margaretthomas
FollowViews
858
Likes
Awards
Top Shot Award
Community Choice Award
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo on a photography group holiday at Kingussie Scotland. I love red squirrels so was over the moon when I learned that they were on the list for our shoot for the day. This was my first camera and my first ever photography tour, I was so nervous. I knew nothing about cameras so my settings are a bit off.Time
This was taken in the morning or early afternoon. We had to sit for a long time before any squirrels appeared. It was dry at the time and later rained.Lighting
The light was just about right but when I viewed it on the computer the trees in the background which were silver birch were a bit glaring and I thought it spoiled the overlook of the photo.Equipment
I used the 500mm lens, a Nikon D7000, A f/16, ISO 400, Shutter 1/1, Focal length 400 and I used a Velbon tripod.Inspiration
It was my new camera and the fact that I love red squirrels, I wanted to get some good shots. A lot of my photos didn't turn out so well but I did manage to get a few good ones.Editing
As I said the background was a bit overpowering so I used a vignette to darken the edges and focus more on the squirrel. I also use a small crop to tighten the squirrel to emphasize the greatness of the squirrel itself and I wanted to show the squirrel was eating a nut. I cropped out some of the heathers at the front of the photo as I thought it wasn't really needed. I only edited this photo years after it was originally taken this is when I had discovered how to use editing software such as Adobe Photoshop.In my camera bag
Usually, I have a Nikon D7000, a 20-40 lens, a 70-300 lens, and a macro lens. Remote control and extra speed light and some filters, which I rarely use, I haven't learned how to use them properly yet, that is my next task.Feedback
With red squirrels they move so fast, very rarely they stand still for very long but take your time, be patient the right photo will be waiting for you. It will be a bit of a hit and miss at times as they are so fast but keep going and good luck!