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Telephoto
- 17 May, 2026
More Thoughts on Cameras and Lenses
I have found myself getting really interested in the consumer electronics side of photography. This was probably inevitable, given my existing interest in consumer tech, but I was not prepared for the thoughts of "oh, I need to be X and Y so that I can get this shot!" And truthfully, I was close to pulling the trigger. Right now, it seems to me that my "ideal" would be a Canon R7 and a Canon 200-800mm lens. But what about next year? And what happened to my "ideal" beginner stack I just bought? Instead of buying anything in that moment, I just went out to shoot. And don't get me wrong: I am sure some newer gear would help. But nothing is stopping me from getting good shots today. I also realized a few things to keep in mind to get those good shots. 1. Obviously: Get Plenty of Light and a Stationary Subject Yes, I know. That's beyond obvious. It's just that it's one thing to "know" that from an academic standpoint and another to "learn" it from actual practice. And what I am noticing more and more is that with ample light and a still subject, my older gear can get some nice shots. 2. Keep Balance in Mind I have been getting more interested in capturing bird in flight shots, which seems to be something that modern cameras can handle much better. They have more FPS for burst shooting, better autofocus on moving subjects, and pre-capture options to help "getting the shot." That being said, while I am not satisfied with any of the "in flight" shots I got, they at least show to me that the camera could capture a good one. I just need to keep in mind that I must balance a high shutter speed with a wider aperature and a bright scene so the ISO doesn't dip too low. 3. Closer is Better Again, I know, this is obvious. While there are plenty of modern cameras that have a lot of megapixels that allow for enhanced cropping potential, my camera is not as capable. So when I end up with a subject that is further away and is small in the frame, the cropping will not look as good (the image below being an example of that), though even then it's not too bad as long as the subject is in focus. An obvious compensation to that is to be closer to the subject. This is easier said than done, but I've found that being still in some location where a lot of birds hang out increases your odds of getting something to come "in range." When you are in motion, the birds are much more flighty.
- 10 May, 2026
5/9/2026 Expedition
After arriving at the Cayce Riverwalk for the first time, I couldn't help but notice the boat entrance, accompanied by an unused dock. It opened onto the lake and gave me a view of the shoreline greenery with the sun glinting on the water. I also spotted a bunny nearby when I first arrived, which made the quiet start to the shoot feel more welcoming. It was here that I decided to stake out for two hours.While the plan was to photograph birds, the first creature I found was none other than a brown water snake on the dock. He was none too happy to see me; he eventually slithered off the dock and back into the water.The birds were quite elusive in this waterfront park. The first one to reveal itself was the South Carolina state bird: the Carolina Wren. It jumped down into the clearing before immediately flying to another tree.The cardinals were in abundance, but they were very evasive. I came across many on this trip. A pair flew together through the trees before hopping along the ground, and I suspect one was attempting to court the other. I am still looking for a truly good cardinal photo, as they still manage to elude me.The spotted sandpiper. This was a new species for me, and it was the only spotted sandpiper I found. I suspect this waterbird is abundant if you have the patience to wait for them. I would love to get a shot of it among some foliage, so that it stands out more.The Carolina Chickadee—these were my "grand prize" for the day. There was a group of four that hopped from branch to branch, taking small bites where they could while ultimately playing among themselves. They constantly moved between trees, making them very difficult to capture. I only managed a few shots when one of them paused to rest. They are easily my favorite shots of the day.Given how common grackles are, it's amazing that this was the first time I managed to photograph one. This wasn't even on the waterfront; it came from a tennis court a few miles down the road—which, in hindsight, makes sense. I'm used to seeing grackles in places where they can rummage through human trash. However, it looks like they foraged that nut all on their own.And finally: a northern mockingbird. Frankly, I'm tired of seeing these birds—they are everywhere. But at least this one let me capture an excellent shot up close. They are much browner than I realized. I wish I had the opportunity to photograph other birds as closely.