Falling in Love
A pair of lovely kestrels.
A pair of lovely kestrels.
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Apr, 2015Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Legendary Award
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Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 1
Contest Finalist in Feathers Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in 850 Birds On Branches Photo Contest
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Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Genius
Superior Skill
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claudia_lothering_1704
April 22, 2015
Absolutely stunning - I love the emotion this shot evokes - it is not the great technique you used but also the emotion you captured so well. Congrats
dcortell
April 22, 2015
Thanks Claudia! This is one of my favourite shots, and you've described exactly how I feel about it. I have this one framed on my wall at home! :-)
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy in Vittoria, Ontario, Canada. It was during a Raptors in Flight seminar where the photographers were gaining experience in photographing the birds in flight as well as perched.Time
The photograph was taken near noon, which didn't help with respect to the lighting, but the weather was on our side and there were the right amount of clouds in the sky to take the harshness out of the environment.Lighting
A Speedlight was in use, set to manual and low, just to help add some fill-light to the subjects. Not all photographers were using flash photography during the session, but it really did help to bring some of the details and colours out of the subjects.Equipment
This shot was taken with my trusty Canon 1100D (T3) and my 55-250mm EFS lens and a Yongnuo flash (manual). The camera was hand-held.Inspiration
It's always been a dream to photograph these beautiful birds in flight, and a photography session with these subjects is a fantastic learning experience. The environment is safe for both the birds and the photographer, where you can hone your skills and have several chances at "getting that shot". I walked away with more shots than I expected, along with a wealth of knowledge that I would not have otherwise had such an opportunity to practice. I've since taken what I've learned and applied it to non-captive birds and found that my photography has steadily improved from the techniques I learned and applied at this session.Editing
Outside of the normal exposure and contrast adjustments within Lightroom, one tether was cloned out from one of the bird's leg using Photoshop since these are captive birds of prey.In my camera bag
I typically travel with my two prime lenses (24mm and 50mm) as well as my 18mm-55mm kit lens and my trusty 55mm-250mm telephoto. I keep one Speedlight, extra batteries and my Manfrotto compact tripod on the outside of the bag. Don't forget that valuable Rocket Blower for getting rid of dust!Feedback
Definitely keep an eye out for any Birds of Prey seminars being held in your area. Check Meet-up Groups, Photography Clubs, etc. They will all provide you with a gateway to a wealth of photography that you wouldn't otherwise gain access to. Once you've developed your eye and your skills, go out into nature and photograph as much as you can. Make it a practice to never leave your camera bag at home...there have been a few times in the past where I've kicked myself for not having my camera on me... And most of all....Love what you're doing.
