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KalleP

Hawfinch

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

settings

Aperture f/11 ISO 640 Shutter 1/640 Focal Length 600/1

upload_date

Apr, 2017

Views

491

Likes

+72

Awards

People's Choice in In the backyard Photo Challenge

Peer Choice Award

Peer Award

+19

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Outstanding Creativity

Emotions

Impressed

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 1

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Top 20 rank week 1

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Top 30 rank week 1

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Top 30 rank

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken near my parents house. There is small forest that I have turned into a bird habitat with feeding and drinking stations, nesting locations and nest boxes. I have around 10 different species living in the habitat.

Time

That specific location has the best light in the afternoon. . This photo was taken between 2PM and 3PM in end of April.

Lighting

Depending on time of year the light changes the background color from white-blue (snow covered spruce trees) or golden yellow in the evenings. This location enables taking photos even during daytime with harsh lighting conditions.

Equipment

Camera: Canon EOS-1D X mark II Lens: Canon EF 600mm F4 IS II Tripod: Gitzo + Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II Portable blind.

Inspiration

I took this image and many other images in that day because of background I was getting. It separates the subject so clearly, no distractions, yet it is interesting. It is usually not very good time to take photos in the middle of the day when the sunlight is harsh. But that specific location it is possible to take photos even with very harsh light and get really good photos.

Editing

Picture is cropped from landscape to portrait orientation. Increased contrast and saturation.

In my camera bag

Since I mostly photograph birds and wildlife I carry the 600mm F4 lens with my 1DX Mark II. On a longer hikes I sometimes carry Canon 400mm F5.6 and a Canon 7D Mark II. I often use Canon 2x III teleconverter with my 600mm F4 and 1DX Mark II.

Feedback

Find the background that works, check that the sunlight is from behind you and go from there. In winter times you can set up some bird feeders and branches and small birds will find the location quite quickly. Provide variety of foods to increase interest from different species. I have setup feeders with 6 different types of food and roughly 10 different species of birds visit the location daily. Odds of getting good pictures will increase if you use a blind or a hide.

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KalleP

KalleP

Hawfinch

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow KalleP

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