Give me a cracker now
May, 2013Views
723
Likes
Awards
Fall Award 2020
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Genius
Jaw Dropping
Exceptional Contrast
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank week 1
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Categories
PRO+
PRO+
Platinum
ZingersMom
January 27, 2017
Pretty good capture. If you had it to do over again, try to include all of the bird (feet, in this instance) in the photo. This could be cropped closer at the top. Other than that, details, sharpness, color are excellent!
PRO+
jgalarza70
January 27, 2017
This poor parrot did not have a toe nail on it. I did notwant to show its deformity. it was purposly removed
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was taken in a local Bird store in Poconos Pennsylvania. The store wanted to do a 2 page spread in a local magazine for advertisements. This Blue Gold macaw was fascinated by me. First he ripped my hat off my head and then he watched and followed me where ever I went. He seemed to love the camera also. This is him as he began reaching out to grab my lens.Time
This shot was in the evening around 6:30 pm . It was starting to get dark outside but since this was a business they did not want any interruptions to the business. Had to do this shoot after closing time.Lighting
Since it was getting dark outside and the Store had diffused florescent lighting with dark purple I did not want to be under exposed so I used a Canon flash with a diffuser pointing at the ceiling to bounce the light. I was afraid to direct flash these birds and spook them. Also direct flash in a birds eyes creates a Smokey grey dull hue in their eyes. Since the wall behind the Bird was dark grey I used a secondary speed light to help brighten up the color to get better contrast with the blue and gold color of the feathers.Equipment
Used a canon 7D hand held with a canon sped light mounted and a second speed light on a stand facing the backgroundInspiration
Took several different species of birds for this shoot but this guy was my friend. He connected with me right away. He came a long way climbing over other parrots and wood stands to get up close and personal with me. He was a good subject despite his constant moving.Editing
Used Lightroom to import the Raw file and light touch ups. nothing too fancy.In my camera bag
I have to admit I am a gear junkie. I believe in the mantra "better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it" .My bag or bags weigh a ton. Always carry 2 bodied. 7D, 7D Mk II, 5D Mk II, 5D Mk IV. Several prime lenses all canon, 85mm, 70 to 200mm. 17 to 40 mm, 50mm and many other sigma and Tamron Lenses. Two Canon 600ex speed lights with external portable battery packs. Usually bring many filters and polarizers, a tripod, and monopodFeedback
The best advice I can give with the unpredictability of animals is be patient. Birds in particular never stop moving. You can have the perfect shot and in a blink of an eye it is gone. We do not have the luxury to say hold that pose for me. Shoot like you have unlimited storage space. Make your light and interact with the animal to get them used to you.
