ashtonkaleigh
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. The Aviary was amazing! So many beautiful birds loose in a lovely environment.Time
This was early in the afternoon. I don't remember the hour exactly but the sun was harsh. The foliage offered a little shade though.Lighting
As a painter, I picked up photography to learn more about lighting. Lighting is so very important. Not only because it is how the camera collects data but it can create or capture mood, tell you something about the time or setting. Never underestimate the power of good light whether you're a natural light photographer or you use artificial lighting.Equipment
Just a monopod and my Canon T3 DSLR, yes it's old and yes it's bare bones but you can take a great picture with almost any camera if you know how to use it.Inspiration
I am also a painter and animal lover so natural beauty always inspires me to shoot. This visit to the zoo was primarily to capture these kind of opportunities.Editing
I did some minor adjusting in Lightroom 5. If I get my initial settings right when I take the photo, I don't have to adjust much more than the basics (contrast, whites, blacks, highlights, saturation, etc.).In my camera bag
I have a small camera backpack from Canon where I keep my Canon T3, 18-55 mm Macro Lens, 75-300mm Zoom Lens, Yongnuo EF 50mm Prime Lens, Yongnuo 560 III Speedlight, Yongnuo 560 IV Speedlight, and smaller accessories like wireless remote, gels for the speedlights, diffusers, and more. My gear is relatively light and inexpensive. As much as I love gear, I don't want to have to worry about losing stuff or carrying heavy items. I try to be creative with what I have.Feedback
I think knowing your gear is so very important so that when you have a good subject you don't waste time figuring out how to take the shot. Patience is key when photographing wildlife and composition is always important. When I took this shot I had to wait for people to not be in the shot, find an interesting angle to get the birds, and I had to squat down low.