend to use, and the distance from your subject. The site will calculate out how far front and back of the subject will be in focus, and also figures the hyperfocal distance. By inserting your camera model, the site automatically adjusts for any crop factor. Bookmark this site so you can access it in the field from your smartphone.

Depth of Field Master will help you make sure the settings you have chosen will result in a pleasing bokkeh or sharp detail throughout your photo.

http://www.dofmaster.com/charts.html
This site allows you to download software that enables you to enter your various lenses, and print out hyperfocal distances for different distances and f/stops for that particular lens. You can then print them off and carry them in the field to refer to if needed.
I hope that you find these sites useful.
John Vose
Jericho Hills Photography