Skyfall

Written By Ray Hennessy
 

Photographer: Ganapathi Ram R S

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1/2500 • f/8 • ISO 500 • Canon EOS R10 • 400mm • Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.x-8 IS USM

My initial idea was to create light trails using ICM to add texture, aiming for a final image that looks digitally manipulated. However, this effect can be achieved entirely in-camera.

As I wandered through the field searching for the right elements to create texture, I noticed the harsh sunlight reflecting off the waterbed, creating an opportunity for bokeh. This inspired me to experiment further.

My goal was to achieve a light trail effect similar to LED streaks. To do this, I used a small open aperture to reduce the bokeh size so that when motion was applied, the trails would closely resemble LED lights. For the first exposure, I used the default white balance and applied vertical movement. Then, for the second exposure, I shifted the white balance to a cooler tone to create a dual-tone effect.

Once I was satisfied with the textures, I selected the image as the first exposure in-camera and waited for a bird to complement the scene. Using the camera's EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), I could partially see the first exposure overlay, which helped me position the bird precisely in the second exposure. I used manual focus to ensure the bird was sharp, aligning it seamlessly with the abstract background.

 
Ray Hennessy

Starting in 2007 my fascination with nature photography began.  In the years since, wildlife photography with a focus on birds has gone from a very passionate hobby of mine to become my career. I spend much of my free time in natural areas searching for birds and any other wildlife that comes along. I concentrate on using creative natural lighting and interesting compositions to capture unique images of common and rare wildlife. My favorite style is a more scenic photo that includes some of the habitat wildlife lives in. I also enjoy passing along the knowledge and experience that I have gathered over the years to other photographers who are eager to learn.

www.rayhennessy.com
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