"An African Photo Safari" - Presentation to Hampton Roads [Virginia] Digital Shutterbug Club on January 15, 2014

“An African Photo Safari”
Copyright © 2014 Don Mercer, Rustic 41 Creations

Don Mercer
Rustic 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

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 Creations
www.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 learning
throughout your life!

Feedback
&
Constructive Criticism

Is
Welcomed and Solicited


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

Choices …Choices …Choices …

A Few of the Puzzle Pieces

fps
RAW

J
P
E
G

filters
TIFF

Tonight’s Program

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

On the Internet = A Resource

South Africa
Botswana
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Welcome to Africa!

“Here Kitty, Kitty!”
The Bad News:
They weren’t sedated!
The Great News: I left with all my body parts!

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!

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

Emily, a groundskeeper at Rhino & Lion Park using my camera
Outside Johannesburg, South Africa.
Property Release: E. A. Hern, Owner, Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve – “Vaartjie” & “Medusa”

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

2.


3.

Applying artistic creativity

2.
3D


3.


2.
3D

3.


2D

2.
3D

3.


2D 3D

2.
3D

3.


2D
Great
Imagery!

2.
3D

3.


2D
Great
Imagery!

REQUIRES ARTISTIC INTENT!

2.
3D

3.


2D
Great
Imagery!

AVOID DISTRACTING ELEMENTS!
LIKE THIS!

REQUIRES ARTISTIC INTENT!

What Provides Sense of Depth?

3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Light = The Essence of All Photography


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Plan


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Plan
Manage


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Plan
Manage
Utilize


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Plan
Manage
Utilize
Attempt to Control


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Plan
Manage
Utilize
Attempt to Control
Play to Its Strengths! … AND YOURS!


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Composition – Perspective
The Placement – Arrangement – of Visual Elements


3D Scene

2D Image

Lines – Illusion of Depth
Linear Perspective
Diminishing Perspective

3D Qualities

Many Times in Nature
&
Especially In Wildlife Photography

You Take Lines Any Way You Come by Them!

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

“A Lioness Stalking Impala!
What’s for Breakfast?”

Impala

Lioness

Impala
AKA
ISO 400, f/11,
1/250, -0.3 EV
80mm, at 8:13 AM

Breakfast

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


3D Scene

2D Image

Choice of Lenses

3D Qualities


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Choice of Lenses

Wide angle lenses:
Tend to emphasize converging lines
Expand foreground to background


3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

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?

3D Scene

2D Image

3D Qualities

Contrast

EV = Exposure Valuation

HDR = High Dynamic Range
Principally Used in Landscape Photography by Merging Images
Due to Motion in Wildlife Photography

2.
3D


3.


4.

Telling a story

2D

3D

2.
3D

2D 3D

3.


4.

Telling a story + Bringing Images to Life
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 ….

Note:

ISO 500, f/10, 1/2500, -0.3 EV, 170mm, at 11:23 AM
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, 300mm
Increased 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)

Not optimum
“travel space”

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

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 AM

Does this springbok have feet? … Poorly composed!

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 AM
Could 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 AM
Note: 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
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!

TRY NOT TO DISTURB WILDLIFE!

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

1.

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

1.


2.

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

1.


2.

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

1.


2.


3.

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

1.


2.


3.

My Term

1.


2.


3.

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

1.


2.


3.

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 Selected
Changes
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:
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

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, 70mm
Taken 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, 70mm
Image taken at 7:01 AM
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Image > 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 Galore
A 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 PM
It was important to have two camera bodies at the ready, one wideangle 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



6




2



ISO

–

400 (3)

640 (4)

–

800 (1)

Analysis of Images



6




2



ISO

400 (3)

–



f/stop

4.5 –

5.0 –

640 (4)

5.6 –

8 (2) –

–

10

800 (1)

–

13

–

14

Analysis of Images



6




2



ISO

400 (3)

–



f/stop

4.5 –

5.0 –

SS

640 (4)

5.6 –

8 (2) –

–

10

800 (1)

–

13

–

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

14

Analysis of Images



6




2



ISO

400 (3)

–



f/stop

4.5 –

5.0 –

SS


640 (4)

5.6 –

8 (2) –

–

10

800 (1)

–

13

–

14

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)–



Time of Day

AM:

7-8 (2)

PM:

3-4–

102mm

–

300mm (5)

–

8-9

–

4-5

–

5-6 (2)

9-10

Analysis of Images
ABCs
Head

1 – Warthog, Hippopotamus

Body

5 – Elephant, Lioness, Roller, Lion, Crocodile

Habitat

1 – Sables

Analysis of Images
ABCs
Head


Body


Habitat

1 – Sables

Also:
Confrontation

3 – Elephant, Lioness, Crocodile

Analysis of Images
ABCs
Head


Body


Habitat

1 – Sables

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”

Eye at Upper Right
Power Point
Body of Roller 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


Note:



ISO:



Consider “noise” issues with higher ISO settings when purchasing

Overall Conclusions


Note:



ISO:

f/stop:




3 <f/8

2 @ f/8

3>f/8

Overall Conclusions


Note:



ISO:

f/stop:




3 <f/8

2 @ f/8

Consider “f/8 and be there”
Technical:

3>f/8
(Attributed to Arthur “Weegee” Fellig)

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!

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

Previous image, with editing to remove shadows and enhance highlights

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

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

1/1000 Elephant, hippo

OK, but could have been lower with hippo

1/2000 Roller

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 AM

Note 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 vibrations
Edited 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

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 AM
9:12:38 AM


9:12:37 AM
9:12:38 AM
9:12:39 AM


9:12:37 AM
9:12:38 AM
9:12:39 AM
9:12:39 AM

Which image do you find the most appealing?

Which image do you find the most appealing?

By using burst, you have a choice!

Use Burst
To 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

“A Cat’s Curiosity”

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
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!

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

REMEMBER
Landscapes
“Draw In”
_________________________________

REMEMBER
Landscapes
“Draw In”
_________________________________
Wildlife
“Jumps Out!”

PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!

The Ultimate Quest!
Whether Flying, Driving, Photographing …

Natural

Mechanical

The Ultimate Quest!
Whether Flying, Driving, Photographing …

Natural

Mechanical

WITH
PRACTICE!

Summation
Covered This Evening:

Overview of Photography & Bases for Analysis

Analysis of Published Images

Some Tips & Techniques

In Closing
If 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:
don@rustic41creations.com

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 #16
https://www.canstockphoto.com/

 Sweet Clip Art: Puzzle Pieces - Slide #18
https://www.sweetclipart.com
 Apple iPhoto: Travel Maps - Slides #21 & #22


Wikipedia: Source Material - Slides #149 & #150

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

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

THE END

“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

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 January 15, 2014

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