jstephens62 wrote:
I am pretty sure the mystery bird is an immature Bateleur Eagle. The is a close-up immage on Wikepedia that shows detail of the bill and face that very closely match your bird.
Can you offer tips of who you went with, equipment to take etc? We went two years ago, I took a Nikon 8800, got interested in photography after I came back and now would like to go back with a Canon 30D (which I own) and a 500 F4 (which I don't). What technique did you use for your bird shots??
I have a brief description of our group in this link. http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/628461/0. It may be in the third page of the link. If you have specific question please email me.
30D and 500/f4 will be perfect combo for bird photography.
Here are few suggestions
Make sure you have Likeminded people in your group.. If the other passengers in the vehicle are not interested in Bird photography you have a lost cause. There are so many things to photograph over there and so little time.
Educate the guide what you want and what is your expectation for the trip. They are not used to the needs of ohotographers. Educate them how to approach the bird without flushing them. Drivers like to drive fast and come to a quick stop when they see something. This might work for big game but not for birds. Educate them about the direction of light and how y to position the vehicle in relation to the light. Prepare to spend lots of time working the bird waiting for that behavior shot. If the Background is not perfect move the vehicle. You paid for the vehicle and the guide and how you use them is up to you.
Limit the number of people in the vehicle. Have one whole row for yourself. This allows you to photograph from both side of the vehicle and have room for your gear. I had three beanbags. One for each side of the roof and one for the window.
In East Africa you shoot from open roof tops. Beanbag is the answer. If you are like me and never shot from a beanbag practice before you go on the trip. Go to your local park and practice..
Longer the lens closer you can get to the bird. Minimum focal length is 400mm and longer is better. Use a flash extender with the long lens. IS or VR helps but not necessary.
Use a wider aperture as possible to get a pleasing background. Have your shadow directed at the subject so the sun is behind you. Try the opposite as well so you get a backlit subject when appropriate.
I hope this helps.
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:35 PM
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Steve A wrote:
Amazing set Harsha,
I have one suggestion, the Lilac Roller is my favorite except for purple hi lite in the eye, do a selection around the eye, Increase the black channel to get rid of the purple or clone it out, I think it will improve that image a lot.
Steve
Thanks for the suggestion Steve. I liked the result.
Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:44 PM
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anthony whitmo wrote:
Shot 1 , 5 , and 7 are my pics. Very well done > Excellent detail and sharpness
Shot 1 is Killer > I love these guys !! Such an interesting bird
Anthony Whitmo
Thanks Anthony.
Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:44 PM
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72chevelle454 wrote:
Great series, I love the variety you have here. thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting the post.
Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:45 PM
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RT v Genugten wrote:
Very nice, beautiful colors!
That small eagle and the lark top it!
RT.
Thanks RT
Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:46 PM
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rodger booth wrote:
wow those are some wonderful photos, llove all the color in the birds there, dont see much like that here in michigan.
rodger
Roger,
Spring is coming.
Thanks. Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:47 PM
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kazman442 wrote:
Top notch stuff here, That crane is great looking in detail!
Thanks
Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:47 PM
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shelleyc wrote:
Soome great shots of some neat looking birds. Like that first shot... very cool.
Thanks Shelly.
Harsha
Mar 26, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Craig Yannuzzi Offline Image Upload: On
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Beautiful!
Mar 27, 2008 at 02:59 AM
pkurt Offline Image Upload: On
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Really great shots. Just one non aesthetic observation - some dust spots on your CCD.
Kurt
Mar 27, 2008 at 03:42 AM
Lil Judd Offline Image Upload: Off
Few birds from Africa
I was sure I'd commented in this thread..... it's not here
Anyhow fantastic shots.
Congratulations...
Lil
Mar 27, 2008 at 07:16 AM
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Doug Bentlage wrote:
An outstanding collection of images Harsha, all are magnificent! Favorites are 1, 5 and both 7's. Excellent work!
Doug
Thanks Doug.
Harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:10 AM
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Jude
Africa is a awsome place. So vast and so many things to photograph from animals, landscape, people to birds. Glad you like the pictures.
Harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:13 AM
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Jfarmer wrote:
Very nice set. Loads of character!
Jon
Thanks Jon
Harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:13 AM
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Sanlameer wrote:
I agree, it is a female Bateleur Eagle.
Thanks for that ID
Harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:14 AM
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Jody Melanson wrote:
Great set, Harsha!
Thanks Jody.
harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:15 AM
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Craig Yannuzzi wrote:
Beautiful!
Thanks Craig.
Harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:15 AM
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pkurt wrote:
Really great shots. Just one non aesthetic observation - some dust spots on your CCD.
Kurt
Thanks Kurt.
Dust on the sensor had been a problem with my new camera. I have to clean the sensor.
Harsha
Mar 28, 2008 at 11:16 AM
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Lil Judd wrote:
I was sure I'd commented in this thread..... it's not here
Few birds from Africa
