31 August 2024

Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur

What is Noise in Photography? : Digital Noise versus Background Blur

Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur
Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur

All about the background in the image
Blur can really mean different things in digital photography, but should not to be confused with unwanted graininess or digital noise across a digitally created image. Unwanted noise generally occurs when:
  • shooting in low light, when a digital camera's ISO setting is too high
  • shooting within the digital zoom range of a compact camera 
  • over-cropping an image

Unwanted blur
Out-of-focus blurred area(s) in an image that came about via unintentional camera movement, unwanted subject movement and / or wrong shutter speed settings when photographing movement - something you don't really want.


Deliberate blur
This will appear in areas of the image when the photographer attempts to blur certain areas of a composition / image. With foreground in focus, but the background deliberately blurred depending on the Depth Of Field (DOF) - distance between nearest and farthest object(s) of the composition / framing requirements ie. when isolating a flower from its immediate surroundings.

Deep vs Shallow Depth-Of-Field (DOF)
With a deep DOF more of the entire image will be in focus and its more likely to be used in Landscape Photography with smaller apertures of i.e. f/11 - f16. With shallow DOF specific area(s) of an image is deliberately out of focus and can be applied in a variety of genres (Wildlife / Sport / Macro / Portraits) where the photographer deliberately wants to separate the main subject from the background - for this effect, larger apertures will be applied i.e.. f/1.8 - 5.6.

DOF Aperture Test: Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens - view>>

DOF flower series demonstration with Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 55-250 IS II lens - view>>

Depth of Field for Beginners: The Essential Guide >>

The visual quality of [deliberate] blur is also referred to as Bokeh
Flower Close-Up Image : Canon 70-300mm Lens (with Extension Tube)

Bokeh: visual quality of the blur...The visual quality of [deliberate] blur is also referred to as Bokeh - Japanese for the out-of-focus aesthetic quality of the deliberate out-of-focus (blurred) area. a Wide aperture of i.e. f/1.8 - f/5.6 or so will be used (depending on the lens / optical distance from subject) to create the required out-of-focus effect.

See attached images below: white rose bud, the yellow rose and red rose bud with sharp / in-focus foreground sharp and background deliberately blurred (using wide apertures of f/5.8 and f/5.6). 

Lens apertures
In DSLR photography different lenses are used to create / select different levels of DOF depending on the lens aperture range, optical length of the lens and distance from subject. Different lenses / aperture settings will be applied  for different type of photography genres requiring blur effects at various focal lengths ie. for close-up / macro, portraiture or wildlife photography.  a  DSLR camera system is not necessarily required for creating deliberate image blur, a compact camera with a wide aperture lens with some optical zoom will also work. 

The images below were captured with apertures of f5.6 Yellow Rose (Non-DSLR Canon PowerShot SX40 HS with its f/2.7 - 5.8 35x telephoto zoom lens) and  f/5.6 Red Rose Bud (EOS 700D / EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS STM lens / EF-S 55-250mm f/4 - 5.6 IS II lens).

Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens / Extension Tue
Canon 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4.6-6.5L IS USM Lens with Extension Tube 

Which Canon lenses?

Desired Bokeh-effects for close-up or macro flower photography can be achieved with a variety of lenses with wide apertures i.e. with fix aperture lenses such as Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM or the EF 100mm f2.9 Macro USM prime lenses.

Any Canon DSLR camera body with either an EF or EF-S lens (or other compatible lenses) attached will generate deliberate background / selected blur, but the Bokeh quality will depend on the following factors:

  • Aperture settings (wider is better) 
  • Type of EF / EF-S lens (design and optical length) 
  • Depth of field of objects in the frame 
  • Distance to subject / lighting conditions 
  • Accessories used (extension tubes / close-up filters) 

Different lighting conditions
In all the images the objective was to keep the 'unwanted digital noise' across the frame as low as possible. For the "Yellow Rose' image, shot with Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, I used ISO 100 (in crisp early morning sun light) and the 'Red Rose Bud', shot with the Canon EOS 700D, I used ISO 400 with a Speedlite 430 EX II flash (in early morning overcast / raining conditions).

Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens
Flower Image with Canon EOS 6D / 50mm Lens

Photographers use blur for various shallow depth-of-field / artistic effects (image on the right - 'blue flower' and first image below - 'red mailbox' with Canon EOS 6D both at an aperture of f/2.8 with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens. 


Last image 'bee on flower' was captured with Canon EOS 700D /  55-250mm IS II lens and Canon 500D close-up lens filter), Bee in focus, most of the flower blurred / out of focus, in a deliberate, aperture-controlled and planned way.

Optimal exposure settings
Just to come back to noise - you may have noticed that many of my own photos are not always shot in good lighting conditions. Most of my low light / long exposure DSLR photography shoots are done in Av mode, ISO 100 and apertures between f/16 - f/22 generating automatic shutter speeds of between 1 and 30 seconds.


I often use the camera's Manual shooting mode with similar aperture settings and Bulb Mode - the ability to have manual time control over shutter speeds during every single shot. A time to use this mode is when shooting fireworks. These exposure combinations together with the use of a tripod and RC-6 remote shutter release, almost entirely limits all unwanted  noise / graininess and unwanted blur. © Vernon Chalmers

Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur

"Digital noise and background blur are two distinct phenomena in photography, often associated with different aspects of image quality and visual aesthetics:

1. Digital Noise
Digital noise refers to the random variations in brightness or color within an image captured by a digital camera, which can give the appearance of grain or speckles. It's particularly noticeable in low-light conditions or when using high ISO settings. It occurs due to the electronic signal amplification necessary to capture images in low-light situations. Higher ISO settings amplify the signal, resulting in a greater presence of noise in the final image. This noise can degrade image quality by reducing sharpness and clarity.

2. Background Blur
 Background blur, often referred to as bokeh, is the aesthetic effect where the background of an image appears out of focus, while the main subject remains in sharp focus. This effect is achieved through a shallow depth of field, typically by using a wide aperture. The result is a pleasing separation between the subject and the background, drawing attention to the main subject by blurring distractions in the background. This technique is commonly used in portrait photography or to isolate a subject in various photographic compositions.

In summary, digital noise is an unwanted interference that can degrade image quality, caused by factors like low light or high ISO settings. In contrast, background blur is an intentional creative technique that enhances the visual appeal of an image by selectively blurring the background to emphasize the subject." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur
Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens flash


Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur
Canon EOS 700D   ISO 100  f/5.6  No Flash


Difference between 'digital noise' and subject / background blur
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS   ISO 100  f/5.8 (Non-DSLR Compact Camera)


Canon EOS 700D ISO 400  f/5.6  Flash  Photo: © Vernon Chalmers
Canon EOS 700D   ISO 400  f/5.6  Flash 


Difference between Digital Noise and Background Blur
Canon EOS 700D   ISO 100  f/5.6  No Flash 


More Depth Of Field (DOF) Examples: DSLR / Non-DSLR / More Bee On Flower with Close-Up Filter

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon : Woodbridge Island

Greater Flamingo Woodbridge Island Vernon Chalmers
Greater Flamingo Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
All Greater flamingo photos by Vernon Chalmers in the Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island with Canon EOS 700D and Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM prime telephoto Lens (Manual Mode / Fast Shutter Speeds / Handheld).

Objective
First 'stationary' practice shots with my new Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM super telephoto prime lens paired with Canon EOS 700D Body.

Post-Processing
Images processed in Lightroom 5.7. Converted from RAW to JPG. Lens profile correction. Crops and minor adjustments.

Cape Town Location
Milnerton Lagoon Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Canon EOS System / Equipment
  • Canon EOS 700D SLR camera body 
  • Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM telephoto prime lens 

Aperture Priority / Manual Mode Settings
  • Shutter speed: 1/500 - 1/2000s 
  • Aperture: f/5.6 - 6.7 
  • Focal length 400mm 
  • ISO 200-400 
  • No Image Stabilization 
  • Autofocus mode (Centre AF point)

Continuous shooting mode / AI Servo
Handheld
(Click to Enlarge)
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town


Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town


Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Town


Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town


Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town



Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photography Gallery

30 August 2024

How to do Macro and Close-Up Photography

Vernon Chalmers Canon Macro and Close-Up Photography Training

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R (Full Frame or APS-C)

How To Do Macro and Close-Up Photgraphy
Small Flower Macro Photography : Milnerton Cape Town

How To Do Macro and Close-Up Photography

"Macro photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing extreme close-up images of small subjects at a high level of detail. It allows photographers to explore and reveal the intricate beauty of subjects that are often overlooked by the naked eye. Close-up photography, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of subjects and can include both macro and non-macro subjects photographed at a closer distance.

To engage in macro and close-up photography effectively, consider the following tips:

1. Macro Lens: Invest in a dedicated macro lens or extension tubes for your camera system. These tools allow you to focus at very close distances and capture fine details. Macro lenses typically have a 1:1 magnification ratio, meaning they reproduce subjects at life-size on the camera's sensor.

2. Depth of Field: When shooting close-ups, depth of field becomes shallow due to the proximity of the subject. To increase the area of sharp focus, use a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) and consider focus stacking techniques, where multiple images with different focus points are merged in post-processing to create a final image with extended depth of field.

3. Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in macro photography. Diffused natural light or controlled artificial lighting can help reveal textures and details. Consider using reflectors, diffusers, or portable LED lights to manipulate the lighting conditions. Avoid harsh, direct lighting that may create unwanted shadows or hotspots.

4. Tripod: Given the close focusing distances and potential for camera shake, using a sturdy tripod is highly recommended. It provides stability, reduces vibrations, and allows for precise framing and focusing. A tripod also gives you the flexibility to use slower shutter speeds without introducing blurring caused by camera movement.

5. Manual Focus: Achieving accurate focus can be challenging in macro photography, especially when working with a shallow depth of field. Switching to manual focus and using techniques like focus peaking or magnification in your camera's viewfinder or live view can help ensure critical areas are sharp.

6. Composition: Pay attention to composition when working in close-up photography. Explore different angles, perspectives, and framing to showcase the subject's unique characteristics. Consider the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space to create visually appealing and well-balanced images.

7. Background and Bokeh: A clean and visually appealing background is essential in macro and close-up photography. Use a wide aperture (lower f-stop number) to create a shallow depth of field, which helps separate the subject from the background and creates pleasing bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas).

8. Patience and Practice: Macro and close-up photography require patience and practice. Working with small subjects often involves dealing with challenging conditions, such as wind, limited working space, or elusive subjects. Experiment with different techniques, settings, and subjects to develop your skills and create compelling images.

Remember that macro and close-up photography offer a unique perspective on the world, allowing you to capture the intricate details and beauty that often go unnoticed. Have fun exploring this fascinating genre and unleash your creativity in capturing the small wonders around you." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Wild flowers with Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm lens >>

Macro and Close-Up Photography Training Cape Town >>

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

25 August 2024

Using the Canon Extender EF 1.4x III for Bird Photography

Evaluating the Canon Extender EF 1.4x III for Bird / Birds in Flight Photography

Using the Canon Extender EF 1.4x III for Bird Photography
Canon Extender EF 1.4x III for Bird Photography

Using a Canon Extender for Birds / Birds in Flight Photography (Canon EOS 7D Mark II)
Over the years I have had numerous requests of photographers wanting to know the Autofocus capability and image quality in using a 1.4x extender / teleconverter with the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.

Many birds in flight / general birding photographers purchase the  1.4x extender for the various f/5.6 Canon EF lenses (400mm / 100-400mm) just to never really be satisfied with the results.


Canon Extender EF 1.4x III Benefits and Specifications

The Canon Extender EF 1.4x III is a teleconverter designed to increase the focal length of compatible Canon lenses by 1.4x. 

Here are some key features and benefits:
  1. Focal Length Extension: It extends the focal length of your lens by 1.4x, making a 200mm lens effectively a 280mm lens 1.
  2. Image Quality: Maintains high image quality with minimal chromatic aberration 2.
  3. Build Quality: Features a robust, weather-sealed construction, making it suitable for challenging environments 3.
  4. Compatibility: Works with Canon L-series telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses 3.
  5. Autofocus and Metering: Improved communication between the lens and camera for better autofocus accuracy and metering 3.

However, it does reduce the effective aperture by one stop, so a lens with an f/2.8 aperture will become f/4 when the extender is attached1.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens
I recently took some time out for testing the Canon Extender EF 1.4x III paired with my Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.

I've never used this pairing before (for birds in flight) due to the following criteria:
  • The 400mm f/5.6 lens will default to f/8 as the largest aperture 
  • Possible slowing down of the AF capability of camera / lens paired with the extender
  • Possible image quality loss at 560mm focal length (400mm x 1.4x)

Canon's listed Advantages on the EF1.4x III Extender (Source)
  • Extends the master lens focal length by 1.4x
  • Outstanding image quality
  • Highly resistant to dust and water
  • Improved communication between lens and camera
  • Optimised lens coatings
  • Compatible with L-Series telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses

Personal findings
(Birds in Flight / General Birding)
  • 400mm extends to 560mm (400mm x 1.4x)
  • Could only use 1 point AF and 4 Point Expansion (Canon EOS 7D Mark II)
  • AF is slowed down just a fraction
  • Image quality deteriorates at 560mm for birds in flight
  • Image quality is still reasonably sharp for perched / relatively still birds

Conclusion for Birds in Flight / Birding Photography
I've never been keen on using the Canon EF 1.4x III extender / teleconverter for birds in flight (paired with below gear) and after using the Canon 1.4x Extender am still of the same opinion that my own images at 400mm are of much higher quality (at 400mm at f/5.6) without the Extender.

The Canon EF 1.4x III Extender will perform more effective on 300mm and 400mm f/2.8 and f/4 lenses - also when paired with bodies provided with more |AF Points (compared to the EOS 7D Mark II with a maximum AF Points array of 4 points).

Equipment (Birds In Flight Photography)
  • Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera body
  • Canon EF 400mm f/5.6l USM Lens
  • Canon EF 1.4x II Extender (Teleconverter)
  • Sandisk Extreme Plus SDHC™ UHS-I Card 120MB/s 64 GB

Exposure / Focus Settings
  • Manual Mode Settings / Lens AF On
  • Shutter speed: 1/3200s
  • Aperture: f/8
  • Focal length 560mm
  • Auto ISO (ISO 640-1250)
  • Continuous shooting mode (10 fps) / AI Servo
  • AI Servo / AF Mode Option (4 Point AF / Case 1)
  • Lens AF On / No IS / Handheld

Post-Processing
Adobe Lightroom 9: Cropping. Colour correction / Lens profile correction. RAW to JPEG conversion.

Birds in Flight Location
Woodbridge Island Milnerton, Cape Town

Grey Heron in Flight with Canon Extender 1.4x III (Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm f/5.6L Lens)
Grey Heron in Flight with Canon Extender 1.4x III (Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm f/5.6L Lens)

White-Breasted Cormorant in Flight with Canon Extender 1.4x III (Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm f/5.6L Lens)

Mandarin Duck with Canon Extender 1.4x III (Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm f/5.6L Lens)

Weaver with Canon Extender 1.4x III (Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm f/5.6L Lens)

Yellow-Billed Duck with Canon Extender 1.4x III (Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm f/5.6L Lens)

Birds in Flight Photography Training Milnerton View

Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens - Inside A Red Pepper

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / 100mm Macro Lens

Canon EOS 70D: Inside a Red Pepper - Cape Town

Objective: Demonstrating application of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens in natural light (paired with the Canon EOS 70D body using ISO's between 640 - 3200).

Note: Photos are hand-held in Av mode without flash. Some cropping / minimum post-processing in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.


Cape Town Shooting Location
Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town

Canon DSLR / Flash Equipment

  • Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera body 
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens 

Av Mode - Aperture Priority Settings

  • Aperture f/2.8 - f/8 
  • Auto-ISO 640 - 3200 
  • Lens Autofocus off 
  • Manual Focus 
  • Shutter speed: various (auto in Av mode) 

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens Features and Specifications

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM is a fantastic lens for macro photography, offering a 1:1 magnification ratio, which means it can capture subjects at life-size on the camera sensor.

Here are some key features:Magnification: 
  1. Magnification:1.0x, allowing for true macro photography 1.
  2. Aperture: f/2.8, providing a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh1.
  3. Autofocus: Fast and quiet USM (Ultrasonic Motor) autofocus with full-time manual focus override 1.
  4. Build Quality: Solid construction, though not as robust as Canon’s L-series lenses 1.
  5. Focus Limiter: A switch to limit the focus range, improving autofocus speed 1.
  6. Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.31m, enabling you to get very close to your subject1.
This lens is also quite versatile and can be used for portrait photography due to its focal length and aperture, which provide excellent subject isolation and background blur2.

Macro Photography

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 1250 f/8

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 640 f/5.6

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 3200 f/4


Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 1600 f/2.8

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 3200 f/4

Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm USM Macro Lens: Close-Up / Macro Flowers

Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm USM Macro Lens: Close-Up / Macro Flowers

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Sample Images

 Sample Images : Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens 

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Sample Images


Close-Up, Birds in Flight And Fashion Photography Sample Images

The popular 70-300mm focal length lenses are for many photographers a very versatile range for relatively close wildlife and other nature / general opportunities.

Although I use my 400mm lens extensively for birds in flight I often use the 70-300mm focal range for flowers, insects and on occasion, birds in flight.

The non-L version of this lens (the newer EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens) of which I have briefly tested is also a very sharp, and cost-effective lens with fast Autofocus for moving subjects.

Years ago I had the older EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens - at the time it was OK, but image quality and Autofocus speed not as good as the newer version II lens.

I use the 70-300mm focal length mostly on my trusted EOS 70D / EOS 6D with and without the Canon Extension Tube EF25 II - to enable a closer minimum focus distance for close-up subjects.

Herewith a few images and website links to some professional / consumer reviews of said lens (note all these are with the L version)

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Key Specification / Feature

"The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens, part of Canon’s prestigious L-series. 

Here are some key features:
  • Focal Length: 70-300mm, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography.
  • Image Stabilization: 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer to reduce blur from camera shake.
  • Build Quality: Rugged and weather-sealed, designed to withstand harsh conditions.
  • Optics: Two ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements to minimize chromatic aberration and enhance sharpness.
  • Aperture: 8-blade circular aperture for beautiful background blur (bokeh).
  • Autofocus: Fast and quiet, thanks to the ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM).

This lens is known for its excellent image quality and robust construction, making it a great choice for both professional and enthusiast photographers 123. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Lens review links>>

Close-Up Flower: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II)
Close-Up Flower: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II)

Close-Up Flower: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II)
Close-Up Flower: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II)

Close-Up Flower: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II)
Close-Up Flower: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II)

Sandwich Tern in Flight: Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens
Sandwich Tern in Flight: Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Little Egret in Flight: Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens
Little Egret in Flight: Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Pied kingfisher in Flight: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens
Pied kingfisher in Flight: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens


Fashion Photography: Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens


Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens with Extension Tube
Canon EOS 6D / Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens with Extension Tube

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens : Different Focal Lengths Test View

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens: Professional / Consumer Reviews View

Private Photography Training / Tutoring Milnerton

Private Canon Photography Training Classes Milnerton, Cape Town 

Canon Photography Training Courses / Sessions

Private Photography Training / Tutoring Cape Town


Vernon Chalmers Canon Camera Photography Training Classes

Vernon Chalmers presents Canon EOS DSLR camera / photography workshops in Milnerton Cape Town / Woodbridge Island.

Available Workshops / Private Tutoring (on request)

  • Bird / Flower Photography Kirstenbosch
  • Birds In Flight Photography Woodbridge Island
  • Close-Up / Macro Photography 
  • Canon EOS Autofocus Systems (APS-C Bodies) 
  • Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash
  • Introduction to Canon EOS DSLR Cameras 
  • Introduction / Advanced Canon EOS 6D (Full Frame) 
  • Introduction / Advanced Canon EOS 7D / EOS 7D Mark II 
  • Introduction / Advanced Canon EOS 70D / EOS 80D
  • Introduction to Canon EOS bodies / EF lenses 
  • Introduction to Photography / Exposure Triangle 
  • Introduction / Using Canon Speedlite Flash
  • Landscape / Long Exposure / Night Photography
  • Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Photography Training
  • Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography

      Vernon Chalmers Photography Cape Town Training / Tutoring Rates


      Please Contact Me to discuss any specific Canon Camera / Photography learning requirements. I am available to travel to specific locations for one-day and longer workshops.

      New Year 2016 Fireworks Celebrations - Over Woodbridge Island / V&A Waterfront Cape Town

      New Year 2016 Fireworks Celebrations - Over Woodbridge Island / V&A Waterfront Cape Town
      Long Exposure / Night Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 6D (Copyright Vernon Chalmers)

      21 August 2024

      Introduction to Birds in Flight Photography

      Introduction to Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town: Camera / Lens Settings & Tips

      Vernon Chalmers Bird in flight Photographer Milnerton, Cape Town

      Freezing the motion of a bird in flight (BIF) Demo Images
      Canon EOS 7D Mark II  / 400mm Lens ISO 500 / f/6.3 / 1/3200s

      There are access to various resources on the Vernon Chalmers Photography website on how photograph birds in flight, the resources that I have developed and a few tips and other resources I have developed over the more than ten years a a birds in flight photographer and photography trainer.


      Canon EOS SETUP and Tips for Birds in Flight 
      Photography

      Canon EOS 70D Birds In Flight Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm Lens

      Canon EOS 80D Birds in flight Photography Canon EOS 80D

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds in Flight 10 Frames Per Second Demo

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II : Automatic Selection Autofocus Testing View

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II : Large Zone Autofocus Testing View


      Starting Out with Birds in Flight Photography View

      Canon EOS Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography View

      Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography View

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II Application For View

      Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens (Tv Mode)
      One advantage of using fast shutter speeds is the freezing of motion of birds in flight (BIF). On a DSLR and / or advanced compact / bridge camera this is achieved by either Manual or Tv (Shutter Priority) Mode.

      DSLR vs Compact / Bridge Camera (ito faster lenses / higher shutter speeds)
      The advantage of a DSLR over a compact camera (imo after various tests) will be faster autofocus, improved lens image-stabilisation (IS) and the bigger image sensor (for improved low light shooting, depth of field and possibly some framing).

      EXIF data (Images Below)

      • Canon EOS 700D body
      • EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens
      • Tv Mode 
      • Shutter speed: 1/1000s 
      • Aperture: f/8 (selected by camera) 
      • ISO 250 - 320
      • Focal length: 280mm (slightly cropped) 
      • Multi-Shot Mode / AI Servo / RAW

      Cape Town Location / Conditions
      Milnerton Lagoon / Cape Town (30/07/2014)
      Sunny / Windy


      Below Images: Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM Lens
      Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM lens
      Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM f/8 ISO 320 1/1000s Multi-Shot Mode IA Servo


      Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM lens
      Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm IS USM f/8 ISO 250 1/1000s Multi-Shot Mode IA Servo

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