I was reading somebody the other day, pretty sure it was Brad Hill. My apologies to Thom if it was him. He was making the point about visualizing the shot you'd like to get. I find myself doing it all the time, mostly out of boredom. You're sitting around waiting for the bird or whatever to show up and you focus on a log or a branch and think to yourself; "it would be perfect if something landed right there, right now." I found myself doing that the other day when I discovered these Cedar Waxwings. I noticed every once in a while a bird would land on this great perch but I was too far away. So I went back this morning and before I left I set up in a spot closer to the perch I liked and waited.
The following is what I shot before I moved and the last shot is the one I envisioned. All comments and critiques appreciated.
Gary
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/500s1600 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/320s1600 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/400s1600 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/640s1600 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/500s1250 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/800s1000 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/640s1000 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/1000s1600 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/1000s800 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9VR 150-600mm f/5-6.3G lens600mmf/6.31/500s800 ISO-1.0 EV
Lovely set Gary and the last shows the value of previsualization. Many of my best photos are previsualized, sometimes happening quickly as in your case and other times I've waited years for the photo to happen. You are going to love using this tool!
Your vision became reality--beautiful, colorful, detailed waxwing portraits, Gary.
I've heard the concept referred to as "make your own luck". Much as I try to do that, more often than not, I have to take what's presented, imperfect as it may be.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the reminder, and your great examples of how planning the shot can pay off.
Hi Gary. Lots of good looks and nice backgrounds and great perches. A very enjoyable set ! More than a few times I have used previsualization, like Morris sometimes it happens quickly, other times I have to wait years. My first post here was a Black bear cub in a tree with lots of poison ivy in fall color. I watched the mom and cubs wander towards the tree and kept hoping the cub would climb the tree. In a few minutes happened. I"m still waiting to catch a Owl ( any owl ) perched on a weathered fence post
morris wrote:
Lovely set Gary and the last shows the value of previsualization. Many of my best photos are previsualized, sometimes happening quickly as in your case and other times I've waited years for the photo to happen. You are going to love using this tool!
Tyr-Sog wrote:
Killing it with these wax wings, grampa!
I haven't seen to many in my area yet.
Wonder feather detail. If I recall the last time I shot some
I always felt that the feather detail was hard to pull out.
Appreciate the input
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gcooke0522 wrote:
Great shots, Gary! And I agree with the visualization of your shots before they happen. I've got some great shots that way.
Along a similar vein I found a little bit of this in shooting butterflies and bees. They are greedy little oportunistic SOBs, and I've seen many times fighting over a blossom when there are hundreds to choose from. I found setting up on a healthy looking flower with great light for the shot I want, and waiting, would usually pull a nearby butterfly to come check it out and compete with ME for it! ! So, a similar thought to yours with a twist, heh.
kdacharya wrote:
these are amazing. thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much
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gmccroskery wrote:
These are great Waxwing shots, Gary. Like Morris, I'm impressed that you actually got some feather detail -- they are so smooth.
Such beautiful birds
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wonderer wrote:
Your vision became reality--beautiful, colorful, detailed waxwing portraits, Gary.
I've heard the concept referred to as "make your own luck". Much as I try to do that, more often than not, I have to take what's presented, imperfect as it may be.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the reminder, and your great examples of how planning the shot can pay off.
TFS
Kim
Thanks very much Kim
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johnohio wrote:
Hi Gary. Lots of good looks and nice backgrounds and great perches. A very enjoyable set ! More than a few times I have used previsualization, like Morris sometimes it happens quickly, other times I have to wait years. My first post here was a Black bear cub in a tree with lots of poison ivy in fall color. I watched the mom and cubs wander towards the tree and kept hoping the cub would climb the tree. In a few minutes happened. I"m still waiting to catch a Owl ( any owl ) perched on a weathered fence post
John...Show more →
Always exciting when a plan starts to fall in line
Damn Gary! As I was viewing and scrolling...I thought I had my faves picked...but the subsequent shots kept getting better! So I'm leaning on the last parts of the set...especially the backside ones where it's showcasing the red feathers. Incredible shots. Seems we have a big presence of them in my area....but nothing I've witnesses.
Along a similar vein I found a little bit of this in shooting butterflies and bees. They are greedy little oportunistic SOBs, and I've seen many times fighting over a blossom when there are hundreds to choose from. I found setting up on a healthy looking flower with great light for the shot I want, and waiting, would usually pull a nearby butterfly to come check it out and compete with ME for it! ! So, a similar thought to yours with a twist, heh.
jcnemy wrote:
Damn Gary! As I was viewing and scrolling...I thought I had my faves picked...but the subsequent shots kept getting better! So I'm leaning on the last parts of the set...especially the backside ones where it's showcasing the red feathers. Incredible shots. Seems we have a big presence of them in my area....but nothing I've witnesses.
Thanks very much
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ifaynshteyn wrote:
Stunning bird, stunning compositions here! Was well worth the mental preparation!
Gary these are beautiful. I am right there with you, all the time I look and say this perch right there, but I think I need a brain amplifier mine is putting out a strong enough signal I think. But I like doing it because every once in a while.
Lucky you, these guys are difficult to find most of the time. I live in Tacoma, Washington and the come into four bushes in my neighbors yards. The last few years robins have eaten all the red berries before the waxwings show up You got some very nice images so envy you. Bruce
! So, a similar thought to yours with a twist, heh.