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Aug, 2016Views
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Awards
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Jaw Dropping
Absolute Masterpiece
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Behind The Lens
Location
There is a neighborhood a few miles from downtown Orlando, FL that has had peacocks for decades. The birds have now spread to another neighborhood and a few have wondered even further away from their birthplace!Time
This was in the middle of the day, during the spring when it was “cooler.”Lighting
It was outside, middle of the day...fortunately we have clouds in Florida and I only had a few that were blinding white in some areas. I used the sports setting on my camera to catch all the action, since it goes by so quickly!Equipment
I parked in the middle of the cul-de-sac, started out just using the top of my car as a ‘tripod’...it didn’t take long to figure out that I needed to be more mobile! Most of the photos taken were hand held. I have had a few years of practice at catching, mostly Eagles in flight, so it made this relatively easy to capture!Inspiration
I am forever amazed at God’s creations on this earth...and what’s more inspirational than a huge bird, designed with layer upon layer of so many gorgeous patterns, so many magnificent colors, that looks like it’s wearing a radiant, beautifully decorated cape, that flows behind as it struts along...that can fly, oh my!!Editing
I didn’t use my longer lens, to prevent cutting pieces and parts off as they were on the ground one second and flying in the air at each other the next, so I did crop to get more of the “subject matter.” Also, The were in front of a garage door, I kept moving in an attempt to keep the background as bland as possible and not get the stone on either side...when I couldn’t, I cropped!In my camera bag
I used to have a Canon 60D, with a short Canon lens that went just beyond 100, a Canon 300 fixed long lens, I always carry extra batteries and SD cards. I used to have an over the shoulder bag with every thing and would add items I normally had in a purse.Feedback
Patience....LOTS of patience! I was just driving through the neighborhood and noticed these two were acting differently...more aggressive. I’d never seen them actually fight in all the years I’d been going...more than 7 at the time! Since most of the people were at work, the middle of the cul-de-sac was a perfect place to avoid blocking anyone’s driveway. I got all my camera equipment ready and waited...and waited...and waited!! When they finally stopped chasing each other around on the ground...I couldn’t believe how they went at each other and how high up they both got. I stayed even though it looked like they were done...sure enough, they came back...several more times. I always stay as long as I’m able...so many of my photos have been captured, after everyone else has given up! Never give up!
