"An African Photo Safari" - Presentation to Hampton Roads [Virginia] Digital Shutterbug Club on...

Don MercerRustic 41 Creations

Virginia Beach, Virginia

www.rustic41creations.com

Copyright © 2014 Don Mercer, Rustic 41 Creations

Hampton Roads Digital Shutterbug Club

January 15, 2014

Presented Considering Diversity

of

Experience and Equipment

In Honor

of

Paul Renner and Larry Jordan, P.E.

Men

Of

Vision

And

In Memory of

Regan Steelman

Special Thanks to

Bill Connolly, M.D., & Lucia Zuccala

Larry & Betsy Jordan

Regan & Julie Steelman

Jim & Georgia Struhsaker

Juan & Donna Zumbado

Extraordinary Traveling Companions, Adventurers, and Photographers

“Wildlife photography is

the ultimate catch and release!”

Don Mercer, Rustic 41

Rustic 41 Creationswww.rustic41creations.com

Photography is All About Learning

My dad, who was raised on a farm in the Valley of Virginia, said:

“When you’re green, you grow.

When you’re ripe, you rot!”

Photography is All About Learning

My dad, who was raised on a farm in the Valley of Virginia, said:

“When you’re green, you grow.

When you’re ripe, you rot!”

Photography provides a platform for learningthroughout your life!

Feedback

&

Constructive Criticism

Is

Welcomed and Solicited

Please Hold Any Questions

“An African Photo Safari”

Africa – The Continent

Currently Home to 53 Nations

This Evening’s Program

Overview of Photography & Bases for Analysis

Analysis of Published Images

Some Tips & Techniques

TIMER??

You will be admired and respected by our

fellow Club members!

The Bouncing Balls of Photography

LIGHT

ISO

f/stop

Travel

Space

LINES

BALA

NCE

And More ...

BALANCECOMPOSITON

ARTI

STRY

1/50

0,1/1

00,

Etc.

RULEOf1/3s

Choices …Choices …Choices …

A Few of the Puzzle Pieces

fps Sensors

Lenses

tripo

ds

Makes

WB

File Size

RAW

Models J

PEG filters

EV

BURST! TIFF

Tonight’s Program

“Like drinking from a fire hose!”(USAF)

On the Internet = A Resource

“An African Photo Safari”South Africa

Botswana

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Welcome to Africa!

The Bad News: They weren’t sedated!The Great News: I left with all my body

parts!

“Here Kitty, Kitty!”

NOTE:

Be prepared to sign numerous waivers prior to, and during, such a trip. Some may require you to sign off on not having all body parts available for shipment home!

Photo Credit: Emily, a groundskeeper at Rhino & Lion Park using my cameraOutside Johannesburg, South Africa.

Property Release: E. A. Hern, Owner, Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve – “Vaartjie” & “Medusa”

I did not tell them that I’m a dog person …

The majority of our time on photo safari with noted wildlife photographer, Paul Renner, was

spent in this nation.

Overview of

Photography&

Bases for Analysis

“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”

Ansel Adams

“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”

Ansel Adams

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

Edgar Degas

What Photography Is to Me:

1. Selecting a location & planning



2. Applying technical elements




3. Applying artistic creativity




3. Applying artistic creativity3D




3. Applying artistic creativity3D 2D





3D





GreatImager

y!





GreatImager

y!

REQUIRES ARTISTIC INTENT!





GreatImager

y!

REQUIRES ARTISTIC INTENT!

AVOID DISTRACTING ELEMENTS!LIKE

THIS!

What Provides Sense of Depth?

3D Scene 2D Image 3D Qualities

Light = The Essence of All Photography



Light = The Essence of All Photography Plan




Manage




ManageUtilize




ManageUtilize

Attempt to Control




ManageUtilize

Attempt to ControlPlay to Its Strengths! … AND YOURS!



Composition – Perspective

The Placement – Arrangement – of Visual Elements



Lines – Illusion of Depth

Linear Perspective

Diminishing Perspective

Many Times in Nature

&

Especially In Wildlife Photography

You Take Lines Any Way You Come by Them!

“Cat in the Grass!”

ISO 400, f/11, 1/320, -0.3 EV, 110mm, at 8:10 AM – Manual Focus

“A Lioness Stalking Impala!

What’s for Breakfast?”

Lioness

Impala

ISO 400, f/11,

1/250, -0.3 EV

80mm, at 8:13 AM

Impala

AKA

Breakfast

“Bending Down Is a Pain”

ISO 400, f/11, 1/250, 0 EV, 300mm, at 5:16 PM



Choice of Lenses



Choice of Lenses

Wide angle lenses:

Tend to emphasize converging lines

Expand foreground to background



Choice of Lenses

Telephoto lenses:

Tend to compress foreground to background

Subjects appear closer than in reality

AKA “lens compression”

Depth Through Aperture Control

Emphasis

on

Foreground? Middle Ground? Background?



Contrast

EV = Exposure Valuation

HDR = High Dynamic RangePrincipally Used in Landscape Photography by Merging Images

Due to Motion in Wildlife Photography





4. Telling a story

3D 2D 3D





4. Telling a story + Bringing Images to Life

3D 2D 3D

Attempting to Do Both – Actually All the Above!

Telling a story + Bringing Images to Life

While:

Collecting Memories

&

Recording History – Personal and Other

Breaking a cardinal rule of photographers:

“Show only your best work.”

Must show WIPs & DEMOs for others to learn

Breaking a cardinal rule of photographers:

“Show only your best work.”

Must show WIPs & DEMOs for others to learn

--------------------------------------------------------

On some slides, did not adhere to “6x6 PP Rule”:

6 words per line & 6 lines per slide

Most photographers note following metadata:

ISO

Aperture or f/stop

Shutter speed

EV = exposure valuation

Focal length of lens

Consider:

Adding Time in your analysis

Hour of day is critical in obtaining softer light Best wildlife photography in early AM & late PM

= The Golden Hours

ABCs of Ideal Wildlife Imagery

A. Tight head shot (telephoto mostly with larger animals – especially predators, wide-angle, and/or crop)

ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/125, 0.7 EV, 21mm

12:18 PM

Harsh light with some shade from trees

Note: Wide-angle lens used, as an

exception, due to this being an orphan lion in close proximity


A. Tight head shot

1. Eyes = “Catchlight”

“Catchlights”

or

“Eye Lights”

=

Exceptional Highlights!

“Marabou Stork” – ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/640, 0.7 EV, 35mm – 12:04 PM


A. Tight head shot


2. Focus on “Eyes …

ISO 500, f/9, 1/125, -0.3EV, 300mm

10:53 AM


A. Tight head shot


2. “Eyes … Eyes ….

ISO 500, f/10, 1/2500, -0.3 EV, 170mm, at 11:23 AMNote: Lioness had been moving, so increased shutter speed; on down slope of a hill & got better sun angle = softer light, as an advantage, but most of lion in flat light


A. Tight head shot


2. “Eyes … Eyes …. Eyes …

ISO 500, f/20, 1/125, 0.3 EV, 300mm

4:14 PM = Golden Hours

Why f/20?Wanted foreground, middle ground with subject, and background all in focus


A. Tight head shot


2. “Eyes … Eyes …. Eyes …

And the rest will follow!”


A. Tight head shot


2. “ Eyes! Eyes! Eyes! & The rest will follow!”

3. Count the whiskers!

ISO 500, f/10, 1/3200, -0.3 EV, 300mmIncreased ISO to 500 for higher shutter speed (too high), as lion had been moving

quite a bit


A. Tight head shot

B. Full body shot – Don’t forget feet & tail! (telephoto or wide-angle and/or crop)

ISO 500, f/10, 1/1250, -0.3 EV, 300mm at 11:34 AMHarsh light, but increased ISO to err for faster shutter speed in case

cheetah ran

Not optimum“travel space”

ISO 500, f/10, 1/1250, -0.3 EV, 185mm, at 8:22 AM – Optimum result with manual focus

Increased ISO to obtain higher shutter speed, as warthog was digging hard with dirt flying

ISO 500, f/9, 1/1250, -0.3 EV, 170mm, at 10:57 AMDoes this springbok have feet? … Poorly composed!

DEMO


A. Tight head shot

B. Full body – Don’t forget feet & tail!

C. Animal in habitat (wide angle, occasionally telephoto with little to no crop)

ISO 500, f/10, 1/2000, 0 EV, 125mm, at 10:37 AMCould have reduced ISO, but no noise with Nikon D7000 at this ISO setting

Also, first day of shooting – Began to reduce ISO as shoot progressed – Shutter speed > than needed

Landscape Photography:

At times, use sharp focus on

foreground subject(s) to draw viewer into

a more dramatic middle ground

and/or background composition

Analogy in Wildlife Photography:

Control aperture and areas of focus

Foreground – Middle Ground – Background

In order to make some subjects

Appear in even sharper focus

ISO 400, f/11, 1/500, -0.3 EV, 400mm, hand-held, at 8:20 AMNote: Softening in background using f/11

“Contemplation”ISO – Note: “Softness,” or “Blur,” in middle ground and background

Did you notice the horizon?ISO 400, f/10, 1/640, 0 EV, 300mm, at 3:20 PM


A. Tight head shot

B. Full body – Don’t forget feet & tail!C. Animal in habitat

1. Interacting with other animals (natural)


A. Tight head shot



2. Interacting with habitat (natural)


A. Tight head shot



2. Interacting with habitat (natural)

3. Reacting to people and unusual behavior

TRY NOT TO DISTURB WILDLIFE!


TAKE CARE WHEN IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ALL WILDLIFE

ANIMALS IN THE WILD ARE UNPREDICTABLE!


TAKE CARE WHEN IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ALL WILDLIFE

ANIMALS IN THE WILD ARE UNPREDICTABLE!

MOST ALL WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS CAN TELL A STORY OR TWO!

And Don’t Forget the Ds of Wildlife Photography!

Talons

Feathers – Texture, Colors, & Patterns

Fur – Texture & Colors

Scales – Patterns & Colors

Teeth

Fangs

Tongue

Feet & Paws

ISO 800, f/5, 1/320, -0.7 EV, 103mm

At 5:11 PM in flat light

Above: Unedited JPEG conversion from RAW

Right: Edited with Aperture and iPhoto only

Approaches to Photography

1. Shoot “Green” – Automatic = Give No Clues or Direction



Point & Shoot (P&S) + DSLRs: Entry Level & Semi-Pro




2. Shoot “Scene” – Provide some Clues as to What Type Image Desired





P&S + DSLRs: Entry Level & Semi-Pro






3. Shoot “Clean” – Take More Control and Provide Direction as Desired







My Term







High End P&S + DSLRs: Entry Level, Semi-Pro, & Pro Equipment







High End P&S + DSLRs: Entry Level, Semi-Pro, & Pro Equipment

Note: Many Pro Model DSLRs Do Not Shoot “Green”

Shoot “Scene” – Some Examples

Portrait = Wide Aperture (i.e., f/5.6) for Shallow Depth of Field (DOF)

Not to be confused with Portrait Orientation versus Landscape Orientation



Landscape = Small Aperture for Greater DOF (i.e., f/18)




Sport = Faster Shutter Speed – freeze motion, stop action




Sport = Faster Shutter Speed – freeze motion, stop action

Macro = The “Tulip” for subject to image ratio of > 1:1

Macro is generally viewed as “very close up” photography

Many Others “Scene” Options in Some Cameras:

Panorama

Beach

Food

Snow

Pet Portrait

Underwater

Many Others “Scene” Options in Some Cameras:

Museum

Sunset

Dusk/Dawn

Fireworks

Night Landscape

Party/Indoor

Night Portrait

Every Different Scene SelectedChanges

One or More Variable Settings:

ISO

f/stop

Shutter Speed

White Balance

Metering

Etc.

Learn to Shoot “Clean”

As in start from “Scratch”


Exert Control over Some, Most, or All Settings Available



ISO = Light Sensitivity




Aperture = f/stop




Aperture = f/stop

Shutter speed = Freeze Motion




Aperture = f/stop


Metering = Area as to Determining Exposure




Aperture = f/stop



EV (Exposure Valuation) = Lighting & Contrast (“Steps,” not Stops)




Aperture = f/stop




White Balance = How White & Color Compare to That Seen in Different Conditions




Aperture = f/stop




White Balance = How White & Color Compare to That Seen in Different Conditions

And More: File Format; File Size; … and the LIST Goes On!

A Few Observations:

A Few Observations:

Camera Is Dumb < Input, Just Like a Computer

A Few Observations:


But then Cameras Today are Computers – Have Firmware!

A Few Observations:



Algorithms/Software Determine Settings

Differ from Camera to Camera, Make to Make, Model to Model

A Few Observations:





Thus, More Input, Direction, & Control = Improved Results

A Few Observations:






In General!

A Few Observations:






In General!

Suggestion: Exhaust Capabilities of Your Existing Camera < Buying Up

Let’s Div

e

Analysis

of

Published Images

Discussion of Some Photo Safari Images

The next eight (8) images were published in the “PSA [Photographic Society of America] Journal”

My article, “An African Photo Safari,” was published in April, 2013.

Images published are noted by :

“Is He Going to Charge?”

ISO 400, f/8, 1/1000, -0.3 EV, 70mmTaken at 4:46 PM with soft light. Note shadow of

elephant’s ear.What happened to his feet? … Travel space to the

right.

“A Lioness Eyeball to Eyeball at Fifteen Feet!”

ISO 400, f4.5, 1/500, -1.33 EV, 70mmImage taken at 7:01 AM

Chobe National Park, BotswanaImage > editing

Image as captured in flat light

Used wide aperture of f/4.5 due to proximity & to help soften background so that image might appear better focused using the contrast achieved.

Note: Dirt kicked up by the kitty’s left paw!

Confrontation – Count the Whiskers!

“Beauty is In the Eye of the Beholder”

ISO 640, f/5.6, 1/400, -0.7 EV, 300mm, at 7:33 AM

“Time for a Yawn A Hippo Basking on the Chobe

River”

ISO 640, f/10, 1/1000, -0.3 EV, 300mm

at

3:47 PM

“Courtship Among Sables”

ISO 640, f/13, 1/500, -0.7 EV, 300mm, at 9:24 AM

“Colors GaloreA Lilac-Breasted Roller”

ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000, -0.3EV, 300mm

at

8:34 AM

“Show Me Your Teeth!”

ISO 800, f/5, 1/320, -0.7 EV, 102mm, at 5:11 PMIt was important to have two camera bodies at the

ready, one wide-angle and one telephoto, as proximity to animals changed from one moment to another.

“A Hungry Looking Croc”

ISO 640, f/14, 1/250, 0 EV, 300mm, at 5:16 PM

Analysis of Images

Orientation – Landscape 6

Orientation – Portrait 2

Analysis of Images



ISO 400 (3) – 640 (4) – 800 (1)

Analysis of Images



ISO 400 (3) – 640 (4) – 800 (1)

f/stop 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 8 (2) – 10 – 13 – 14

Analysis of Images



ISO 400 (3) – 640 (4) – 800 (1)

f/stop 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 8 (2) – 10 – 13 – 14

SS 1/250 – 1/320 – 1/400 – 1/500 (2) – 1/1000 (2) – 1/2000

Analysis of Images



ISO 400 (3) – 640 (4) – 800 (1)

f/stop 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 8 (2) – 10 – 13 – 14

SS 1/250 – 1/320 – 1/400 – 1/500 (2) – 1/1000 (2) – 1/2000

EV -1.33 – -0.7 (3) –-0.3 (3) – 0

Analysis of Images

Focal Length 70mm (2) – 102mm – 300mm (5)

Analysis of Images

Focal Length 70mm (2) – 102mm – 300mm (5)

Time of Day AM: 7-8 (2) –8-9 – 9-10

PM: 3-4– 4-5 – 5-6 (2)

Analysis of Images

ABCs

Head 1 – Warthog, Hippopotamus

Body 5 – Elephant, Lioness, Roller, Lion, Crocodile

Habitat 1 – Sables

Analysis of Images

ABCs




Also:

Confrontation 3 – Elephant, Lioness, Crocodile

Analysis of Images

ABCs




Also:

Confrontation 3 – Elephant, Lioness, Crocodile

WARNING!USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN CONFRONTING ANY ANIMAL, ESPECIALLY

PREDATORS!

Analysis of Images

And Ds – Every image published contained a focused “D” element

Teeth Hippo, Lion, Croc

Tusks Elephant, Warthog

Hair Warthog, Hippo

Whiskers Lioness

Horns Sables

Tongue Lion

Feathers Roller (color & texture)

Analysis of Images

Composition – Rule of Thirds

“The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.

Source: Wikipedia/Rule of thirds

Analysis of Images

Composition – Rule of Thirds

“The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.

“Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would.”

Source: Wikipedia/Rule of thirds

Eye on Upper Horizontal Power Line – Right Tusk on Right Vertical Power Line

“Center Power Frame”

My term used when deviating from generally accepted Rule of 1/3s – Especially in “Confrontation” images

Use of “Power Point”

Use of “Power Point”

Body of Roller in Center Power

Frame

Eye at Upper Right Power Point

Heads in Center Power Frame

Head in Center Power Frame – Lower Teeth at Lower Left Power Point

Analysis of Images

Power Points Warthog (2 – Tusk & Eye), Roller, Lion, Croc

Power Lines Elephant, Hippo, Lion

Power Frame Elephant, Lioness, Hippo, Roller, Sables, Lion

Analysis of Images

Power Points Warthog (2 – Tusk & Eye), Roller, Lion, Croc

Power Lines Elephant, Hippo, Lion

Power Frame Elephant, Lioness, Hippo, Roller, Sables, Lion

Note: When varying from “accepted rules,” Do So Boldly!

Suggestions

Set grid lines on viewfinder/LCD to better consider Rule of Thirds

Suggestions


However, frame image larger than desired to allow for some cropping

Realize this approach will diminish file size

Suggestions


However, frame image larger than desired to allow for some cropping

Realize this approach will diminish file size

Consider Perfect Resize (formerly Genuine Fractals)

Excellent tool for enlarging images while preserving resolution

Overall Conclusions

Diversify image orientation: Landscape versus Portrait

Overall Conclusions


Note: Most magazine covers use Portrait

Overall Conclusions



ISO: Consider “noise” issues with higher ISO settings when purchasing

Overall Conclusions




f/stop: 3 < f/8 2 @ f/8 3> f/8

Overall Conclusions




f/stop: 3 < f/8 2 @ f/8 3> f/8

Consider “f/8 and be there” (Attributed to Arthur “Weegee” Fellig)

Technical: Learn the “sweet spot” of each lens

Philosophical: “ … and be there” … in the moment!

f/stop

Learn what every aperture setting

In each lens

With each camera body

Produces with respect to

“Blur” or “Softness”

What areas of whole composition are affected & how?

Study & Analyze DOF!

FAVOR UNDEREXPOSURE!

Overall Conclusions

EV:

All but one (1) image < 0 EV

Only one (1) @ 0 EV

FAVOR UNDEREXPOSURE!

Original unedited image – RAW converted to JPEG

ISO 400, f/4.5, 1/500, -1.3 EV, 70mm, at 7:02 AM – Captured in Flat Light < Sunrise

“Gym Kitty – Look at That Definition!” Previous image cropped somewhat & edited in Aperture & Photoshop

Note cub in right background above mother’s face

Rule of Thirds Grid Applied: Two Power Points – Shoulder and Head, with “Travel Space”

ISO 800, f/20, 1/160, -0.3 EV, 80mm, at 5:59 PM – RAW conversion to JPEG

Underexposure – One in a series for possible merging to achieve greater contrast - HDR

DEMO

DEMO

Previous image, with editing to remove shadows and enhance highlights

DEMO

Underexposed RAW to JPEG – Taken as part of +/- EV sequence for HDR editing

DEMO

Preliminary HDR Editing

DEMO

Just having some fun!

Areas that are overexposed:

“White”

“Hot”

“Blown out”

_______________________CANNOT BE RECOVERED!

Overexposed images leave little to no room for editing!

What areas of entire composition are affected & how?

Manage and Control

DOF

Depth of Field

Aperture Management

1. Select aperture (f/stop) for desired DOF, using Aperture Priority

2. If shutter speed is sufficient, as desired, leave ISO as is

3. If shutter speed is > needed, reduce ISO to reduce potential “noise”

4. If > shutter speed is needed, as desired for conditions, increase ISO,

But Sparingly

5. TAKE TEST SHOTS ANY TIME THAT LIGHTING CONDITIONS CHANGE!

Overall Conclusions

Shutter speed (SS)

Use higher SS only when needed, as requires more light & higher ISO

However, consider not only what the subject is doing;

But what the subject is capable of regarding potential motion!

Overall Conclusions

1/250 Croc Should have been higher due to potential motion!

1/320 Lion Should have been 1/500

1/500 Lioness, sables OK ( unless the lioness jumped into our vehicle!)

1/400 Warthog OK

1/1000Elephant, hippo OK, but could have been lower with hippo

1/2000Roller OK, if not even higher

If had it to do over:Would have considered using 1/500 for all but elephant

& roller, due to potential for motion with those two animals

Overall Conclusions

Lens:

Invest in a long lens!

Prime versus Zoom considerations

Five (5) published images shot at 300mm!

ISO 400, f/9, 1/160, 0.3 EV, 18mm, at 11:12 AM

ISO 400, f/9, 1/160, 0.3 EV, 18mm, at 11:12 AMNote leopard on lower tree limb!

ISO 400, f/9, 1/60, 0.7 EV, 400mm, at 11:02 AM Used tripod as monopod in vehicle, with engine turned off to negate

vibrationsEdited in Aperture, Photoshop, Perfect Resize, Photomatix, & iPhoto – No stone

unturned!

ISO 400, f/9, 1/80, 0 EV, 135mm, at 11:12 AM – Using tripod as monopod

Edited in Aperture, Photomatix, & iPhoto – Work in Progress (WIP): Needs Photoshop editing

DEMO

DEMO

Overall Conclusions

Time of Day (TOD):

AM: 7 - 8 (2)

8 – 9 (1)

9-10 (1)

PM: 3-4 (1)

4-5 (1)

5-6 (2)

Overall Conclusions

Light is the final arbiter of all photography!

Overall Conclusions


USE THE LIGHT!

Overall Conclusions


USE THE LIGHT!

Optimum wildlife photography … Get up and out early

And stay out late!

Overall Conclusions


USE THE LIGHT!

Optimum wildlife photography … Get up and out early

And stay out late!

Use the soft light of the Golden Hours to your advantage!

Overall Conclusions

USE of LIGHT

Soft versus Flat

Soft: Elephant, Warthog, Hippo, Roller, Sables, Croc – 6 = Majority!

Flat: Lioness (early AM < sunrise), Lion (in shade) - 2

Overall Conclusions

USE of LIGHT

Soft versus Flat

Soft: Elephant, Warthog, Hippo, Roller, Sables, Croc – 6 = Majority!

Flat: Lioness (early AM < sunrise), Lion (in shade) - 2

___________________________________

Catchlights: Warthog, Roller, Croc - 3

Overall Conclusions

CATCH the MOMENT!

USE BURST!

Overall Conclusions

CATCH the MOMENT!

USE BURST!

All eight (8) published images were shot using burst!

Each image was one of a sequence shot at high fps!

Use Burst – Continuous High, Sport Mode

For High fps (frame per second) Rate

To Capture Motion Sequences

Lilac-Breasted Roller

ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/2000, 0 EV, 250mm, at 3:49:46 PM

ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/1600, 0.3 EV, 200mm, at 3:52:09 PM

ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/1600, 0.3 EV, 200mm, at 3:52:09

ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/1600, 0.3 EV, 200mm, at 3:52:09

Both captured in

same second:

3:52:09

Use Burst to Capture Quick Changes in Animal Behavior

ISO 400, f/8, 1/1000, 0.3 EV, 300mm

At 9:12:37 AM

This Image & The Following Series of Three (3) Additional Images Are Unedited

All Camera Settings, But for Time as Metadata, Are Identical


At 9:12:37 AM

At 9:12:38 AM


At 9:12:37 AM

At 9:12:38 AM

At 9:12:39 AM


At 9:12:37 AM

At 9:12:38 AM

At 9:12:39 AM

At 9:12:39 AM

Same Sequence of Four (4) Images with Preliminary Editing

9:12:37 AM


9:12:37 AM9:12:38 AM


9:12:37 AM9:12:38 AM

9:12:39 AM


9:12:37 AM9:12:38 AM

9:12:39 AM9:12:39 AM

Which image do you find the most appealing?

Which image do you find the most appealing?

By using burst, you have a choice!

“A Cat’s Curiosity”

Use BurstTo Improve Chances of

Capturing an image in sharp focus

ISO 6400, f/5.3, 1/30, 0 EV, 210mm

At 6:23 PM

Emphasis on:

1/30, hand-held, no brace

Flash not permitted

SOME TIPS

&

TECHNIQUES

Just a few as time is short!

When time & conditions permit:

Bracket EVs

Bracket f/stops

Practice

Manual Focus

For quick use, especially in conditions of wind effecting grass, brush, etc.

Practice

Manual Focus

For quick use, especially in conditions of wind effecting grass, brush, etc.

Do not waste time waiting for autofocus to lock focus points and

Miss a shot!

Consider using fewer than all focus points available

In your camera

Consider using fewer than all focus points available

In your camera

Selection of all focus points may result in points “jumping” in some cameras with subject(s) in

motion …

Causing a missed shot or an out of focus image

Consider using a single focus point

In conjunction with “back button focusing”

Carry a Point & Shoot (P&S)

When more serious camera equipment is packed

&

To tell your story

Manage ISO

to

Obtain Optimum

Aperture

&

Shutter Speed

Seek Stability

Seek Stability

Breathing control

Seek Stability

Breathing control

Brace of any sort

Seek Stability

Breathing control

Brace of any sort

Tripod/Monopod – Use More!

Seek Stability

Breathing control

Brace of any sort


Remote/cable release

Seek Stability

Breathing control

Brace of any sort



Timer delay

Seek Stability

Breathing control

Brace of any sort



Timer delay

Mirror Lock-up

Greater Stability=

Ability to use slower shutter speed

&/or

Ability to use smaller aperture

&/0r

Ability to use lower ISO for less “noise”

When Birding

Larger birds usually have lower wing-beat frequency

=

Lower shutter speed required to freeze motion

______________________________________________

“Cleared for Takeoff”

A Marabou Stork

ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/320, -1.3 EV, 230mm

At 5:46 PM

When Birding

Larger birds usually have lower wing-beat frequency

=

Lower shutter speed required to freeze motion

______________________________________________

Smaller birds usually have faster wing-beat frequency

=

Higher shutter speed required to freeze motion

“Lilac-Breasted Roller”

ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/1600, 0 EV, 160mm, at 4:16 PM

When Birding

Exception to This “Rule”

When “Freezing” Motion of Other Elements Is Desired

“African Fish Eagle – Late for Breakfast: 10:44 AM”ISO 400, f/5, 1/2000, 0.3 EV, 170mm – Water Droplets “Frozen”

Never Delete An Image in the Field!

Never Delete An Image in the Field!

Possibility of reformatting entire memory card!

Backup All Files

ASAP!

Use Filters for Effect

Two schools of thought:

1. Least glass between sensor and subject optimum

2. Use filter for effect & to better protect lens element

Both images: ISO 400, f/10, 1/320, 1.7 EV, 110mm

CPL filter turned “off” – 8:41:47 AM

CPL filter turned “on” – 8:41:52

DEMO DEMO

REMEMBER

Landscapes

“Draw In”_________________________________

REMEMBER

Landscapes

“Draw In”_________________________________

Wildlife

“Jumps Out!”

CLEAN!

CLEAN!

CLEAN!

PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!

The Ultimate Quest!

Whether Flying, Driving, Photographing …

Natural

Mechanical

Becomes

The Ultimate Quest!

Whether Flying, Driving, Photographing …

Natural

Mechanical

Becomes

WITHPRACTICE!

Summation

Covered This Evening:

Overview of Photography & Bases for Analysis

Analysis of Published Images

Some Tips & Techniques

In ClosingIf making a trip to the “bush” in Africa, you should be prepared to witness a full range of animal behavior as occurs in the “wild:” animals being attacked; attacking; mating; bleeding, exhibiting injury, dying and death; animals eating other animals; birthing, depending on the season, etc.

You learn to yield to mass, teeth, tusks, fangs, and more while in Africa!

I omitted scenes that included blood and wounded animals lest anyone in tonight’s audience be offended. There is immense beauty to be seen in Africa, but there is also much to be seen of life as it is in the wild, as has occurred for millennia.

****************************

Should anyone have questions, please feel free to discuss with me after tonight’s meeting or email me at:

[email protected]

Thank you for your participation and interest! Feedback is both solicited and welcomed.

Credits

Chillibreeze/ PointO: Maps of Africa & Botswana - Slides #14 & #25

http://www.24point0.com/

CanStockPhoto: Stopwatch - Slide #16https://www.canstockphoto.com/

Sweet Clip Art: Puzzle Pieces - Slide #18https://www.sweetclipart.com

Apple iPhoto: Travel Maps - Slides #21 & #22

Wikipedia: Source Material - Slides #149 & #150

http://www.24point0.com/

https://www.canstockphoto.com/

http://sweetclipart.com/

ISO 400, f/10, 1/800, 0.3 EV, 220 mm, at 8:01 AM

Thank You for Your Time and Attention!

Thanks Also

to

Ken Knight, President

and

Cathy Peyton, 1st Vice President

Hampton Roads Digital Shutterbug Club

“Any ?s”

Goodnight

“Sunset on the Zambezi”ISO 400, f/9, 1/1000, -0.3 EV, 66mm, at 5:42 PM

“The Beauty of a Double Rainbow”Colors over Victoria Falls – ISO 320, f/22, 1/125, -1.0 EV, 18mm, Tripod, at

9:42 AM

THE END

ENCORE!“And When There Is No Game, What Do Photographers Do?

Take Photos of Other Photographers!”

"An African Photo Safari" - Presentation to Hampton Roads [Virginia] Digital Shutterbug Club on...

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Transcript of "An African Photo Safari" - Presentation to Hampton Roads [Virginia] Digital Shutterbug Club on...