Nostalgic Value of some of my first Bird Images

Much more than just pressing a shutter button at sunrise…

African Oystercatchers at Sunrise : Blougbergstrand, Cape Town

In crisp morning light (about 10 years ago) I was privileged to be in the esteemed company of two of my photography seniors – my late friend Joseph Inns and Robert Johnson – at the time the chairman of the Tygerberg Photographic Society (TPS).

The African oystercatchers and Little egret were also some of the first bird images that I have ever photographed with an entry-level Canon DSLR camera at Bloubergstrand. Arriving before sunrise on this beautiful sunny Friday morning we were greeted by the majestic presence of Table Mountain across the bay, the oystercatchers, egrets and a few other distant sea birds.

I marvelled in these gentlemen’s discussions about light, location and opportunity. There was no real mention of camera gear or how to extract the best value out of camera and lens, just to focus on and enjoy 'what’s in front of you'.

This memorable morning concluded with more enlightened discussions over a sumptuous breakfast at the Ons Huisie Restaurant in Bloubergstrand.

Indeed a highlight in my own development as a photographer.

Canon Equipment / Settings

• Canon EOS 700D APS-C DSLR Body
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/3-5.6 IS Lens
• Av Mode: f/5/6 @ 250mm

Canon EOS 700D Key Features and Specifications

"The Canon EOS 700D, also known as the Rebel T5i in the Americas and the Kiss X7i in Japan, is an 18-megapixel digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera 1. It was released in 2013 and is known for its versatility and user-friendly features.

Key Features:

• 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Captures high-quality, low-noise images.
• Vari-angle Touchscreen: A 3-inch Clear View II LCD that can be tilted for shooting from different angles 2.
• Full HD Video: Supports 1080p video recording with continuous autofocus 2.
• 5 fps Continuous Shooting: Great for capturing fast-moving subjects 2.
• 9-point AF System: All cross-type sensors for better accuracy and focus 3.
• ISO Range: 100-12800, expandable to 25600, for better performance in low light 3.

This camera is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced photographers looking for a reliable DSLR with a good balance of features and performance." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Original Post-Processing

Adobe Lightroom 5.7

Little Egret at Sunrise : Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

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