I used to put out takes at the end of all videos. I found that as I became more experienced they were too infrequent. I save them now for a compilation. There are 10 on the channel and enough for number 11.
Suggestion for positioning the height of the camera inside the hide: Build in some addition ledges for the shelf that supports the camera. Use your home oven as an example. There you slide out the rack and reinsert it back into the oven at a higher or lower height. So as the configuration of your reflecting pond changes over the years or as your kit changes or as you switch from landscape to portrait, you simply alter shooting platform.
Would be very pleased with any of those shots Darrell was going to mention about the grasses being a little distracting maybe placed slightly further back to give a hint of background ? ( Please take this as an observation rather than a criticism.) A very instructive video though. 👍
Hi Darrel. I am new to your channel. You presented a very enjoyable DIY video in both handy and photography project in one great package. And your speeches are frank and straight forward. Very enjoyable tutorial that made from your passion. Heloo from Malaysia.
Could you get some barley or rye and grow it in a similar way to 'Kitty Grass' - although I guess it would give a very 'vertical' look to your background! :)
Great Video. Love the improvements to the pool. Regarding your morning light issues with backlight. In a backlit scene, you can “add” fill light to reduce shadows. On people portraits they often use fill flash… or 5-1 reflectors. Use the same concept… create a white reflector out of the hide wall. Like painting/applying at the area where the camera lens protrudes, with a highly reflective surface (white boards/ metal sheet, aluminum foil, mirrow?, etc). It should bounce back some of the received backlight, as a fill light reducing the shadows. Question: When using the Nikon 200-500zoom, What is your focusing distance to the birds -they are usually at the pebbled end of the reflective pool-? It seems you are 1-2 feet over the minimum focusing distance… which will increase your background separation.
You lack a way to drain your pool so you can serve fresh water and not end out with the same poop pool you started with..the most basic rule when feeding birds, is that you do it for yourself, the birds will manage without your interference.
Thanks for sharing your experience and tips with the reflection pool over the last two video's. I much prefer the natural look if the background's not too busy with any wildlife photo's.
Great video again Darrell, and I take your point on the bokeh with the grass. Maybe a darker reed like background would suit my eye better, being colour blind to red/green, for me the green background 'hides' the bird instead of helping it 'pop'..but thats just me! Lol...But you're inspiring me and i cant wait to have a go at building my pool when I get the chance..Cheers and thanks again!
Great info Darrel, my fave was the outtakes lol.
I used to put out takes at the end of all videos. I found that as I became more experienced they were too infrequent. I save them now for a compilation. There are 10 on the channel and enough for number 11.
Another excellent informative and inspirational video. Thank you. 👍👍😊😊👍👍
Hi Darrell Some great tips, especially waiting for a calm day. Thanks Jon & Sandra
So informative.
great video and great shots and great tips Darrell
Thanks.
Suggestion for positioning the height of the camera inside the hide: Build in some addition ledges for the shelf that supports the camera. Use your home oven as an example. There you slide out the rack and reinsert it back into the oven at a higher or lower height. So as the configuration of your reflecting pond changes over the years or as your kit changes or as you switch from landscape to portrait, you simply alter shooting platform.
Waouhh
Great video and nice tips !
I want to make this ! 😁😁😎😎
Thank you! Cheers!
Hello Darrell great video as always. Maybe wet the pebbles for a better colour. Cheers
Good idea.
Would be very pleased with any of those shots Darrell was going to mention about the grasses being a little distracting maybe placed slightly further back to give a hint of background ? ( Please take this as an observation rather than a criticism.) A very instructive video though. 👍
I am happy to take on any comments. I take the point about distraction and will experiment with different grass and distances behind the subject.
Hi Darrel. I am new to your channel. You presented a very enjoyable DIY video in both handy and photography project in one great package. And your speeches are frank and straight forward. Very enjoyable tutorial that made from your passion. Heloo from Malaysia.
Thanks. I do try to make what I say worthwhile. I try not to say unnecessary things.
How do you keep the squirrels out of it?
Could you get some barley or rye and grow it in a similar way to 'Kitty Grass' - although I guess it would give a very 'vertical' look to your background! :)
Great Video. Love the improvements to the pool.
Regarding your morning light issues with backlight. In a backlit scene, you can “add” fill light to reduce shadows. On people portraits they often use fill flash… or 5-1 reflectors. Use the same concept… create a white reflector out of the hide wall. Like painting/applying at the area where the camera lens protrudes, with a highly reflective surface (white boards/ metal sheet, aluminum foil, mirrow?, etc). It should bounce back some of the received backlight, as a fill light reducing the shadows.
Question: When using the Nikon 200-500zoom, What is your focusing distance to the birds -they are usually at the pebbled end of the reflective pool-? It seems you are 1-2 feet over the minimum focusing distance… which will increase your background separation.
Love this and will help me tremendously to build one myself. Maybe put some seed amongst the rocks or do you think that's a bad idea?
I have done that. I am a little cautious in case it doesn't get eaten and the starts to rot.
if your image is a too big to show the water and the bird then simply use a shorter focal length lens.
Never kill mosquitoes! There essential for birds and bats!
You lack a way to drain your pool so you can serve fresh water and not end out with the same poop pool you started with..the most basic rule when feeding birds, is that you do it for yourself, the birds will manage without your interference.
the stones in the background of the reflection pool are much too big. the birds do not stand out well. otherwise the video is ok.
Thanks. Very useful👍 I'll use the tips preparing my summer season in northern Norway🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience and tips with the reflection pool over the last two video's. I much prefer the natural look if the background's not too busy with any wildlife photo's.
Great video again Darrell, and I take your point on the bokeh with the grass. Maybe a darker reed like background would suit my eye better, being colour blind to red/green, for me the green background 'hides' the bird instead of helping it 'pop'..but thats just me! Lol...But you're inspiring me and i cant wait to have a go at building my pool when I get the chance..Cheers and thanks again!
Take your point. It will be worth experimenting to retain the natural look I am looking for but still getting that pictorial quality.