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LETTERS

PHOTO EQUIPMENT?

Andrew Writes...

---original message---
From: ANDREW
To: CFBW
Subject: RE: Photos

Hello, Chuck.

Thanks again for your help in the past.
I was wondering if you have a site that has more of your photos? I like the ones I see throughout your Birding site.

If I may ask, what is your primary camera set-up? 200mm, 500mm, 1000mm lens?
At the moment, I am stuck with my trusty 200mm zoom/macro and have added a Teleconverter (2X) recently. If you go out on a guide trip, do you recommend any set minimum lens length? Do you mainly shoot film or slides? I have been switching back and forth. I have actually been testing the new Kodak 800 film and am pretty impressed. Most of the birds on my bird pages 7-8 are on the 800. The overcast sky helped a little, too.

I was checking the slides I took at Blue Heron just before that and noticed that I indeed have some shots of pied-billed grebes! A first for me. At a distance, I thought they might be your Moorhen.

Looking forward to the cooler months. Hopefully I can sneak away soon.

Andrew
Orlando, FL

P.S. What is the information on your guided events?

Our Reply:

Andrew:

I have added a Photo Gallery of my favorite images to the CFBW.com web site. Photo Gallery

If I may ask, what is your primary camera set-up?

Most of the photos seen on my web site were done with a Nikon 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera using any of the following:

1. 400mm Telephoto/macro lens - For most of the larger birds in the wetlands. This is my workhorse lens for birds and other wildlife.
2. A 2X Teleconverter attached between the camera body and the 400mm lens gives me 600mm, but at a price in speed. This combination is used for smaller birds and very long distance shots.
3. 70-200mm zoom lens - rarely used for birds. I use this lens for landscapes and candid shots.
4. For extreme close-ups, I use a 35-70mm zoom lens with added close-up lenses. These look like filters that screw onto the barrel of the lens.
5. For high quality landscapes I use a Mamyia 645 (120mm print or slide film) with either a wide angle lens, or slight telephoto lens.

If you go out on a guide trip, do you recommend any set minimum lens length?

When I take clients out for a guided photographic session, I will work with them with whatever camera they happen to bring along. I do send a list of recommendations and suggestions when they confirm their reservation.

I try to think of our photo safari as fun, learning experience for the client. So even if they do not have the ideal equipment, they can get some really good photos and a better understanding of how to translate that great photo idea into reality.

However, to really capture great close-up bird portraits you will need at least a 300mm telephoto lens on an SLR. Your 200mm lens with the 2X Teleconverter will work fine with bright lighting. Just be sure to use a lens aperture that offers the depth of field necessary to capture the important objects in the image.

Do you mainly shoot film or slides?

I no longer use any of my film cameras. The are just too few companies left that develop film. The quality from todays digital camera is great in any circumstance. I no longer shoot "stock" photos for sale, so, I when I do I use digital. The "stock" agencies are accepting digital images now.

If the photos are exclusively for the website, I will use ISO 800. I try to stick to one type and manufacturer so I can predict what the picture will look like when processed. When enlarged the grain becomes very apparent with this film speed.

For pictures of live animals/birds that I may wish to enlarge to a maximum size of 11"x14" I will use ISO 400. It has the capability for limited stop action with the long lens, and the noise from a quality digital camera is negligible.

For landscapes or stationary objects/large birds, that I want to enlarge to 16"x20" or larger, I use an ISO speed of 100, a sturdy professional tri-pod and infrared speed shutter release. I no long use my larger format cameras such as the Mamyia 645, RB67 or my Linhoff 4"x5" view camera. I don't lug the view camera around anymore.

P.S. What is the information on your guided events? Guided tour information

We offer limited group sizes, usually two photographers maximum plus one assistant each, competitive rates for half and full day sessions, personal instruction and/or suggestions, and take advantage of our years of birding and wildlife experience in central Florida to help maximize the clients photo experience.

I will email you a copy of our Guide Services description and price list upon request.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Chuck

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