"Majestic Male"
Mar, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
Every year bald eagles come enmass to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for the Kokanee Salmon Run. This was taken near Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene.Time
This particular photo was taken about 10:00 in the morning on a very cold day...It was 16 degrees out but fairly clear skies. This shot was worth all the layers of clothing to stand and wait for him!Lighting
One cannot pick and choose the lighting when the eagles arrive for the run. If you want photographs you just have to go take them no matter what the lighting conditions. That being said, since it was morning and fairly clear...the lighting was quite good! I had room to move to accommodate finding the best light.Equipment
I used my Nikon D7100 and a Nikon 18-105mm lens. No tripod, the Eagles were moving a lot and I found that panning them in flight and landing gave me more clear shots that setting up my tripod and using my Sigma 150-500mm. Seconds after this shot, I captured this guy taking off into a dive to the lake below!Inspiration
Bald eagles are so amazing! To see them fishing....their dives, catches and upward aerodynamics in flight is incredible! They have so many wing positions in flight and when they land to regroup for the next dive it gives me time to take a breath and take a still shot. This shot HAD to be taken. I am so fortunate to live where bald eagles soar!Editing
Yes, other than a cut and crop, I used Macphun Creative Kit to enhance the features and light.In my camera bag
I would say I have a modest bag...Nikon D 7100 body, Nikon 18-105mm, Nikon 12-24mm and Sigma 150-500mm lenses. I always carry extra cards and one extra camera battery, cleaning supplies, drop cloth for wet ground, rain cover, tripod-MeFoto, polarizer filters and any local information of what and where I am taking photographs. Usually I take a smaller bag to drop my camera and an extra lens in to hike or when my tripod or Sigma lens won't be needed.Feedback
Advice? The best camera to have is the one you have with you! Just take the photos! Panning is an art and the more you following moving objects, the better you become in capturing the subject. When the Eagles come to fish, they don't pose for you......move with them and go where they are. It is exciting to become involved in their hunt for fish!
