In this series the chick on the right saw the momma first. This is when they all saw her.
In this series the chick on the right saw the momma first. This is when they all saw her.
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the breeze way at the back of Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum on the grounds of the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery in Mt. Shasta. California.Time
I was closing the museum on a Sunday afternoon, checking the back door as I did so. I opened the door and noticed 3 Swallow chicks sitting quietly on their nest.Lighting
This was the second set of chicks raised by this Swallow mother. She built the nest in the eaves of the breezeway out of direct sunlight, but a metal building and water near by reflect sun in to the cove where her nest is.Equipment
I used my foot to prop open the door wide enough not to scare the mother off. I stuck my lens through the crack and waited. The Swallow's nest is about 2 1/2 feet above my head.Inspiration
This is actually a series of 4 photos, this being the 3 photo of the series. The first, the chicks sit quietly. The second, chick mouths open in cadence to the appearance of the mother Swallow with the meal. The third, all chicks mouths are fully open. The fourth, Chick on the right gets the prize. During this time I worked daily at Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum. King Fishers, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Heron (or Egret), Black Birds and Swallows all find food and water at Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery. I had my camera at hand most days to take photos for the museum or of the wild life that frequents the grounds of the fish hatchery.Editing
I am sure I cropped this photo a little. The rest is all natural. But yes I use a vintage version of ArcSoft and Corel Paint Shop Pro for some post-processing. My goal is to be mistress of my dark room at some point!In my camera bag
These days I have my cell phone to take interesting photography, or photos for some of the Volunteer groups I work with. If I know I will be traveling to a scenic destination I take my old DSLR Kodak Max camera. It takes great photos. I usually don't have a tripod, though that would be nice, and I have used one on occassion. I have extra batteries for my little hand-helds and definitely a charging cable for my larger DSLRs.Feedback
Photographing wild life. Light in the early morning or later afternoon is great for photographing wild life. That is when the animals and birds come to water as well. Patience and respect are key when photographing wild life. If I had opened the door all the way, the mother would have flown away from her nest and her chicks. And I find if I wait patiently something wonderful will happen on it's own. This was not a planned photo but I used the opportunity and got some great natural shots.