How do some of you do it?
Apr 14, 2016 20:47:35 #
I am specifically talking about capturing those fantastically sharp photos of zoomed-in birds (filling most of the image), that appear to be taken in wooded areas.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Apr 14, 2016 21:07:52 #
Some folks have lot of dollars invested in post processing goodies and know how to them. :)
Apr 14, 2016 21:15:34 #
Mike D. wrote:
Some folks have lot of dollars invested in post processing goodies and know how to them. :)
If that's all you think there is to it, you'll never get that kind of shot yourself.
Apr 14, 2016 21:23:26 #
DerBiermeister wrote:
I am specifically talking about capturing those fantastically sharp photos of zoomed-in birds (filling most of the image), that appear to be taken in wooded areas.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
When you don't have a long lens, getting closer is key in capturing detail along with exposure. If this type of photography interests you I'd suggest watching the following episode.
http://totallyoutdoorsimaging.com/portfolio_page/wild-photo-adventures-season-5/
Check out episode 8. Lots of great info...
Sometimes all you need is the equivalent to a 300 mm lens if you use a blind and have a bird studio setup in your backyard.
Apr 14, 2016 21:23:55 #
DerBiermeister wrote:
I am specifically talking about capturing those fantastically sharp photos of zoomed-in birds (filling most of the image), that appear to be taken in wooded areas.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
If you are really interested in birding/wildlife photography and want some really good reading on the subject, let me recommend Moose Peterson's new book Captured. Amazon has it, as I'm sure others do. It isn't a technical manual. It's listening to him tell you how he gets the shots. One thing I have learned from my reading of it is that background is the key. Having your subject front and center in that background makes a lot of difference.
EDIT:
Like the photo above that wasn't there before I posted. :-)
Apr 14, 2016 21:37:48 #
DerBiermeister wrote:
I am specifically talking about capturing those fantastically sharp photos of zoomed-in birds (filling most of the image), that appear to be taken in wooded areas.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Most of the people you mention have invested time like most other people never realize. Some of them have spent entire days sitting and waiting for one chance, one shot, one brief moment of decision. Your assumptions are grossly underestimated with the exception of the duration of a bird's roost. With hours of preparation and more hours of waiting those "few seconds" could result in an award winning shot, or a cover story in NatGeo. The idea that digital is instantaneous gratification in a fantasy. Photography, like everything else worthwhile requires major investments, of money, of effort, and of time. The more invested, the more profited. One last item that has to be part of the equation: LUCK! If your goal is to photograph an eagle, first thing you have to do is.......... find an eagle! If you can't find one, the rest is incedental.
Apr 14, 2016 22:31:17 #
It still amazes me how talented folks can capture birds in flight, amazingly sharp focus and action freezing detail. It reminds me of combining skeet shooting with portrait photography!
Apr 14, 2016 22:33:05 #
Take the time to just sit quietly and observe. There will be some trees/branches which will attract a higher number of birds than others. And birds, like many creatures in the animal kingdom, have a tendency to repeat patterns - you will see them often landing on the same branch again and again throughout the day. Not only patience, but close observation of behavior patterns is key.
Apr 14, 2016 22:46:06 #
rook2c4 wrote:
Take the time to just sit quietly and observe. There will be some trees/branches which will attract a higher number of birds than others. And birds, like many creatures in the animal kingdom, have a tendency to repeat patterns - you will see them often landing on the same branch again and again throughout the day. Not only patience, but close observation of behavior patterns is key.
And sometimes luck plays a part. Seems the more I shoot the luckier I get.
Apr 14, 2016 23:00:52 #
mcveed wrote:
And sometimes luck plays a part. Seems the more I shoot the luckier I get.
True indeed, mcveed. And the greater amount patience and persistence, the better the odds. Perhaps that is why your luck is increasing.
Apr 14, 2016 23:02:47 #
moonhawk wrote:
So right! :roll:If that's all you think there is to it, you'll never get that kind of shot yourself.
Apr 14, 2016 23:42:35 #
rook2c4 wrote:
There will be some trees/branches which will attract a higher number of birds than others. And birds, like many creatures in the animal kingdom, have a tendency to repeat patterns - you will see them often landing on the same branch again and again throughout the day.
There will be some trees/branches which will attract a higher number of birds than others. And birds, like many creatures in the animal kingdom, have a tendency to repeat patterns - you will see them often landing on the same branch again and again throughout the day.
This I didn't know
Apr 15, 2016 00:27:20 #
I would never imply that LUCK has anything to do with it!! :thumbup:
Apr 15, 2016 01:11:45 #
Capturing great images of song birds is actually quite easy if you know how and have the necessary gear. You need a spot, and place that you can prep. You strategi cally place feeders amongst natural perches and position yourself where you can get clear shots but not too close to scare the birds.
Place camera on gimbal on tripod, make sure everything is set correctly and wait. When the birds show up, take as many photos as possible. Save the keepers, delete the rest.
Good luck.
Place camera on gimbal on tripod, make sure everything is set correctly and wait. When the birds show up, take as many photos as possible. Save the keepers, delete the rest.
Good luck.
Apr 15, 2016 03:05:09 #
DerBiermeister wrote:
I am specifically talking about capturing those fantastically sharp photos of zoomed-in birds (filling most of the image), that appear to be taken in wooded areas.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Assuming each shot took a fair amount of time to compose, and also probable use of a tripod -- how do you know the bird is going be on that specific branch at that time? My experience is that birds don't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.
Grasshopper you are beginning to understand the challenges of BIF photography.
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