Boring old rabbit

donek

I've had a tough time getting out to shoot this summer. My few outings have produced very little. I've come to the conclusion that I just don't have the copious number of subjects that others have. If I go to the lake, I'll be lucky to see 2 Great Blue Herons and even luckier to see 1 egret. Some of you post shots of hundreds of these birds in one place. That got me thinking. Where can I find such opportunities. It hit me that my propery is swarming with rabbits. Not the most exotic subject, but definitely an opportunity to practice techniques. So I set out to be a better stocker and get a shot that is as sharp as possible, even zoomed in 100%

This was shot in RAW with my D200 and 50-500mm Sigma lense at 500mm with a 36mm extension tube attached, mounted sturdy on a tripod. ISO 100, F11, 1/60, sb-800 flash on ttl.



Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Cinda

I really like this shot! The rabbit looks like it's leaning towards you - and what do you suppose got a bite out of its ear?? It is frustrating when we can't get out to exotic/beautiful/nature-rich areas to shoot, but truthfully some of my best shots are in my own yard.

Thusie

Nice light and background a wabbit done well

Elaine

That's a beautiful bunny shot! Love the light, the crispness, the angle, the colors, the showing off of the ear...a wonderful portrait-style shot of a rabbit! Thanks for sharing!

JohnDC

donek wrote:

... Where can I find such opportunities. It hit me that my property is swarming with rabbits...

Not knowiing anything about the situation on your property, I'd be out there at different hours, especially late afternoon-early evening looking for coyotes, bobcats, raptors, and other things that prey on rabbits--maybe catch the animal that put the nick on your rabbit's ear. That's a nice shot. Maybe there's more lurking in the bushes...

Maestro

Nice portrait. I like the light.

donek

JohnDC wrote:

Not knowiing anything about the situation on your property, I'd be out there at different hours, especially late afternoon-early evening looking for coyotes, bobcats, raptors, and other things that prey on rabbits--maybe catch the animal that put the nick on your rabbit's ear. That's a nice shot. Maybe there's more lurking in the bushes...

This shot was just after sunrise. Sunset is typically my daughters bath time. While mowing a couple days ago I uncovered a hole that must have been 10 to 12 inches in diameter, but I've never seen anything on the property that might live in such a hole. My bet on the ear is one of our cats (she's always eating baby rabbits), or the very cold winter we had. Some of the rabbits died of starvation because there was so much snow for so long. There aren't any bushes, just grass and weeds. After 7 years here we finally have two trees that have lasted more than 1 season.

There are occaisional Raptors, but I guess I'm too unprepaired when I see them and they are pretty far off. We have antelope in the area, but they tend to be extremely skittish and they always see you coming since there's no cover. There are also deer occaisionally. I've been wondering what I can do to attract some of them. Perhaps a salt lick? Any suggestions? I probably simply need more time to spend wandering, watching, and waiting. Thankds for the input.

donek

Maestro wrote:

Nice portrait. I like the light.

It was the only creative thing I could really come up with to make it more interesting. Thanks for the feedback.

Elaine wrote:

That's a beautiful bunny shot! Love the light, the crispness, the angle, the colors, the showing off of the ear...a wonderful portrait-style shot of a rabbit! Thanks for sharing!

I appreciate your feedback

Thusie wrote:

Nice light and background a wabbit done well

Thanks

Cinda wrote:

I really like this shot! The rabbit looks like it's leaning towards you - and what do you suppose got a bite out of its ear?? It is frustrating when we can't get out to exotic/beautiful/nature-rich areas to shoot, but truthfully some of my best shots are in my own yard.

Most of my good macro shots are a result of laying in the mud and dirt somewhere in the field. Thanks for commenting

digdon1

Boring? I don't think so!

donek wrote:

I've had a tough time getting out to shoot this summer. My few outings have produced very little. I've come to the conclusion that I just don't have the copious number of subjects that others have. If I go to the lake, I'll be lucky to see 2 Great Blue Herons and even luckier to see 1 egret. Some of you post shots of hundreds of these birds in one place. That got me thinking. Where can I find such opportunities. It hit me that my propery is swarming with rabbits. Not the most exotic subject, but definitely an opportunity to practice techniques. So I set out to be a better stocker and get a shot that is as sharp as possible, even zoomed in 100%

This was shot in RAW with my D200 and 50-500mm Sigma lense at 500mm with a 36mm extension tube attached, mounted sturdy on a tripod. ISO 100, F11, 1/60, sb-800 flash on ttl.



Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Anytime behind a camera is better than most other times. I like your shot! Can't help but notice that your rabbit must have been in a bit of a fight - missing part of his/her ear. It almost looks as if the rabbit posed for you. Photographing animals is in the same league as children. You never know when they'll decide to lose interest. Again, good shot.

digdon1

JohnDC

donek wrote:

We have antelope in the area, but they tend to be extremely skittish and they always see you coming since there's no cover. .

If there is someplace you can do this, try approaching the antelope very slowly in a vehicle, stopping every time they look up and get agitated. Vehicles are good blinds, and I have gotten some good antelope pics this way.

Van Isle

I have never seen a bunny look so tough before, ear and all. Congrats on a great image.

VI

dbaker1221

boring my butt....it is an awesome pic!