serenamoultonvachon

Fair fight

NIKON D7100

settings

Aperture f/9.0 ISO 800 Shutter 1/1000 Focal Length 2800/10

upload_date

Apr, 2015

Views

254

Likes

+27

Awards

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Absolute Masterpiece

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Superior Skill

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in my front yard. I was inside with the tripod set up in front of the window, pointing at the birdfeeder, using a 55-300 lens, fully extended.

Time

I took this late in the morning, at the best light. I also needed to wait for the birds to become active.

Lighting

I had to use a high shutter speed and high ISO, so I needed the best natural light possible. There are many trees around, so shade can be an issue. The time of day was crucial.

Equipment

D7100 Nikon, with Nikon DX - AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 GED lens, and a tripod. No flash was used.

Inspiration

I recently put up a birdfeeder and loved watching the different birds and their activity! I do nature photography, often around my home, which is near the woods, so it was a great fit. I mostly get shots outside, but I found I could catch more when I was at the window from the inside. I still have to be quiet so I don't scare them.

Editing

I did have to crop this photograph to include just the drama, and to straighten the birdfeeder. Things happen so fast with birds, so I definitely had to adjust light and color as needed in Lightroom 5.

In my camera bag

I usually have the camera, a macro AF 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 lens, 50 mm 1:1/4D lens, and an AFS Nikkor 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 lens, tripod, remote shutter release cord and external flash. I may use filters at times so I will bring a few. I may bring a reflector as well if needed.

Feedback

Experiment with different shutter speeds until you get the capture you want. You will need to take test shots at different times of the day as the sunlight changes and moves. The lower the ISO, the better, but it may have to be high for some shots, at least 1600. Your shutter speed will need to be as high as 3200 to catch the birds' wings while they are flapping, otherwise you will get a blur. Take several photos while the birds or other subjects are active, and pick out the best ones. Get as close as possible and of course, use your tripod! You will have to use post processing to lighten your photography and crop, but be careful not to leave too much noise.

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Fair fight

Behind The Lens

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