Posing
A squirrel trying to catch the photographer's eye for a treat. It succeeded (many times!). Taken at High Park in Toronto....
Read more
A squirrel trying to catch the photographer's eye for a treat. It succeeded (many times!). Taken at High Park in Toronto.
Read less
Read less
May, 2016Views
222
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Top Choice
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
High Park, Toronto, CanadaTime
Mid-morningLighting
The foliage of the tree prevented direct light on the subject. Shooting with a wide aperture not only compensated for the low light, but provided a nice bokeh.Equipment
Shot with a Pentax K-5IIs, hand held with a Sigma 150-500 lensInspiration
Simply opportunity. The "critters" are abundant in the park and, with the help of a few treats thrown their way, these creatures become very attentive. This one was actually following our progress up the trail and making sure to pose at eye height to raise the chances of being seen and again receiving a "contribution". The secondary inspiration would be how "cute" animals can become to attract attention...always thought this is how fur coats should be modeled.Editing
This image was captured in Adobe RAW and then converted in PhotoShop with a few minor adjustments.In my camera bag
With experience (age) I'm becoming more selective with what I carry. Normally on a nature walk, I'll take my Sigma 150-500 and my newest favourite, a Sigma 18-35 ART for wide or close shots. If the lighting is exceptionally bright/harsh, I'll take my Cokin filter setup with a polarizer and an ND grad mounted in tandem.Feedback
If going out on a public trail, bring some treats. I usually either bring a few peanuts or bird seed in a small plastic sandwich bag which you can keep handy in you pocket of photo bag. It seems that once the animals or birds see you're not a threat, the fact they're less jittery allows you to frame and focus with a little more time to spare. Have your camera ready and capture the action as it unfolds.
