BJMarshall

Flamingo Two

I personally like the first flamingo face photo I posted, but this guy has so much vibrancy I couldn't resist.

I personally like the first flamingo face photo I posted, but this guy has so much vibrancy I couldn't resist.
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SONY SLT-A55V

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 1000 Shutter 1/2000 Focal Length 3000/10

upload_date

Sep, 2015

Views

526

Likes

+35

Awards

Staff Winter Selection 2015

Absolute Masterpiece

+15

Top Choice

+12

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Superior Skill

Peer Award

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The flamingoes were in their outdoor exhibit at the time, which made for a much easier photo session than would be inside in a much worse lighting situation.

Time

This was taken in the morning, closer to the afternoon. I remember because it was one of the last stops we went to before heading out, and as we left we saw the huge line-up of people wanting to get in, as the zoo was obviously more popular in the middle of the day. We were lucky we went in the morning, since there weren't many people around. This meant we could get close to an enclosure without worry of being pushed or feeling rushed.

Lighting

I had to work with what was given. Since the flamingoes were outside, the sun was shining directly on them. The first few shots were not good, with very harsh shadows. However, with a little bit of patience and luck that there were clouds in the sky, the shadows lessened and I was able to achieve a better photo.

Equipment

I don't remember the exact equipment, but I know my Sony A55 was used, most likely with my 55mm kit lens. I don't believe I used a tripod for this shot, as I wasn't in the habit of bringing it with me yet.

Inspiration

The only inspiration for this shot was the flamingoes. I love these silly looking birds, and spent quite a while watching them compared to the other animals. It was morning, so they were calm and mostly sleeping. I took advantage of the situation, knowing not many people would have taken a photo of them sleeping (or at least attempting to).

Editing

The only post-processing done was colour correcting, as the original file was quite bland.

In my camera bag

My Sony A55 (of course) as well as my 55mm kit lens, a 70-300mm telephoto, and my DT 2.8/30 SAM, because you never know when you'll need that macro shot in the field. I always make sure to have an ND filter, as well as a remote for long exposures. And of course a (charged) extra battery, because the one in my camera is always forgotten about.

Feedback

If you're wanting to take photos at zoos, go as close to opening time as possible, to skip the crowds. Depending on your location, the animals will also become more sluggish as the day goes on (and the heat rises), so brisk morning hours can be good for activity. When the afternoon roles around you may get some feeding sessions happening, which means the animals will become more irritable beforehand, while they wait for their food. This would be especially good if you want some shots of the predators walking around their enclosures.

See more amazing photos, follow BJMarshall

BJMarshall

BJMarshall

Flamingo Two

I personally like the first flamingo face photo I posted, but this guy has so much vibrancy I couldn't resist.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow BJMarshall

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