Peregrine Falcon at Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town

Special Visit from a Peregrine Falcon, the World's Fastest Bird

Peregrine falcon near Woodbridge Island looking into my bedroom window on the 12th floor, Arnhem Milnerton Cape Town. This is a regular visitor, but elusive for capturing high quality images at times.

Images by Vernon Chalmers with Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens (M Mode / Handheld).

Peregrine falcon in flight at Arnhem, Milnerton >>

Peregrine Falcon at Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town | Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Peregrine Falcon at Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town | Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Peregrine Falcon at Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town | Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Peregrine Falcon at Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town | Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Peregrine Falcon at Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town | Copyright Vernon Chalmers

The Peregrine Falcon: Fastest Bird in the World >>

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

Canon EOS Official Sample Image Links: 2014 - 2023

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Official Sample Images from Canon Japan

 

Canon EOS RP Sample Image : Image Credit Canon Singapore

I study 100's of new Canon EOS R / EOS camera official sample images as new bodies are released - the attached image here on the right is from the Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless camera.

Herewith a list / link to various Canon EOS R / EOS / EOS M camera sample galleries on one of my websites of sample images from most of the current APS-C and Full-Frame Canon bodies 

2014 - 2022

Latest Sample Images: Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Canon EOS R7 | Canon EOS R10

Canon EOS R Official Sample Images
 As made available by Canon Japan (also other official Canon subsidiaries) and published on my Canon Camera News website - with image credits and original EXIF Data and Image Downloads:

Canon EOS R Full-Frame Sample Images

• Canon EOS R3
• Canon EOS R5 C
• Canon EOS R5
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II
• Canon EOS R6
• Canon EOS R8
• Canon EOS R
• Canon EOS RP

Canon EOS R APS-C Sample Images

• Canon EOS R7
• Canon EOS R10
• Canon EOS R50

Canon EOS / EOS M Official Sample Images
 As made available by Canon Japan (also other official Canon subsidiaries) and published on my Canon Camera News website - with image credits and original EXIF Data and Image Downloads:

• Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III 
• Canon EOS 6D Mark II
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon EOS 90D
• Canon EOS 80D
• Canon EOS 77D
• Canon EOS Rebel T8i / EOS 850D
• Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D
• Canon EOS 750D / 760D (Rebel T5i / T5s)
• Canon EOS 4000D
• Canon EOS 2000D
• Canon EOS SL3 / EOS Rebel 250D 
• Canon EOS SL2 / EOS Rebel 200D
• Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless
• Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless
• Canon EOS M5 Mirrorless
• Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless
• Canon EOS M6 Mirrorless

Go>> Canon EOS Official Sample Image Links

Canon EOS 760D Rebel T6s Sample Image  - Image Credit: Canon Japan EXIF Data

Sample Image: Canon EOS 4000D - Image Credit: Canon Japan EXIF Data

Cape Town Photography: Milnerton Lighthouse Views

Vernon Chalmers Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island Photography

Milnerton Beach / Lighthouse (Copyright Vernon Chalmers)

Different views from the Milnerton Lighthouse on Woodbridge Island. From Arnhem, Milnerton beach (Table Bay), Milnerton lagoon and Woodbridge Island.

All Milnerton Lighthouse, Cape Town images with:

• Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 6D / EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 10-18mm IS STM lens
• Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens

Cape Town Photography: Woodbridge Island Bridges  /  Table Mountain

Vernon Chalmers Copyright: Milnerton Lighthouse Photography, Cape Town
Please do not use / re-publish any Vernon Chalmers Milnerton Lighthouse  Cape Town Photography images without permission. View the Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright Policy for more more information.

Copyright Infringement Warning to Cape Town Photographers
Copyright Infringement Warning to Cape Town Photographers

(Click to Enlarge)

Lighthouse over Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Lighthouse over Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town - From Arnhem

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town - From Arnhem

Lighthouse from Milnerton Beach (Table Bay) Cape Town

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / over Milnerton Golf Course Cape Town 

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Cormorant Flying Past Milnerton Lighthouse / Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town - From Arnhem 

Lighthouse over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Cape Town - From Arnhem

Milnerton Lighthouse, Woodbridge Island Cape Town - From Arnhem

History of Milnerton
History of Milnerton

Milnerton Lighthouse, WoodBridge Drive Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Cape Town South Africa

Woodbridge Island Map Milnerton Lagoon / WoodBridge Island Map

The Milnerton Lighthouse, Milnerton Cape Town was commissioned in 1960

History of Milnerton / Woodbridge Island
From 1897 - 1980 History of Milnerton

Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips

Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips

Using a Birds in Flight Lens for Small Static Subjects

Canon 400mm Lens for Static Subjects with Birds in Flight Photography Settings

Birds in Flight Lens / Settings for Small Static Subjects - Intaka Island

Long lens for random static subjects when the objective is predominantly high-speed action

This is what I love about a 'long lens' at 400mm, birds in flight settings and a static subject without changing anything (and trusting my kit in hand to deliver).

Wild flower during last week's Intaka Island birds in flight client practical.

Canon camera / lens was setup for birds in flight, but its possible to immediately / in between in-flight shots capture some static subjects as well. The higher shutter speed will not really have an effect on image quality. The higher ISO could, but it is removable in post-processing without losing too much detail (depending on the quality of the camera's image sensor, but I don't regard this as too important if the light is reasonable to good).

What works well here is the fact that there was relatively good separation between the subject and the background - it adds to a more solid blurred look - therefore 'popping' the main subject against the reeds / grass.

An aperture of f/6.1 - f/8 would have secured more sharpness across the subject, but for me, while engaging in in-flight photography with little time between birds I take the known risk of a bigger aperture for these type of in-between shots - at least is will provide for a shallower depth of field. With enough time I would change to Av Mode, a smaller aperture, with no substantial impact on Auto-ISO. The flower was less important in my general application a the time, but important enough to share it with the developing photographer in terms of the 'what-if' scenarios.

For close-up shots like this I prefer using Av Mode and Auto-ISO to know that the ISO will come down with a few stops, but with birds randomly in front of the lens I don't change anything - as the birds in flight is the main priority and therefore Manual Mode works best to control aperture and shutter speed.

For predominantly static subjects the shutter speed is not that important (for my purpose) and Av Mode (Aperture Priority) is more often the better option - the modern DSLR camera will in most cases select a good ISO exposure to match your selected aperture and distance to subject / and quality of light.

Canon Equipment and Exposure Settings
Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens 

Manual Mode: Auto-ISO 2000 / f/5.6 / 1/2000's - handheld

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

Canon Snapshot for Thought...

Never underestimate / undervalue the camera in hand

Wildflower at Intaka Island with Canon 400mm Prime Lens

Whatever (older) kit you may have will often surprise you with its capabilities beyond the application(s) and / or intended genres.

The wildflower image was created while I was setting up my camera for a client in-flight photography training session at Intaka Island earlier in the week. The flower was not really the objective, but rather ensuring that the AF and exposure settings were correctly tuned for the available light conditions.

This image is a reminder 'to self' that a camera / lens setup not intended for its ultimate purpose – action photography, in this case – can do other jobs about just as good as its newer siblings explicitly purchased and applied for specific (close-up) genres.

The lens used was a 30 year+ old non-Image Stabilisation lens design (Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM) paired with an almost 10-year old camera (Canon EOS 7D Mark II) with entry-level birds in flight settings. Manual Mode: Auto-ISO / f/5.6 / 1/1000s - Large AF Zone and handheld.

The bottom line is when you get to know light, exposure and your kit in hand well enough you will be able to extract quite substantial value from said combination(s). Together with your own trust of the camera / lens in your hand a lot can still be achieved before it becomes really necessary for new kit. Once you master your kit you may learn its shortcomings – and then with the same (old) kit you will find there is still some value left in the 'creation of images' – depending on how you apply your mind (in learning even more from current kit).

African Sacred Ibis in Flight Intaka Island with EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Above bird in flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400m f/6.5.6L USM lens at Intaka Island, Cae Town. Manual Mode: Auto-ISO 400 / f/5.6 / 1/2000s - Large AF Zone and handheld.

I read a comment earlier today where somebody wrote “I’m still learning photography after 35 years” – not making reference to the fact that he / she is not knowing how to use kit in hand, but rather still experimenting how to be even more creative in applying light, different genres and image making possibilities etc. For that alone you will be able to spend many years with the same camera (and a few lenses).

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

About the Quality of Light... for Bird Photography

Vernon Chalmers Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

The Quality of Light... Little Egret in Flight Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Over the last couple of days I have written extensively and posted quite a few images of bird (in flight) photography in poor light conditions (at Intaka Island). As photographers we want the best possible light, but even the best light is not always best for our images. You may think.., 'Will I ever master the exposure inter-relationship conundrum with its almost infinite probability combinations and permutations?'

Often, with knowledge of exposure, light and experience of different conditions, the photographer will succeed. The cognitive awareness of subject (bird) behaviour, objectives, challenges and expectations in terms of specific outcomes will provide the eventual knowledge, experience, (own) behaviour, skills and techniques when allowing yourself to shoot any subject 'as is' (irrespective of the conditions).

The attached image (above) of the little egret at Woodbridge Island was photographed before 07:00 on a good quality light day. Even on a good light day in photographing predominantly white birds softer sun light is required - hence the fact this image was captured before 07:00 on a sunny morning.

If this image was taken at i.e. 09:00 the light would have been too bright over-exposing the white features of the bird.

With environmental factors in mind the photographer should shoot and enjoy every photography moment out there - and remember there is (as I often remind my students / clients) no such thing as a perfect photograph, the only 'perfection' that exist is your acceptance on what an 'ideal exposure' should / could be - the rest we can control... in terms of camera settings / distance / backgrounds - it will depend on the photographer's willingness to learn, plan, prepare and enjoy every occasion that should matter - at your own pace.

Light is one of the most important factors in any photography genre, but equally important is to accept the challenges when you're not in a position to plan for subjects and / or weather conditions.

Thoughts on Atmospheric Conditions for Photographers >>

Olive Thrush Garden Bird at Kirstenbosch in Good Light

Good light at Kirstenbosch for small garden birds 
The above olive thrush garden bird was photographed at Kirstenbosch Garden in good morning light. Often, even in good morning the light the small birds are surrounded by dark backgrounds that makes it challenging for photographing even in the best morning light. I don't use Canon's Image Stabilization (IS) for flying birds, but for these birds I use a different camera and EF 100-400mm zoom lens with IS enabled in Manual Mode (f/5.6 - 6.3, Auto-ISO and the shutter speed increased a little more than  - to counter any movement and the probability that they may fly - which I don't mind as it is part of the challenge to get them in flight). The birds in the shadows also protected from direct sunlight exposure - something I started appreciated very quickly even in these small / still bird photography.   

Canon Camera / Lens Settings Intaka Island 

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM (non-IS) Lens
• Manual Mode
• Auto-ISO: 400 /Aperture: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/3200
• AI Servo Mode: Case 1: Wide Zone
• 10 fps High Speed Continuous Mode
• No Lens IS (Not required)
• Handheld

Canon Camera / Lens Settings Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens (Mark I)
• Manual Mode: 400mm / f/5.6 / Auto- ISO: 640 / 1/1000s  Shutter Speed
• IA Servo Mode: 7 fps High Speed Continuous Mode (Zone AF)
• Lens IS Switched on
• Handheld
  
  

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

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography >>

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island | Woodbridge Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

Commercial Reproduction of Vernon Chalmers Images

Commercial Reproduction of Vernon Chalmers Photography  Images

No Vernon Chalmers Photography (VCP) image may be used for business, corporate, industrial or individual commercial reproduction use on any medium (including any digital format).

This is applicable to any artistic, creative, educational, retail and other banner display(s) and / or commercial distribution on any format including any type of paper, plastics, textiles, metal, wood, glass and / or digital display.

Additional clarification is available from Vernon Chalmers / VCP Legal Representative.

Non-commercial users please refer to: Drawing, Painting, Sketching and Superimposing in the VCP Copyright / Intellectual Property Policy.

Copyright / Intellectual Property Policy Index:

• Summary
• Copyright Protection
• Commercial Reproduction
• Drawing, Painting, Sketching and Superimposing
• Image Locations
• Image Copyright and Media / Press Releases
• Images for Canon South Africa
• Crediting of VCP Images
• Images not For Sale
• Sharing images on Social Media
• Using images without Permission
• Contact Vernon Chalmers

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | Intellectual Property Policy >>

© Symbol Image: Copyright Free from Pixabay

Effect of Low Light in Birds in Flight Photography

Canon Birds in Flight Photography at Intaka Island 

African Sacred Ibis : Intaka Island, Cape Town

An in-flight image of an African sacred ibis during Wednesday's low-light client training session at Intaka Island.

I personally would have wanted less blurred wingtips, but it was a trade-off in the given conditions, dark background and distance to subject wrt selected exposure settings (compared to my usual Woodbridge Island sessions with selective sunny conditions, brighter backgrounds and general closer proximity to fast flying birds flying relative close to my own positioning).

Quality of light

While (good) light is one of the most important factors in photography it is not always possible to have the best light at your disposal. There will be many occasions where 'what you see is what you get' in terms of low / poor light conditions if there is no proper understanding of the impact of light and / or how to control the camera for still getting satisfactory image results. 

One of the biggest and challenging variables to manage to is to achieve the best possible exposure (under any given light / inclement weather conditions). Today, many high-end enthusiast and all professional Canon EOS / EOS R cameras / lens combinations are suitable to shoot in the rain, just make very sure about your own kit's weather-sealing in terms of both the body and the lens (and the weather-sealing as a pairing). Personally I don't risk any of my kit in the rain (even if it is certified as weather-sealed) - except when shooting from a hide / or other environmental protection. 

In good light (for in-flight photography) I normally use my default exposure settings: Manual Mode: Auto-ISO / 1/3200's / f/5.6 - with no problem. In low light I change the shutter speed to 1/2500's (or lower) to lower the ISO. The trade-off is that faster subject movement could cause wingtip-blur or if I have used an aperture of f/6.3 would have increased the Auto-ISO and in turn (could) cause additional pixel noise (also considering the dark background) - depending on the available light / random background in any given moment - i.e. darker trees, bush or other obstacles.

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography >>

What f-stop to use?

Many photographers shoot birds in flight at a default f/stop of f/6.3 - which will ensure a slightly sharper image (with less potential for wing-blur as well) - especially (also) if there are two birds in the frame / or if the single bird is quite close to the lens (in filling a large part of the frame).

A question I'm often asked: why do you shoot birds in flight at f/5.6 and not f/6.3? There are 3 main considerations in terms of personal preference and specific body / lens pairing:

• f/5.6 allows more light and therefor increase intentional background blur
• More light improves the Autofocus (AF) operation of my camera / lens combination
• At f/5.6 all 56 AF-points of my camera / lens pairing are utilised as cross-type AF points for bird tracking potential vs. only 75% cross-type AF-points at f/6.3 - therefore ensuring a higher precision / faster tracking probabilities

Source: Canon EOS 7D Mark II User Manual - PDF Download 

Note: With the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens the are many different combinations available AF-Point expansion or Zone-areas. In any selection at f/5.6 the AF points will be activated a cross-type points. At f/6.3 this is not possible in terms of covering all cross type AF points (across the AF grid). 

Auto-ISO for high-speed action photography is recommended by Canon for many of the enthusiast / professional EOS camera bodies (Full Frame or APS-C) since the EOS 5D Mark III / EOS 7D Mark II and higher-end bodies entered the market.

Auto-ISO application reference: "In Manual exposure mode, a pre-set shutter speed and lens aperture can be continually maintained, even if the light changes. This allows the photographer to have full control over stopping motion and depth-of-field, while still allow the camera to react to any changes in light". (Source: Taking Advantage of Auto-ISO)

Most new EOS R Full Frame / APS-C bodies will handle much higher Auto-ISO's due to the new DIGIG X image processing sensor (for even higher ISO data in-camera processing). Post-processing of Raw images should ito of selective cropping and noise management reduce luminance noise reduction even more (while preserving a natural look).

Good light is important for 'ideal exposures'. Any combination of exposure settings will have more of an impact in low / poor light conditions. I spend quite a substantial amount of time explaining 'ideal exposures' to my photography students / clients - this is in essence a personal objective and subjective acceptance choice for each individual photographer - without this the photographer may never find acceptance in how he / she should appreciate and / or present their own images.

Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography >>

Modern EOS R bodies should assist the photographer more when the maximum lens aperture is f/5.6 - especially in low light conditions (and fast moving birds in an Auto-ISO selection option).

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: Large 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

Birdwatching at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

Photography Training in Poor Light Conditions Intaka Island

Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island, Cape Town

A 'Birds in Flight' practical client session at Intaka Island, Cape Town  turned into a few high-ISO snapshots - with 'Birds in Flight' settings.

African Sacred Ibis against the Palm trees at Intaka Island

Bird Photography Training on a Wednesday Afternoon at Intaka Island

We scheduled today's session on Monday. Nature 'made it's own plans' for this afternoon. Arriving on location we were welcomed by poor light and the occasional drizzle. So what to do? We practiced high shutter speeds in these challenging conditions on a few flying birds, discussed exposure settings (for better light conditions) and had some fun chatting in the hide.

During this practical I met one of the most interesting photographers I have ever came across there or anywhere (for that matter) - a Nikon shooter who arrived after work to get an hour or so's shooting in, but such a laid back chap with photography oozing from the heart and not the head. Not a care in the world, just happy to share his hobby with us.

What a privilege to be surrounded by people sharing their photography stories and journeys. Not for taking the absolute best shots, but just being there (even in the drizzle) to enjoy nature and to go home with a few images.

African Sacred Ibis in Flight, Intaka Island, Cape Town

Towards the end of the session I took most of these images 'as is' with the Nikon chap's philosophy of just being 'in the moment' in my mind...

Birds / Birds in Flight Intaka Island

• African sacred ibis in flight @ ISO 2000
• African sacred ibis in flight @ ISO 1250
• Juvenile black-crowned night heron @ ISO 3200
• White-breasted cormorant @ ISO 800
• African darter @ ISO 3200

Canon Camera / Lens Settings Intaka Island Canon EOS 7D Mark II Body

• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
• Manual Mode
• Auto-ISO: 800 - 3200
• 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 

Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron at Intaka Island, Cape Town

White-Breasted Cormorant Intaka Island, Cape Town

African Darter at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Birdwatching at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

2023 Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Update

Canon Photography Training Update Milnerton, Cape Town

Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Landscape / Seascape Photography Training Milnerton Lagoon

Private Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography tutoring / training classes in Milnerton, Cape Town  - or in the comfort of your home / garden (if genre is applicable) anywhere in the Cape Peninsula.

Tailor-made (individual) learning programmes are prepared for specific Canon EOS / EOS R / PowerShot cameras and photography requirements with the following general objectives:

• Individual Needs / Gear analysis
• Canon EOS camera menus / settings
• Exposure settings and options
• Specific genre applications and skills development
• Practical shooting sessions (where applicable)
• Adobe Lightroom post-processing training
• Ongoing WhatsApp and eMail Support

Canon Camera / Lens Requirements
Any Canon EOS / EOS R body / lens combination is suitable for most of the training sessions. During initial contact I will determine the learner's current skills, Canon EOS system and other learning / photographic requirements. Many Canon PowerShot camera models are also suitable for creative photography skills development. 

Cape Town Locations
Most theory sessions are facilitated from my studio in Milnerton (opposite Woodbridge Island). Practical sessions are facilitated opposite the studio apartment around Woodbridge Island. Intaka Island and / or Kirstenbosch Garden options are available where applicable. 

Bird & Flower Photography Training Practical Kirstenbosch

Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Photography Training

Your Location (Cape Peninsula)

Learn Garden Photography (small birds / flowers) in the comfort of your own home / garden More Information >>

Photography Training Rates
Sessions are costed at R2 250 for three (four hour+) sessions, but shorter and / or more sessions will be costed individually - depending on personal requirements. Any refresher training (for returning clients will i.e. new bodies / lenses) be costed at different rates). 

Primary Photography Private Training Genres

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training More
• Canon Speedlite Flash Photography Training More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography More
• Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More
• Digital Workflow / Lightroom Post-Processing Classes More

Other Photography Genres

Other photography genres (or other personal requirements) will be discussed individually / or can be worked into primary session options above in terms of specific requirements, lenses and techniques (i.e. Street / Food / Portrait / Motor Racing Photgraphy).

Contact me for more Information

Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island / Intaka Island

Photography Training Practical Sessions at Kirstenbosch Garden 

Close-Up and Macro (Garden) Photography Training Sessions Cape Town

Motorcycle Racing Photography Training Killarney, Cape Town

Intaka Island Photography View | Kirstenbosch Photography View

Milnerton Beach Photography View | Table Mountain Photography View

V&A Waterfront Photography View | Woodbridge Island Photography View

Taking advantage of good natural light

Birds in Flight Photography. Grey heron in early morning light... 

The heron was captured with an (almost) entry-level Canon EOS 700D and 1st generation EF 70-300mm lens at Woodbridge Island more than 10 years ago.

Grey Heron in Flight : Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Its not always about having the fastest camera / (longest) lens combination, for me, at the time, the quality of light was the most important criteria. A fast shutter speed came in handy as well. This is a JPG image straight out of camera with minimal cropping (if any).

The image was captured on an typical African summer's morning, but still very early in the morning (less than an hour after sun rise). Seeing a grey heron so close was really unexpected, but with its relatively slow flight speed I had enough time to adjust the zoom for an almost full frame capture.

The small aperture used / and the fact that the bird was so close to the background did not provide for any background blur in the image, but at least the f/9.5 aperture provided for a relativity sharp subject.

Canon Camera / Lens / EXIF Data

• Canon EOS 700D
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
• ISO 1600
• Aperture f/9.5
• Shutter Speed 1/2000s
• Focal length: 190mm
• Lens IS turned off

More about Starting out with Birds in Flight Photography

Shooting Birds in Flight at higher ISO’s / moodiness of poor light

Poor Light Conditions and Exposure Settings

Little Egret in flight - Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Woodbridge Island @ ISO 1600

My students know that I’m an great believer of Auto-ISO on all DSLR's in my bag (for Birds in Flight photography.) On this occasion (a while before Covid) I looked out the window and observed ISO weather of between ISO 1200 – 3200. A bitterly cold and horrible day for anything outside let alone Birds in Flight Photography. Normally on a day like this, I will evaluate my opportunity cost options and rather do something else.

But, I had a new client, super keen on testing out his brand new kit (body and lens) and I had little choice but to assist him in his quest for mastering application / practice. I did however, offered him coffee (instead) on Woodbridge Island before this shoot, but the lad wanted to shoot – so off we went.

Herewith one of the images I managed to capture with my traditional Birds in Flight settings on that day - remember I deliberately selected Auto-ISO to see the results. EXIF Data: ISO 1600 / f/5.6 / 1/2500s.

Little egret in flight over the Diep River Woodbridge Island with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.

Grey reflections behind the bird: Icy cold water of the Diep River, reflecting the state of the sky above...

Follow-up response from a Facebook comment wrt these type of conditions:
"Available light / correct exposure is relative to what you are photographing - and how well the photographer understands light - either in application and / or impact on the creation of a specific image 'look and feel'. Quite a lot of photographers will purchase better and better equipment without learning / understanding the impact of light, the challenge(s) of light an or the application of light (or for that matter, exposure). whatever the conditions.

The experienced photographer will embrace a variety of light qualities - on a spectrum of poor to good - and work accordingly. It's not easy at times, but one learn what decisions to take / or not to take. Many days I look out the window and say I don't have to be there, because its miserable, and I don't go shooting. On another day miserable light may bring a special effect or drama... the more the photographer understand light / exposure the more he / she will extract value out of the conditions. As long as there is light, the camera will deliver (and I'm talking about natural light here, not flash / Speedlite flash or any other artificial light - this is an entirely different proposition)."

Facebook Page Source: Poor Light Conditions and Exposure Settings

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