Canon EOS Bird Photography, Woodbridge Island

Bird Photography : Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Lesser Flamingo in Flight : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Birds around Woodbridge Island and Table Bay Nature Reserve, Cape Town
I had an appointment deferred this morning and with the good light decided a mid-morning of bird photography outside could deliver reasonable results. It will be winter in Cape Town soon and will provide for a good opportunity to have a close look at the water quality and current bird species around the Diep River and the Milnerton Lagoon.

My first meaningful sight, apart from the king gulls, were a few relaxed lessor flamingos wading quite close to the wooden bridge. It was very encouraging to see the white-breasted and reed cormorants fishing in the Diep River, zig-zagging ferociously across the river chasing after the fish. The cormorants were closely followed by an entourage of opportunistic little egrets. The familiar sight of swift terns constantly diving for fish looked like the quality of the water is hopefully improving with the interventions by the City of Cape Town for restoring the quality of the water flowing down the Diep River.

Like many others, I hope these are sustainable solutions after years of neglect and decay of this particular natural urban ecosystem.

The last four images were photographed on Monday, 13 May 2024.   

Birds Photographed

• Lesser flamingo in Flight
• African black oystercatcher
• African sacred ibis in Flight
• Black-crowned night heron in Flight
• Levaillant's cisticola
• Little egret in Flight
• Grey heron in Flight
• White-breasted cormorant
• Yellow-billed ducks
• Black-winged stilt in Flight
• Perched Little egret
• African black oystercatchers napping
• Reed cormorant in Flight

Canon Bird Photography Equipment

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM prime lens
• Lexar Professional 64GB 160MB/s SD Card

Camera Focus / Exposure Settings

• Autofocus / Case 1 / Large Zone
• Aperture Priority (Av) / Manual (M) Modes 
• Aperture: f/5.6 - f/8
• Auto-ISO (120 - 640)
• Shutter Speed: 1/500s - 1/2500s
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing
Adobe Lightroom Classic (Version 13)

Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography (Please Read before Using Images without Permission)

African Oystercatcher : Diep River Woodbridge Island

African Sacred Ibis in Flight : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Black-Crowned Night Heron in Flight : Table Bay Nature Reserve Woodbridge Island

Levaillant's Cisticola : Table Bay Nature Reserve Woodbridge Island

Little Egret in Flight : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Grey Heron in Flight : Table Bay Nature Reserve Woodbridge Island

White-Breasted Cormorant : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Yellow-Billed Ducks : Table Bay Nature Reserve Woodbridge Island

Black-Winged Stilt in Flight : Diep River Woodbridge Island

Perched Little Egret : Diep River, Woodbridge Island

African Oystercatchers : Table Bay Nature Reserve Woodbridge Island

Reed Cormorant in Flight : Diep River Woodbridge Island

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

Blue Hour Landscape Photography Training Cape Town

Blue Hour Landscape Photography Cape Town / Cape Peninsula

Private Landscape and Photography Training Courses / Sessions

Blue Hour Long Exposure Photography : Sea Point, Cape Town

Using Canon EOS 6D for Bulb Mode | Long Exposure Photography >>

Canon EOS 6D Night Photography 2024 Samples in Av and Bulb Mode Woodbridge Island >>  

Blue Hour Long Exposure Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

This offer is available for individual photographers or small group bookings (up to four delegates). With scalable training rates from two to four delegates.

Flexible Training Dates
Sessions to be scheduled with individual delegates / groups in terms of everybody's availability and could be during the week / weekends.

Training Objective: Blue Hour Photography

To assist the developing Canon EOS photographer with mastering landscape and long exposure photography with the main focus on blue hour long exposures working with changing natural light (before sunrise and then sunset and beyond).

Required Photography Equipment

Any Canon DSLR camera with any lens in the 10mm - 70mm focal length range. (i.e. the Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens is more than suitable). A sturdy tripod is a mandatory requirement for long exposure photography.

Blue Hour Landscape Photography Essentials

"Blue hour is a captivating time for landscape photography, occurring during the transition between day and night when the sun is below the horizon but still illuminates the sky with a deep blue hue. This period provides a unique and soft light that can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your photographs. Here are some tips for capturing stunning blue hour landscape photos:

1. Timing is Key

• Blue hour generally occurs during the 20-30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset. Check the local time for sunrise and sunset in your location to plan accordingly.

2. Scout Locations in Advance

• Identify interesting landscapes and compositions during daylight hours. This preparation will help you make the most of the limited blue hour time.

3. Use a Tripod

• The low light conditions during the blue hour require longer exposure times, so using a tripod is essential to avoid camera shake and ensure sharp images.

4. Adjust White Balance

• Set your camera's white balance to "Tungsten" or manually adjust it to a cooler temperature. This helps enhance the natural blue tones of the scene.

5. Shoot in RAW

•  Capture images in RAW format to retain more information and flexibility during post-processing.

6. Experiment with Exposure Settings

• Since light levels are changing rapidly during the blue hour, experiment with different shutter speeds and apertures to find the optimal settings for your scene.

7. Include Foreground Elements

• Incorporate interesting foreground elements to add depth and context to your photos. This could be a silhouette of a tree, rocks, or any other object that complements the landscape.

8. Use Graduated Neutral Density Filters

• Graduated ND filters can help balance the exposure between the bright sky and darker foreground, especially when there's a significant contrast in light.

9. Long Exposure Techniques

• Consider using longer exposure times to capture movement in clouds, water, or other elements. This can create a dreamy and ethereal effect.

10. Bracketing for HDR

• Bracket your shots to capture a range of exposures, especially if there's a high contrast between the bright sky and darker landscape. This allows you to create HDR (High Dynamic Range) images in post-processing.

11. Silhouettes and Reflections

• Utilize silhouettes of mountains, trees, or other elements against the colorful sky. Additionally, bodies of water can provide beautiful reflections of the blue hour sky.

12. Post-Processing

• Fine-tune your images in post-processing to enhance colors, contrast, and sharpness. Pay attention to the overall mood you want to convey in the final image.

Remember, blue hour photography is not just about capturing a scene but also about conveying the mood and emotion of that specific time. Experimenting with different techniques and settings will help you find your unique style during the blue hour." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Woodbridge Island, Cape Town - Blue Hour Long Exposure Photography

Training Duration

Three sessions: one theory / settings session (up to five hours) in my studio training apartment and two practical sessions (one before-sunrise session and one sunset into the night light).

Training Location
All theory / settings / exposure training is facilitated in my training studio apartment in Milnerton (opposite Woodbridge Island). Practical applications will be around Woodbridge Island / Milnerton beach.

Costing 

• Cost per Delegate: R2 300 for the three sessions

Blue Hour Long Exposure Photography Training is also available as a Photography Training Gift Voucher

Learning Areas (theory / setting sessions)

• Camera / Lens Settings
• Exposure / Focus Settings
• Long Exposure Techniques
• Composition Guidelines
• Introduction to post-processing (if required)

Delegates will be briefed wrt the two practical sessions in terms of time / weather and other logistics.

Contact Vernon Chalmers for more information (or discussing other requirements).

Canon Photography Private Training Courses Milnerton, Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Master Class More
• Birds in Flight Photography Workshop More
• Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Workshop More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop Cape Town More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Workshop More

Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island - Blue Hour Long Exposure Photography

All Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Milnerton Cape Town View

Woodbridge Island | Cape Town Photography

Vernon Chalmers Woodbridge Island Photography Training

"Capturing the Essence of Nature Around Woodbridge Island, Cape Town." - Vernon Chalmers

Woodbridge Island

"Woodbridge Island is a picturesque residential area located in Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa. Situated on a small island, it offers a unique coastal living experience with stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Here's some more information about Woodbridge Island:

1. Location: Woodbridge Island is located approximately 10 kilometers north of Cape Town's city center, making it easily accessible from the city. It is situated in Milnerton, a coastal suburb known for its beautiful beaches and views.

2. Residential Area: Woodbridge Island is primarily a residential community that features a mix of housing options. There are apartments, townhouses, and some larger luxury homes, making it suitable for various lifestyles and preferences.

3. Security and Amenities: The island is a gated community with 24-hour security, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of its residents. Woodbridge Island offers a range of amenities, including a communal swimming pool, tennis courts, and well-maintained gardens and pathways.

4. Beach and Water Activities: One of the main attractions of Woodbridge Island is its direct access to the beach. Residents can enjoy walks along the sandy shoreline, indulge in water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing, or simply relax and take in the ocean views.

5. Birdlife and Nature: Woodbridge Island is known for its abundant birdlife, including flamingos, herons, and other water birds. The island's natural surroundings provide opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquillity of the coastal environment.

6. Views and Photography: With its proximity to the ocean and Table Mountain, Woodbridge Island offers fantastic photography opportunities. The island provides scenic views of the iconic Table Mountain, especially during sunrise and sunset, creating a stunning backdrop for photographers.

7. Nearby Attractions: Woodbridge Island is conveniently located near various attractions and amenities. Milnerton Beach, with its wide sandy stretches, is a popular spot for beachgoers. The nearby Milnerton Golf Course offers opportunities for golf enthusiasts, while the vibrant city center of Cape Town is just a short drive away.

Woodbridge Island is a sought-after residential area that combines coastal living with convenient access to urban amenities. It appeals to those seeking a tranquil and scenic environment while still being close to the vibrant city of Cape Town." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

About Woodbridge Island Photography

Nature photos from various photographic genres ranging from birds in flight (high-speed action), landscapes / seascapes (wide / ultra-wide) to flowers (macro / wide) will frequently are published here on the Vernon Chalmers Photography website for recording the scenic nature of Woodbridge Island.

Documenting the Woodbridge Island Bird Species
The Woodbridge Island Photography initiative is also used for documenting the various bird species around (perched and in-flight) the Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Lagoon, Diep River and Table Bay Nature Reserve areas.

History of Milnerton / Woodbridge Island
History of Milnerton / Woodbridge Island

Bridges of Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Bridges of Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Restoration of the Wooden Bridge, Woodbridge Island
Restoration of the Wooden Bridge Woodbridge Island

Milnerton Lighthouse Views Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Milnerton Lighthouse Views Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Table Mountain Views From Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Table Mountain views From Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Milnerton Beach Sunset Views Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Milnerton Beach Sunset Views Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Birds in Flight Photography Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Bird Species Woodbridge Island, Table Bay Nature Reserve
Bird Species Woodbridge Island, Table Bay Nature Reserve

Old Wooden Bridge After Sunset - WoodBridge Island, Cape Town

Old Wooden Bridge After Sunset - WoodBridge Island, Cape Town

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

Canon Camera / Photography Training Gift Vouchers Available View

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

Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

'Woodbridge Island is a picturesque residential area located in Cape Town, South Africa. Situated near Milnerton and surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Milnerton Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Woodbridge Island is renowned for its stunning views and relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The island features a mix of residential properties, including apartments, townhouses, and some luxury homes. Residents enjoy the proximity to the beach, with some properties offering direct access to the sandy shores. The area is also known for its scenic views of Table Mountain and Robben Island.

Woodbridge Island is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and leisurely walks along the beach. Additionally, the Milnerton Golf Club is nearby, offering a great golfing experience with views of Table Mountain.

With its coastal charm, beautiful scenery, and convenient location not far from Cape Town's city center, Woodbridge Island is an attractive place for residents and visitors seeking a relaxed beachside lifestyle." (Source: Chat CPT 2024)

The Old Wooden Bridge After Sunset: Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Sunset: Signal Hill and Lion's Head over Woodbridge Island : From Arnhem, Milnerton

Main Bridge Before Sunrise: Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Woodbridge Island From Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town

Wooden Bridge / Table Mountain: Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Wooden Bridge Woodbridge Island  Cape Town (Before Restoration)

History of Milnerton / Woodbridge Island View

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town