Matt_Dittsworth

Brewers Blackbird Watching

This brewers blackbird was standing on one foot watching me, then stood still and watched as I took the photo!

This brewers blackbird was standing on one foot watching me, then stood still and watched as I took the photo!
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Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 100 Shutter 1/500 Focal Length 300/1

upload_date

Apr, 2015

Views

267

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nicely done.... nice compose.... good shot!

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

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Behind The Lens

Location

This is a photo I took in our backyard on day after feeding the birds in central valley of California. This black bird flew in and landed, along with other birds, like a yellow finch, purple finch and some sparrows. We have a small backyard, and the birds get more used to us as we sit out there with our camera's. So as this one flew in he watched as I took the photo, then when on to eat.

Time

I took this photo about 8am, with the sun about mid way up and almost behind the subject. This time of day here works well for capturing the birds as they eat.

Lighting

The lighting is natural light from the sun, and I liked how the eyes were lit up a bit by the angle of sun. These birds have really awesome eyes that glow, during the day in the right light. Not only do the eyes glow, but the feathers change colors depending on the angle you look at them.

Equipment

I shot this with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, EF75-300mm f/4 - 5.6 with no other equipment used.

Inspiration

My inspiration for this photo was the awesome looking eyes of these Brewers Blackbirds in the light. These birds intermingle with sparrows and finches in our yard. When this on basically stood there looking at me and his eyes glaring in the light really captured my interest and I thought that other would like it too. I wanted to line the photo up so that people could use it as a background too, and leave some room for creative thinking.

Editing

I use Lightroom for post processing, just for the development of the raw photo, I try hard to ensure to keep the photo as natural as possible, unless I'm going for a certain look. This photo, I just worked on the color a bit, to bring colors I see with my eyes to the photo.

In my camera bag

What I carry in my bag, is usually my other Canon lens, which is a EFS 18 - 55mm with an HD filter usually on. Also, sometimes I have a uni-pod. I don't carry a lot with me normally.

Feedback

Capturing photos of animals, I've found that being very patient and paying attention to what the animals do. With this on and the other birds in the back yard, I like to watch them and see what patterns they use, and wait with my eye to the camera and testing the light, just waiting for the look. This one was just looking at me, seemed to be waiting. But patience and being ready for that moment the bird or other animal does that one thing that will make the photo your looking for. One second of hesitation, when you see the shot, usually means it's too late. Thanks!

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Matt_Dittsworth

Matt_Dittsworth

Brewers Blackbird Watching

This brewers blackbird was standing on one foot watching me, then stood still and watched as I took the photo!

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Matt_Dittsworth

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