bearinmybackyard

seagull parade of 1

Well, this seagull definitely marches to a different drummer. He looked like he was his own little parade. lol

Well, this seagull definitely marches to a different drummer. He looked like he was his own little parade. lol
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NIKON D3200

settings

Aperture f/6.3 ISO 400 Shutter 1/2000 Focal Length 200/1

upload_date

Mar, 2015

Views

981

Likes

+87

Awards

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Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 20

Peer Award

+40

Top Choice

$kazimierzfrackowski$ +12

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo at the duck pond section of Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam, BC that many wild birds and animals call home, viewing it as a safe place to spend some time. Ironically Lafarge Lake is a small lake in the middle of a sports complex frequented by many people

Time

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in March. I was walking down to meet my husband so I decided to stop at the lake and check out the wild bird and animal activity. Many different wild birds, from Great Blue Herons to multiple species of ducks hang out there.A balance between people and wildlife in the urban setting has allowed these creatures to not be startled by the presence of people, so it is great for photographers. Since I had a new camera , I wanted to try taking photos of birds in flight and various wing presentations by the birds.

Lighting

Luckily, although it was a sunny day, it was past noon so the sun was not directly overhead, but there would be reflection off the water. I knew I would have to make sure that the sun was behind me. I set the aperture for f:6 and the shutter speed to 1/2000 to cut the glare from the water also.

Equipment

It took this photo with a Nikkon DX3200 with a 55mm - 200mm lens with the hood on. I didn't have my tripod so instead, I braced my legs with a wide stance for body stabilization as I took the photo.

Inspiration

I have discovered that seagulls give the best dramatic wing presentations without being in flight. Seagulls are "DRAMA QUEENS" who use their wings do demonstrate a kind of dominance when angry at other seagulls. This "drama queen" seagull was actually marching through the water at the edge of the shore towards another seagull. It was just so funny to watch it and the wing presentation was magnificent, so I just had to take the shot.

Editing

I wanted to really bring out the effect of the marching feet in the water, so using WINDOWS PHOTO GALLERY, I lowered the highlights to the minimum setting and increased the shadows so that you could see the detail of the raised water caused by the feet moving. I also increased the contrast and colour temperature to bring out the wing detail.

In my camera bag

I always have my camera, lens, hood, lens cleaner, extra battery, extra SD CARD, LENS PEN, MONOPOD, a FIRST AID KIT and a phone with the various wildlife rescue organizations phone numbers on speed dial. If you are into photographing wildlife,there will be times you will come across creatures in distress and I believe that we have a moral obligation to at least call to try and get them help if possible.

Feedback

In photographing wildlife, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Always let family know where you are going and what route you are taking. Bring your phone and activate the "location". Have a first aid kit because you may become so engrossed in your shot that you won't notice where you are walking. Make a mental note of the landscape around you. Wear appropriate clothing so that if you are walking in the trails, you won't have to worry about deer tics getting on you [ they are source of LYME DISEASE]. No shot is worth your safety or that of the animals or bird you are photographing.

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bearinmybackyard

bearinmybackyard

seagull parade of 1

Well, this seagull definitely marches to a different drummer. He looked like he was his own little parade. lol

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow bearinmybackyard

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