A Snack in the Park
A snack in the Park
A snack in the Park
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Feb, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I am a great fan of nature photography and we often take little day trips to local parks or lakes to see what's happening. On this occasion, we were driving around the Stanley Park Sea Wall in Vancouver BC, when I happened upon this fella walking across our path. With urban Wildlife, you often have to be subtle in order to not scare them, but this fella wasn't too worried about being seen as long as we kept a respectful distance and I was able to take quite a few shots. (you can never take too many shots)Time
I took this in the later afternoon. I was pleased when the racoon moved off the grey road, so I had a wonderful backdrop to showcase how lovely he was, and allow us to see the deep concentration he was putting in to enjoy the bone he was nibbling on.Lighting
This was strictly a natural lighting shot. I often find that getting a good balanced shot with smaller animals who are in perpetual motion can prove the most challenging as one moment they can be in the shade and next - have moved to a sunny location. knowing your camera's capabilities and how to adjust settings on the fly sure comes in handy.Equipment
This was taken with my D5000 freehand with no flash 'I believe' I had my Nikkor AF 18-105mm on at the time. I forget the lens at that time - my focus was on the racoon and capturing the 'shot'Inspiration
In all its forms, wildlife is a reflection of the environment in which it exists. Healthy and happy beasts, flora and fauna make for a reminder of all the good that is possible and beautiful, when at times it's often easy to forget focus the otherwise. I feel I have been given a gift, every time I've had the opportunity to photograph such beautiful innocence.Editing
Not on this shot. I don't do a lot of post processing generally though my experiences with Photoshop and Light Room are works in progress and with time may be reflected in some of my future additions.In my camera bag
Things have changed quite a bit since I originally took this shot. My D5000 has moved over for my D7000, and with my strong love of getting closer to wildlife and especially birds, I have a few lens that are constantly in my case; For those distance shots - I carry a Sigma DG 150-500mm. I also often use a Nikkor AF 18-105mm which takes me quite a ways and works well for many close-ups, but if I am looking for those macro shots, my current lens is a 40mm AF-S macro from Nikkor.Feedback
Be ready for those surprise shots - I hate it when I've got my gear all bundled up in the trunk or not with me at all - and... there is an amazing on the fly opportunity I've just missed out on. We can never be too prepared for those surprise moments when anything can happen. This means to always assure you have 'something' to take those surprise pictures which will do them justice when you are just not able to get to your prized gear. It happens right? I once asked a fellow photographer if she used her phone for taking shots. She indicated 'why would she ever do that when she has great camera gear?' So she didn't even know what her phone was capable of and dismissed my question. The reality is as mentioned above, you're not always going to have your camera in your hand when the moment strikes. It'd be a shame to miss out due to either having no camera or one the one you have takes poor low resolution shots - or worse you have the great cam on your phone but have no idea how to use it. These days there are some great phones out there that offer fantastic camera options - some will even allow you to attach a mini lens (I cant attest to their benefits, but point being - manufacturers are listening to consumers desire for taking quality photos,) and for those who don't have the opportunity to carry their gear everywhere - having a phone that takes great shots can be one of your better investments when one of those once in a lifetime moments comes your way. I don't use my phone a lot, but it's always with me so one thing I always research before I buy - is the camera features - just in case. It wont beat my Nikons, but - it WILL take the shot I'd otherwise have missed out on.
