Cardinal
Aug, 2015Views
341
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Awards
Winner in Anything Red Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took it at a wildlife area in Midland, TX.Time
It was early morning. I wanted to get out during the golden hour, but I shot this in the trees, so golden hour didn't end up being a factor.Lighting
I was in heavy trees that blocked the direct sunlight here, but I had the sun at my back nevertheless. The sun was coming through the trees in other areas and I wanted the birds to be well lit. But the soft lighting worked well here, because in direct sun my cardinal shots sometimes get over-saturated with red.Equipment
I used my Sony A99 camera with a Tamron 150-600 zoom lens, hand-held.Inspiration
I was really after hummingbirds that would come in to a feeder off to the right of this picture. I'd tried several, but they move pretty fast and I wasn't having much luck getting anything in focus. This cardinal came in and sat on a branch about 15 feet from me, to I took advantage of the opportunity.Editing
I did very little post-processing. I tuned it up a little in Lightroom, increasing the clarity and vibrance just a little and turning up both the whites and blacks.In my camera bag
In this nature area, I usually walk with just my camera and 150-600 zoom lens, and I hang a pouch on a belt loop with a faster f/2.8 16-50 zoom lens in case I need it for a close-up shot. When I remember I put a lens wipe and an extra battery in my pocket. I like to carry as little as possible. Out here I am never more than a mile or so away from my truck, where I have as much backup camera gear as I want to bring along, but I have never gone back for anything.Feedback
I use advice I saw in Northrup's book that starts with the common-sense get out a lot with your camera, then shoot lots of pictures, and delete most of them. A friend told me she goes to this wildlife area and never sees wildlife, but I have hundreds of pictures I like from here. It made me realize how many times I've been out here, and sometimes without seeing much. More times out means a better chance to see and shoot something good. When I see wildlife in good lighting, I might shoot several hundred pictures and be pleased if I keep a small handful. Keep only the shots you'd be proud to show the best photographer you know. And try to show the eyes and get rid of any pictures that aren't perfectly focused. One more thing is to shoot raw and post-process. I try to do very little, but almost every shot can benefit with some tweaks to the contrast or exposure or something. I like to do what I need to to make it look like I remember it looking, and that almost always requires a little something.
