DSC_0556-001
Jul, 2016Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken on a walkabout on my property in Dresden, Maine. It was a surprise capture for me, as this Downy Woodpecker landed less than two feet away. He stayed on the same branch and posed for me, turning back and forth. I actually had to back up to get focus.Time
Living in a rural setting allows me to wander around the woods for hours on end looking for interesting subjects to photograph. On this particular morning, there were very few animals moving and I had already walked more than three miles, so I was heading back home for some breakfast. I was crossing a small marshy area to get back to the road when this pretty little woodpecker startled me by almost landing on my lens!Lighting
I am always at the mercy of mother nature on my walkabouts so I can only try to have the ambient light where I can use it. I am usually in shutter priority, as most of my subjects are moving, and seldom this close. I will sometimes carry my flash with me if it is a dark or overcast day.Equipment
I have always had Nikon equipment, starting with an old FG model film . This particular shot was with a D50 digital and an 18/ 200 mm Tamron lens. Although I have a newer d7200 with an 18/ 140mm lens, The old D50 is my go to camera when the weather might not cooperate. Yes it is slow and limited, but I don't mind dragging it through the branches and dampness of mornings.Inspiration
Sometimes Mother Nature will just throw a photo op at you and if you are quick, you might just have time to compose a shot that is pleasing to the eye. Many of my pictures are composed beforehand and I will adjust what ever needs to be for the final shot, and some are more of a "Shoot from the hip" kind. This Downey is more of the later kind. I was lucky and in the right spot at the right time for it to happenEditing
I will adjust most of my pictures as far as light and contrast is concerned, but do as little as is required in post processing. Most of my pictures are for use in facebook or smaller prints. I use the old Picassa program for post work, and usually will convert to jpeg. I have used lightroom some but even then jpeg is the final result. If I am shooting a wedding and want larger prints that have to be perfect, Lightroom is preferred. It is manipulation to the maxx!In my camera bag
I actually have two separate bags that I work out of. The first one has my old Nikon D50 with my 18/200 Tamron lens, and a couple of filters, including a polarizing, and a daylight. I also carry an off camera flash and a small tripod. My second bag has my new Nikon D7200 with an 18/140 short telephoto lens plus all the same equipment as my first bag. I also have my monster Sigma 50/500 mm with me. I love the compression of the big lens!Feedback
As far as advice for someone new to photography? All I could offer would be to shoot anything you like. More often than not, the best way to get better is to shoot!, shoot!, shoot! Practice with the camera until every function that you might use becomes second nature. Play with settings, learn what happens when you slow down a couple of f stops or ISO. Talk to others, learn from someone that takes pictures you like, ask questions in forums, have fun! I don't know a single photographer that would not spend a second or two helping someone new. The internet is jampacked with information and how to videos. Gavin Howie has some good stuff, Adorama has links to tons of good people. Go explore!
