From a visit to a local wildlife park
From a visit to a local wildlife park
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a local wildlife reserve, in Southern Black Forest. I just graduated from the NYIP in Professional Photography, and this was my final submission. It was the shot that was in the genre we wanted to continue in, and I had been planning for it for some time. (location, lighting, time of day, etc....)Time
I had a certain time of day for lighting in mind, and since the area I would be able to take the photo in is a long and narrow clearing surrounded by tall pine trees, I determined, with the help of PhotoPills when it would be coming in from the desired angle. With a careful eye on the weather, I set off on a Sunday morning and made my way to the reserve. It was around 8:00 AM (the beauty of shooting in winter; sunrise is rather late!) we got there, but it was still very misty/foggy.Lighting
My plan A had been to get a photo with side-lighting just around sunrise, but the mist didn't let that happen. So I stayed around, observing the animals. One part of the herd was further away, but this guys seemed completely in a world of his own. I waited, as you do... And then it all happened, the sun started to break through the mist, the stag walked forward, raised his head and sensed the air - and there was my shot! Sometimes, in addition to planning and patience, you need a little luck, too!Equipment
I used my Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400 mm/4,5-5,6 L IS II USM, B+W Circular Landscape Polarizer, and had my 3LeggedThing Equinox Albert with me. However, since the best location for my shot didn't really allow for setting up the tripod, I upped the ISO, steadied my camera and lens against a tree and took the shot without it.Inspiration
I've always been fascinated by nature and wildlife and grew up near the forests. As a child I spent much time roaming them with my friends, always on the lookout for deer and other forest critters. Why this photo? There is something really regal and majestic about a stag in autumn. Our environment is fragile, I want to preserve moments that show its beauty, and inspire people to develop their own love and respect for nature.Editing
I cropped my original image, slightly decreased the exposure, increased clarity, reduced some highlights and applied profile corrections. I also used the Dehaze tool,and added a little post-crop vignetting. That's it.In my camera bag
There's of course always my Canon 7D Mk II, sometimes complemented by my first DSLR, the Canon 550D / Rebel T2. as a backup. I'm still experimenting with lenses, but I usually have a Sigma 10-20 mm f 4-5.6 DC HSM for landscapes, Canon EF-S 24 MM f 2.8, Canon EF 50 mm f1.8 and my EF-S 55-250 F 4-5.6 with me. If I'm photographing landscapes or water, I'll always carry my circular polarizer and a few Lee 100 filters with me. I only have their starter pack plus a landscape polarizer, and am hoping to gradually build up. And then there's of course my tripod, 3LeggedThing's Albert Equinox in carbon fibre with the AirHed 360. It's really sturdy, stable and can take quite some weight.Feedback
Plan your shot, but be patient, you may have to make several trips, as you can't bank on wildlife showing up when and where it's convenient for you. Have respect for the animals and be quiet, so as not to disturb them. If you're looking to sneak up on them in the wild, make sure to check that there's not hunting going on, and which direction the prevailing wind comes from. Deer, like many wild animals, have an acute sense of smell. Also, brightly colored hiking outfits aren't going to work in your favor. If you know a hunter, you could ask them, whether you could use one of their hides and arrive there before sunrise (for morning photos) and well before the golden hour for evening shots. I'm lining that up for spring time, as I know there are several foxes in the woods near us and I can't wait to see their cubs.