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Photographing Birds and Wildlife
FAQ

If I may ask, what is your primary camera set-up and Film type?/h3>

My prefered equipment list for birds and wildlife contains the following:

  1. A Nikon D100 Digital SLR
  2. ISO (file speed): 200 to 1200 situational dependent
  3. White Balance: Set for lighting conditions
  4. Compact Flash Memory: 512MB
  5. Resolution: Fine JPG - 151 images with 512MB memory card
  6. Manual program: Focus, Shutter speed, Aperture
  7. Nikon 28-80 Zoom Lens
  8. Nikon 70-200 Zoom Lens
  9. Nikon 300 F/4 ED Fixed Length Lens
  10. Nikon 1.4 Teleconverter
  11. Nikon SB80-DX Flash with Fresnel flash concentrator
  12. Cokin Filters: Circular and Linear Polarization, 121S Grey, Orange
  13. Manfroto (Bogen) Tripod with a quick release tripod head mount and a Telephoto lens support

The digital setup allows me to process the new images on the computer for immediate use on the web site or for printing.

Digital Advantage:
The digital sensor is smaller than the normal 35mm image size and this provides an apparent multiplication factor of about 1.4 times the lens length. For example, my 300mm telephoto is roughly equivilent to a telephoto lens of 410mm.

Digital Disadvantage:


One of the minor draw backs to digital is limited print size. The acceptable print size for my taste is 11" by 14".

Standard Cameras

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 28-70mm 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 300mm lens with the 2X Teleconverter will work fine with a fast film.

For small birds at a distance I use the Standard SLR with the Sigma 400mm F/4.5 with a 2X-Teleconverter and 400 speed film.

Do you mainly shoot film or slides?

Whether I use digital, print or slide images depends on the ultimate purpose of the photos.
For photographic prints 16" by 20" or larger I use print film.

I no longer shoot "stock" photos for sale, so, I seldom use slide film. If I ever decide to buy a professional slide/negative film scanner, I'll probably switch back to slide file, just for the consistency of color balance and contrast.

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 grain is not too noticeable.

For landscapes or stationary objects/large birds, that I want to enlarge to 16"x20" or larger, I use 100 speed, professional print film. Usually in a larger format camera such as the Mamyia 645, RB67 or my Linhoff 4"x5" view camera. I must admit I seldom lug the view camera around anymore.

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

We offer limited group sizes, competitive rates for half and full day sessions, personal instruction and/or suggestions, and take advantage of our 10 years of birding and wildlife experience in central Florida to help maximize the clients photo experience.

Questions, requests or comments, just email us:  

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