Coetzer

Falcon 1.JPG

This little one decided to share a bench with me. It is a Rock Kestrel.

This little one decided to share a bench with me. It is a Rock Kestrel.
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Canon EOS 1200D

settings

Aperture f/11 ISO 250 Shutter 1/320 Focal Length 190/1

upload_date

Jan, 2020

Views

494

Likes

Awards

Curator's Selection

Spring 21 Award

Judge Favorite

Outstanding Creativity

+16

Absolute Masterpiece

Superb Composition

Top Choice

Peer Award

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 20 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo at the Most Southern Point of Africa, Agulhas. I was walking on the pathway between the fine leaved plants, because I know there are a lot of bird life. I noticed this Red Falcon (Rock Kestrel), sitting on the rocks close to the waves. I slowly put down my camera bag, and got my tripod out and ready with the Sigma 175-500mm. As I was getting ready to take the shot, the falcon was gone ! When I sat down on the bench to see if I could spot him, I got a fright. He came to sit next to me on the bench. I was stunned, but fumbled with my camera to put another lens on, the Canon 75-300mm lens. I fired away a few shots of this amazing bird.

Time

This photo was taken in the late afternoon at about 15:31.

Lighting

As it was late afternoon and the sunning starting to go lower in the sky, the light was perfectly from behind me and the falcon. The falcon was nicely lit from behind.

Equipment

My tripod was out and ready. But I had the long Sigma lens mounted on it. Because the falcon was so close to me, I had to take the camera off, and put the Canon 75-300mm on. I shot with my Canon EOS 1200C camera.

Inspiration

I love being in nature and to photograph birds and wildlife. I have previous photos of the Red Falcon, but to have him so close and sitting still, was the ultimate. It was so amazing to look at this bird, sitting there very calm and relaxed. They are always on the look for prey, or when you are too close, they fly away. We sat there for a minute or two just staring at each other. I think I stopped breathing for a while.

Editing

I cropped the photo a bit, and normally I will tweak the clarity a bit.

In my camera bag

Usually I have my Canon EOS 1200D with me, with Sigma 175-500mm, Canon 75-300mm, Canon 18-55mm lenses. I have a small ProJ tripod. Also a ND filter.

Feedback

I have learned to study a scene where I want to photograph. Also to do research on a subject you want to capture. Weather apps are also very handy. Look at a app so that you know where the sun or moon will be, the cloud coverage as well. Another important factor, is patients. When it comes to photography the outdoors, you have to have patience. Try and try again. When you want to photograph animals, you will have to come back time after time to your scene.

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Coetzer

Coetzer

Falcon 1.JPG

This little one decided to share a bench with me. It is a Rock Kestrel.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Coetzer

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