Birds imac 203 - 02-img_0087
A Black Bittern actually catching the fish, and a look of surprise on the fishes face.
A Black Bittern actually catching the fish, and a look of surprise on the fishes face.
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Jul, 2013Views
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Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Jaw Dropping
Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
My home is Chiangmai Thailand, I took this photo from the rear of my house, which looks out across some old flooded rice fields, water and fish enter from a small feeder stream each rainy season when it floods, this scene then attracts the water birds egrets, bitterns, herons kingfishers etcTime
The time was around 1-0pm, I think that time of day suits the birds for seeing their prey, and maybe the fish not seeing the birds, they do seem to be around more at that time of day, early morning and late evening not so much.Lighting
Shot at f10 and 1/60 shutter speed light was fair, but changeable, having to continually adjust using aperture control, iso was at 125.Equipment
My camera is a Canon 5D Mk 2, with a 100mm-400mm L lens, which I leave 99% of the time on 400 due to the birds being anything from 5-50 metres away or more, I would love a 4 or 500mm prime lens but being on a pension denies me that privilege. I do have a tripod but prefer to use a beanbag, I find it more controllable when swinging around to locate my quarry.Inspiration
I am truly very fortunate in having my house where it is, and not being too clever for walking any distance I make the most of what I have here, having only been doing photography as a serious amateur for four years, I just wish I had taken it up a lot sooner. But to be able to get this shot needs hours of practice, ( and some luck ) after a while you can sense when a bird is going to strike and be ready for it within mili seconds, firing off 3 or 4 shots in quick succession ups your chances of getting it.Editing
I do very little post processing, usually light and black, and cropping which is usually unavoidable when shooting birds, done in Adobe Lightroom.In my camera bag
Well as I already mentioned, for wildlife I use my canon 5D, with a 100mm-400mm L lens, general walk about I'll take my 24mm-105mm L lens, and for portrait my 50mm 1.4 lens. Lately Iv'e purchased a Fulifilm X-T1 for my short walkabout shooting, great camera.Feedback
First off you need a camera & lens that's capable, a DSLR if you can afford one with a 200mm lense or more, you need to be able to conceal yourself from the birds, and also make yourself comfortable, if your not comfy you won't stay the time necessary, because above all you need patience and plenty of it, many are the times I've given up and seconds later something will arrive !!!
