Workshop with Brutus Östling Day 2

Posted by Sven on December 12, 2012 in Blog | 0 comments

Day 2 it was time to enter the eagle hiding. Two foxes were used to attract the eagles, since foxes (primarily cubs) are a common pray for Golden Eagles. Only one Eagle came and relatively early (around 09:30). Luckily the light was a little better this day, and I ended up with ISO 800 at f/2.8 to get 1/400 s shutter speed. A bit low shutter speed but the eagle was relatively still. I must say that the Golden Eagle is a magnificent bird, with massive claws and a powerful beak, that easily tears at fox apart. The Eagle stayed for about 8 minutes and we got some really nice photos. Check out the bird gallery.

Golden Eagle, Canon 1d mark III, 300 f/2.8 IS, ISO 800, f/2.8,  1/400 s.

Eurasian Jays eagerly collected every bit of meat they could find, in order to fill up their stores for winter.

Eurasian Jay, Canon 1d Mark III, 300 f/2.8 IS @420 mm, ISO 400, f/4.0, 1/800 s.

After a long day at the hide, we were blessed with wonderful northern lights in the evening. No time for sleep =). When shooting Northern Lights or anything else at night, it’s important to have a sturdy tripod. Shutter times are often several seconds and the smallest movement will show. Also remember to keep shutter times below 25 s in order to avoid star trails, if that’s what you want.

Northern Lights, Canon 5d Mark II,24-105 f/4.0 IS, ISO 800, f/4, 19 s.

Bedtime 01:30. Rise and shine at 05:20.

Day 3 coming soon.

/Sven