2 birds from today's camo stakeout

[NorthernFocus]

Great thread, Matt. First things first, the detail in both shots is over the top. I also like the non-typical perspective on the hummer because it shows off the throat. IMO they are both cropped a bit tight. Details/technicals and poses are awesome.

Regarding the camo, I've done a bit of experimentation too. There are up and down sides.

Upside: people don't see you pointing a camera at something and come walking over to see "duh watcha lookin' at?". Downside: if people do see you they think you're a right wing paramilitary type and call the cops.

Upside: Even if critters see you they can't really figure out what you are and keep staring at you which makes for great shots. Downside: the actually come walking over to see what you are and you end up in a situation like Christina describe with an irate goose flogging you.

...Does the shutter noise startle the birds?

Monte I also shoot a D4 and it is without a doubt the loudes shutter I've ever heard. But in my experience, I haven't had anything spook and run away. What I have had is critters look at the camera when they hear it. I have seen eagles wave off on a fishing pass then circle me looking down directly at me and I'm convinced it was the shutter noise that did it. Also when I shoot the D4 at dog agility events I've noticed I get a lot more shots with eye contact. Not sure the dog handlers appreciate it but it makes for great photos.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Great thread, Matt. First things first, the detail in both shots is over the top. I also like the non-typical perspective on the hummer because it shows off the throat. IMO they are both cropped a bit tight. Details/technicals and poses are awesome.

Thanks, Dan. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for mentioning the crop. I guess I wanted it tight to show the details you mentioned. I often like looser crops on wildlife with an offset positioning and a simplified bg, but on these small birds I thought tight worked. Maybe there could be a little more breathing room. On the hummer, it was probably also a subconscious thing because those little guys are sooooo small, I wanted to counteract the feeling of having an empty frame (as shot, the bird is pretty small in frame, it's a sizable crop)

Regarding the camo, I've done a bit of experimentation too. There are up and down sides.

Upside: people don't see you pointing a camera at something and come walking over to see "duh watcha lookin' at?". Downside: if people do see you they think you're a right wing paramilitary type and call the cops.

Upside: Even if critters see you they can't really figure out what you are and keep staring at you which makes for great shots.

Almost all of these things have happened to me. On one occasion I was audacious enough to wear an actual ghillie suit in plain view at a populated park. I had a crowd of at least 6 people staring at me and one lady was filming me with her camera. It is surprising to me how willing people are to come bug me while I'm in camo. Do they really think I won't mind that they are disturbing me when I am wearing camo?! "Are you bird watching?" "Are you a professional photographer?" "What animals do you see?" Duuuuh!

As an ex-hunter, you probably have a good amount of excellent field craft knowledge up your sleeve. I am envious!

Downside: the actually come walking over to see what you are and you end up in a situation like Christina describe with an irate goose flogging you.

LOL!!!