Thoughts on Atmospheric Conditions for Photographers

Planning  / Conditions for Photographers 

Notes on Planning and Application for the Serious Photographer - Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Earlier this morning I posted about a question of any 'Photoshop' applied in one of my in-flight images - with the intention of asking if the image was manipulated in any way.

Read: Bird in Flight image photoshopped or not?

As a photographer I am a little concerned that people would think like that, but nevertheless see it as a compliment - especially where the photographer planned for achieving specific results.

For my own birds in flight photography around Woodbridge Island, Cape Town I look at two environmental variables very seriously: (i) available morning light and (ii) atmospheric conditions (wind / sun / clouds et al) before going out for a session.

My 'check' for best value photography is seen in the attached image: for the absolute best conditions this is what I look / plan for (when I look out the window). So its quite possible that some people may think Photoshop played any role in the outcome of certain images.

Unfortunately, days like this on the image is far and few between. I wait it out and when the going is good, I get going. It doesn't mean we don't should around here in any other conditions.

It is also important to note that the serious photographer should be able to shoot in many different light conditions. Light is probably our biggest advantage, but without appropriate light, the challenges will increase thinking and planning (without rushing out to purchase higher-quality equipment).

We all use different levels of post-processing . I believe the serious photographer will (only) attempt to improve the well-planned shot in terms of slight adjustment(s) in the exposure and / or the composition, without altering the original 'naturalness' of the image.

Image created with Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens (on Manfrotto Compact tripod) from Arnhem Milnerton towards the main bridge at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town.

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

Vernon Chalmers Copyright Policy

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography View

ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R6

ISO Decisions and Preferences with the Canon EOS R6 Camera

ISO Decisions Canon EOS R6 © Vernon Chalmers for Canon South Africa

Using Auto ISO versus a Fix ISO in Canon EOS R6

For Birds and Birds in Flight Photography, Woodbridge Island | Cape Town 

I regularly make reference to my Auto ISO preference for birds in flight photography at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town - and from time to time perched birds with Auto-ISO.

I generally use apertures (f/stops) between f/4 – 6.3 (depending on the lens used). Shutter speeds are mainly set between 1/2500 – 1/3200 depending on the light (and for covering most of the bird speeds). 

Please Note: Above settings (recommendations) are just for birds / birds in flight handheld (no tripod or other assistance).

This changed (using Auto-ISO) for the first time in many years after reviewed the Canon EOS R6 for Canon South Africa. Fortunately this was nothing to do with the impressive Canon EOS R6 Full Frame body, but rather the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses I was given for a review in rather poor light conditions at the time (note: both lenses have a fix aperture of f/11).

This was the first time ever I have prepared for perched birds / birds in flight photography with such a small aperture. A major concern was the fix f/11-stop at such long focal lengths for the absolute atrocious winter light (and the dark backgrounds in the Table Bay Nature Reserve further down the Diep River).

Grey Heron Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens : ISO 640 / 1/2500s

The first morning I went out with the Canon R6 and the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens and I had high hopes that the Canon EOS Full Frame sensor at f/11 and Auto ISO should be acceptable.

 

The results were far from acceptable. The Auto ISO average was at ISO 3200 and (the pre-set) shutter speeds were between 1/2500 – 1/3200).

The following morning I used fixed ISOs between 640 – 800. Eventually settling with ISO 640 / f/11 / 1/3200s  - to cover the different speeds as I would do with any other EOS and my f/4 – f/6.3 apertures and 1/2500 – 1/4000 shutter speeds on the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5L IS USM and EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lenses.

Canon EOS R6 First Impressions and Sample Images >>
I concluded the 'winter week' at shooting mostly at ISO 640, due to the poor light, but was satisfied of what the two RF lenses delivered attached to the Canon EOS R6.

Taking Advantage of Auto ISO - Official Canon Article >>

Page Image Information : Birds / Birds in Flight Photography (Woodbridge Island / Cape Town)

Image 1: Cape canary with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Image 2: Grey heron in flight with Canon EOS R6  / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Image 3: Cape reed warbler with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

ISO Decisions : Canon EOS R6 / RF Lens 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

Early Morning Good / or Poor Light for White Birds

Light Conditions for Predominantly White Birds in Flight at Woodbridge Island

Little egret in good morning light at Woodbridge Island

I only attempt to photograph (predominantly) white birds (in flight) early mornings – for reducing over-exposure. I don’t make any changes to my camera settings and are guided by natural light and weather conditions.

I may at times (in deteriorating light) lower the shutter speed to bring the ISO down (for birds in flight), other than that, I ‘focus’ on about everything else, but the camera. Over the years I’ve learned to trust my equipment to deliver within its exposure / performance parameters (after making the decision to go out birding – irrespective of conditions).

Being in a position to evaluate the most suitable conditions from 'higher-up' (as a definite advantage) before I go out with an estimated Auto-ISO 320 - 800 range for birds in flight. With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000 (or a bit higher). With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000+.

The last image here represents my ideal light / weather conditions shooting opportunity (this is what I see before making a decision for a serious personal early morning shoot down the river).

Very early morning summer light, poor light or foggy weather are my preferred conditions for the egrets and the occasional ibis.

Image 3 and 4 are captured in poor light / weather conditions where I was either in training with someone or the fog rolled in.

Image 1: Little egret in good morning light (based on the conditions as assessed in image 4)

Image 2: African sacred ibis in poor light (with no choice in conditions)

Image 3: Little egret appeared as the fog was rolling in

Image 4: The most conducive early-morning conditions before making a decision for a serious personal shoot

* All images over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

High-quality crisp morning light will always be a priority over technology for me – and therefore I don’t have the need to own the latest equipment.

I respect the fact that many bird photographers may not always be in a position to select the light / conditions of their choice – and therefore may be required to invest in camera gear that can handle much higher ISO's in poor / low light.

On many occasions I do go out (with clients or on my own) to shoot in adverse conditions to learn (and to make settings adjustment(s) if required - depending on the equipment in hand).

I have also learned there is no such thing as a perfect image... get as close as you can to an ‘ideal exposure’ in terms of subject / conditions and just enjoy the moment(s).

Canon Equipment

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera Body
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

AF / Manual Exposure Mode Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/2500 - 1/3200s
• Aperture: f/5.6 - f/6.3
• Focal length 400mm
• Auto-White Balance (AWB)
• Auto ISO (320 - 1000)
• AF Mode: Zone / Wide Zone
• AF Case: Case 1 (Default)
• AI Servo / 10fps multi-shot
• RAW processing (shooting to RAW only)
• Handheld

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

African sacred ibis in poor light conditions

Little egret as the fog rolled in

Above Woodbridge Island : Good conditions for Birds in Flight Photography 

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R / Powershot Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Across the Cape Peninsula

All Images Copyright / Intellectual Property of Vernon Chalmers More Information >

Vernon Chalmers Photography in Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Included in Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds (Websites / Blogs)

Not as highly ranked as my Canon Camera News website (23rd position) – in the global Camera Category, but the VCP website is currently in the 77th position (in the global Photography category) - an improvement of 5 places during the last month.

From Feedspot: "The best Photography RSS feed list curated from thousands of RSS feeds on the web and ranked by traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness."

A big 'Thank You' again to all of my clients, regular visitors and supporter visiting the Vernon Chalmers Photography Training website for Canon Camera / Photography Training information and related resources.

Source / Reference>> Feedspot Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds

Flamingos returning to the Milnerton Lagoon

Encouraging News : Flamingos Returning to the Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon (2015)

With the ongoing sewage / poor water conditions in the Milnerton Lagoon opposite Woodbridge Island I have witnessed (9/12/2022) larger pods of greater flamingos than usual during this miserable and extended period.

Hopefully this is a sign of improved water conditions due to current interventions at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment plant (and other areas along the Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve).

The larger flamingo numbers could also just perhaps be random due to current weather / lower wind conditions here – hopefully it’s a (sustainable) combination of positive human intervention and weather conditions across the area.

Update: 'Fearless Flamingos'

I received an important comment / update from one of my readers on my Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Facebook Page / and my posting on Birdlife South Africa's Facebook Group re the flamingo's tolerance for poor water quality. Also, all other posts on Facebook re the 'returning flamingos' now offers this update.

Flamingo species are tolerant of extremely poor water quality - as published by The Observer "Africa’s most toxic lakes are a paradise for fearless flamingos" (Source: The Conversation)

Current Pollution / Sewage Situation at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Since 2016 / 2017 we have seen a definite decline in the abundance of bird species / and general bird life around the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and Table Bay Nature Reserve area. 

As a bird photographer residing here (and training other bird photographers) around the Milnerton Lagoon / Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve  (just across Woodbridge Island) it is a real shame to have witnessed the deterioration of this significant natural ecosystem in Cape Town.      

Poor Water / Sewage Management into the Milnerton Lagoon >>

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town >>

Red-billed teal ducks in flight, Intaka Island

Red-Billed Teal Ducks in Flight - Intaka Island, Cape Town

Red-Billed Teal Ducks, Intaka Island - Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography

Spent some real quality time (in exquisite light), during a Canon Camera Practical Photography  Training Session, at Century City's Intaka Island, Cape Town, with special people at one of the Intaka Island bird hides.

It was my first time back at Intaka Island since my friend Joseph Inns passed away in 2021 - and I could not have asked for better company (and compassion) for overcoming this challenge this afternoon.

Photography Training Session Intaka Island >>

Canon Camera / Lens Settings

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II Body
• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
• Manual Mode
• Auto-ISO: 320
• Aperture: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/2500
• AI Servo: Case 1: Wide Zone
• 10 fps High Speed Continuous Mode
• Handheld

Lightroom Post-Processing
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 11.4: Cropping. Colour correction / noise reduction / lens profile correction and a few spot removals.

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island

Birdwatching at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Intaka Island Bird Species Index >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

Photography Training Session Intaka Island

 Canon Camera Bird Photography Practical Training Intaka Island

Vernon Chalmers Birdlife Photography Intaka Island, Cape Town

African Sacred Ibis in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town 

I generally facilitate most of my Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training at Woodbridge Island, Milnerton, Cape Town. during early December 2022 I had an opportunity for a client practical photography training session at Intaka Island, Century City, Cape Town.

Intaka Island Photography Training Objective
This practical and hands-on training session was an opportunity for my clients to experiment with Canon camera Manual Mode and Aperture Priority (Av) Mode settings for water birds and / or birds in flight. We settled in the bird watching / photography hide facing away from the sun and was greeting with quite exquisite afternoon light.

I have taken a few birds / birds in flight shots during the photography training session and herewith a list of the Intaka Island birds (top to bottom) and the general Canon camera / lens settings I personally used for all the birds in this post:

Birds / Birds in Flight Intaka Island

• African Sacred Ibis
• White-Breasted Cormorants
• Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron
• Common Moorhen
• Little Egret
• Red-Billed Teal Ducks
• White-Breasted Cormorant
• Yellow-Billed Duck
• White-Breasted Cormorant
• Juvenile Common Moorhen
• Cape Wagtail
   
  
  

Canon Camera / Lens Settings Intaka Island 

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II Body
• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
• Manual Mode
• Auto-ISO: 250 - 800 
• Aperture: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/2500
• AI Servo: Case 1: Wide Zone
• 10 fps High Speed Continuous Mode
• Handheld

Lightroom Post-Processing
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 11.4: Cropping. Colour correction / noise reduction / lens profile correction and a few spot removals.

Image Copyright
All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography

Afternoon Birds / Birds in Flight Images (After 17:00) At Intaka Island, Cape Town 

White-Breasted Cormorants Getting ready for 'battle' Intaka Island, Cape Town

(Juvenile) Black-Crowned Night Heron Intaka Island, Cape Town

Common Moorhen Intaka Island, Cape Town

Little Egret in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town

Red-Billed Teal Ducks in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town

White-Breasted Cormorant in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town

Yellow-Billed Duck Intaka Island, Cape Town

White-Breasted Cormorant Portrait Intaka Island, Cape Town

Juvenile Common Moorhen Intaka Island, Cape Town

Cape Wagtail at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Birdlife at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Intaka Island Bird Species Index >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

Follow-up on the Real Estate Photography Project

Real Estate Photography / Interior Decor Cape Town

Earlier in the week I made reference to my formal entry into real estate photography. This has now become a much bigger project than what I have previously envisaged.

Although I am not entirely new to interior real estate photography (Arnhem, Milnerton) I had to follow my own advice in Cape Town of first taking a complete series of 'record shots' (and more) – in interior environments which were totally different than my own expectations.

Important Real Estate Photography criteria: 

• The practice of modern and stylish interior photography is much more than just placing the tripod at certain angles for capturing décor, interior space(s), colours and available (ambient) light. 
• What the eyes see via the camera’s Live View LCD screen is not necessarily the same view that will be displayed on a computer screen (in preparation for RAW post-processing). 
• Balancing available light (with interior décor / space) is one of the most important considerations (and challenge) for this type of photography genre.
• Working with an interior décor stylist / co-ordinator throughout the entire process provides the photographer with focus on specific areas of aesthetic importance and required attention to detail. 

Property | Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More

I know the client quite well and quickly assessed the required detailed expectations, aesthetics and various image objectives. Working with an interior décor stylist who creatively defined requirements and current / future objectives (wrt other properties) made the shoot more focused and relaxed.

The primary camera and lens combination I settled with for the final shoot this coming week is the Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm f/4 IS USM lens ultra-wide angle lens. The EF 24-70mm lens is too limited for the larger spaces. I may use my EF prime lenses (50 - 85mm focal length range) for capturing specific 'framed' features.

Attached record image: quick handheld (no Speedlite flash) with Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm lens

Real Estate Photography Cape Town : Staircase with Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Real Estate | Property Photography Training Cape Town View >>

Birds in Flight Photography Learning Resources

Learning Canon EOS / EOS R Birds in Flight Photography

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens : 120 Image Gallery

A listing of birds in flight resources to assist the new photographer with the following:

• Canon EOS Autofocus Resources
• How to photograph birds in flight
• Birds in flight photography setup and tips
• Exposure settings for birds in flight photography

On this page and the website are various links and articles on the different Canon EOS bodies and lenses I personally use with all my birds in flight photography.

Birds in Flight Photography Training>>

Supporting documents made available from:

• Canon USA / Other Canon websites
• Canon Camera News 2018
• Vernon Chalmers Photography 
• Various other websites 

Canon AF Series: How Does Traditional SLR AF Work?
Canon USA

CF / SD Memory Card Speed Tests
CF/ Memory Card Speed Tests

Show Focus Points for Adobe Lightroom Version 1.01
This free plug-in is an easy and quick installation via the Lightroom Plug-In Manager and then provides access to your camera's focus points via the Library Module.  Read More / Download Focus Points for Adobe Lightroom Version

Canon AutoFocus System Resources

AF Settings Guidebooks (65-Point / 61-Point AF Systems)

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II 
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III 
• Canon EOS-1D X 
• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Canon EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook

• Canon EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook 
• Canon EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook Mobile Version

With Canon EOS 7D Matk II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

How AF Systems Work
Official Canon article detailing the application / function of the modern AF System
Canon Europe

Quick Guide to Accurate EOS Autofocus Read

Quick Guide to AI Servo Mode AF Tracking Read

Understanding Camera Autofocus

A general guide for understanding camera AF
Cambridge In Colour

How to use Autofocus with moving subjects Read

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III: 21 Differences Read

AF Comparison Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EOS 5D Mark III / 1D X View

Canon EOS-1D X and EOS 5D III AF Point Management Read

Configuring your Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF for fast action Read

Custom AF Case - Birds in Flight Settings for Canon EOS 5D Mark III Read

Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Difference in Zone AF and AF Point Expansion

Official Canon article explaining the difference between Zone AF / AF Point Expansion
Canon USA 

Taking advantage of Auto ISO: Canon’s EOS-1D X, EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D Read

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Auto ISO 500

Using Auto-ISO with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II Read

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds in Flight AF How to...

• Capturing Birds Gliding in the Sky 
• Capturing Dynamics Shots of Birds In The Sky

Introduction to the Canon EOS 80D 45-Point AF system
Read

Canon EOS 90D Performance Features
Canon USA

Back-Button AF Explained
Back-Button AF Explained

Photography-On-The-Net Resources
Canon EOS Digital Cameras (All current / most older EOS bodies)
Discussions / technical questions with answers
Canon Bodies

Canon EF / EF-S Lenses (All current / most older EF lenses)
Discussions / technical questions with answers
Canon Lenses

Canon Telephoto RF Lenses Professional Reviews
Canon RF Lens Reviews 

Tracking slower flying birds at higher shutter speeds

Lens Sample Photo Archive
Image samples / discussions from Canon and other lenses Lens samples

Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography Read

Canon EOS Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography Read

New Canon EOS R Rumors & Announcement Updates Read

Update on Photography and Self Catering Accommodation Gift Vouchers

Vernon Chalmers Photography and Self Catering Accommodation Gift Vouchers Cape Town

Photography Training Gift Vouchers Cape Town

Photography Training Gift Voucher Costs
Training sessions are generally between three and four sessions (of up to 5 hours per session) and range from R950 to R1 250. These rates / sessions are only applicable for Gift Vouchers and will be valid for one year.

Photography Gift Voucher Options at Milnerton, Woodbridge Island, Kirstenbosch and private location in Cape Town / Cape Peninsula.

More Information Photography Vouchers View

Milnerton Self Catering Accommodation Gift Vouchers

Self Catering Accommodation Gift Vouchers Cost

Min of two nights at Blu-C Self Catering Apartment Minerton (opposite Woodbridge Island) for one or two people. Price per person per night is R400-00 per person per night (minimum of two nights). Can be combined with photography training. Contact me for discussing requirements. Accommodation Gift Vouchers are valid for one year and will be subject to accommodation availability.

More Information Self Catering Accommodation Vouchers View

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Pricing 2023 / 2024

Vernon Chalmers Canon Camera / Photography Training Pricing 2023 / 2024

There will be no price changes on any of my Canon Camera / Photography / Lightroom training and / or Canon Photography Vouchers until January 2024. The last update was January 2022.

The Vernon Chalmers Photography Studio Apartment / Self Catering Accommodation prices will be updated in February 2023. More >>

For more information: Vernon Chalmers Photography Training