Catching the next Flight
Apr, 2018Views
1230
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Awards
Action Award
Legendary Award
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in Anything Birds Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Superior Skill
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
Emotions
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at what I refer to as "The Duck Pond" from when I was a child. My dad often took us there and I continue to visit often with my 2 daughters, they were actually sitting behind me for this shot! The location is actually the Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Nature Center.Time
This was late afternoon/early evening in late autumn so the sun was starting to set at this point.Lighting
This is natural light so the typical "golden hour" rule applies in this case.Equipment
Canon 6D & 70-200 mm 7/2.8 IS II Nothing else was usedInspiration
I was out for a walk with my daughters and had brought my camera along as usual, I was actually hoping to get pictures of my daughters when this guy was hanging out in the pond. I decided to set up and see if I could get a good shot of him. I sat and waited for a bit hoping he'd fly off and I was very lucky that he took this route when he did finally take flight.Editing
I wanted this to have the warm, moody tones that almost make you feel warmer from just looking at it. I adjusted the hues, brought up the warmth, took down the cooler colors. Radial filters and brushes were used to bring up shadows and add light where needed.In my camera bag
My Canon 6D has been with me for years (due for an upgrade as this has been through a lot with me!) Sigma 50mm 1.4 is ALWAYS on hand and I try to have the 70-200 mm f/2.8 IS II as often as possible.Feedback
Patience and awareness is key, the chances of you getting the shot you desire immediately are rare, especially with animals. Golden Hour is always going to offer superb, dramatic lighting. Shots of fast moving animals, your shutter speed needs to be high and to keep the entire subject in focus but soften the background, you can't shoot with aperture wide open, this was shot at 3.2 aperture.
