Two bird portraits, two lessons learned

[FlyingSquirrel]

As one would expect, the more I get out and shoot, the more I learn. Luckily, the following stories resulted in me learning things the easy way.

The other day I made a long drive out to a large marsh, and put in a ton of effort trying to get some waterfowl images. I spent a few hours preparing my ghillie suit, then crawled through the mud for a day. I did not get any images. However, prior to the ghillie suit session, just as I arrived to the location and got out of my car, a guineafowl strutted right up about 10 feet away and proceeded to peck around for food. I was in a hurry to get out to try for waterfowl shots, and my lens was not yet out of the bag. For a split second, I considered ignoring the guineafowl. Luckily I changed my mind, and grabbed my lens out as soon as possible. This was wise, because it was the only shot I got during the entire day, shown below, and I'm very pleased with it. Lesson learned: Grab whatever opportunities arise, regardless of what your original target is, since you never know how things will turn out.



Recently on a trip to photograph a pygmy owl, I stayed later than I usually would. The light was quite low and typically I'd call it quits. The owl also took off and I lost track of it. A photographer I'd just met that day encouraged me to stay and keep trying for more shots. He told me to turn the ISO up. We found the owl, and I used a higher ISO than I would normally consider. I got the shot below. Lesson learned: When you think it's probably over, it may not be. Also, higher ISO can work with the 7D mark II.

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[Krawuntzel]

Great portraits, Matt - and astonishing what good picture you got at ISO 3200.
As to your experience: Indeed, make a plan for the day - but be ready to change, when "it" happens.
Erwin

[Rebel]

Great shots Matt

[Stagecoach]

Superb Matt, that No 1 is outstanding.

[Barbara Ponder]

Great shots and good lessons learned, things I need to remember myself.

[NorthernFocus]

great lessons to share, Matt. Love the owl shot.

[Whistletown Wilds]

Great shots,wise words!

[Brownbear]

Beautiful images, my favourite being the Owl but also the Guinea fowl for the uniquely beautiful capture of a homely bird.

Yes, I too am learning that it is best to seize the opportunities that arise which is often the case when I head out with a specific goal in mind.

[DonnaK]

Both are excellent shots. The guinea fowl portrait is so sharp in all details. I loved how you told of you adventures of crawling through the mud. The owl also has such good detail and the eye is perfection. I liked your story and your shots.

[bnnrcn]

Both very nice.

[Nicks Pics]

Very good shots, got to envy that ISO performance!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thank you all very much for the feedback. Hope my lessons learned help you all get some shots of your own when you might have otherwise not.