PTARMIGAN ON A STROLL
Arctic Valley, Alaska
Arctic Valley, Alaska
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Jan, 2017Views
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People's Choice in Partridges Photo Challenge
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Behind The Lens
Location
A half dozen ptarmigans were moving about between patches of willow and alder on the snow covered slopes of Arctic Valley near Anchorage. Alaska. Ptarmigan in winter blend in closely with their background accept for their dark eyes and beak.Time
It was a partially overcast mid afternoon. The low level of contrast helped blend the ptarmigan into its backgroundLighting
While having a low amount of light contrast between the white ptarmigan and its snowy background is a key feature in its survival the differences between the two at close range was enough to define its existence as it strode across the scene.Equipment
My current camera is a Nikon D500. I use one lens to record just about all of my photos--a Nikkor 18 to 300 mm lens which on the DX formatted processor translates to a 24 to 450 mm lens. I do mostly outdoor photography which with this one lens combination allows me to photograph most anything quickly. Sticking with one lens also cuts down on the risk of getting dust on to the camera's processor.Inspiration
My initial interest was to catch this highly camouflaged bird in its wintery environment. That it was taking such a stretched out stride was a bonus.Editing
I always do a certain amount of post-processing of photos taken in the field. The photo was cropped for starters. The white balance was also improved.In my camera bag
In carry my Nikon D500 and the 18 to 300 mm Nikkor lens in a sling bag which enables me to quickly swing it around in front of me for quick access. grab my camera. The bag's protective inner lining I have replaced with a gardner's mat which serves both as camera protection during transport and is something I can sit or kneel on when waiting for the right moment in the field. I also carry in the bag some lens cleaner, spare batteries and extra SD cards.Feedback
Ptarmigan in my experience are fairly tolerant in being approached if it is done slowly or better yet positioning in a place where one can stay put and allow the ptarmigan to move towards the camera.
