Back Yard Picnic
May, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was working from home last spring. I took my camera with me on the deck as I ate my lunch. Just as I finished my sandwich, this squirrel came wondering into our backyard. I named the photo "Backyard Picnic" since we were both eating lunch outside on a beautiful spring day.Time
I shot this at noon time. If the squirrel would have wandered into our yard a few minutes earlier, I would not have been ready. My eyes would have been focused on my sandwich.Lighting
The shot was taken in the harsh mid day sun. The squirrel was in a shaded are under a tree. The light reflecting of off the back of the house helped light the scene. All of this was totally unplanned.Equipment
I shot this with a Canon 7D Mark II and a Sigma 150-600 F/5.6-6.3 DG OS Sport.Inspiration
I have been trying to take advantage of the wild life that I have in my back yard. As long as you don't live in the city, it is the easiest place to take wildlife photos. I am trying to take my camera out on my deck with me on a regular basis.Editing
The photos were shot as raw. I make adjustments to the white balance, color, and add a bit of sharpening.In my camera bag
I have always been loyal to the 7D line. It is my camera of choice. I keep either the Canon 24-105 or the Sigma 18-35 F/1.8 on the body. I have a Canon 70-200 and a Sigma 150-600 sport. For landscapes, I carry a big stopper, little stopper, and graduated ND filters.Feedback
Sometimes the best photos are right in your back yard. You won't know until you take the time to absorb what is going on around you. Leave the phone inside your house. If you keep your movements to minimum, the animals will come much closer than you expect. I often hide behind objects on the deck so only my head and camera are visible below. Never work on an empty stomach.
