Meadowlark Ruffled
Jan, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
Taken at Cherry Creek State Park near Denver Colorado, in one of the large meadows.Time
Sun getting low later in the day and behind me for direct lighting. It has taken me awhile but I have finally learned to depend on early and late day sunshine instead of directly overhead sunshine.Lighting
Consider the lens capabilities you are using for zoom, motion and whether you have a tree, rock or tripod to brace off of.Equipment
Using a Tamron 150-600 lens at the full 600mm shot at f8. Handheld, lighting needs to be quite direct for my Canon 7d to choose 1/1600 and ISO at 800. I try to at least match shutter speed to mm of lens plus faster for crop sensor camera body.Inspiration
Several Meadowlarks were flying around hunting for grasshoppers and stopping atop these perches in a normal pattern but all was calm with only a slight breeze. I found a nice spot with a good view over the nearby groundcover that left me highly visible but didn't seem to concern my subjects as our disatance was still about 100ft. I took a several shots in a casual sequence not a quick burst and got three completely different profiles and feather positions.Editing
Slightly cropped for frame position no other adjustments were made luckily because I have a habit of overdoing the post-processing options.In my camera bag
My bag usually has a 24-70L 2.8, a 70-200L 2.8 and the Tamron 150-600. I usually figure out before I leave my car what my goal is by the landscape or available wildlife subjects. My tripod or monopod are only with me if I know of a particular position I wish to shoot from or light is low. Being prepared has always been my motto but I am trying to plan ahead and pare down to a spare battery, a water bottle and the predetermined camera lens selection.Feedback
Go with fun and a walk in mind, let the subjects happen naturally and be prepared to capture them watching the shadows for light at your back. Keep your eyes moving and watch for clumps or shadows in trees and use visual recognition of objects that catch your attention just like a camera does for facial recognition. Keep it fun, be flexible and patient.
