Some thoughts to Share

bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
edited June 17, 2006 in Wildlife
The last few months have found me much enjoying my love of photography. I have like others followed all the posts here (and elsewhere). Have gotten got up in LLD. I mean come on I need a 300F2.8, 2000F2, the new D2Xs :wow, boy what I couldn't capture if I had the 600, etc. etc.

While out shooting yesterday, I couldn't get the nagging, "If I only had" feeling out of my head. Just then a GE showed himself. I stopped, lock and loaded the MG, checked my settings, decided not to use a TC or SB800. In ten min. of slowing approaching my mind said this was close enough. I raised the camera, took a test shot. Checked highlights/histogram. Got a feeling that he was getting ready to Boogey, raised the MG, locked Focus and bamm........

In those min/sec of shooting all nagging gave way to joy/excitment. Something else also took it's place. The realization that it will be several lifetimes before I can extract all the quality from the gear I already OWN!!

Oh yeah I still want the other stuff, but I like what I own just a little bit better today. :D

Hope you didn't mind me sharing my thoughts, and here comes the series

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75702897-O.jpg

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Comments

  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited June 15, 2006
    That is a really cool series of photos, Ben!

    I am pretty happy with what I own now, too. In other words, I don't pine, I accept that this is the most I will have, and I am pretty lucky to have it. I am sometimes jealous of shots, not the equipment, but the shots. I forget often that the equipment was involved. Also, it can be frustrating to be told to get closer here, when people who live here know that that is very difficult with SC birds. They just are not close.

    I have no plans, at this point, to buy more lenses or equipment.

    I do have trouble deciding where to go to photograph things, as I have been there. I know I will find a new place, but they are more difficult to come by.

    And, as I said, the baby egrets don't look much different this year from last year. So, I don't get terribly excited about following them weekly like I did last year. They are a bit further away, too. But on the other hand, I have had firsts this year. A woodpecker, baby blackbirds, wading birds fishing for and catching crabs........ Yes, a much more expensive lens would get me closer, but it is so far out of my reach that I don't think about it. I think more about what to do with what I have. The extender is slow to focus, so if I expect the birds to fly, I want to go with just the 400, but if I want to get a good shot of the bird eating a crab, I have to go with the extender.

    I am often caught with the wrong one, and I hope for next time.

    I don't get as frustrated with myself, I get more frustrated with the feeling I have that people think I should be doing more when all I want is to get out and have fun, smile.

    I love your series. You did get very close!

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited June 15, 2006
    Exemplary shots Ben. ylsuper.gif

    Even better were your thoughts. New gear is always great to get and I don't think we will ever stop lusting over newer and shinier toys. The D2X is nice but I was getting fine shots with the D2H and the D100 before I started using the D2X. Heck I knew pros who got astounding results form the D2H.

    Good photography (like your pics here) doesn't come from the equipment but from the eyes,skill, and the passion of the photographer.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited June 15, 2006
    Nice series Machinegun. thumb.gif

    I'll buy into this a bit...but I'd still like some more glass for the digital body. It's tough to be satisfied with just 2 lenses and a TC. (albeit I've got a slew of 35mm lenses/gear).

    I always enjoy shooting....no matter if it's with a disposable film jobby...35mm..120 MF..or the digitals. It's just fun taking photos. I will always WANT something bigger, better, faster and more attractive. :D

    I'm a strong believer it takes more than an expensive top of the line camera to get great shots...but I'm all for the technological advances in the hobby. Without them I'd probably not be shooting birds in flight or many other subjects. This new fangled thing called auto focus has been a life saver and small miracle. I can't wait to upgrade my equipement for the top of the line stuff. I'm sure I'll be a better person for it. :D :uhoh rolleyes1.gif
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • KhaosKhaos Registered Users Posts: 2,435 Major grins
    edited June 15, 2006
    Great set Ben.thumb.gif Very nice words too. I lust after equipment I don't have too, but I have fun "making do" with what I have.rolleyes1.gif That emoticon is because I know if I got every L made, I would then probably start thinking I good do better with some lens made out of bamboo by a guru in China that everyone raves about.rolleyes1.gif It is fun to dream though. We just have to make sure we go out and shoot also.
  • raianraian Registered Users Posts: 260 Major grins
    edited June 15, 2006
    Wow, LOVELY. How exciting to have gotten close enough. Good job.

    I too think... I need this, or that, or I WANT it. But honestly I am truly enjoying the gear I have right now. I figure once I learn how to use it better, I'll enjoy it even more :)
  • dallasdallas Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Excellent thoughts Ben, and how true. Of course it makes sense to have the best equipment available, but it makes sense as well to enjoy what you have. The camera will record an event, but a photographer will decide how, and the content. I'll keep upgrading when possible, but will not lose sight of the enjoyment it always brings me, and the many friends I meet along the way.
  • jwearjwear Registered Users Posts: 8,013 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    sooo you well not want to try the 500 eek7.gif --okne_nau.gif nice shots by the way thumb.gif
    Jeff W

    “PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”

    http://jwear.smugmug.com/
  • gluwatergluwater Registered Users Posts: 3,599 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    bfjr wrote:
    Oh yeah I still want the other stuff, but I like what I own just a little bit better today. :D

    I love days like that Ben. I still have a lot to learn but I think I have progressed a lot in the last year. When I first started I thought longer was better. I started at 200mm, then went to 300, then 400, then I slapped a TC on it to get to 560mm and sometimes I still think I could use more. But lately I have been learning my gear, locations, and subjects better. You know what, because I know the limits of my gear, what places will have light and when, and when at those places my subjects will show up, I have dramatically improved my shots. At least I think I have, everyone else may have their own opinion on that though. I have found birds I didn't even know existed in my area before and now I have half decent shots of them. For all the importance we sometimes put on the biggest and best lenses and gear, the more important part is to really know how to use what we have and also put ourselves in the best possible positions to use it.

    This is a great post you started and gives me new inspiration to find better ways to use what I have. Thanks!
    Nick
    SmugMug Technical Account Manager
    Travel = good. Woo, shooting!
    nickwphoto
  • riddim_makerriddim_maker Registered Users Posts: 1,835 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Ben, your images are proof of your skill. And I would even wager that you'd produce pretty much the same results were you using less sophisticated equipment than you currently own. This is definitely food for thought.
    Now, if I can only convince myself to stop fussing about my equipment:D
    Russ
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Now, if I can only convince myself to stop fussing about my equipment:D


    Resistance is futileyou will be assimilated. rolleyes1.gif
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • jeff lapointjeff lapoint Registered Users Posts: 1,228 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Ben,

    I could hand you an old Brownie and you'd put up some nice images! Nice thoughts and wonderful photos Ben!
  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Fantastic captures Benjamin. I also find myself with your thoughts.

    My #1 rule: Love photography and the subject you protograph.
    My #2 rule: Squeeze the max out of whay you own.

    The thread from harry about taking classes could be a huge stap foreward into photography. As soon the suggested DVD's come available I will order them.

    Dick.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
    Thomas Fuller.

    SmugMug account.
    Website.
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Ben,

    I could hand you an old Brownie and you'd put up some nice images! Nice thoughts and wonderful photos Ben!

    I remember my old Brownie! I was a child, but I loved to take photos with it!

    Only problem was that I had to stop at 4 PM, that is what my mother said and experience bore her out. Not enough light after that (I assume that was summer EST in Michigan).

    I never tried to go birding with it, but I am also sure that it would not have been very good for that. It did have its limitations. But, for me, except for the 4 PM deadline it was perfect.

    However, I am aware that my equipment now allows me to take shots that I could not take without some of it.

    For instance: my 400mm CAnon lens with the 1 /14 extender, it allows me to get shots of the baby birds that my friend in our local club cannot get. Her longest lens is the 70-200. She could afford to get the 400, she just cannot justify the expense. To me it is an essential, etc. To each their own. But I have been shooting with her, and I know she cannot get shots of the baby birds. So she finds other things to shoot, and that is fine, too.

    I have been tempted to go out with my 70-200 to show people that it can be done. Andy has done that effectively with seagulls. I have used the 10-22 with seagulls, and he might have, too. But I still think it is misleading to tell people who don't have our equipment that if they just had a better eye they could get what we get.

    They can get very good shots. I switch to a wider lens at times at the rookery and have gotten better shots than some of my close ups, but one should be aware of the limitations and instead of thinking one can imitate another's style, one, IMO, should use the lens they have to their advantage within the limitations of that lens/camera, etc.

    For instance, I often switch to a "shorter" lens to get reflections, depending on how close the subject is. So, find some water, a bird (or other thing) and play with the reflections.....

    That is my rant for today.

    Uh, it is on Ben's thread because he is proving a point and it is being discussed here. I did not check to see what he was shooting with, but he got some excellent shots, IMO.

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    That is a really cool series of photos, Ben!

    Thanks Ginger
    I am pretty happy with what I own now, too. In other words, I don't pine, I accept that this is the most I will have, and I am pretty lucky to have it. I am sometimes jealous of shots, not the equipment, but the shots. I forget often that the equipment was involved. Also, it can be frustrating to be told to get closer here, when people who live here know that that is very difficult with SC birds. They just are not close.

    Ok I won't tell you to get closer, besides I've seen your distant shots and I like em.
    I have no plans, at this point, to buy more lenses or equipment.

    Me neither. At least not this week :D
    I do have trouble deciding where to go to photograph things, as I have been there. I know I will find a new place, but they are more difficult to come by.

    Same here, but I go just like you because I have to, need to and want too thumb.gif
    And, as I said, the baby egrets don't look much different this year from last year. So, I don't get terribly excited about following them weekly like I did last year. They are a bit further away, too. But on the other hand, I have had firsts this year. A woodpecker, baby blackbirds, wading birds fishing for and catching crabs........ Yes, a much more expensive lens would get me closer, but it is so far out of my reach that I don't think about it. I think more about what to do with what I have. The extender is slow to focus, so if I expect the birds to fly, I want to go with just the 400, but if I want to get a good shot of the bird eating a crab, I have to go with the extender.

    See here you made decisions about what part of your gear to use or let be. That in itself is a grand step forward!
    I am often caught with the wrong one, and I hope for next time.

    Me too :D
    I don't get as frustrated with myself, I get more frustrated with the feeling I have that people think I should be doing more when all I want is to get out and have fun, smile.

    I am very hard on myself and very sensitive about my work (aren't we all :D). I know "Girls just wanna have Fun", and I completely support that concept :lol
    I love your series. You did get very close!

    Thank you so much again.
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Harryb wrote:
    Exemplary shots Ben. ylsuper.gif

    Even better were your thoughts. New gear is always great to get and I don't think we will ever stop lusting over newer and shinier toys. The D2X is nice but I was getting fine shots with the D2H and the D100 before I started using the D2X. Heck I knew pros who got astounding results form the D2H.

    Good photography (like your pics here) doesn't come from the equipment but from the eyes,skill, and the passion of the photographer.

    Hey Harry
    Hard to believe that for someone I've never met you have in no small part played such an important role in, what I shoot, what I shoot with and how I use the gear I now own. You have always given me solid advice and inspirational posts, that I freely admit to emulating.

    So for all of that and what's to come, Thank You!
    I know you were expecting a check, and it's in the mail, NOT!! rolleyes1.gifrolleyes1.gifblbl.gifrolleyes1.gif :lol4 :lol
  • PaavoPaavo Registered Users Posts: 108 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    For me, these are signature Ben shots! Nicely done!! thumb.gif
    Kevin
    Orlando, FL

    See what you look at, don't look at what you see

    My gallery in progress: http://www.natureimagesbykevin.com

    You can also find me at
    www.Pixel-Shooter.com
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Bird Man Photographer]Nice series Machinegun. thumb.gif

    Gee Mike you say the nicest things :D
    I'll buy into this a bit...but I'd still like some more glass for the digital body. It's tough to be satisfied with just 2 lenses and a TC. (albeit I've got a slew of 35mm lenses/gear).

    Well buddy if your buying then I want some of that action too!!
    I always enjoy shooting....no matter if it's with a disposable film jobby...35mm..120 MF..or the digitals. It's just fun taking photos. I will always WANT something bigger, better, faster and more attractive. :D

    No argument here thumb.gif
    I'm a strong believer it takes more than an expensive top of the line camera to get great shots...but I'm all for the technological advances in the hobby. Without them I'd probably not be shooting birds in flight or many other subjects. This new fangled thing called auto focus has been a life saver and small miracle. I can't wait to upgrade my equipement for the top of the line stuff. I'm sure I'll be a better person for it. :D :uhoh rolleyes1.gif

    Yes I agree again. Digital (instant gratification or disappointment), AF and all the other advances is what originally rekindled my interest as well. Now whether or not that makes you a better person is not for me to decide rolleyes1.gifne_nau.gifrolleyes1.gif
  • riddim_makerriddim_maker Registered Users Posts: 1,835 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Resistance is futileyou will be assimilated. rolleyes1.gif
    I will be assimilated, I will be assimilated, I will be...rolleyes1.gif
    Russ
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Khaos wrote:
    Great set Ben.thumb.gif Very nice words too. I lust after equipment I don't have too, but I have fun "making do" with what I have.rolleyes1.gif That emoticon is because I know if I got every L made, I would then probably start thinking I good do better with some lens made out of bamboo by a guru in China that everyone raves about.rolleyes1.gif It is fun to dream though. We just have to make sure we go out and shoot also.

    I'm not so sure from your work I've seen, that I'd call it "making do"!!

    Hey that reminds me doesn't "Zeiss" make F mount lenses.........Mmmmm wonder what a 24 F1.2 would run..... Now see you got me doing it again :lol:lol blbl.gif:Dthumb.gif
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    raian wrote:
    Wow, LOVELY. How exciting to have gotten close enough. Good job.:)

    Yes your right almost as much as the image :D
    I too think... I need this, or that, or I WANT it. But honestly I am truly enjoying the gear I have right now. I figure once I learn how to use it better, I'll enjoy it even more :

    I agree and have found that to be true thumb.gif
    You'll also enjoy the bigger, faster, more$$ stuff simply by virtue of knowing what your dealing with!! Nothing beats could old experience :D
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2006
    Thanks, Ben! I like the way you responded to my "response", smile.

    I have been gone all afternoon. One egret modeled for me.......the great thing about birds, don't have to get a release. The bad thing about birds, I don't need a release.rolleyes1.gif

    But I really appreciated how you answered me,

    thanks, ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 17, 2006
    dallas wrote:
    Excellent thoughts Ben, and how true. Of course it makes sense to have the best equipment available, but it makes sense as well to enjoy what you have. The camera will record an event, but a photographer will decide how, and the content. I'll keep upgrading when possible, but will not lose sight of the enjoyment it always brings me, and the many friends I meet along the way.

    Yes friends along the way, forgot that :D

    Thanks for your comment thumb.gif
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 17, 2006
    jwear wrote:
    sooo you well not want to try the 500 eek7.gif --okne_nau.gif nice shots by the way thumb.gif

    Now I never said that !! rolleyes1.gif1drink.gifmwink.gif
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 17, 2006
    gluwater wrote:
    I love days like that Ben. I still have a lot to learn but I think I have progressed a lot in the last year. When I first started I thought longer was better. I started at 200mm, then went to 300, then 400, then I slapped a TC on it to get to 560mm and sometimes I still think I could use more. But lately I have been learning my gear, locations, and subjects better. You know what, because I know the limits of my gear, what places will have light and when, and when at those places my subjects will show up, I have dramatically improved my shots. At least I think I have, everyone else may have their own opinion on that though. I have found birds I didn't even know existed in my area before and now I have half decent shots of them. For all the importance we sometimes put on the biggest and best lenses and gear, the more important part is to really know how to use what we have and also put ourselves in the best possible positions to use it.

    This is a great post you started and gives me new inspiration to find better ways to use what I have. Thanks!

    Excellent glad you feel this way
    It's taken 40yrs but I think I'm finally getting it ne_nau.gif :lol
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 17, 2006
    Ben, your images are proof of your skill. And I would even wager that you'd produce pretty much the same results were you using less sophisticated equipment than you currently own. This is definitely food for thought.
    Now, if I can only convince myself to stop fussing about my equipment:D

    Hey Russ
    I would not wager much rolleyes1.gif:D , you know just in case :lol

    Given you something to chew on then my work is complete thumb.gif
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