Chipmunk on a Corn Tractor
One of many chipmunks in my yard
One of many chipmunks in my yard
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Canon EOS 70D
Aperture f/8 ISO 250 Shutter 1/2000 Focal Length 600/1 
Raymond, Mississippi, US
Nov, 2020Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo looking through my 2nd story bay window into a west facing side yard one late morning in Raymond, Mississippi. I was used to seeing grey and fox squirrels eating corn at this particular feeder. To my utter surprise, this little chipmunk was on the corn tractor that morning. I snapped a few shots and this was the best.Time
It was about 10 in the morning when the light had cleared the roof line of the house but was not so late as to cast long shadows.Lighting
Natural, existing light photography is the only way I shoot wildlife. I use a fairly high shutter speed and ISO in order to maximize the light and allow for the quick movements of small wildlife. Many people shooting wildlife use aperture priority, but I shoot full manual. I usually set up for a particular area and wait. On this particular morning, since there was plenty of corn on the feeder, I had plenty of time to get my settings rights before taking a few shots.Equipment
I used a Canon 7D Mark II on a Pro Master tripod with an Opteka GH1 gimbal head for ease of movement and a Tamron 150-600mm lens. The 7D Mark II has a crop sensor which is great when shooting small animals at a distance even if I still have to crop in post processing. I also use an electronic cable release to avoid camera shake even on the tripod.Inspiration
I love the backyard wildlife I am able to attract. I live in a rural, wooded area which is simply perfect for wildlife photography without having to travel. I have found that with cute, well-placed props for peanuts, bird seed, suet, and corn in addition to plenty of bird feeders and several bird baths I am able to capture a wide variety of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and occasionally white tail deer in my own backyard (or side yard as the case may be).Editing
I did post-processing first in Adobe Classic Lightroom to slightly darken the background and lighten the chipmunk. I used Photoshop to apply my copyright. I have since purchased Topaz to remove noise which a great help in cropped photographs taken in lower than ideal light.In my camera bag
A lightweight aluminum tripod for my Canon 70D and landscape photography, a heavier tripod with the Opteka gimbal GH1 head for the Canon 7D Mark II for the small wildlife photography, both of those cameras, Canon 100-400mm lens for large wildlife, Tamron 150-600mm lens for small wildlife used on the gimbal head tripod, Tamron 16-300mm lens for handheld closer shots, an electronic and a manual cable release, lens cleaning supplies, a graduated filter for landscape photography, extra batteries, and an extra memory card. The tripods and gimbal head are not in my camera bag. Everything else mentioned is except the two large lenses which are in their own bags.Feedback
Look for cute props at your local Tractor Supply or online for placing food to attract the wildlife in your area. The best photos are usually those where you don't actually see the feeder unless it is really novel. Chipmunks go crazy for peanuts in the shell, bird seed, and corn on the cob. They seem to prefer it over the abundance of acorns on our property. They also eat mushrooms that pop up after the rain! Place your props where they will get good, morning light and good early evening light. Be sure to have at least one bird bath or other source of fresh water. Then, set up and wait. Patience is key. It may take a few days for the animals to feel comfortable around something new. I would also advise in the case of chipmunks, not to attract them too close to your home....they dig tunnels putting many annoying holes in your lawn and flower beds!
