| Author | Content |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
3:16 PM Post #3167043
| I have learned a number of things since the bird watching forum started that have really helped me with my picture taking. And I thank you all very much! I was thinking that maybe when we discover a new technique or tip we share them here.
I have been thinking about how I can get closer to my subjects without actually being outside in this cold weather. Now this may just be too tacky for most of you but I decided to try using the old changing table I have been keeping my craft stuff on in the garage. The top shelf is just about at the level of the bottom of my dining room window. So I dragged it outside and put a small bird bath, seed and a dish of fruit and nuts on the top. I figured there would be enough room for bird browsing and maybe even some of the ground feeders like the towhees might venture up there. I have my camera set up on a tripod in the dining room at chair level so I can sit while taking the pics. Aside from the "tacky factor" I'm hoping this will work out well. :-) I was even thinking of trying to attach some branches along the top rail or nearby. Here is my first customer... and I will post a picture of the feeding area below.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
3:17 PM Post #3167046
| Now don't laugh... here is the top shelf in all its tacky glory lol!
This message was edited Feb 7, 2007 3:46 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 7, 2007
3:27 PM Post #3167070
| my problem with the tripod, is i cant get the camera flush against the window, and if i cant do that..the picture is white from the blur. any help welcome. so frustrated. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
3:48 PM Post #3167143
| I don't use the flash unless its very dark out.
Lily, I LOVE it!! Nice set up! |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
3:49 PM Post #3167144
| Is the whiteness from the flash going off maybe? The pics above were taken through a window but it was light enough that the flash didn't go off. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
3:51 PM Post #3167152
| Oh sorry, can't you turn your flash off?? |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
3:51 PM Post #3167153
| Oh we posted at the same tilme Pell! I do like having the birds a bit closer. I was thinking that I've seen largish platforms too in catalogs that can be elevated to window height and aren't quite so tacky lol. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
3:52 PM Post #3167156
| No its fine, looks a little like a country buffet. :-) |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
3:52 PM Post #3167157
| gardenglory I have heard that putting a tissue in front of the flash can sometimes help. |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
3:53 PM Post #3167159
| HAHAHA!! It does look like that! |
Grasmussen
Anchorage, AK
(Zone 4a)
February 7, 2007
4:00 PM Post #3167179
| gardenglory, to cut down on reflection off the window glass, cut down all light inside. Turn off all lights. Pull shades on other windows, close doors, etc. Become aware of parts of the window and the angles with the most and least reflections. ( I can't shoot through some parts of my window because of reflections.) By extending one leg of the tripod longer than the other two, the lens can be place next to the glass very easily. |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
4:10 PM Post #3167200
| Grass, I got the idea of putting up branches from you - thanks!
I also have been thinking that putting my blinds down to camera level and having most of the window covered might serve as a kind of blind. It would be easier to slip in and out of my chair without scaring away my subjects. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 7, 2007
4:18 PM Post #3167226
| Thanks. will try do darken the room. I havent been using the flash for the pictures. I have been using the flower setting so it wont go off.
This message was edited Feb 7, 2007 4:21 PM |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 7, 2007
4:23 PM Post #3167233
| I get this haze..this is about as good as it gets with sun 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 7, 2007
4:25 PM Post #3167242
| first time I have had this little beauty visit. bright or not, I will keep it until I get a good one. I have never seen one of these until this year. really working on getting a decent picture...its a mission. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Grasmussen
Anchorage, AK
(Zone 4a)
February 7, 2007
4:56 PM Post #3167322
| Gardenglory, You have a different problem in each of these shots. I believe, the haze in the first pic. is reflection off the inside of the glass. This is corrected by reducing inside light and changing the cameras angle to the glass. In the second pic. the sun light is reflecting off the feeder roof directly into the camera. If you want to be taking pic.s when the sun is directly on the feeder, I'd suggest a coat a flat textured paint in a dark color, to reduce the reflection. |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
5:15 PM Post #3167358
| That bird looks really interesting? Do you know what it was?
Back to light problems, I also find that taking pictures out my front window is optimal from about 8:00am to 10:00am. After that it is too bright unless it is an overcast day. The details can get washed out. My (now tacky lol) rear window is the opposite. Best pics are from about 3:00 to when it gets too dark.
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lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
5:17 PM Post #3167363
| I'm so happy with this new set up! I had to take a break to throw together a meatloaf but then ran back to the diaper changer for a few more pics. Here's an unsuspecting chickadee...
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gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 7, 2007
5:17 PM Post #3167364
| thank you..i have also added a feeder that is not in the full sun on the west side of a floirda home. And are you ever right...the copper roof has got to go. |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
5:18 PM Post #3167368
| Oops - clicked on the wrong button
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
5:24 PM Post #3167382
| Very good shot Lily!!! |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
5:30 PM Post #3167406
| Thanks so much Pell! I know you must have a few tips up your sleeve. Your female cardinal pic is one of the nicest ones I've seen! |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 7, 2007
6:04 PM Post #3167488
| Great topic, lilyfantn!
I am terrible at bird photography and need all the tips I can get (and new glasses!)--but I read everything I can about it. It's hard to know what is 'right' and good info on the net now because the technology seems to be changing so rapidly although I think much is the same since I took photography at the Univ. of Wisc. back in the 70's.
Anyway, I googled for 'bird photography tips' and found lots of sites and here are links to three if anyone has time to do a lot of reading.
The basic info: [HYPERLINK@www.outdooreyes.com]
Lots of details: [HYPERLINK@birding.about.com]
And tips on how to get close to your subject (good luck on this!): [HYPERLINK@www.opendigitalphotography.com]
I will be lurking here reading all the tips, but I don't have a lot to add! Thanks. t. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
6:52 PM Post #3167620
| Good links tabasco, I'm trying to do a ton of research before buying my next camera. Love the tips about being in the car. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
6:57 PM Post #3167633
| I have a question.
Would a lens that goes up to 500mm be too much??>>>) |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 7, 2007
7:05 PM Post #3167656
| Thanks so much tabasco! I can't wait to pour over these tips!
Wow, do you have a telephoto that long Pell? The longer of the two I have only goes up to 200mm. I bet a 500mm one would be great. I hope some of our resident experts will chime in here. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 7, 2007
7:50 PM Post #3167795
| No I don't have one but would not mind having one if our experts said it would be a good idea. |
DebinSC
Summerville, SC
(Zone 8a)
February 8, 2007
6:20 PM Post #3170388
| Lily: That chickadee shot alone is worth whatever "tackyness factor" the changing table created! :) (Though I don't think it looks tacky at all.) I have more chickadees than anything else, and have yet to get a nice clear shot of one - a topic we've talked about before, I think. You've inspired me to find my own buffet table for my window.
Deb |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 8, 2007
6:36 PM Post #3170422
| Great! I can't wait to see your pics! There is a down side though... I didn't get ANYTHING else done today lolol!!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 8, 2007
7:27 PM Post #3170546
| I don't consider myself an expert but I can talk from experience. My first digital camera had 3x optical ... which was inadequate for most bird photography. My next digital camera (Digital SLR) came with a kit lens of 70-300mm. Although an improvement, it too was inadequate. I eventually purchased a 500mm lens which is probably the minimum that most professional bird photographers would recommend. Many professionals still add a 1.4x teleconverter to their 500mm lens to give them 700mm. But all of this equipment is only for the serious photographer because it becomes a lot more expensive and much more cumbersome.
What most people might consider is one of the newer point and shoot digital cameras that offer 12x optical zoom with image stabilization. In addition, if one has the patience, they might consider buying and/or setting up a blind near where the birds frequent. This is the less expensive route.
I tend to spend most of my time out in the field rather than shooting from the house because I am looking for more species of birdlife and I prefer to capture them in their natural habitat rather than on a feeder. Of course, I know not everyone can or wants to do that. Even then, I often find that Bald Eagle in the distance or the waterfowl in the middle of the lake that is still too far away, even for a 500mm lens. So one can never have enough lens. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 8, 2007
7:45 PM Post #3170583
| Linth, do you think a 400mm would be okay? I don't see many 500mm ones around. I also wanted the anti shake in either the camera or lens.
I was thinking about getting a Canon but with a less expensive lens maybe a Tamron or the other one I can't think of right now. |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 8, 2007
8:58 PM Post #3170778
| pelletory, as I indicated, one never has enough lens. You eventually work with whatever you have to get the most out of it. A Canon 400mm, or 500mm lens, with IS, will cost $5,000+. For the last two years, I used a 50-500mm Sigma lens. It is very versatile and would cost you about $1,000 (doesn't have image stabilization).
A lot of photographers use a 400mm lens. It's on the short end of what one most likely needs. However, you can always add a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter to it if you find you need more magnification. You will, however, lose some quality with a teleconverter.
You might check if there is a photo shop in your area where you could rent a 400mm lens and try it out before buying. Or, they might have a good return policy if you don't like it.
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 8, 2007
9:37 PM Post #3170880
| Linth, I 'm not sure the camera I have now would take that type of lens. I have a Olympus c- 5060 wide zoom. |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 8, 2007
10:22 PM Post #3170970
| pelletory, you're correct. The Olympus c-5060 will not accept those lenses. The Olympus c-5060 has a 4x optical zoom with a 27-110mm equivalent. Most people ultimately find that they would like more zoom but unfortunately the camera manufacturers and retailers take advantage of the consumer by marketing all of these obsolete cameras before they are even sold. The majority of consumers just don't know enough when they go to buy a camera and then wind up with something less than they had hoped for. I know from experience. I had an Olympus 3000 with 3x optical zoom.
For example, I just bought my daughter a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ-50 for Christmas. It has 10.1 megapixels, 12x optical zoom with a 35-420mm equivalent and has Optical Image Stabilization. It can be purchased for around $500. In comparison, this camera has about four times the zoom capacity that the Olympus c-5060 has, plus 2x times the megapixels. Canon Powershot also has an equivalent point and shoot camera.
However, next month there will be something bigger and better on the market. So you need to think bigger from the beginning and stay ahead of the curve so you don't need (or want) a new camera each year. |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 8, 2007
10:28 PM Post #3170979
| Gee, that sounds just like what happens with computers!
Birds have to be one of the most challenging things to photograph on earth. I got my camera a few years ago to take photos of daylilies, my new hobby. Now taking photos of the blooms is right up there with the satisfaction I get from growing them and seeing them bloom. But shooting good photos of birds is a whole different ball game - much more challenging. Its worth all the blurry bad photos when you manage to get a really nice one. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 8, 2007
10:31 PM Post #3170984
| Thanks Linth, We didn't buy it for bird watching, just for vacation and garden photos. Now that I'm into bw, its just not the right camera.
I wasn't so much concerned with an enormous amount of pixels but would like something that I can build on with at least the 400mm.
This message was edited Feb 9, 2007 6:48 AM
This message was edited Feb 9, 2007 6:52 AM |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 9, 2007
7:22 AM Post #3171550
| Lily,The only thing I did to get those Cardinal pics was bait them in by putting some seed on the garden stones which are right below the windows. |
birdscrazy
Portland, OR
(Zone 8a)
February 9, 2007
11:46 AM Post #3172297
| Gardenglory I love your huge "hanger" for the feeders. Where is the place to buy those???
I like the look of it and size. Looks a much sturdier then the one`s I saw so far in the stores. |
Grasmussen
Anchorage, AK
(Zone 4a)
February 9, 2007
2:01 PM Post #3172715
| linthicum, after reading reviews of digital cameras on c/net, I had pretty much decided on the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ-50. How would you rate the one you gave your daughter?
pelletory: You said "I wasn't so much concerned with an enormous amount of pixels." A high pixel number can accomplish the same thing a longer lens can accomplish. The higher pixel number allows you the ability to crop the picture more, and still have a sharp image. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 9, 2007
3:49 PM Post #3172985
| Okay, Thanks Gras. I thought it was just for poster size prints. |
sadie_mae
Central, KY
(Zone 6b)
February 9, 2007
4:40 PM Post #3173135
| Lily, I'm glad you started this thread.
I'm using a Kodak DX7590 5.0 MP with 10 x optical zoom (38-380mm equiv). It has a digital zoom of 3 or 4 x but it doesn't do anything for the pic quality. Anyway, I know very little about camera add ons and accessories in general. I just ordered a Kodak Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 1.4x 55mm Telephoto Lens hopefully this will let me get a little "closer" to the birds. I also got a 3 pc filter kit, I don't understand exactly what they do but I figure they'll all give me something else to play with until the daylilies start to bloom and I go back to close-ups only :-) I really wish my camera had image stabilization, that's one big regret there. |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 9, 2007
5:24 PM Post #3173250
| Grassmussen, we haven't had a lot of experience with it to date but thus far the results have been excellent. I might mention that one additional item that led us to this camera was the "type" of battery (Lithium - Ion). This versus rechargeable Double AA batteries. The Canon Powershot S series has a comparable camera. In the end, everyone thinks that their camera is the best anyway. I personally have chosen to go the digital SLR route but for most people that route is probably not ideal. There are pros and cons either way.
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 9, 2007
6:57 PM Post #3173483
| Linth sorry for the dumb question but; is the Panasonic still in optical zoom at 420mm? |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 9, 2007
7:48 PM Post #3173600
| pelletory, the answer is yes. And, you do have your choice of black or silver as the camera color. Here is a link that provides a lot more information.
[HYPERLINK@www.dpreview.com] |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 9, 2007
9:43 PM Post #3173858
| Thanks again Linth! |
Grasmussen
Anchorage, AK
(Zone 4a)
February 9, 2007
10:15 PM Post #3173924
| I just order the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ-50. I have a 20+ year old Nikon SLR, with an assortment of lens. At first I didn't want to give up the investment in lens. But, this Lumix is smaller than a 500mm lens. It has all the power of an SLR with a large assortment of lens. DO NOT have to carry around all of those cannon sized lens. Most importantly, it only cost about a quarter of a good digital SLR.
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 9, 2007
11:34 PM Post #3174184
| Linth, What do you think of this one? Not as many pixels but more optic zoom.
[HYPERLINK@www.olympusamerica.com] |
ceejaytown
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 10, 2007
1:52 AM Post #3174327
| Lily - What kind of camera did you use to get the chickadee and titmouse? How far away are they? Tell me more... Great shots!!!
I have a Fuji FinePix s7000, and I am sooo frustrated. I know I need to read the manual more, but I just can't seem to get any shots like I see on this forum. I bought it for the macro capabilities and found that without a stabilizer I had a problem. I have since learned some new settings that takes faster photos and that has helped a lot. But I still can't get those bird shots. |
bluegrassmom
Lewisburg, KY
(Zone 6a)
February 10, 2007
5:09 AM Post #3174387
| I would love to have a new camera for long wildlife/bird shots. Also to make excellent closeups of daylilies. Can someone tell me what type they like and the lens I need to invest in? This will be possible if I can control my dl spending LOL.
Teresa |
JoanMN
Pine City, MN
(Zone 4a)
February 10, 2007
7:52 AM Post #3174533
| may I jump into this thread. I didn't even know there was a bird-watching site!
Anyhow, back home in MN, we lash dead branches to our bird-feeders, since I like to take pictures of them on the branches. We need to do that down here in FL, cause I am only getting feeder shots. They're nice, but not as natural looking. Another thing I've seen people do is put peanut butter or home-made suet in holes in a log, or a feeder that looks like a log. That makes for nice shots, too.
I shoot through our living room windows all the time, can't have a screen on them, though.
I am currently using a 70-300mm Canon lens, here's a pic of a red-bellied woodpecker I took through the window, down here in FL.
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
We have to get a branch out there soon! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 10, 2007
8:05 AM Post #3174550
| Nice pic Joan! I was thinking of doing the branch thing to the pole just above the baffle or over the feeders once it gets a little less bitter cold outside. |
JoanMN
Pine City, MN
(Zone 4a)
February 10, 2007
8:22 AM Post #3174592
| That should work great! And the birds seem to like it, gives them a higher vantage point to look around before or during eating. |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 10, 2007
5:11 PM Post #3175790
| Great picture and great ideas Joan! I love your tips and I am going to try that with branches too. I have been shooting through my window too not only because of the cold weather but also because if I am outside the birds stay away. Maybe I will have better luck outside in the spring when they get used to me being out gardening all the time lol.
Hi ceejaytown - sorry it took me a while to answer you. I am using a nikon D70 with an 18-70mm short range telephoto on it. The bird pictures I posted above were very close - about 2-3 feet away. I set up seed on a platform right outside my dining room window and close the blind down to the camera. Sort of like making a blind to sit behind. I don't have a good lens for distance shots. My longer telephoto 55 - 200mm is good for feeders a little further away. I also have the camera set to the "rapid fire" setting so I can get more shots. I have learned this from the people on this forum - Thanks all! |
ceejaytown
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 10, 2007
9:14 PM Post #3176488
| Thanks lily! You sure have some great shots! |
KathleenAG
Hudson, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 10, 2007
11:21 PM Post #3176845
| Love your set up, Lily. Your pics are exceptional, so it's clearly working for u. Great topic, thx. I've learned a lot from this thread! |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 11, 2007
7:30 AM Post #3177249
| pelletory, you asked about the Olympus SP-550 UZ. Since it was just introduced in January, 2007, there is little information available from users. Nonetheless, on the surface, it looks quite impressive. But then all marketing campaigns looks impressive. My first digital camera was an Olympus and I would not hesitate buying another Olympus product. I just wonder what the QUALITY of the photo will be like at 18X. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 11, 2007
5:22 PM Post #3179153
| Thanks Linth, I was wondering the same, especially with the less pixels. Maybe I'll wait a little longer before making a decision. |
Murmur
Whidbey Island, WA
(Zone 7a)
February 11, 2007
9:48 PM Post #3180090
| I really, really, really want a 500mm!!!!! However, for now I have to settle for my 300 - and I've been getting some good photos. But they would be even better if . . . if . . . if . . . I got this one, and about a million others, on Thursday at a beach near me called Double Bluff. There were six eagles who were dining on duck (I also got some rather gruesome photos of one of the eagles taking off with dinner as some dogs approached). It was one of the most awesome experiences I've ever had. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
February 11, 2007
9:58 PM Post #3180119
| Murmur, great Bald Eagle photo ... sometimes you don't need 500mm !!! |
Murmur
Whidbey Island, WA
(Zone 7a)
February 11, 2007
10:36 PM Post #3180254
| Thanks, Linth - I'm sure you understand when I say it was so overwhelming that I was about in tears. I'll share more on a new eagle thread after I get some resized and cropped, etc.
BTW, I see I missed your birthday - hope it was excellent! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 11, 2007
11:22 PM Post #3180356
| GREAT catch Murmur!! I'll bet you were about in tears. Can't wait to see the other pics! |
lilyfantn
Kingsport, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 12, 2007
6:33 AM Post #3180610
| Beautiful Murmur! What a wonderful experiance! Thanks for sharing it with us. :-) |
Grasmussen
Anchorage, AK
(Zone 4a)
February 12, 2007
1:32 PM Post #3181653
| Great shot Murmur! Maybe, when my new camera arrives (with image stabilizer), I'll be able to catch a good shot of one in flight. For now I can't compete with shots like that. Congratulations. |
Murmur
Whidbey Island, WA
(Zone 7a)
February 12, 2007
2:48 PM Post #3181875
| Gras, you'd laugh if you saw the ones that did blur - despite the image stabilizer!! Or the pics with nothing in them because I couldn't keep up with the eagles!! And, of course, I often had it on burst mode and just took pic after pic after pic - of basically the same thing. And many were still just too far away to really see anything specific, but I kept lots anyway - if nothing else, just for the memory. I hope to get that thread started today to share some of the good ones (I've learned a wee bit about Photoshop Elements so am working on improving some of them).
Thanks to all for the kind words! I can't wait to get back to that beach - I had thought of doing that today, but may have broken a toe (not a big deal and nothing to do for it, but would make walking in sand a bit tough). I'll see how things go as the day progresses. |
