JPP300
FollowViews
957
Likes
Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in Negative Space Photo Contest
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Love it
Top Ranks
alishastevens
April 03, 2015
Very cool image! I love the feeling invoked in this image. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took the image at a reservoir in Tring, Buckinghamshire. The reservoirs are man made and have a regular population of terns each year.Time
I went to the reservoir early in the morning to take advantage of the light and was hoping for some mist on the water too. Unfortunately there wasn't any mist but the light was lovely as the sun rose higher.Lighting
The birds were fishing over different areas of the reservoir so I had to wait until they were near to me and I got lots of images of them side on. I found that following them from far away in the viewfinder I was able to get images as they plummeted into the water to catch a fish.Equipment
I used a nikon 600mm f4 lens with a D4 body on a Gitzo tripod for support and a hide from Wildlife Watching Supplies to hide at the waters edge.Inspiration
I was hoping to get the image as I had been exploring fine art photography and wanted to try similar techniques with wildlife.Editing
I edited in camera RAW darkening down the shadows slightly to increase the contrast between the dark background and white bird. I also applied some dodging and burning to localised areas to highlight the water rings.In my camera bag
I tailor my kit to whatever I'm shooting so it varies, usually two D4 bodies 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 lenses if it's not wildlife. SB900's for flash and pocket wizards to trigger them off camera. If it's wildlife I use D4 300mm f2.8 or 600mm f4Feedback
Look for a dark background behind the area you are hoping to shoot at, stick to one bird and track it as it moves rather than chasing them all. Before taking any shots watch for 10-15 minutes yo see if there are any patterns to the flight route or indications that they are going to drop. When the terns spot a fish they flare the wings and tail to slow down and change direction this is when to react and follow them as they drop. Keep AF on continuos focus and at the fastest burst rate your camera has. Keep trying and eventually you will get some great shots.