Chewy
Feb, 2016Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken at the Washington Wetlands, about 15 miles from where I live. I arrived at just the right time as the otters were just about to be fed. They live in an enclosure but this otter climbed to the top of a strategically placed log which gave me the perfect vantage point from where I stood. I love his fun expression as he struggled to get his teeth through the fish that had been thrown to him.Time
I arrived just in time for the 11.45 feeding time. I hadn't planned it that way, I was just lucky.Lighting
Just used natural light, no flash. It was nearly midday and a reasonable cloudy day.Equipment
I used my Sony SLT A55V camera and quickly fixed the 75-300mm lens I had in my bag to get a reasonable close-up with good detail. I didn't have time to use my monopod which I usually have with me to steady shots (this one is hand-held), so used a reasonably fast shutter and low ISO.Inspiration
I love taking pictures of animals but they rarely do as you want them to and pose nicely! :-) I thought the otters were really cute and I loved this guy's expression as he chewed his food. Watching him he seemed like a cheeky little character, and I wanted my shot to reflect that.Editing
Very little processing on this. A slight crop and a very slight sharpen to enhance the detail of his fur and that was all.In my camera bag
I usually carry along with the camera body, the 35-70mm lens, a 70- 300mm zoom lens, and a monopod (easier to carry than a tripod). I also usually have a macro 35mm and a 50mm 'nifty fifty' in my bag.Feedback
I spent a lovely day at the Wetlands Centre and took hundreds of shots. I know that animals are unpredictable and rarely give the pose or expression you want, so just keep clicking and some real gems do turn up in the end. I got some great shots, but this one is definitely my favourite.
