Shooting thru a screen patio
Aug 11, 2018 07:37:12 #
I have a couple of bird feeders right outside of my screened patio. Every morning a bounty of beautiful birds come out to feed, which I want to shoot. The issue is my screen.
They will stay feeding and ‘allow’ me to shoot as long as I stay inside, but the pictures do not come out as crisp, and I believe it’s due to the screen. Any shot of the feeders outside my screen are perfect.
Can’t go outside as they will scatter...
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. I am shooting with a Pentax K-1 ll. AF.
They will stay feeding and ‘allow’ me to shoot as long as I stay inside, but the pictures do not come out as crisp, and I believe it’s due to the screen. Any shot of the feeders outside my screen are perfect.
Can’t go outside as they will scatter...
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. I am shooting with a Pentax K-1 ll. AF.
Aug 11, 2018 07:55:08 #
regalm wrote:
I have a couple of bird feeders right outside of m... (show quote)
Use a tripod and focus manually on the feeder. Using a remote to trip the shutter will keep the camera steady. The closer the camera is to the screen, the better.
Aug 11, 2018 08:08:14 #
Why not cut a hole in the screen and get a bigger piece that you could Velcro over the hole to keep the bug away
Aug 11, 2018 08:27:53 #
If possible place a small tree or even a branch close to and higher than the feeder. Most birds will fly to the branch first, to check the coast is clear before descending to the feeder.
Have your camera peeping over the top of your screen (A small camouflage net sitting on top of your head and camera/lens will help, providing you don't move around too much).
The shots will be more pleasing than birds on a feeder.
Have your camera peeping over the top of your screen (A small camouflage net sitting on top of your head and camera/lens will help, providing you don't move around too much).
The shots will be more pleasing than birds on a feeder.
Aug 11, 2018 08:59:15 #
Aug 11, 2018 09:00:47 #
Thanks for all the feedback...there is a fence right behind a slightly above feeders....so they do post there. I will try the tripod see how that goes as cutting the screen is not a good option for me. It is a really high screened pool patio so o can’t shoot over it either...
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Aug 11, 2018 09:08:18 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
regalm wrote:
I have a couple of bird feeders right outside of m... (show quote)
Keep the lens up close to the screen, and use wide apertures. Also ensure that there is no light shining on the portion of the screen you’re shooting through.
Aug 11, 2018 12:25:26 #
I’d endorse the tripod and remote shooting option. CamRanger is a great (though not inexpensive) remote camera control option if it supports your particular camera.
Aug 11, 2018 15:47:46 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Use a tripod and focus manually on the feeder. Using a remote to trip the shutter will keep the camera steady. The closer the camera is to the screen, the better.
Does it require a Slower Sutter Speed too
For the Tripod and Shutter release cable
Aug 11, 2018 16:35:56 #
Aug 11, 2018 16:46:26 #
vonzip wrote:
Here's a fairly recent topic with some suggestions for a bird blind:Also a blind would work great. vz
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-526658-1.html
One low tech/low cost solution from that topic,
I read an article once in which the guy made a short term blind with a refrigerator box and some cheap spray paint (box was too light in color, glare etc scared birds). See if an appliance store will give you a box, a cutter to make windows and cheap paint to make it blend with the vegetation. Put in a lawn chair and you are in business.
Aug 11, 2018 17:23:31 #
tommy2
Loc: Fort Worth, Texas
I’ve been thinking a little about mounting a box with camera inside near a feeder and remotely taking shots when subjects might be in range. Sure would be hit or miss with many “misses” but could produce something better than what happens now shooting from right at 200 feet away. Might really give this a try - any suggestions?
Aug 11, 2018 19:58:27 #
Aug 12, 2018 06:08:02 #
regalm wrote:
I have a couple of bird feeders right outside of m... (show quote)
Many good suggestions here.
Too bad snipping a hole in the screen is not an option as that seems to be the best easy fix. Not sure about what a pool screen is though but it seems to be a barrier. Obtaining a blind though would be an excellent way to obtain the shots you want without going the hit or miss route. This allows you to set up and actually do the hole in the screen for the hood of the lens to be taped to and you are completely hidden so no motion is perceived. Birds can be skittish.
Here is a simple blind for $50.00, less than a filter.
https://www.mackspw.com/Ameristep-Doghouse-Ground-Blind-Realtree-Xtra?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtb_bBRCFARIsAO5fVvE0_k_CmQZtHhk5nB-128WygddLXzaCIP0CSA9QAsxxv27TmDeqsAoaAvCVEALw_wcB
Just set up inside and wait for those once in a lifetime shots with no fear of being seen. Run and extension cord from the house into it for your computer to be on UHH while shooting or a fan if it is warm. Have a cooler of your favorite beverages and food for a multi hour session of shooting.
Good luck.
Aug 12, 2018 06:18:37 #
My brother has 3 feeders and my sister has one humming bird feeder . If I go out and sit still with the camera ready . They will soon come back to feed , and then I take my shots . Works every time for me. I have sat or stood up to 4 hrs to get nature shots of different birds in the wild
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