For about 3 months now I've been building my little "bird studio". Since I've posted last I've gotten a new 50mm 1.8, some outdoor utility lights, and have made a few other changes to make myself as invisible as possible to get them closer. My last shoot lasted 3 hours (if not for the squirrels it would have been 2). The sun was in and out. The dark background are from when the sun is behind a dark cloud and my lights are quite a bit brighter. When the sun is out I get an opposite effect. I like both. The birds are about 3 feet away from me when they are on the branch and less than a foot away when they are on the feeder. I would love some critique. :)
No, but I'll take some shots after work. Basically, bright lights on the feeder with with plenty of twigs for them to land on and ponder if it's safe or not. Some reflectors to not let light in. Static cling window tint (for cars) that I can move around and make shooting area small as possible. For the inside, dark "tent" around the window for me to sit in, black gloves, hat and shirt. The kids call me black ninja ghost mommy, now. I imagine all the birds see is some light reflecting off my lens.
Are you shooting through glass?
Strange to see such a short lens being used
for birds. It looks like some of your images
are at F1.8, I can't really tell since you
parse your EXIF info. You might try slightly
smaller aperature (larger numbers like 2.8, or 4)
to get more of the bird sharp, if that's what
you're trying to accomplish. Nice bokeh in many
of those shots. Get someone to take an image of
you in your "blind". I'd bet it is wicked looking!
Are you shooting through glass?
Strange to see such a short lens being used
for birds. It looks like some of your images
are at F1.8, I can't really tell since you
parse your EXIF info. You might try slightly
smaller aperature (larger numbers like 2.8, or 4)
to get more of the bird sharp, if that's what
you're trying to accomplish. Nice bokeh in many
of those shots. Get someone to take an image of
you in your "blind". I'd bet it is wicked looking!
Most are f1.8, but only because I'm bound and determined to get one flying from the branches straight at me to the feeder. So I guess I'm wanting the fast speed. But now that I think about it, that's going to be impossible with such a shallow depth of field anyway. It's hard to find that compromise because they are so darn fast and never stop moving their heads.
ETA: any advise from a bird photographer on settings. That is a weak point of mine. These birds are literally 3 feet away from when they take off and I haven't gotten an in-flight photo yet that's in focus. wah
Wow, your shots are gorgeous! Getting so close with a 50mm is commendable. You must cover yourself and your gear with camoflage and hold your breath. Well done!
I think you're on to something! These shots are really great. I especially like the last one. It's hard to imagine getting good bird shots with a 50mm. I use a 80-200 (at 200) for my hummingbirds. I can sit about 8 feet away from the feeder and not scare them away.
If you're looking for action shots, you may need to get a couple of flashes. Then you can use flash to stop the motion instead of the shutter speed.
I think you're on to something! These shots are really great. I especially like the last one. It's hard to imagine getting good bird shots with a 50mm. I use a 80-200 (at 200) for my hummingbirds. I can sit about 8 feet away from the feeder and not scare them away.
If you're looking for action shots, you may need to get a couple of flashes. Then you can use flash to stop the motion instead of the shutter speed.
You know, I thought of that, but was afraid I'd hurt their little eyes. I've used it before, however, and it's doesn't seem to bother them for the most part. But I can imagine them in their nest at night wondering what all those spots are every time they close their eyes. lol
Wow, your shots are gorgeous! Getting so close with a 50mm is commendable. You must cover yourself and your gear with camoflage and hold your breath. Well done!
Oh I can breathe... I can sip on margaritas and smoke and shoot 160 bird pics between 6pm and sundown (8:30ish). Hardest part is finding the time to edit all the ones worth editing. Here are some other shots from the same sitting as the OP.
Oh I can breathe... I can sip on margaritas and smoke and shoot 160 bird pics between 6pm and sundown (8:30ish). Hardest part is finding the time to edit all the ones worth editing. Here are some other shots from the same sitting as the OP.
That's why I love backyard bird photography. Once I'm set up, I can sit in my backyard with my feet up drinking coffee for an entire morning, pushing the button on my remote every once in awhile when a bird shows up at the feeder. It's the most relaxing thing I do....
Oh I can breathe... I can sip on margaritas and smoke and shoot 160 bird pics between 6pm and sundown (8:30ish). Hardest part is finding the time to edit all the ones worth editing. Here are some other shots from the same sitting as the OP.
That's why I love backyard bird photography. Once I'm set up, I can sit in my backyard with my feet up drinking coffee for an entire morning, pushing the button on my remote every once in awhile when a bird shows up at the feeder. It's the most relaxing thing I do....
Ann, I just looked at your profile and I've been looking all over for you!!
I was just telling my husband last week that there was this chick on DPC that worked miracles with hummingbirds, but I couldn't remember your profile name.
Tell me how you do it!! Light... and especially focus in flight. Please please please please please...
BTW... it's become the most relaxing thing I do, too. I find myself sitting there well after the birds go to nest at night.
These are some great shots Cynthia. And with such a short lens too. Wow!
Have you considered setting up your environment a bit more? Something similar to what I did with these hummingbird photos...
For these shots, I surrounded the feeder with several pots of flowers. It hides the feeder and gives the photos a nice colorful background.
I took these shots with a 100mm macro lens and the camera setup on a tripod. The birds didn't seem to be afraid of me at all. In fact, they flew so close to me at times that I was afraid they might poke me in the eye or fly in my ear. :)
Anyway, it's just a suggestion. The shots you're getting are terrific. Keep it up.
These are some great shots Cynthia. And with such a short lens too. Wow!
Have you considered setting up your environment a bit more? Something similar to what I did with these hummingbird photos...
For these shots, I surrounded the feeder with several pots of flowers. It hides the feeder and gives the photos a nice colorful background.
I took these shots with a 100mm macro lens and the camera setup on a tripod. The birds didn't seem to be afraid of me at all. In fact, they flew so close to me at times that I was afraid they might poke me in the eye or fly in my ear. :)
Anyway, it's just a suggestion. The shots you're getting are terrific. Keep it up.
I used to shoot with my own bird studio that I kept in the aviaries.....I had different backgrounds and many different species....I miss doing them, but we sold off everything a couple of years ago.
Thanks ann for the flash advice. I read about your set-up and it gave me a lot of ideas. I think I've come up with a plan for my next step to catch them in flight.
Thanks mick for the advice on dressing things up a little. I've had some success with fish and lizard supplies from the fish store. A little color might be nice.
Thanks judi for a compliment from one of my all time faves here. You've been an inspiration to me and many others.
Here are a couple from last night. It was really close to dark and I closed my aperture a bit. The two I've processed so far have turned out quite nice, i think.
ETA the stick is getting a little boring. I'll have to do something that :).
