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Grackles

Taken of some grackles in Tybee Island, Georgia.

Taken of some grackles in Tybee Island, Georgia.
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NX300

Aperture f/6.3 ISO 100 Shutter 1/250 Focal Length 55/1

upload_date

Feb, 2016

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388

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+24

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at the tip of Tybee Island, Georgia. I was walking to the beach from my rental house, which included a boardwalk that crossed a small pond. I had just stopped to watch a crane in the middle of the boardwalk.

Time

Though I am a teen, I had managed to get up at about 9 AM to start my day with a walk on the beach. I was hoping I would be able to get a few good shots on the boardwalk (and on the beach) while the birds were still very active.

Lighting

This was actually one of the first shots I took and I was rushing to take it before the birds took off, but the lighting was nice and bright, which I think really helped emphasize the beautiful iridescence of the birds.

Equipment

I used my Samsung NX300 with an 18-55mm kit lens and nothing else.

Inspiration

I had hoped to get some good shots of birds during that vacation, but I never could have hoped to get such as amazing one (for me, anyway)! The flock of grackles landed just a few feet away like they were posing for me, and the beautiful iridescence of their feathers was irresistible. The bird in the foreground even cocked its head to look at me while I tried not to move or breathe.

Editing

I didn't do any post processing, despite the fact that I was using an automatic scene setting on my camera. To be honest, I don't have any post processing software, nor do I know how to use it.

In my camera bag

I currently have a small convertible sling/backpack with my Samsung NX300, the 18-55mm kit lens, a 50-200mm telephoto (which I did not have at the time I took this photo), a small external flash, lens hoods, UV filters, a charged extra battery and charger, and a few cleaning supplies, my favorite of which is the lens cleaning pen. This is actually all of the photography gear I currently have, but I'm hoping to expand it. The two lenses have adequately covered all my needs so far without having to dish out too much money.

Feedback

This may seem like a no-brainer, but find a place that is likely to have plenty of whatever you like to photograph, and go out when lighting is optimal to capture your subject. I love to take pictures of birds when I can, so this vacation to Tybee Island was a prime opportunity to find some cranes, herons, seabirds, and other birds, such as the grackles in this shot. Also, be prepared for unexpected opportunities! I did not at all expect the flock to land right in front of me, but I had my camera out (and, grudgingly, on autofocus). If you focus more on landscape shots, make sure to choose both a place to photograph and the perfect time of day-- and of the year-- to get the shot you want.

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Grackles

Taken of some grackles in Tybee Island, Georgia.

Behind The Lens

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