Behind The Lens With chipbhi - photo A crow at Sunset

Here is something we can learn from chipbhi about the techniques and story behind this awarded photo.

There are 2 things that chipbhi loves: shooting pictures and capturing great color!

1. chipbhi,where did you take this photo?

I took this photo in my yard. We have pretty spectacular sunsets here.

2. What time of day?

It was just before dusk.

3. Anything worth sharing about lighting?

I was talking to my neighbor, when we suddenly realized that the sunset that day was spectacular. My neighbor is used to me running to get my camera when we have a beautiful sunset, so he understood when I left him. When the sun is setting and the sky is beautiful, you have very little time to get the shot. The colors change by the second at that time of day.

4. What equipment did you use?

I was using my Canon 5D Mark II and a 100-400mm Canon zoom lens. No filters.

5. What inspired you to take this photo?

The sunset was just so beautiful, how could I not take the shot? And the crow seemed to feel the same way about it that I did.

6. Did you do any post-processing? If yes, tell us about it!

Yes, I did do post processing. I used Photomatix Pro to combine several images to create this look via HDR. I used an older version of Photomatix Pro, which I liked much better than I do the current version.

7. What equipment do you normally have in your bag?

I normally have a Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon 7D. I usually carry a variety of lenses, including my 100-400mm Canon zoom, a fish eye zoom from canon, and a 28-135 zoom.

8. Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?

I would say have your camera ready every day at sunset and pre-choose your lens. I shoot a lot of HDR, and I usually do it hand-held. With sunsets, there is little time to set up a tripod.

Discover chipbhi's photographic style and techniques.

A crow at Sunset by chipbhi