Squirrel picking up lunch
A close up of a squirrel getting ready to head back up his tree for a quick nibble
A close up of a squirrel getting ready to head back up his tree for a quick nibble
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Oct, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh where squirrels have ample opportunity to get nibbles from visitors. There are not many red squirrels in the area, you have to go further north for them. The gardens are very popular being sited in the middle of Edinburgh with the attraction of stunning flowers, trees, bushes and all the other botanical feasts that you could imagine. If you ever happen to visit the city, make sure this place is on the list. Nice and peaceful and worth a visit any seaeson of the year.Time
This was an early photograph when armed with a relatively new lens and looking for a suitable subject. Mid afternoon probably just before a visit to the cafe for coffee and scones. I took a few, the best option was from directly below against the tree trunk with the squirrel coming down towards me but it turned out to be a shade blurred - probably rushing too quickly. The photo above was taken lying on the ground so I was at his/her height and that helped give it perspective. Depth of field worked well too. So, fairly chuffed with the result although would have been better if he/she had started to juggle the peanut while singing a sea shanty.Lighting
This was an opportune snap. Squirrels don't normal hang about until you have set up the perfect shot. Generally, they are back up he tree with their gains. I should point out that I did not entice him/her with that peanut. Not entirely sure why he/she has this odd stance. If you know him, he looks a bit like Tommy Cooper doing a 'Just like that' joke.Equipment
Not sure what I used as it was a while ago and my equipment has moved on. Guessing it was 70/200 zoom on a canon 50d. Will update when I look back at the original.Inspiration
There are endless photo opportunities in the botanical gardens. Squirrels are probably not my favourite choice but this turned out to be a fairly decent photo. As ever, I recommend taking 20 rather than 10, or take 200 rather than 100. You may not visit the same place for years so best to just keep snapping away.Editing
I usually only take off the glare. Summer sun can wipe out a lot of detail.In my camera bag
I am now a Canon 5d Mark lV guy. However lenses change frequently. I have a couple of Lowepro bags. If I put all my kit into the big bag I would need a JCB to carry it, So, big bag - waste of money. My other bag allows for a couple of lenses and the camera. Any two lenses will do. I like to change them about although most of my recent photos have been macros - it is like a different world doing close up stuff. That said, people don't seem to like insects or flies but flowers work a treat. I have never done studio/profile work and doubt I would be much good. I personally like to go about and seek out a subject. Carrying a lot of equipment probably would not work well.Feedback
Take you time - look around, up and down. Almost everywhere presents a photo opportunity. It is not just satisfying capturing something special but also gratifying to be able to show it to others. So, it's a great combination - the photo and the subject. Also, something that you are particularly proud will not necessarily connect with other people. Equally, something you have taken that may appear ordinary can often work for others. And finally, you generally are always learning something either by taking photos or admiring the efforts of others. If you see something you like on Viewbug, always flag it. There is nothing like having your work appreciated especially by fellow snappers.
