Gathering for the Winter
This squirrel is getting ready for winter as he is gathering nuts in the late evening sun.
This squirrel is getting ready for winter as he is gathering nuts in the late evening sun.
Read less
Read less
Sep, 2018Views
679
Likes
Awards
Action Award
Elite
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Happy
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 20 rank week 2Top 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken at the city park and I was on my stomach to get this point of view (POV).Time
During the "Golden Hour" on my way home I noticed there was a lot of active animals coupled with beautiful colors at the park so I stopped to see if I could capture something unique. This is one reason that I always try to have a camera in the car because you never know when something will inspire you. The squirrels were jumping and then this one just stopped and posed for me long enough to get some amazing shots before bounding off to hind his find.Lighting
Why is the sunlight during the golden hour sp highly sought after by filmmakers and photographers? Well this photo is the best answer I could give anyone that doesn't already know. The other lighting aspect of note is the fact that he was backlit which created that dramatic halo and separation between the subject and the background.Equipment
This was taken without a flash using my Nikon D7200 and Nikon 70-200mm VR f/2.8 wide open hand held while laying on my stomach. My camera was setup to use only manual settings except for autofocus of course which was configured for back button focusing.Inspiration
The time of day created a surreal scene combining the golden hour sunlight, array of fall colors, and critters scurrying around just compelled me to take 30 minutes to stop and photograph them. While doing so it was just patience and being attentive that helped me get this great shot.Editing
This photo is cropped, the shadows were brightened, and the blues created from the shadows were toned down to help bring up the natural whites of the squirrel. The only other editing needed was to removing some noise.In my camera bag
My camera bodies are a Nikon D500 and Nikon D7200 with grips and the Nikon lenses are 28-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 200-500mm f/5.6, 105mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.8, 10-20mm f/3.5-5.6, 50mm f/1.8, and 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6. I typically try to have three SB-800 Speedlights, reflectors, grey card, tripod, extra memory cards, and extra (charged) batteries as well all of which takes two bags but that's why I luckily have two shoulders.Feedback
The best thing I can tell anyone trying to photograph wildlife, or anything for that matter, is that luck favors the prepared. If you want to photograph wildlife then you need to be patient and know your camera settings. If you are constantly moving most wild animals will avoid you so find a place that has a large pleasing background then settle in and actively look for animals shots until you get a few that you're proud of.
