IMG_0096lrg
Nov, 2015Views
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Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Genius
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Behind The Lens
Location
Once a year these Pin Cushions (one of the many Protea Plants that forms part of our natural biodiversity in the Cape) flower, and are frequented by these Malachite Sun-birds. the sun-birds normally visit the flowers in the early morning and late afternoons. I built a small hide using an old tent, and placed it a few meters from the plant. it was a bonus when the male swooped in on the female and I suppose it was just timed right to get this shot.Time
This particular photograph was taken in the late afternoon with the sun on the left of the birds, the tones were very nice and warm that afternoon.Lighting
No additional lighting was used, only natural light, and with enough light I was able to keep the shutter speeds up with a small bump in ISO to 500.Equipment
One of my earlier cameras was used, a 70D, it had great tracking to catch the action. Also used was the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 non IS lens, which had a fast enough focus.Inspiration
The challenge for me was to capture these small birds up close, one can use a huge zoom, which I did not have at the time, and get the shot, but for me it was more of thinking it out, making a makeshift bird hide and getting right in on the action with a great lens. It took a lot of patience and very slow movements to get the shots from the hide, as any sudden movements would scare the birds off.Editing
No additional post processing was done, except for normal basic ones i.e - curves, contrast and a little warmth added here.In my camera bag
I have been through quite few cameras, mainly because I get bored with them very quickly, I have finally settled for a Nikon D600 which suits me very well at the moment. I had been shooting Canon since starting photography in the 90's, and my first DSLR was a Canon 300D, with a standard kit lens on it. Currently as said above a Nikon D600 with a 24-85 in my bag with a Photix remote, and SB 600 flash. I have found as i am getting older and like to walk a lot to find shots a big bag full of gear is not for me, and have opted for the lightweight way of doing things.Feedback
I believe for any good bird shot, one has to have patience, I find observing first helps a lot to find out how the birds move etc, before trying to squeeze off a few shots. If you in an area where the birds are many one can enjoy the freedom to shoot like crazy, but to find a unique photo, one has to have the patience to get it. Happy Birding Everyone!
