I spent some time in the woods to enjoy nature and, of course, take some snaps of all the nice animals out there, living their lives, mostly unnoticed, hidden behind leaves and trees.
A real challenge was the meeting with Ms. Squirrel ... such a speeedy Squirrel.
I learned to like digital photography and my camera, though it isn't the latest shiggy-diggy pro-class cam. There were always some weak points with it, like scaring birds away with loud camera shutter noises or losing some good moments while the Auto-Focus gets confused and drives the lens motor forward and back and forward and back ... . I guess every bird photographer knows that, which is why they often have those pro cams and lenses for few thousands of dollars.
Anyway, if you want a good training to handle the camera: Look out for Squirrels!
What you might want to check out to get better shots:
Avoid the Sports setting, it's good for snake races, rather select the TV (Time Value) setting with shutter times of 1000+.
Avoid things in the foreground of the squirrel, like branches, or the camera will autofocus on them. Or turn the Auto-Focus off and learn to do it manually. It can be much quicker.
If you are using the finder of the camera to look through with your one eye, try to keep your other eye open, to see better where the beast jumps next.
Tell me, what is the not "the latest shiggy-diggy pro-class cam" you are using? Yes, I would love 1000mm equivalent lens on a top of the range camera for bird shots - and of course, the patience, and a portable hide etc. Funds just won't stretch that far :(
ReplyDeleteHi Empty The Dog! Haven't been on my island for a while, so sorry for late replying.
ReplyDeleteIt's an older EOS 500D I'm using (mostly) with a 250mm lens.
Yes, a 1000mm lens would be nice for birds, but I still didn't find a way to print the money for a 400mm(+) yet :))