ToadsInTheHole
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1247
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Awards
Chatter Award
Top Shot Award 22
People's Choice in Nature in Spring Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Birds Photo Challenge
Winner in Nature Highlights of 2019 Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Fledglings Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Genius
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Categories
jackiegoodwin
December 11, 2019
so sweet - thank you for entering your lovely photo into my challenge "animals of any kind" - good luck
ToadsInTheHole
February 14, 2020
Thank you, there were so many fantastic images that I am amazed it won!
Katnott
May 15, 2020
Love love this photo!!!
The detail and reflections is awesome. So cute how only one is looking forward all the other are busy doing their thing. Great action shot in nature just love it! Kat
The detail and reflections is awesome. So cute how only one is looking forward all the other are busy doing their thing. Great action shot in nature just love it! Kat
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was taken at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire, UK. It was one of those lovely fresh spring days where it is just too good to spend kicking around indoors and a great excuse to get the kids off their phones! There is a lovely lake, with a wooded side and other next to the old house (built where the castle once stood).Time
Taken around 16:30 5th May 2019, where I know there is some softer light positions due to the trees and bushes (also makes a good natural hide when observing the more sensitive birds).Lighting
Although it was a bright spring afternoon, the trees offered a nice bit of shade to soften the lighting up and avoiding harsh contrast of light and shadeEquipment
I used my Canon 70D and 70-200 F4 L series lens (one of my favourite lenses and actually secondhand offers amazing value for money) The shot was handheld at 200mm and F4 to try and prevent any camera shake.Inspiration
My family and I were enjoying watching the goslings charge around the lake chasing each other and getting stuck in the weed when all of a sudden they stopped and hopped onto a branch in the water for a rest. As they jostling for position and cleaning themselves I noticed the middle gosling seemed to be fascinated by a toddler also looking at the birds. It was at this point I took the shot.Editing
Some, more around tweaking the contrast and curves a little, plus a subtle vignetteIn my camera bag
I will always have my Canon 70D (sometimes my 50D too if I know I am going to need to use two different lenses regularly) then for lenses my Canon 15-85 (my go to general purpose lens), 70-200 F4 L series and the nifty fifty top value F1.8 lens.Feedback
These are pretty straightforward, just make sure the light is soft, have a zoom lens and go as low as possible to try to get close to the eye level of the bird you are shooting (photographically of course!!)