Put down the pricey telephoto lens! You can capture outstanding bird photos using just your smartphone and a spotting scope. (via PopPhoto)
in Wyoming, where he educates the public about wildlife. In addition to birding, he picked up photography a few years ago and alternates between a camera and his smartphone and spotting scope setup.What are some things people should expect when photographing birds? Any beginner’s tips?
Because birds move quickly, practice your scoping skills on still objects, like the sleeping family dog or a patch of wildflowers.I definitely shoot all of my videos and photos on the highest setting on the phone. I was surprised at how clear the photos come out through the scope. Some of them are actually pretty incredible. I don’t think that you could blow them up and sell them, [but] they’re definitely good enough for social media, sharing with friends, and capturing memories for yourself.
The setup that I’m currently using is a Maven scope with my phone scope case, and that is more of an expensive setup. That’s why the binoculars take so much skill, because you’re trying to balance [the phone’s lens] through the binoculars while also holding it still with your other hand. Having binoculars is great for spotting the animal, but as far as capturing a photo or a video of an animal, you’ve got to have a phone scope.A tripod is absolutely essential.
Golden hour is the best time, obviously because the lighting is going to be the most beautiful. One thing that is great with birds is their activity level is highest during golden hour, oftentimes during those mornings. Birds are, we have a fancy word in science, called corpuscular. It means that animals are active in the mornings and evenings, versus nocturnal, [which means] active at night. Birds are going to be active early in the morning; they’re going to be singing.
Everyone in their wildlife-watching journey starts somewhere. When I started out birdwatching, and still to this day, I go to community parks. Those are great, safe locations for people to start at. It can be intimidating, especially if you’re going on your own to go out into the forest by yourself. It’s better to work up to that. I travel all the time, and I am oftentimes birding in parking lots.One thing that’s really cool with phones is you can film and take photos at the same time.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
See How Scientists Put Together the Complete Human GenomeSee how scientists put together the complete human genome (By MKrzywinski and ClaraMoskowitz)
Read more »
US resurrects green energy loan program that helped put Tesla on the mapGM’s battery joint venture receives $2.5 billion.
Read more »
It’s Time to Put Actual Veggies Back Into Veggie BurgersSure, fake-meat companies can make a vegetarian burger that bleeds. But veggie burgers should be — and historically have been — so much more.
Read more »
Disco-ball satellite will put Einstein's theory to strictest test yetScientists hope a laser-reflecting sphere will produce the most accurate measure so far of how Earth’s rotation warps space.
Read more »
Reader: Put Your Dog on a Leash, Period.Is the party over for unofficial off-leash gatherings in Denver parks?
Read more »
How to Stay Cool When You’re Put on the SpotWork is full of difficult moments where people catch you off guard and make you feel defensive. It’s hard to predict when they’ll occur and how they’ll play out, but you can prepare for them. The author presents a four-step framework to give you an opportunity to respond thoughtfully and confidently in these high-stakes moments. First, take a moment to focus your mind after the initial shock. Second, question your assumptions. Third, depersonalize the interaction, and focus on what’s getting in the way. Finally, close the interaction with confidence.
Read more »