Red Kite Twyford 3
This was taken in a hurry, the Kites will not wait! I used a 300 mm lens though a not very clean window that I could not open!...
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This was taken in a hurry, the Kites will not wait! I used a 300 mm lens though a not very clean window that I could not open!
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May, 2017Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Twyford near Reading about 42 miles west of London UK.Time
It was taken late afternoon one weekend in the summer in 2016.Lighting
Only that it was good sunlight.Equipment
The shot was taken handheld using a Nikon D3100 with a Sigma 70 - 300 mm lens. I was lucky really that it turned out so well as it was shot through a not too clean window whilst half standing on a not very stable bed! The exposure was 1/800 at f5.6 ISO 400 at 300mm (450 in effect)Inspiration
When Red Kites were re-introduced to Britain Twyford was one of the release and feeding sites so there are always several flying about. On this occasion there seemed to by more than usual ans they seemed to be excited, and, of course, flying close to the house. so I grabbed my camera to try and get some pictures. This was the best.Editing
As far as post processing is concerned all I did was crop the original image so that the Kite filled the frame.In my camera bag
since then I have upgraded to a Nikon D7100 on which I use mostly a 28 - 105 lens. In the bag I have a 35mm 1.8 Nikon prime, my sigma 70 - 300 tele and a Sigma 10 -20mm wide angle. ( which I have recently bought and am yet to get fully to grips with. I also have a Nikon 50mm 1.8 prime I use for people. I like to think portraiture. I also carry a speedlight and a set of graduated filters. What I carry with me does depend on where I am. I often use a holster with pouches for other lenses if I think I might need them. I always attach my camera to the holster with a short length oh cord and two mini carabiners. It is too easy to drop an expensive camera when in a hurry!Feedback
Firstly if you can be better prepared. Planning is always a better basis for a good image. Be familiar with your kit so you don't have to think to much other than composition and getting the best possible outcome. If you can a short burst would be an advantage. where possible focus on your objects eyes. There are thousands of species in hundreds of places, go for what is near to you on familiar ground, ( but not to close if they bite!) forethought and planning is better than luck. I was lucky with this one.
