Adobe Lightroom Training Cape Town Update

Update on Vernon Chalmers Adobe Lightroom Training

 

Vernon Chalmers Photography Adobe Lightroom Training Cape Town Update 

Please Note: Adobe Lightroom training will no longer be offered as a separate training module. No further support sessions are available on migrating Lightroom / Lightroom Catalogues between computer systems, hard drives   and / or specific Lightroom File Import / Processing / Export / Other modules.

However, Lightroom will be discussed and demonstrated in all the different photography training genres I currently offer. More >>

Canon Photography Private Training  Milnerton,  Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Training More
• Birds in Flight / bird Photography Training More
• Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Workshop More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop More
• Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Sessions More

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Gentleman on a Bicycle... Flower for Thought

Wildflower - Diep River,  Woodbridge Island

Returning from my early morning hike on Thursday a man on a bicycle approach me, stopped next to me and introduced himself. His first words even before the formal introduction were “It must be tough when there are no birds around the river’. He had a point, but I’ve captured the birds (and a few flowers) earlier in the morning and was returning from the Table Bay Nature Reserve after stalking the black-crowned night heron.

Anyway, we started talking and although he was not particularly interested in photography he had a thought-provoking philosophy about nature’s significant role in our daily lives. I found the 45-minutes or so conversation about this man’s fundamental beliefs and his interpretation of the role of nature quite fascinating.

While processing this wildflower image this morning I realised our discussion was perhaps right next to the exact location where I captured this image earlier on my hike that morning. I’ve been thinking about the gentleman on his bicycle all weekend and he kept my mind busy with his quite unusual approach to life, nature and the meaning of life.

Early morning Hike Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island >>

Canon Camera / Lens:

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.6-5.6L IS II USM lens @ 400mm

Exposure Settings:

• Av Mode
• Aperture: f/5.6
• Auto-ISO 160
• Shutter Speed: 1/500s

Post-Processing with Adobe Lightroom Classic Version 12

Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Woodbridge Island Nature Sightings on a Thursday Hike

Birds and Wildflower at Woodbridge Island / Table Bay Nature Reserve

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Cape Teal Duck in Flight : Diep River, Woodbridge Island

Pre-Sales (Used) Field Evaluation of the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

In preparing for selling a relative new Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6.L IS II USM lens for a private client I paired the lens with one of my Canon EOS 70D's and went on a hike into the Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island.

For Sale: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, Cape Town >>

The morning started in very good light and no wind, but unfortunatly very quickly turned into an clouded sky with a northerly breeze. Nevertheless, I had full confidence in my body/lens pairing and went deep into the reserve as I would on most other occasions.

Grey Heron Flying into the Sun Woodbridge Island

I have also done a similar exercise (close-up butterflies and wildflowers) with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens at Kirstenbosch Garden.

Woodbridge Island birds / flower photographed during the morning:

• Cape Teal Duck in flight
• Grey heron in flight
• Yellow-billed duck in flight
• Cape teal duck
• Southern masked weaver
• Levaillant's cisticola
• Black-crowned night heron 
• Purple wildflower

Canon Camera / Lens / Exposure Settings: 

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
• Manual Mode: 400mm / f/5.6 / Auto- ISO (Various) / 1/2500s Shutter Speed
• Av Mode: 400mm f/5.6 / Auto-ISO (Various) Shutter Speed (Various) 

Post-Processing: Adobe Lightroom Classic Version 12

Grey Heron in Flight : Table Bay Nature Reserve Woodbridge Island

Yellow-Billed Duck in Flight : Above the Diep River, Woodbridge Island

Cape Teal Duck : Diep River, Woodbridge Island

Southern Masked Weaver : Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island

Levaillant's Cisticola : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Black-Crowned Night Heron Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island

Wildflower : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Canon Photography Training Inaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden |  Woodbridge Island

Kids' Birds of Southern Africa - Book by Hélène Loon

Learn All About The Incredible World Of Birds!

Copyright: Struik Nature / Penguin Random House South Africa

I was pleasantly surprised after receiving a hand-delivered copy of Hélène Loon's latest book, Kids' Birds of Southern Africa.

A few months ago Hélène contacted me regarding the use of one of my Great white pelican images for her upcoming Kids' Bird book. As many of you will know that my Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy excludes the direct sales and / or publication rights of using any of my own photography images (with a few exceptions).

Vernon Chalmers 'Lazy Pelican' Image - Top Right

With her professional approach and the fact that the pelican image will be published in an upcoming educational book project for kids left me with no hesitation for granting her permission to use one of the two images of the 'Lazy Pelican of Woodbridge Island'. I still remember capturing the pelican images in great early morning light. Indeed a few special moments followed-up a few years later with an equally special request. Many people over the years liked and commented on the image and it was more than a fair request on behalf of bird education for kids.

Hélène regularly communicated the progress of the book project with me and on receiving my personal copy from the author I was not only very pleased to see how the Great white pelican image was portrayed, but the way in which the entire Kids' Birds of Southern Africa book was organised in such vibrant and easy modern way for kids to learn more about Southern Africa's many bird species. I'm sure many adult birders will also find the book of great value to enhance their own current knowledge.

I am delighted for her for achieving this accomplishment and wishing her the very best return on the special investment she has made in the awareness and educating children about the birds of Southern Africa.

Image Copyright: Struik Nature / Penguin Random House South Africa

Also Available In Afrikaans & isiZulu

From the Publisher: Struik Nature / Penguin Random House South Africa

This lively book, jam-packed with information about more than 60 bird groups, introduces kids to the wonderful variety of southern Africa’s winged creatures – from long-legged flamingos and speedy falcons to jewel-like sunbirds and plucky hornbills, and many more.

Learn to identify different birds and discover their intriguing behaviours – how they find food, choose a mate, build a nest, raise their young and avoid predators.

An informative introduction explains birding concepts such as courtship, migration, mobbing and moulting in an entertaining way. More than 500 stunning photographs are included, with many annotated to highlight interesting features and traits. (Copyright as per Publisher's Press Release)

www.struiknature.co.za / www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za

Kids’ Birds of Southern Africa is also available in isiZulu and Afrikaans

Recommended by Birdlife South Africa and the Mapula Trust

More About Hélène Loon

Hélène Loon holds an honours degree in ornithology from the University of Cape Town. She has extensive experience in ornithological research, including crane conservation and roller monitoring projects.

Price and Availability

Recommended Retail Price: R130 - R160. The book is available at most bookshops (Exclusive Books, Bargain Books, the Kirstenbosch bookshop and online at Takealot etc.)

Hélène can be contacted on Facebook Messenger

Kids' Birds of Southern Africa - Contents

Introduction

• What is a bird?
• Feathers
• Bird senses
• Songs and calls
• Unusual menus
• Breeding
• Eggs
• Brood parasites
• Teamwork
• Migration 

Seabirds

• African Penguin
• Cape Gannet
• African Oystercatcher
• Terns and gulls
• Albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters

Freshwater Birds

• Kingfishers
• Pelicans
• Spoonbills
• Hamerkop
• Darters and cormorants
• Flamingos 
• Black-winged Stilt
• Pied Avocet 
• Jacanas
• Herons and egrets
• Waders 
• Ducks and geese
• Coots, crakes and moorhens

Groundbirds

• Ostrich
• Secretarybird
• Guineafowl
• Francolin and spurfowl
• Cranes
• Bustards and korhaans

Birds of Prey

• Eagles
• Kites
• Buzzards
• Falcons and kestrels
• Vultures 

Nocturnal Birds

• Owls
• Nightjars
• Thick-knees

Bush and Woodland Birds

• Woodpeckers
• Barbets
• Rollers
• Bee-eaters
• Storks
• Parrots 
• Hornbills
• Swallows
• Swifts
• Babblers
• Drongos
• Shrikes
• Seed-eaters
• LBJs: Little Brown Jobs
• Turacos and go-away-birds

Urban Birds

• Starlings 
• Doves and pigeons
• Bulbuls
• Wagtails
• Sparrows
• Lapwings
• Weavers
• Sunbirds
• Robin-chats
• Thrushes
• White-eyes
• Mousebirds 
• African Hoopoe
• Wood-hoopoes
• Coucals
• Crows
• Hadeda Ibis
• Egyptian Goose

Picture Credits

Image Copyright: Struik Nature / Penguin Random House South Africa

Kids' Birds of Southern Africa  ISBN Numbers

ePub ISBN: 9781775848325

English ISBN: 9781775848318

Afrikaans ISBN: 9781775848332

isiZulu ISBN: 9781775848493

Published with permission from Hélène Loon, Author of 'Kids' Birds of Southern Africa'

Important Notice to Vernon Chalmers International Clients / Guests

Photography Training and Accommodation Booking | Payment Procedures

Vernon Chalmers Location: Milnerton, Western Cape, South Africa

Google Map

I receive regular Photography and Accommodation bookings from abroad. Herewith some important booking / payment procedures for prospective international clients or guests viewing the Vernon Chalmers Photography or Accommodation websites to assist with itinerary decisions.

International Pricing for Photography Tours / Training
I do not charge different rates from my local South African Rand (ZAR) currency (as specified on my websites / Social Media posts). All international currency quotations, proposals and invoices are directly quoted against any international currency on any business day/ or end of financial week (if requested over a weekend). All quotes, proposals and invoices will specify the ZAR value and adjacent the international currency of choice.

More about Vernon Chalmers Photography Training >>

Vernon Chalmers Photography International Payments
Unfortunately I do not accept any Paypal fund transfers. All international quotations, invoices and / or proposals will have all my required international banking / Inward Payment required information for wire transfers / payments. Any prospective international client is welcome to Contact me for any additional information. I am currently investigating other means of direct cost-effective transfers, but prefer the above wire payment option.

A recent Dollar wire transfer into my bank account processed in less 12 hours to clear via my bank's Inward Payment department. The complete process from releasing the $ funds until receipt in ZAR into my account was well-documented and secure.

Note: For international Photography Tours and Training I require 21-30 days notice for a booking. This is mainly due to my personal availability. Should I be available I will prepare the required quotation, invoice or proposal as soon as possible with a 50% payment due within 5 working days (due to currency fluctuations) and the balance of payment due before arrival. The second payment will be fixed at the rate of the first 50%. A ZAR cash payment for the second 50% will also be accepted. Contact me for discussing transaction / payment detail.

Vernon Photography Training Gift Vouchers
Photography Training Gift Vouchers will follow the same international payment procedures as Photography Training and Tours. The only difference is that a 100% payment is required on Gift Voucher purchase. 

More about Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Gift Vouchers >>

Vernon Chalmers / Self-Catering Accommodation Bookings
For International guests (my Blu-C Self-Catering Accommodation Apartment only) I strongly recommend to use one of my hosting partners. Booking.com or Travelground. Both of these agencies use the same rates and both are synched with the same calendar in terms of  reservation availability. The rates quotes should be international (in the country the booking enquiry is made from). Again, this rate is 100% equivalent to the ZAR rate local guests pay for their booking via the same hosting partners.

More About Vernon Chalmers / Blu-C Self-Catering Apartment >>

Combined Photography Training / Accommodation Booking Packages
This will depend on availability and specific requirements. Rates will be calculated as I would normally calculate any local quotation, invoice or proposal - with the international currency (exchange rate specified). The payment 50% / 50% process and payment requirements will be the same as my Photography quotations, proposals or invoices. It is strongly recommend to contact me at least 30 to 90 days in advance to enquire about this option.

Contact Vernon Chalmers Photography Training >>

Images Source: Pixabay (Open Source)

Recommended Intel Hardware for Lightroom Post-Processing

Recommended Intel Hardware Requirements For Lightroom Image Processing

Adobe Lightroom Classic Version 12 Develop Module

Minimum Intel System Specifications for Lightroom Classic Image Processing 

I regard the Intel-based hardware specifications I used for post-processing the images in my post Butterflies and Flowers after the Rain at Kirstenbosch in quite a few ways as an entry-level standard for editing / post-processing bulk RAW images when using Adobe Lightroom Classic. 

Raw Image Editing / Post-Processing

I generally use a more powerful Intel i5 Acer Extensa desktop workstation computer and 16GB DDR4 Dual-Channel RAM paired with 2x 24" LED monitors. The faster CPU processing / additional RAM is in my option producing quite a substantial performance increase in terms of personal productivity (processing speed) and workflow schedule.

A dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) will further enhance post-processing performance. I have achieved satisfactory performance standards with Nvidia's GTX GPU's over the years.

JPG Image Editing / Post-Processing
For JPG-only editing the mentioned Acer Aspire 3 Intel i3 (Generation 10) notebook specifications (in either notebook or desktop configuration) should suffice - a good quality single (or dual) external 20' to 24' monitor(s) will enhance working space and provide a higher quality visual experience than most notebook built-in screens. One 27" monitor is also an option if a single monitor is prefered.

I personally prefer working with a dual Samsung LED monitor configuration when going through large image batches (selection and processing), but there are also a few other brands (i.e. Acer / Asus / Dell / LG) that will be of similar and / or higher visual display quality. A single monitor configuration should also be sufficient - it will all depend on the user's dynamic multi-application preference(s).

Other Editing / Post-Procession Hardware
I am not familiar with AMD-based Systems or the minimum / suitable hardware specifications for Apple Desktops / Notebooks (for Adobe Lightroom application / post-processing).

Cape Spurfowl at Kirstenbosch edited with Lightroom Classic Version 12

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Butterflies and Flowers after the Rain at Kirstenbosch

A Morning of Butterflies and Flowers at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training at Kirstenbosch

'Straight Ahead' - Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Butterfly Kirstenbosch Garden

Saturday Morning at Kirstenbosch: Butterflies and Flowers after the Rain

We arrived at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for a private training session Saturday morning just before 08:00 - 2 December 2023. With great anticipation we waited for more than an hour for the rain to pass. It was indeed worth the wait – the light was slightly diffused and just right, imho.

Currently there are some spectacular contrasting colours amongst the flowers throughout the garden.

I spent some quality time with a private client going through requirements and settings for using a Canon EOS DSLR with a 'long' zoom lens for close-up butterfly and flower photography.

It was a morning thoroughly enjoyed and I am looking forward to our next session at Kirstenbosch Garden.

The butterflies would have been sharper allround if I used slightly smaller apertures, but I compensated the diffused light by using the biggest aperture available at 4oomm - f/5.6.

My Canon Camera / Lens used during the morning:

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5 - f/5.6L IS II USM Lens
• Aperture Priority Mode: 400mm @ f/5.6 - f/8
• Auto- ISO (IS0 100 - 400)
• Shutter Speed (Between 1/500s - 1/640s)
  
• Handheld

Post-Processing: Adobe Lightroom Classic Ver. 12  

Editing / Post-Processing Intel Hardware Used
Acer Aspire 3, an Intel 10th Generation i3 CPU Notebook with Intel Ultra-High Definition (UHD) GPU / Microsoft Windows 11 / 8GB DDR4 Dual-Channel RAM (memory) / SSD Hard drive.

Recommended Editing / Post-Processing Intel Hardware (JPG / RAW Images)
Recommended Editing Intel Hardware Using Lightroom >>

Kirstenbosch photography training also offered as Photography Training Gift Vouchers

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Gift Vouchers Cape Town >>

Painted Lady Butterflies at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

“Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.” - Naya Rivera

Painted Lady Butterfly Kirstenbosch Garden

Painted Lady Butterfly Kirstenbosch Garden

Cabbage White Butterfly Kirstenbosch Garden

More About The Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

"The Vanessa cardui butterfly, commonly known as the Painted Lady, is a widespread and well-known butterfly species.

Here are some key characteristics and information about Vanessa cardui:

Distribution

• The Painted Lady is one of the most widely distributed butterfly species in the world. It can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
• They are known for their migratory behavior and can cover long distances during their annual migrations.

Appearance

• The upper side of the wings has a striking and colorful pattern, with orange, black, white, and brown markings. The colors are vibrant and can vary slightly among individuals.
• The wingspan of Vanessa cardui ranges from 2 to 2.9 inches (5 to 7.5 cm).

Life Cycle

• The life cycle of the Painted Lady consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly.
• The caterpillars are spiny and have a dark coloration with yellowish spots. They feed on a variety of host plants.

Habitat

• Painted Ladies can be found in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, meadows, fields, and open areas.
• They are adaptable and can thrive in different environments, from urban to rural areas.

Migratory Behavior

• Vanessa cardui is known for its remarkable migratory behavior. In some regions, they undertake long-distance migrations, similar to the monarch butterfly.
• During migration, they may cover thousands of miles, flying from one region to another in search of suitable breeding and feeding grounds.

Nectar Sources

• Adult Painted Ladies feed on the nectar of various flowering plants. They have a preference for a wide range of flowers, making them generalist feeders.

Economic Importance

• The Painted Lady is considered beneficial in agriculture as its larvae feed on certain weed species, helping to control their growth.
• They also play a role in pollination as they visit flowers for nectar.

Seasonality

• Depending on the region, Painted Ladies may be present year-round in milder climates, while in colder areas, they are more commonly seen during the warmer months.

Observing the Painted Lady butterfly is a delightful experience for many nature enthusiasts, and its widespread distribution and migratory habits make it a fascinating species to study." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Plants / Flowers at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

“Flowers are the Romeos and the Juliets of the nature!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

“Wildflowers can't be controlled, and neither can the girl with a soul boundless as the sky, and a spirit as free and wild as the ocean.”― Melody Lee

Flowers after the Rain at Kirstenbosch Garden

Flowers with Rain Drops Kirstenbosch Garden

Red Flowers at Kirstenbosch Garden

Budding Flower after the Rain at Kirstenbosch Garden

Blooming White Flowers after the Rain at Kirstenbosch

Wildflowers after the Rain at Kirstenbosch

Yellow Flower after the Rain at Kirstenbosch Garden

Flower Species at Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town

"Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa, is renowned for its diverse and unique flora. The garden showcases a wide variety of indigenous South African plant species, including many beautiful flowers. Some common and notable flower species that are often found in Kirstenbosch:

Protea Species

• Kirstenbosch is home to various Protea species, such as the King Protea (Protea cynaroides), South Africa's national flower.

Erica Species

• The Cape Floristic Region, where Kirstenbosch is situated, is rich in Erica species, commonly known as heaths or fynbos.

Watsonia

• These tall and striking flowering plants belong to the iris family and produce spikes of tubular flowers.

Aloe Species

• Various Aloe species, such as Aloe ferox, are often found in Kirstenbosch. These succulent plants are known for their medicinal properties.

Restio Species

• Restios are grass-like plants that are a prominent feature of South African fynbos vegetation.

Bulbs

• Kirstenbosch is home to a variety of bulbous plants, including species like Gladiolus and Ixia, which produce colorful and distinctive flowers.

Disa Orchids

• Indigenous orchids, like the vibrant Disa uniflora (Pride of Table Mountain), can be found in the garden.

Cycad Species

• Kirstenbosch also features a collection of cycads, ancient plants with cone-like structures.

Clivia miniata

• This popular flowering plant native to South Africa produces clusters of orange flowers and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Buchu (Agathosma)

• Some aromatic species of Buchu, used in traditional medicine, are found in the Kirstenbosch gardens.

Keep in mind that the diversity of plants in Kirstenbosch is extensive, and the garden is designed to showcase the unique and varied flora of the Cape region. The specific species you encounter may vary depending on the season and the specific areas within the garden you explore. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, consider checking with the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or referring to their official website or publications." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Kirstenbosch Garden Image / Information on the Vernon Chalmers Photography Website: 

Glorious Morning at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden View

Vernon Chalmers 'Kirstenbosch Bird Species Index' View

From Darkness into Light... Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Butterflies and Sunbird at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Images © Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright Policy

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Map & Directions Kirstenbosch Google Map

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Website

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

Great White Pelican, Woodbridge Island

'Lazy Pelican' of Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Great White Pelican down the Diep River, just off Woodbridge Island / Milnerton Lagoon (opposite the Milnerton Golf Course, Cape Town), basking in the morning sun. We don't see them that often around Woodbridge Island and mostly individually or a pair.

Originally photographed during 2017

As published in Kids' Birds of Southern Africa - Book by Hélène Loon >>

Photos by Vernon Chalmers with Canon EOS 70D and Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens. Conditions misty / slightly overcast - all photos handheld.

Great White Pelican, Woodbridge Island

Great White Pelican, Woodbridge Island

Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Improves in Global Top 100

The Vernon Chalmers Photography website gaining traction in the international 'Best Blogs / Websites to Follow on the Planet in 2023'

A few months ago I mentioned that my "Canon Camera News' website is currently in it's best position in the Camera Website / Blog Index in the global Feedspot Index.

The 'Vernon Chalmers Photography' website is also now in it's best position in the internationally renowned and recognised Feedspot - '100 Best Photography Blogs to Follow in 2023' Index - currently in the 63th position.

Global Improvement

According to the web search results, the Vernon Chalmers Photography website has improved its ranking in the global Feedspot index, which is a list of the best photography blogs and websites to follow on the planet. The website is currently in the 63th position in the ‘100 Best Photography Blogs to Follow in 2023’ index, which is an improvement of 14 places from the previous month, when it was in the 77th position. This shows that the website is gaining traction and popularity among photography enthusiasts and learners. You can visit the website to learn more about the courses, workshops, and resources offered by Vernon Chalmers Photography. (Source: Microsoft AI Copilot with Bing Chat 2023)

From Feedspot: "The best Photography blogs RSS feed list curated from thousands of RSS feeds on the web and ranked by traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness."
Source: Feedspot 100 Best Photography Blogs

Image Source: Vernon Chalmers Photography on Feedspot Photography Blogs

Canon Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island   

Bird Photography Practical CTPS Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Cape Town Photography Society (CTPS) Bird Photography Outing

Little Egret in Flight over the Diep River, Woodbridge Island

On Sunday morning, 19 November 2023, I went out with members of the Cape Town Photography Society (CTPS) to photograph some birds in flight / perched birds around the Diep River, Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island area(s).

I presented the Birds in Flight / Perched Bird Photography theory session to a substantial group of CTPS enthusiast bird photography members in Pinelands during March 2023. Since then we tried to find a suitable Saturday / Sunday morning for the practical session. Only now in November 2023 we anticipated that the weather would provide more favourable conditions in terms of some sun, less wind and improved light conditions. Unfortunately on our outing day it was not the most conducive birding day around here. It looked very much like June / July in Cape Town.

More than an anomaly for November weather conditions at Woodbridge Island

Woodbridge Island Towards Cape Town over Woodbridge Island

Milnerton Lighthouse / Woodbridge Island

Woodbridge Island, Small Island Surrounded By The Diep River

Woodbridge Island / Diep River Towards Bloubergstrand

Not quite the birds / birds in flight weather conditions at Woodbridge Island we had in mind this particular November Sunday morning. Nevertheless, quite a few members arrived at 07:30 and we set-out to see what we could capture and learn around the Diep River, Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island. I also used the opportunity to test the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5 – 5.6L IS II USM lens paired with one of my Canon EOS 70D bodies. Normally in these conditions (and / or otherwise for birds in flight) I would use my Canon 7D Mark II paired with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.

Fortunately these conditions provide excellent learning opportunities from so many different perspectives. I'm glad we persuaded and in my opinion most of the photographers will have learned a great deal from the area, their gear and the conditions 

This morning became a learning experience for many members trying out their new camera gear and also became an opportunity in shooting in less ideal situations. We took a long hike into the Table Bay Nature Reserve and we encountered 10 – 15 species in-flight an perched birds.

One mistake I made was not to adjust the variable aperture lens to its full 400mm after I captured the above little egret just above the Diep River at 260mm. The consequence was that the rest of my shots were all captured at 260mm. The 40mm focal length would made a significant difference in many of my other shots. I generally only shoot around here with my prime 400mm lens and forgot to adjust the focal length back to 400mm.

I thoroughly enjoyed my morning with the CTPS-members and we will repeat this exercise in January 2024. I really want to expose the club members to the good early morning light quality we mostly do have here in summer and trust our next outing will provide just that.

A Sunday morning well-spent with a group of great people / Cape Town photographers.

Canon Equipment / setting I used:

• Canon EOS 70D APS-C Body
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6L USM II lens
• Manual mode @ 360MM
• Aperture: f/5.6
• Auto-ISO: 320 – 800
• Shutter Speed: 1/2500s
• Lens AF on.Lens IS turn off
• Zone AF / 7fps / Handheld

Some of the Birds of Woodbridge Island Photographed 

• Little Egret in Flight over the Diep River, Woodbridge Island
• Grey heron towards the back of the Table Bay Nature Reserve
• Yellow-Billed Duck against the Reeds Table Bay Nature Reserve
• Yellow-Billed Duck Portrait in the Table Bay Nature Reserve
• Black Oystercatcher - on the small island adjacent to Woodbridge Island

Grey Heron in the Table Bay Nature Reserve

Yellow-Billed Duck against the Reeds - Over the Diep River

Yellow-Billed Duck Portrait - Table Bay Nature Reservr

Black OysterCatcher - Small Island, Woodbridge Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island