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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on a family outing to my local zoo on Dartmoor. The ostrich was very inquisitive and took a liking to following the camera around, it ended up being one of my favourite images.Time
I remember taking this shot towards the end of the day around 3pm before we were heading home. It was cooling down after being a really hot summers day in June 2014 and all of the animals were starting to get a bit more active.Lighting
The lighting wasn't planned at all, the sun just happened to be in the right place as I snapped the ostrich.Equipment
This was shot on a Nikon D40X using a Sigma 70 - 300mm lens. The focal length was 195mm, ISO 200, f/5.0.Inspiration
I have always enjoyed nature and animals, especially trying to capture the same sort of images that are featured in the likes of National Geographic magazine. I had gone to the zoo in the hopes of capturing some of the fascinating animals doing what they do. The majority of my photos that day were exactly of that, however this ostrich provided me with probably the best image I've taken. It was so interested in the camera that I was able to get a beautiful portrait.Editing
This image only needed to be cropped to produce the square finish, framing the portrait perfectly.In my camera bag
I only have one DSLR camera at the moment, my Nikon D40X with the kit lens which provides most of my images. I also pack my Sigma 70 - 300mm lens for those things that require a bit more oomph. I don't really use a tripod, although I do take it with me on longer excursions for more versatility. My other camera is my Samsung S6 Edge which enables me to capture some images when I don't have my Nikon with me.Feedback
Capturing animals in the zoo takes some patience, however they are used to being in front of people so use this to your advantage. Zoos are a brilliant place to practice and develop your skills as a nature photographer and sometimes house animals that you will never get to be able to see in the wild.