Pete Askew
Admin
Gorgeous again.
Strictly For The Birds
- Thread starter Tony Britton
- Start date
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Ivar Dahl-Larsen
Well-Known Member
Pete said it all, and may I ad a question, what camera are you using here? It really doesn't matter that much since it is you who have done a great job. But it would be nice to know how close you can get and how well the camera renders these lovely birds and colours!
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Of course, Ivar. I use three cameras, which include the Canon SX40, my favorite: Canon SX50 and Nikon Coolpix P610. I'd be happy to provide exactly which camera was used if you ever have a specific photo in mind.
I always purchase a camera for one very specific reason. If it does other things well then that's an additional bonus! These three cameras were purchased purely for their zoom capabilities. Each model simply provided an increase in their available zoom range.
Instead of using the massive zooms these cameras provide to photograph a very distant subject, I use the zoom to "fill the frame" with a very near subject. Capturing fine detail is my primary goal so proximity is paramount. Since I strongly favor portrait style captures I spent a fair amount of time scouting locations that would allow me close access to my subjects. Harbors, a municipal wharf, lakes, as well as well-traveled coastal trails, where these birds are somewhat accustomed to the presence of humans has allowed me this.
Therefore, I can often get within 5-10 feet of many of my subjects! So, much like the mantra in the business of retail, it's "location, location, location!
Tony
Ivar Dahl-Larsen
Well-Known Member
Thank you for your answer Tony, I am still very much impressed!
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Pete Askew
Admin
Wonderful stuff, Tony. The Egret especially really ends itself to B&W it seems.
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Thanks very much, Pete. Yes, egrets often do well with B&W conversions, especially when they're displaying their crest feathers as seen in image 5.
Tony
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
I hope you'll enjoy this next set.
1. Snowy Egret
2. Double-crested Cormorant
3. Muscovy Duck
4. Heermann's Gull
1. Snowy Egret
2. Double-crested Cormorant
3. Muscovy Duck
4. Heermann's Gull
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Dave Farnes
Well-Known Member
Another beautiful set. The long lens and shallow DoF really isolates the subjects from the background showing them off to their best.
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Thanks for commenting, Dave. I especially like the effect in the last image. That's ice plant behind the gull.
Tony
Brian Moore
Moderator
Birdman! Beautiful work and the purposeful way you go about it is impressive! (<--understatement!)
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Thanks, Brian. Congratulations on your excellent website. I'm especially drawn to your fantastic Automobiles & Architecture galleries, two categories of photography I've yet to explore. The shot of the Honda S2000 is a stunner!
Tony
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
I wanted to include at least one set of my favorite CAPTIVE bird photos. While certainly not technically demanding given the environment, still it's fun to try and present these subjects in a manner that allows them to appear, well, less captive! Hand-held, no cropping.
Tony
1. American Flamingo
2. Harris's Hawk
3. Great Horned Owl
4. Blue-bellied Roller
5. Himalayan Monal
6. East African Crowned Crane
Tony
1. American Flamingo
2. Harris's Hawk
3. Great Horned Owl
4. Blue-bellied Roller
5. Himalayan Monal
6. East African Crowned Crane
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Brian Moore
Moderator
Thanks for taking the time to look and thanks especially for the compliment. Much appreciated, Tony!
Pete Askew
Admin
Ana another cracking set. That last one makes smile every time I look at it! 
Aldous Lau
Well-Known Member
Wow, nice series Tony. Which camera and len did u take these shots?
Tony Britton
Well-Known Member
Thanks, Pete. It's a fun parting shot, for sure!Ana another cracking set. That last one makes smile every time I look at it!
Tony
