Photography tips (#3)

Here is the third of five tips that I have previously posted in Google+ and Facebook.

( If you can't wait for the rest: here are all my tips: http://www.groblerdupreez.co.za/phototips.htm )

Wildlife photos during the golden hour or at night

As most people know by now, the most beautiful photos are usually created during the "golden hour" (the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset). Unfortunately, the light intensity during the golden hour is very low and makes it difficult to get sharp photos. The fact that wildlife seldom stands still, makes it more difficult. Even with a high ISO setting it is difficult to get sharp photos.

It is, however, possible to get good wildlife photos in those conditions. Use a tripod at all times, even if you use a cheap point and shoot camera. You will see the difference. If possible, use a remote trigger or use the camera timer to further reduce camera shake. Even a cell phone camera could take much better photos if you use some sort of support to stabilise it. Many of the photos taken this way will show blur due to subject movement, so take many photos.

The photo below was taken at a floodlight lit waterhole without a flash after the sun has set with the camera on a tripod. I used the camera timer on 2 seconds to further reduce camera shake. 

The settings were as follow: Shutter speed: 1/6 second, ISO: 1600, aperture: f6.3, focal length: 270mm