"Not all nature photography is wonderful and exciting. Im just now getting over my second case of poison ivy this spring alone, joked Bruce Flaig during his talk at the Breckenridge Public Library Tuesday afternoon.

Flaig, a Minnesota native, gave a slide show presentation of his photography and a question- and-answer session as part of the Lake Agassiz Regional Librarys The Beat Goes On! Sugarbeet Series. Hes been a professional photographer for two decades, but in earlier years he worked as an analytical chemist and biochemistry lab technician. He credits his attention to detail and patience with photography to his scientific background.

Birds are his favorite animals to photograph, but his work is peppered with colorful landscape images as well as macro shots of insects and wildflowers. He lives on 120 acres near Fertile, Minn., and is able to view a number of species from his property, which includes native prairie grasslands, oak trees and a lake.

Flaig said the best time to shoot just about anything outdoors is early morning and late afternoon.

Generally you want your shadow pointing at what youre shooting at, he explained. You can have the sun pointing in your face and use it effectively, but generally you want it behind you.

He said when the sun is high in the sky is the worst time to shoot and thats when nature photographers go in to take a nap.

Flaig shared many stories about his experiences seeking out the perfect shot, including one time when he spent 45 minutes walking around a tree to find the perfect angle.

It was a great tree, I just couldn't find the angle, Flaig said.

He uses a Fresnel lens when shooting birds, which amplifies the available light. He also uses a flash, which enhances the feather detail of the avians.

Flaig said its important to be patient when photographing wildlife and to get creative. He said a car can be used as a blind to shoot from. Most birds are used to seeing cars and arent bothered by them.

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Nature photographer inspires Breck Library