Red Kite
A Red Kite circling above Bodnant Gardens in North Wales.
A Red Kite circling above Bodnant Gardens in North Wales.
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Mar, 2017Views
130
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Awards
People's Choice in All the people Photo Challenge
Magnificent Capture
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankCategories
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in March 2017 at a National Trust Garden in North Wales called Bodnant Gardens. This is an amazing space set over many acres and full of natural interest.Time
Taken at 4pm on 8th March, it was a fine bright dayLighting
The lighting was low from the sun and this helped to almost backlight the Kite showing through its wonderful plumage.Equipment
I used my Olympus EM1Mark2 mirrorless camera. It was fitted with my Olympus M.300mm f/4 lens which because of the crop factor of the micro four thirds sensor is equivalent to a 600mm on a full frame camera. I used a fast speed at 1/1600sec and a high ISO at 1000 to enable the speed and depth of field at f/6.3.Inspiration
I had a new lens on my camera and I could not believe my eyes when I saw the Kite. I have never been even close to capturing one before and I have never before seen one at Bodnant. All my birthdays came at once, it was such a thrilling experience. The Kite is a magnificent bird of prey and has always been rare in North Wales, good to see them colonising North Wales.Editing
Yes I did post process in Photoshop CC, I always shoot my photos only in RAW and therefore they need post processing to develop contrast and sharpening other than that I did not do any other processing.In my camera bag
I have several Mirrorless Olympus cameras which are robust and deliver for me, I love them. I have several other Olympus lenses, M 12-100mm, M.40-150mm, M.9-18mm and an M.60mm macro... I have the facility of a tripod but tend to hand hold generally.Feedback
My advice offered with respect as I appreciate there are many wonderful photographers in the ViewBug community. Always know what you are doing with your camera, act like a hunter, know what your shutter speed is and your aperture and change your ISO to give you speed if you need it. If you are taking wildlife photos, animals move, usually quickly, so anticipate that. It is usually too late to change settings when you see your subject. Place your feet, then wind towards your subject if it is moving, anticipating where it will be when you press the shutter if you are tracking it. You need to be firmly balanced when you are in the zone of exposure. Exposure can be anticipated and should be. There is no substitute for experience but you can give yourself at least 3 aces. speed, aperture and ISO. The resulting image can be the fourth ace.
