green bee eater
Oct, 2014Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I had visited a lake in Bangalore, India where I live - primarily to shoot the migratory pelicans that had arrived in large numbers. I chanced upon this Green Bee Eater in a tree - easily one of my best photos.Time
This photo was taken at about 8:00AM - right after I had finished with shooting the pelicans and about to head home.Lighting
I was really lucky with the lighting - the sun was behind the bee eater and hence provided great lighting on the feathers. It is the lightg in this photo that makes it so special and stand out.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon 7D and a Sigma 150-500mm lens (@500mm) - handheld.Inspiration
Quite honestly, I chanced upon the bee eater after I had finished my shoot of pelicans at the lake. Once I spotted it, it was a matter of waiting for the right "pose" because they don't really sit still. I took several photos before it decided to hop onto this one branch with the light coming in from the back - provided me with just what I was waiting for.Editing
I did a little bit of post processing in Lightroom - primarily lifting the shadows in front of the bee eater and sharpening it a bit.In my camera bag
It really depends on what I intend to do. If I am out doing wildlife photography I carry the Canon 7D with the Sigma 150-500mm and the Canon 17-55mm (to take care of landscapes). For other travels not involving wildlife, I carry the Canon 7D along with the Canon 17-55mm and the Sigma 18-300 (which is a great walkabout lens - especially useful for street photography)Feedback
I think you need to pick your spot - a good vantage point that will give you access to the subject while at the same time looking for decent lighting. A little bit of ground work needs to be done to determine where the vantage point really is. After that, it is all about waiting for the right "pose" - patience is what it takes to get a good photo.
