Since this challenge allowed nothing to be done to the image, I went with a macro lens and for lighting I used Nikons Speedlight SB-80DX with a Lumiquest bounce system. The most difficult part of this image was waiting until the bird turned its head for the side profile knowing I would get less glare off of the beak. I was not able to produce any real depth of field since I was shooting hand held and I needed as much light as possible, and at that close of range his beak would be in focus but the rest of his head would be out of focus. At one point I was making adjustments to the flash when Miles turned his head to the side and held it there for at least 5 seconds, just enough time for me to miss the perfect shot. Photographing birds is actually more difficult than any other animal; I'm including small human children. One minute a bird will act very curious the next they can be defensive especially with flashing lights or large objects like cameras. Miles has been around a lot of people so he’s fairly well socialized but he’s still a bird.
Camera Information:
Nikon D2X
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 D Macro
Focal Length: 105mm
Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
Aperture: f/4.8
ISO: 200
Lighting: Nikon Speedlight SB-80DX
Bounce System: Lumiquest with neutral panel
Final processing of the image was to reduce it down to a 640x425 @ 100 pixels/inch allowing PS to constrain proportions. Resample using Bicubic and then saving the file.
Statistics
Place: 30 out of 389 Avg (all users): 6.4145 Avg (commenters): 8.1538 Avg (participants): 6.3386 Avg (non-participants): 6.5606 Views since voting: 1278 Views during voting: 290 Votes: 193 Comments: 16 Favorites: 0
beautiful ecclectus, i have always wanted one of these, just gorgous if i am correct on my guess! i would have left a bit more around her, the framing is a tad close, but you stil lcaptured her well.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
