close iframe icon
approved icon sallycarey avatar Ultimate
sallycarey
Winter is Here
Banner

Winter is Here



behind the lens badge
cameraNIKON D7000

settings Aperture f/5.6 ISO 400 Shutter 1/500 Focal Length 300/1 

upload_dateDec, 2015

Views

1053

Likes

Awards

Contest Finalist in Show Snowflakes Photo Contest
Winner in Birds in Winter Photo Challenge
Winner in Birds in Winter Photo Challenge
Peer Award
newjersey1988 ellu morayfirth123 KeepOnShootin meganhaderphotography daliaa magipiuskiuleva +8
Absolute Masterpiece
winnerslens31 Steve_Thomas countryside beckyreding genarogutierrez Pop_Gabriela timholmes_7295 +2
Superb Composition
Capture-Life Leresis Anniemotion MunroWalker Rosley debiparker
Top Choice
bryanlwilliams maryhaddock sue-zon bojben kimsnow72 Foxyphotos
Superior Skill
mariadel Ryanbrookskiwi ShellyRwanda
Love it
lynseymccord

Emotions

Impressed
GraemeCamera

Top Ranks

Monochrome Masters ProjectTop 20 rank
Monochrome Masters ProjectTop 20 rank week 1
A World In Black And White Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Snow Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Snow Photo ContestTop 10 rank week 2
View more
Snow Photo ContestTop 10 rank week 1
Animals In Black And White Photo ContestTop 20 rank
Animals In Black And White Photo ContestTop 30 rank week 1
Birds On Branches Photo ContestTop 20 rank
Birds On Branches Photo ContestTop 10 rank week 1
Rule Of Thirds Photo Contest v2Top 10 rank
Rule Of Thirds Photo Contest v2Top 10 rank week 2
Rule Of Thirds Photo Contest v2Top 10 rank week 1
Snow In Black And White Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Wicked Weather Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Show Snowflakes Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Show Snowflakes Photo ContestTop 10 rank week 1
Image of the Year Photo Contest 2016Top 10 rank
Image of the Year Photo Contest 2016Top 10 rank week 1
Details In Black And White Photo ContestTop 20 rank
Details In Black And White Photo ContestTop 30 rank week 2
Visual Poetry Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Details In Black And White Photo ContestTop 30 rank week 1
Visual Poetry Photo ContestTop 10 rank week 2
Visual Poetry Photo ContestTop 10 rank week 1
Playing With Exposure Photo ContestTop 10 rank
Playing With Exposure Photo ContestTop 20 rank week 1
Isolate And Simplify Photo ContestTop 30 rank
Isolate And Simplify Photo ContestTop 20 rank week 1
Force Of Nature Photo ContestTop 30 rank week 1
Feathers In Black And White Photo ContestTop 20 rank
Feathers In Black And White Photo ContestTop 20 rank week 1
Covers Photo Contest Vol 27Top 20 rank
Covers Photo Contest Vol 27Top 30 rank week 1
Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 5Top 10 rank
Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 5Top 10 rank week 1

Categories

Submitted to Photo Contests

Tags

#junco #bird #snow #winter #branch #nature #black & white
See all

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo from the position of hanging out a window in my three season room off the back of the house. It's the perfect room for getting a good view of the yard were I have a few bird feeders. Also, I can close the patio doors and prevent my husband from freezing! I'm sure my neighbors get their daily dose of entertainment watching me when I'm shooting in the yard in a variety of positions!

Time

It was a very cloudy day so I waited until the afternoon to get better natural light through the clouds and for a better covering of snow. After watching the birds for months, you notice that they flock in and out of the yard at certain times of the day.

Lighting

I love shooting in natural light and was aware that the snow could cause an over blown photo, so I was careful to keep adjusting my exposure. The birds move from place to place so settings need to be checked and changed when needed. I rarely use on or off camera flash when photographing birds. I want optimum speed for a sharp photo. I have not yet used studio lights outside, but will give it a try when the weather is good.

Equipment

I used a Nikon 7000 camera with a Nikon 300mm VR ED 4.5f lens. No filters or hood needed. I did not use a tripod because I needed to move from window to window quickly.

Inspiration

First of all, I love this little Junco bird that migrates during winter to the cold midwest of the USA from the northern mountains of Canada. I love the simple beauty of it's defined black and white coloring which makes me feel like it's wearing a tuxedo. The junco is a calm bird, not as flighty as the other birds and that makes photographing it mush easier. Sometimes I feel as if it is posing for me. When I woke that morning and saw the gentile, soft snow falling, I knew what my mission was for the day. I am so lucky to have a huge yard where I can photograph nature whenever it calls me.

Editing

The original photo was shot in color and when I saw the depth of the background color, I knew it would look good in black & white and yet let the bird `pop'. I loved how the dark background colors off to the side gave a nice mood. I used Lightroom 5 and added just the slightest touch of the color blue to the photo.

In my camera bag

My Nikon 750 is my camera of choice. I have a variety of lens, so it depends on what and where I will be shooting. There was a time when I carried many lens with me, but that became a problem with my arthritis . So I pick one lens and then add my Nikon `nifty' fifty. This method has taught me to get very familiar with each lens. I always pack hoods, filters, extra battery, memory cards and lens cleaners. I have extra tripods in each of my cars. All of my lens are Nikon FX.

Feedback

When trying to capture a bird/birds, always watch them and observe their actions and habits, each type of bird has it's own different habits. Focus on the eye of the bird. Sometimes it just a few steps one way or other to get the eye out of the shadows. Be patient and give it time, move slowly so that you don't keep scaring the bird. Have fun, if you don't get a good shot.....there's always tomorrow!

See more amazing photos, follow sallycarey

User photo
It’s your time to shine! ☀️

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Already a member? Log In

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, and acknowledge you've read our Privacy Policy Notice.