kestral
Sep, 2017Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in our backyard - we live in Utah in the West Desert. We see a lot of Kestrel in the area, especially during Winter. We don't see many this close up but I was very happy to catch this one!Time
early afternoon - just before 2PM - Late December. We had been out in the field feeding livestock when I spotted this in the trees - went into the house to get my camera and luckily the Kestrel stayed and let me shoot several shots.Lighting
Natural lighting - out in the yard - afternoon. Clear and coldEquipment
Shot with a canon 60D and a 70-300 lens - lens was out to 300 when I shot this one. Hand held - no other equipment. 1/1250 Sec - F9 - ISO 200Inspiration
I fell in love with Kestrels a few years back - and they deepened my love for photography. I had always seen them from a distance and they were just those little hawks - kind of gray and non-descript. After seeing them through the longer lens, I discovered how beautiful they really are. They have become a favorite and I photograph them every chance I get. This also increased my desire to photograph birds to see the beauty and variety that is all around us. This one being in my backyard was a bonus.Editing
This one was just cropped - at the time, I didn't know much about post-processing. I've taken a class since then on Lightroom and am comfortable with the basics - so much to learn.In my camera bag
I don't carry a lot of gear - I almost always have my camera and a zoom lens. At this time, the camera was a Canon 60D with a 70-300 lens (low end lens). Last year I purchased a new lens to carry around - Tamron 18-400 and was just getting used to it when it was stolen. I purchased a Canon 80D and am currently using the kit lens 55-250mm as my carry around lens. I also carry remote triggers, extra batteries, 50mm 1.8 lens - and now a 18-55 kit lens. I have a tripod in my car - but it is rare for me to take it out (I know, I should use it more often :) ) Next year, I'm going for a Canon 100-400L with a 2X!Feedback
Be ready for anything and always have your camera close by. Take the time to enjoy the beauty that is all around you. This shot could have been missed by thinking it is just a bird in the backyard tree - nothing special. (Lots of shots are missed because we don't pay attention to what is all around us) I learned how beautiful a Kestrel was after seeing them for years and not recognizing what was right in front of me. Stop and take a shot - I live in desert - if it isn't cultivated, it is covered in sagebrush - and even thought it appears bleak, there is a lot of beauty if you look. Blend in photography with your life - if I see something while driving my car - I will try to safely pull over and get a shot ( l live in the desert, traffic is usually not a problem but you have to check) - when I hike (rockhounding), I have my camera...photography is part of everything I do and not usually a separate activity. Keep learning about your camera (take a class or read a book) and your environment (what can be found where you live or where you travel that you want to take a picture of?) Have fun!
