This is the time of year when we start looking to local parks and our yard to provide photo opportunities. It is amazing what you can find in your own back yard and local parks. And it would be a shame not to take time to capture them at their best.
This month’s tip is a simple item but quite useful and that is a small one-man blind. I noticed the Gold Finches feeding on some flowers in the back yard consistently. The problem is they are small and skittish. The size factor means you need to get really close and their shyness means you can’t. Solution; a blind, I picked up an inexpensive one-man blind at the local sportsman shop. The fifty dollars spent was well worth it when you see how close I could get. One session with them lasted over three hours.
Another tip, take plenty of water and a snack for when you’re waiting it out. Be sure to set up when they aren’t around and then settle in until the birds or animals show up.
I’ll start with the finches.
American Goldfinch –
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 70-200 w/1.4 extender at 280 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 160 - 1/200 Sec @ F5.0
These guys were fast and shy but the blind made it a cinch. The shallow DOF turns the background into a pleasing color splash.
American Goldfinch –
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 70-200 w/1.4 extender at 280 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 100 - 1/125 Sec @ F5.0
The light was just right to help the bird pop. Notice the use of shallow DOF, again turning the background into a splash of color.
Pond –
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 70-200 w/1.4 extender at 280 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 200 - 1/500 Sec @ F6.3
This picture was taken in the morning when the light offered the best chances for the green reflections.
Rose (Bill Warriner) – Julia Davis Rose Garden
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 50 macro at 50 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 50 - 1/500 Sec @ F.6
The rose garden was in full bloom and it was a good thing we were there early. The weather got hot quickly so we only had a couple of hours of good shooting.
Rose (
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 50 macro at 50 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 50 - 1/640 Sec @ F5.7
There were so many colors and so many compositional opportunities. You really have to stay focused and take your time. I missed several shots because I just couldn’t settle down.
Rose (Belle Story) – Julia Davis Rose Garden
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 50 macro at 50 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 50 - 1/640 Sec @ F5.7
Getting roses that aren’t overly blemished helps make the image.
Shasta Daisies –
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 70-200 w/1.5 extension tube at 200 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 100 - 1/640 Sec @ F4.6
I got a new macro and extension tube and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the extension tube works quite well with the zoom. The shortened focal distance allowed me to get pictures I couldn’t get otherwise.
Lilly – Private Garden
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 70-200 w/1.5 w/extension tube at 200 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 100 - 1/320 Sec @ F4.6
The Baby’s Breath makes a nice addition to the composition and complements the flower.
Lilly – Private Garden
Canon EOS-1D Mark II - EF 70-200 w/1.5 extension tube at 200 MM
Color Space - Adobe RGB - 16 bit
Manual Metering
Digital UV Filter
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO 100 - 1/320 Sec @ F4.6
The fading sun provided glow light for this lily, really making it pop.
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