the bird spotter 3
Dec, 2013Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Human Silhouettes Photo Contest by Westcott
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at a place called Wicken Fen near Cambridge in the UK. It's a pretty unique nature reserve which gets many visitors, especially bird watchers.Time
It was about 4pm on a Sunday afternoon.Lighting
I was spoilt for the lighting because it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. The sky went from pinks, lilacs and purples to deep reds and oranges. The whole sky was transformed to a natural masterpiece.Equipment
I only had my camera with me which is a Fuji HS10 bridge camera. I didn't have a tripod with me so used my knee to get this shot.Inspiration
The inspiration for this shot simply came from me being fortunate enough to be behind a big group of bird watchers. They were part of a coach trip which had come to see a pair of Marsh Harriers returning to their roosting spot. It struck me that not only did the group of people make great subjects for silhouettes, but it was quite unique to be "spying" on the bird watchers rather than the birds themselves.Editing
The only post processing was a slight crop.In my camera bag
I'm an on a minimal budget photographer so don't have a vast array of equipment. I have a few different filters, a fish eye lens and a Raynox macro lens. Apart from a couple of tripods that's about it.Feedback
The only advice I'd give is that try and use anything around to use as a silhouette. Sunsets are fantastic backgrounds for them. Really keep those eyes open and see if there is anything unusual that could be used and don't be afraid to get down low.
