Red Squirrel 8183
Chance encounter when I was trying unsuccessfully to get close to a Baltimore Oriole.
Chance encounter when I was trying unsuccessfully to get close to a Baltimore Oriole.
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Mar, 2016Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I was at edge of a local park, close to the railway, and sat down on a large rock to wait and see if any trains or birds would come by. This curious red squirrel came out on a branch very near to me, to check out what I was doing sitting in her woods.Time
It was just past noon on a sunny day.Lighting
There was enough shade among the trees to diffuse the light, putting squirrel pretty much under a spotlight.Equipment
I carry two identical camera bodies [Canon Rebel XTi], so one camera is always ready with a telephoto lens [Canon EFS 75-300 mm] in case something interesting shows up! The other has the standard kit lens [Canon EFS 18-55 mm], which is for trains.Inspiration
I'd love to say this was planned, but it was just a happy accident: the subject and the light just happened. But, to get the shot when things came together is an exceptionally rewarding experience. Carrying two cameras can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but being ready for whatever comes along makes it worth the effort. And, with nature, you have to be patient and learn to sit or stand for a long period of time to let the subject come to you.Editing
The photo is slightly cropped, and since my normal setting is the Canon 'standard' setting, I boost the colour very slightly in Photoshop. I leave my cameras set on auto white balance, since there is seldom time to make further adjustments when shooting birds and animals, that dart in and dart away very fast.In my camera bag
I normally use only the two camera bodies and the lenses mentioned. I have taken a tripod to places where I know a particular subject will be, such as an Osprey nest in a local birding area. I find that the telephoto lens together with the standard kit lens provides enough versatility to do what I want.Feedback
Patience! Animals and birds go about their business without much regard for us, provided we are sitting or standing quietly and without moving.
