Patience

[James Shadle]

I thought this might give some insight into how I approach wildlife.
The first image was taken at 9:27 am this morning. I exited my boat and walked towards the sun.
At a distance that I felt the Avocets would be comfortable with me photographing them I turn back toward them.

Basically I walked to out and away to get on the sun angle I preferred and then turned and began photographing the birds.
After the first few images, I would make larger moves while standing. As I got closer I made smaller moves and lowered my tripod.

The smaller you are the less threatening you appear. No large or sudden movements as you get closer.
Always watch your subjects behavior. Anytime they stop what they are doing, foraging, preening, sleeping etc or look at you - stop and wait.

The Avocets in the first image are very small in the frame, it took 21 minutes to get close enough to capture the bottom image.
This time of year the Avocets are still "spooky" so I was happy to get this close.

I could have gotten even closer had a American Bald Eagle not sent them scattering!

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Well said,

No matter what kind of kit you have patience and field technique are critical. James, nice approach showing the benefit of moving slow and acting small. It is so important to find a places with clean backgrounds, get there early, position the sun correctly and then using AV make small adjustments. usually I do not make more than 1/3, 2/3 stop changes over a 2 hour period shooting the same area with stable light. Getting close can improve the image and as you evidenced take your time and get the shot.

Thanks Captain and I will see you later this month.

[Joel Eade]

Very nice lesson, thanks!

[Melissa Groo]

Great lesson indeed, James. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Maybe see you in feb..

[Bill Dix]

Beautiful image, and great advice. Thanks.

[Ian Cassell]

So where's the image of the bald eagle catching the avocet?


Great lesson, James! Thanks.