IMG_4589
zoo Galapagos tortoise
zoo Galapagos tortoise
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May, 2018Views
679
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Awards
People's Choice in Tortoise Photo Challenge
Community Choice Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Genius
All Star
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
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Behind The Lens
Location
Took this photo at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. We were lucky enough to have good weather for the Galapagos Tortoises to be outside sunning themselves.Time
I believe it was early afternoon during the fall.Lighting
Just natural light with the sun behind me.Equipment
Canon 80D with APS-C 100-300 mm zoom lens. Hand held, no flash.Inspiration
The tortoises were gathered together and some were annoying each other. The sheer size of these animals is impressive. I was fascinated by the primitive faces they have, yet they were still expressive. We were able to get very close because they had chosen to congregate near the fence. Took probably 20 shots of various combinations.Editing
I had to do some correction because of sun and shade. PhotoscapeX to edit (great free program). Normally, I bump up the saturation.In my camera bag
Normally, I carry a 100-300mm zoom, 50mm prime, 18-135mm kit lens, and a 10-18mm for landscapes. I always travel with a monopod and occasionally a tripod if I'm doing time lapses or landscapes. A remote control is also helpful. I recently bought a professional series Canon L lens (100-400mm) that I highly recommend. I've found it to be true that lenses are more important than the camera.Feedback
I'm not one to really give advice as I'm new to photography. The only things I'd say is be willing to take lots of shots and be as willing to throw away almost as many! Continuous shooting increases your chance of a memorable picture. I've also learned to think about lighting before setting up to take a picture. Poor lighting will doom an otherwise great shot. Always know where they sun is and keep in mind the great differences in light will be hard to overcome in editing.
