Raccoon Kits-1-ver4 Resize
Jun, 2016Views
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
A second great hotspot that writer frequents is Boomer Creek. These kits were not seen at first, but mom was seen lowering herself down onto this branch, when the two youngster appeared. This was the last year that this tree stood as it was rotten and a big storm went through that made it history. This was probably the last time that I saw this tree standing. It took others down, making it difficult to get through the area, until I made a friend aware and he cut the others down to allow better access.Time
This was mid-morning in this relatively shaded area. Since it is so private, many animals are born and hatched in this area, away from the eyes of the public. Writer is in this area so much, I'm part of the woodwork, allowing animals to go about their business without consternation. I have photographed a skink, recently fledged Eastern Phoebes, juvenile grackles, Red-bellied woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker near where this tree once stood, as well as adult male Northern Shoveler, my first juvenile Little Blue Heron and Snowy Egret. They are posted on my site, as well.Lighting
This image looks great, eh? It was a cloudy day, and the daylight setting made the scene brighter. This area is fondly remembered for this particular photo. Every time I look at it, I recall the wonderful things I've seen here, including white-tailed deer, an opossum, and when the area experienced a dry year, I walked around the back of the small islet to discovered the heron rookery.Equipment
My equipment encompasses the Nikon D7100, Sigma 150-500 VR lens (older), a Manfrotto tripod, and binoculars. I never leave home without a camera, which is an extension of my body.Inspiration
If it wasn't for mother raccoon, I would never have looked up as the young were not visible until she returned to check on them.Editing
I normally do very little, other than crop. At the time, I had a basic photo program that came with my computer, which meant I couldn't do a lot regardless. These days, I have photoshop to enhance color, as that is something that a professional or semi-professional camera requires in RAW. A photographer friend told me about it and said she'd help me with it. She has been a wonderful friend (https://mikkicouch.smugmug.com/About-Me) and brought out the color in this photo better than I ever could!In my camera bag
I only have one other camera, an older Nikon D7000, my first DSLR with a Nikkor AF-s 18-300 3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. My first professional 60th wedding anniversary job was done with that. The man hired me for the job since he saw my nature column and photos in the paper every week. I gave him a good price for the experience, as I had never done a pro job before that.Feedback
I cannot stress enough to know your local haunts. I have been on my lake since 2012, and I know where every stone is, which means I know well what animals I have as a nature photographer. I still go out every day that I can to practice. Is any of us perfect? Above all, enjoy what you do, build your craft, and the sky is the limit. I never dreamed when I first got a point-and-shoot, that was my path to a Ph.D in ornithology. Have fun with what you do, and let people know that it is your passion, for it will show in your work.
