starling
I just love these birds. They might be noisy and they might eat everything I put out for other birds, but they are stunning....
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I just love these birds. They might be noisy and they might eat everything I put out for other birds, but they are stunning.
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Jan, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I am lucky enough to have these stunning birds visit my garden most days, as I have a bird feeding station that attracts various species. For this shot I traveled no further than my sitting room and simply waited for a Starling to perch in front of me. It's only a small 40ft garden, with the wall and roof of a neighbours house behind that usefully creates a plain backdrop.Time
The shot was taken mid-morning on a fairly dull grey day, with a dull grey background. Obviously being a wild bird, it comes when it wants too, not when I want it too! Any wildlife photographer, whether a hobby guy like me, or a professional will agree that it would be great if birds would turn up at more photogenic times.Lighting
My style as a hobby photographer, means I rarely have the opportunity to plan, create or choose suitable lighting, particularly as I tend to take wildlife and landscape shots on my days off, with no specific aim. I simply walk, stand, point and shoot in the hope something usable comes of it.Equipment
I own a Sony A380 and luckily had my Tamron 500mm lens on at the time, hand held and no flash. I simply got away with it this time!Inspiration
My inspiration for photography is mainly to capture memories. I've always had a reasonable interest in birds and wildlife, seeking out what I can, when I can from my local English countryside. Landscapes are becoming an increasing focus of my photography, particularly on holidays and the question of "What might I see" plays a major part in deciding vacation destinations....that and money!Editing
I really don't get this 'post-processing' topic. Admittedly I'll crop images to suit my eye and maybe tweak the contrast or exposure, but rarely do I spend ages creating something that I didn't see! To me, post-processing is a different medium of art, it's not photography, it's digital art. I'm not demeaning photographers that do post-process as I admire their skills and peer award many on Viewbug, but it's not for me.In my camera bag
I'm a lazy photographer who hates carrying bags. I usually go out with my Sony A380 camera with one lens attached and that's it. Invariably on my walks there will be a moment to say "blast, got the wrong lens". On the rare occasion when I do have a bag, it contains a few ND Grad filters and the usual 18-55mm Sony lens, plus Tamron 300mm and 500mm zoom lenses. My wife's shoulder will often act as my monopod/tripod.Feedback
With wildlife, patience is the key (something I generally lack). Given the chance, I'll observe the movements of a subject to see if it repeats certain movements, or makes repeated visits to the same spot. This way you can set up your camera in the right spot and take some practice shots for light and focus etc. From then on it's luck and timing. Just do your homework first.
