Cardinal
May, 2023Views
545
Likes
Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Summer Views Award
Contender in the Visual Poetry Project
Flawless Summer Award
Picture Perfect Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I shot this at a wildlife preserve near my home. I went there during my lunch break and hung out near the bird feeders.Time
This was right around noon. I only had an hour for lunch in which to drive across town, get a few shots, and drive back to work.Lighting
Even though it was the middle of the day I didn't have to be concerned about harsh lighting because of the heavy tree cover. This wasn't a matter of planning the best time of the day when the lighting was best. It was going when I had time available. The wildlife preserve had filled bird feeders and fortunately, this guy came in for a bite to eat.Equipment
I had little time and had to walk about two miles round trip, so I carried nothing except my camera with a long zoom lens. Needless to say, this shot was hand held.Inspiration
This was less about inspiration and more about being in the right spot. The wildlife preserve had bird feeders out, so I went and stood near them.Editing
I typically turn down the highlights and open up the shadows, and I adjust the whites and blacks. On this one I had to use a pretty high ISO, so I also had to do some noise reduction.In my camera bag
I normally carry a short zoom, a long zoom, my tripod, and a cable release. This day I had only my camera and a long zoom.Feedback
Don't wait for the ideal-lighting times of day. Just go shoot what you see. I don't know how often I've not gone out because it wasn't the golden hour. But this day I only had my lunch hour and this wildlife preserve isn't even open during the golden hours.
