IvorW

Single Silvereye

Sitting on the railing of my deck, eating oranges

Sitting on the railing of my deck, eating oranges
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Canon EOS 600D

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 400 Shutter 1/250 Focal Length 214/1

location

New Zealand

upload_date

May, 2020

Views

157

Likes

+40

Awards

People's Choice in shallowdepthofield Photo Challenge

Peer Award

+10

Top Choice

Magnificent Capture

Absolute Masterpiece

Superb Composition

All Star

Virtuoso

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

Behind The Lens

Location

I set up my camera in my lounge looking out onto the railing outside. I was careful to clean the glass of the window. the deck railing is 2m from the window and I set the camera up inside on a tripod with a remote shutter release.

Time

This was taken at midday as I did not need any oblique light on the window. These birds are very active during the heat of the day, and less so toward the evening.

Lighting

This is just natural light, the house is white in colour causing enough natural light to bounce off the walls and envelope the subject

Equipment

I used my Canon 600D with a Canon 24-105 Lens on a tripod and with a wireless remote control. I did not use a flash. I used the Lock Mirror function and placed the camera as close to the window as the tripod would allow. I then retreated to the back of the room where I could observe and trigger the camera when a bird landed.

Inspiration

We have some of these Silver Eye's birds in the garden and it is difficult to get a good shot of them in the trees. They are very skittish and fly away at the slightest provocation or sound. I wanted a clear shot, and placed some oranges out for them to eat, it took over an hour before they got enough courage to leave the trees and land on the railing. I was anticipating getting a really close up shot and the result was just as expected.

Editing

I did a little with Paintshop Pro, mainly on Brightness and Contrast, otherwise the photo is as shot.

In my camera bag

I have a 5DMk 11 and a 600D in my bag, my lenses include a 24-105, 75-300, 28 and 50mm along with the two kit lenses that came with the 600D an 18-55 and 55-250. I have two times converter as well as a screw in Macro lens. Three Yongnuo flash units, with remote on camera controller, a wireless shutter release and two Tripods and a Monopod make up the core of what is in my bag. I have an assortment of cleaning kit, and a really useful camera raincoat that has come in handy in winter in New Zealand.

Feedback

Birds can be wonderful subjects, and if you are able to put out food, you can control the photo taking area. Consider lighting, where the shadows will fall. If you can work with a remote camera this will always stand you in good stead as you can get good definition if the subject is close. Consider using the Mirror Lock function if your camera supports this as it is quieter and you will get less camera shudder. And just enjoy yourself, you may need to take a few shots to get one like this.

See more amazing photos, follow IvorW

IvorW

IvorW

Single Silvereye

Sitting on the railing of my deck, eating oranges

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow IvorW

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