Capturing the Little Cormorant's Aquatic Ballet: Spinning Off Water from the Body

I went to Thalangama Lake near Colombo, a calm place with lots of water and plants. My goal was to take pictures of the Little Cormorant, a bird that lives there. While watching them, I noticed something interesting. After diving into the water, they would come back up and shake their bodies to get rid of the water. It was really cool to see!

As the sun begun to rise above the calm waters, I stood by the edge of the lake, waiting eagerly for the Little Cormorant to show up. Suddenly, the bird swiftly dove into the water, disappearing as it chased after its prey underwater.

Moments later, the Little Cormorant came back up, looking like a shadow rising from the deep water. Its smooth body was covered in sparkling water droplets. It gracefully bent its body, causing more droplets to fly through the air in a beautiful way.

I was fascinated by how gracefully the bird moved, so I aimed my camera at the Little Cormorant as it danced in the water. Each time it twisted and turned, water droplets sparkled and flew around, shining in the morning sunlight. It was a breathtaking sight to see.

I was amazed by how well the Little Cormorant could shake off water so smoothly. It's impressive how it's adapted to living in the water over thousands of years. This bird is really good at moving around in the water with ease and grace.

Join with me as we keep discovering the amazing things in nature. Let the beauty of nature lift your mood wherever you go.

The Cormorant's body shaking and water drops spinning out is very fast, therefore I used a shutter speed of 1/2000 seconds to freeze the movement and capture a clear and sharp image. It's very important to highlight the subject from the background, so I needed a very shallow depth of field. To achieve this, I used the largest aperture of my lens, which is f/6.3, at a focal length of 600mm. Then, to get the correct exposure, the only option was to control the ISO speed. Since the bird has dark coloring, I had to use a high ISO like 3600 to 2500 to capture the details of the bird. However, when it spread its wings, more direct light hit them, allowing me to reduce the ISO to 1400

f/6.3   1/2000s   ISO 3600

f/6.3   1/2000s   ISO 2500

f/6.3   1/2000s   ISO 2500

 

f/6.3   1/2000s   ISO 1400

Ensuring Wildlife Photography Success: My Gear and Workflow

 

In the world of wildlife photography, preparation is key to capturing those elusive moments of nature's beauty. As a seasoned photographer with a passion for wildlife, I've honed my gear and workflow to ensure that I never miss a shot. Here's a glimpse into my essential equipment and meticulous process:

Main Gear:

• Nikon D3s Camera Body: Known for its reliability and exceptional low-light performance, the Nikon D3s is my trusty companion in the field.
• Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens: This versatile lens allows me to capture stunning close-ups of wildlife, from a safe distance that doesn't disturb their natural behavior.

Backup Gear:

• Nikon D7000 Camera Body: As a backup camera, the Nikon D7000 provides me with peace of mind in case of any unforeseen technical issues.
• Nikon 75-300mm Lens: While not my primary lens, the Nikon 75-300mm lens offers additional flexibility when capturing wildlife in different environments.

Essential Accessories:

• Extra Batteries: With three spare batteries for the D3s and two for the D7000, I never have to worry about running out of power during extended shoots.
• Battery Chargers: Keeping my batteries charged and ready ensures that I can seize every photographic opportunity.
• Bean Bag: Ideal for stabilizing my camera setup when shooting from a vehicle or low angle, the bean bag provides essential support for steady shots.
• Tripod: For more controlled and precise compositions, I rely on a sturdy tripod to capture detailed images with minimal camera shake.
• Laptop: Immediately after each shoot, I transfer my images to my laptop for review and editing on-the-go.

Workflow:

• Immediate Image Transfer: As soon as I wrap up a shoot, my priority is to download the images from both cameras onto my laptop. This allows me to assess the quality of my shots and ensure that I've captured the desired moments.
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• Cloud Backup: Recognizing the importance of preserving my photographic endeavors, I back up my images to cloud storage without delay. This precautionary measure safeguards against the risk of data loss, providing me with peace of mind knowing that my hard work is securely archived.

In the dynamic world of wildlife photography, having the right gear and a streamlined workflow is essential for success. By meticulously selecting my equipment and implementing a disciplined approach to image management, I'm able to focus on what matters most – capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.

Join me on my photographic adventures as we journey into the heart of the wilderness.

About me

Welcome to my wildlife photography blog! I'm delighted to share my lifelong passion for nature and wildlife photography with you. My name is Saliya Ambegoda, and I am both a seasoned IT manager and a dedicated nature and wildlife photographer.

With over four decades of experience behind the lens, my journey in photography has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite my professional career in IT management, my heart has always been drawn to the wonders of the natural world. It's through photography that I've found my true calling, capturing the beauty and diversity of wildlife in its most authentic form.

My love affair with photography began over 40 years ago when I first picked up a camera and ventured into the wilderness. Since then, I've pursued my passion with unwavering dedication, continually honing my skills and expanding my knowledge of the craft. My journey has led me to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and encounter a myriad of fascinating creatures along the way.

As a graduate with a diploma in photography, I've delved deep into the technical aspects of the art, mastering the intricacies of composition, lighting, and post-processing. Yet, it's the connection I forge with nature through my lens that fuels my creativity and drives me to tell compelling stories through my imagery.

Beyond the pursuit of artistic expression, I'm deeply committed to wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy. Through my photography, I aim not only to inspire awe and appreciation for the natural world but also to highlight the urgent need to protect it for future generations.

In this blog, I invite you to join me on a visual journey through the wonders of nature. From the lush rainforests teeming with life to the vast savannas where lions roam free, each photograph is a testament to the beauty and fragility of our planet.

Thank you for visiting, and I hope my photography ignites a sense of wonder and reverence for the magnificent world we call home.

Warm regards, Saliya Ambegoda