A week or so ago I went on a Winter Wildlife Photography Course at Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Lackford Lakes to try and improve my overall photography skills. Generally I seem to be doing the right things but the main thing I learned, which is the hardest for me to consistently put into practice, is to remember the background. You're not always in control of it when photographing wildlife but when you are it can make a big difference, the big challenge is to not get too caught up in the moment and check whether you can improve the background by changing your position to get the background further back and out of focus.
When we went out with our cameras we went to a spot where seed is regularly put out on logs and the local birds put in a regular appearance. Tip number one, if you do this only put seed in one place and slightly out of view then you know where the birds are going to land.
Marsh Tit eyeing up the food.
First lesson learned, I managed to get the background distant and in dark shadow, with the seeded perch in sunlight.
Then the Nuthatch's turn
Then on these shots, the background changed as a Blue Tit came down to wait it's turn managing to look quite sinister once it landed.
Then a Robin had it's turn.
Only to be disturbed by the returning Nuthatch.
Out around the lakes there wasn't all that much to see as much of the lake by the hides was frozen.
Way in the distance a BH Gull and tap dancing Moorhen on the ice.
As we came out of that hide somebody spotted something in an Alder Tree, a group of Siskins, quite close and in late afternoon sunlight.
One last look at the seeded logs but the sun was too low and it was quite gloomy, but I did see this female Blackbird hiding under a log, she stayed crouched down like that for a few seconds.
The day finished with a reasonable sunset but cloud on the horizon stopped the full spectacle.
A flight of Geese heading into the sunset.
All in all a rewarding day out and some lessons learnt, remember the background.
Best Wishes,
Trevor
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Regards, Hazel
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
The course has certainly made a difference using the darker background, particularly keeping unwanted subjects out. We've all seen those new reports out and about, and there's always one who thinks they're the number one comic behind the reporter.
I think one of the problems many of us fall prey to, is, grab the shot while you can, which isn't always a bad thing, because you might not see the subject again, or for a very long time. But with established subjects, like your more regular birds etc, time can be taken, unless, its that unique moment.
As always, super photos Trevor and always a pleasure to see.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Thanks Mike,
A lot of wildlife photography is done before you have time to think. I set my camera up with 3 fairly general Custom settings with 3 different focus patterns to take something at no notice that hopefully will get some reasonable pictures then optimise settings and position if I get the chance. It's just so easy to get excited about what you're seeing sometimes to remember to optimise your settings even when you do have time.
Glad to hear you're out and about and also enjoying your new coat of many pockets. I also bought a Paramo recently but it only has 8 pockets that I can find but very large and useful. I love it and my wife managed to get one from a charity shop, it's seen a bit of service but it's still fully waterproof and it was that that gave me the confidence to buy mine.
Best wishes,
.
Paramo is good clothing, and often the first call for clothing by mountain rescue teams in the UK.
I never stay down for long, and I used to joke with the nurses and doctors when i was an inpatient for 3 months, "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down. I'm on a wobble, but I won't fall down"
Weebles was a children's toy during the 80's, not quite my era, but it was a slogan I used a lot.
The jacket I bought was the Country Innovation Aperture jacket, after talking to someone who had one. Its a bit on the heavy side, comfortable, feels very durable, and you know the rest, proper pockets, inside and out.