Sunday, January 10, 2010

Crushing on you

Female cardinal at feeder
I'm crushing on the textures available for free at one of my favorite blogs: Shadowhouse Creations. The ethereal and sensual tones of Jerry Jones' SkeletalMess textures are a must for any library.
That said, for this shot I used Arctic Chill (soft light) @ 100%; Painted Canvas 3 (hard light) @ 17% opacity.
TIPS TO GET A SIMILAR SHOT:
1) Use a zoom lens that has at least 105mm capability. I used a 70-300mm lens for this shot.
2) Hang a bird feeder outside a window you constantly pass during the day.
3) Fill the feeder with sunflower seeds.
4) Whenever you happen to walk by and see a bird, stop and take photos for a few minutes.You can try and wait for them if you want, but this is often futile.
Have fun stormin' the castle! (name that movie)


UPDATE:
My tips above were created rather tongue-in-cheek. For some gorgeous bird photography (and helpful tips) visit Robin at {this link}. I'm now cleaning my windows and getting out the tripod!

13 comments:

Mary said...

The Princess Bride!!! Love that movie. :) Love this photo, too. Hello, Mrs. Cardinal... :)

BTW, I got zip Christmas decorations put away today. Aaarrrgh!

S. Etole said...

it takes a deal of patience to "catch" them on camera ...

Char said...

the seed and catchlight in the bird's eye make this shot spectacular

Anonymous said...

you are so amazing with your camera...you really inspire me!

DesertHen said...

Wonderful shot. Love the texture!

Mental P Mama said...

Have you all named that cardinal pair yet?????

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

That eye is To Die For (didn't see the movie, though).

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Lovely photo! I posted a few bird photography tips last night. One of these days I need to download and experiment textures. I've never used them.

Deb said...

I love this one, too!!! Amazing, Kate!

Hilary said...

Name it?

As you wish..

Princess Bride. ;)

Lovely shot, Kate. As striking and brilliant as the male cardinals are, I think the colours of the female are even more beautiful.

elvira pajarola said...

MAGNIFICIENT! Soooo beautiful....I've never seen this little bird here; surely it is not it's "habitat"....but I just adore it!!
Your photostyling is amazing....I enjoyed so much looking though both your blogs!
...My favourite model: George!!!!!!

have a wonderful sunday afternoon!
ciao ciao elvira

Kerri Farley said...

Lovely! These beauties are a favorite of mine! And cool bird feeder too!

The JR said...

Like the seed in her mouth.