The Gaze
Jan, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken at the local zoo here in Utah.Time
This particular shot was done mid afternoon, there were a lot of people trying to take the eagles photo but I managed to squeeze my way up to the front of the crowd so I could really see it. No tripod was used, just good old point and shoot. At the time, there were two bald eagles but this particular one was all for photos. He'd look up and just stare at you, open up his wings and show how magnificent he was.Lighting
I can't say there was really anything special about the lighting. Mid afternoon and the eagles habitat was nestled up in a corner and covered in shade. I did brighten the image up so you could see him a little better. There was enough natural light to leave a few highlights on his feathers that gave the image just enough pop.Equipment
I used a Canon Rebel T3 with an 18-55 mm lens with a macro/wide angle lens attachment no other equipment was used.Inspiration
I have always loved bald eagles, they're magnificent creatures. Where I live you don't see this particular eagle just up and flying around here. So, the only place to see them is to go to the local zoo or leave the state and go where they are. The eagle was injured and brought to the zoo to be helped but was unable to be released back to the wild. The eagle to me is a symbol of pride, strength, and freedom. To be able to come this close even if there is mesh netting and fence between you is wonderful. Their magnificent nature is enough to inspire anyone, even if it is just to sit back and watch.Editing
I am not a huge post-processor. I like to leave my images as true to the scene as possible. If anything I will crop the image down and fix the basics. So, brighten the image up if needed, add some saturation if the colors are a little dull, fix shadows and highlights. Nothing too extreme. I am still learning things myself.In my camera bag
I always have my camera of course, Canon Rebel T3. I usually take everything even if I don't need it. The saying goes it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. With that said, I have a bunch of filters which include ND, two extra lenses, 75-300mm and 500-1000mm. Cleaning kit for the lenses cause the weather and situation could change without warning. I also take a tripod and a vest that my camera hooks to so I don't have the strain on my neck from the strap. I also have a shutter release and a timer shutter release. To avoid some glare I also take multiple lens hood caps.Feedback
The subject you're trying to take a photograph of (birds for example) do not just sit still for you. it's takes patience and multiple photo taking before you get THE shot. I have learned this the hard way more than once. Be prepared for anything, the weather can change unexpectedly. I have found that having some cheat sheets help, they're a go to for me if I forget something and need a reminder on how to do it. A lot of what I've learned I have learned from reading, following photography sites and watching video how to's. So if you can't afford a class etc.. this is a great way to start learning all there is to know and you can do it on your time. Experiment with your camera settings to achieve your desired look. Don't be afraid to go out of the box a little, try different angles.
