How did I create this image

Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R

Lens: Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, with a focal length at 400 mm

f/11, 1/80 second, ISO 1600

Participants to my photo workshops often ask me about my thought process when I shoot. In this case the first thing I noticed, while walking in the forest, were the red berries and green foliage. When we look at a photograph or a painting, our eyes are unconsciously attracted to elements in red in the overall composition. In addition, red and green are opposite to each other in the wheel of colour, they are complementary colours like blue and orange, and yellow and violet. The use of complementary colours in photography creates a bold image.

My next step consisted of framing my subject so I moved around it to find the best angle. Should I look down, look up, be at eye-level, where is the light coming from? I also took into consideration distracting elements such as bright areas, leading lines, branches, damaged foliage, etc. I chose a telephoto lens to isolate my subject and I used a tripod for stability. Next I thought about the mood of my image and determined the depth of field, aperture and shutter speed. I chose to underexpose by one full stop. I also used a polarizing filter to suppress the reflection of light on the shiny surface of the berries.

In conclusion, I prefer to take my time in the field than spending hours in front of my computer screen trying to fix my mistakes. Afterall I love nature much more than my computer!

If you would like to learn more about my photo workshops, please contact me. I will be more than happy to help you hone your skills in nature and wildlife photography.

Learn more about the triangle of exposure

Long exposure, wide depth of field: f/11 for 1/8 second, ISO200

The word photography comes from the ancient Greek: photos (light). Understanding and mastering exposure is therefore essential in the art of photography. The shutter speed, the (diaphragm) aperture and the ISO are the three elements, which form the triangle of exposure.

The shutter speed is determined by how long the shutter stays open. The sensor in digital cameras will capture more light when the shutter stays open longer. A slow shutter speed (for example 1/10 second) can be used in low-light environment or to create a motion blur (waterfalls, rain streaks) while a fast shutter speed (for example 1/1000 second) is used to freeze a movement like a bird in flight.

Fast exposure, short depth of field: f/5.6 for 1/800 second, ISO1250

The aperture (f/N) is short for diaphragm aperture. A small aperture like f/22 does not allow a lot of light to pass through the lens, however it provides a wide depth of field and is commonly used in landscape photography. A big aperture like f/5.6 lets more light pass through the lens and it also provides a narrow or short depth of field.

The ISO is related to the film sensitivity to light or image sensor’s sensitivity to light on digital cameras. On a sunny day, photographers typically use a low ISO (100) but in low-light situation (overcast day, night), they increase the ISO. Note that a high ISO (3,200 or more) will create noise in your image (grainy veil).

Introducing Creative Nature Photography online course

I am happy to announce my two-part online course Creative Nature Photography (courses are available in English and in French). If you are looking to improve your creative skills, this is the course for you. Divided in two parts: Composition and Wildlife Photography, the course covers keys elements of composition, use of light, shutter speed, preparation for a field trip, encounters with wildlife and so much more.

The presentation is given on Zoom so you can ask your questions after the lecture and interact with our small group of 10 people maximum.

You are not left on your own with a video and reading material.

The first part of the course in English starts on Tuesday 23 February. The course in French starts on 24 February. I have classes scheduled in the morning and in the evening to accommodate you no matter your time zone.

Sign up today for one part only, or save $10 by signing up for both parts.

Photo Technique: What is the triangle of exposure?

It allows you to control the exposure by setting up the shutter speed, lens aperture and ISO based on the intended mood of your photograph. A slow shutter speed will change rain or snow in streaks; it can also be used to isolate the subject. A small lens aperture gives a wide depth of field, where all elements of the image are in focus. Low ISO can be used for a long exposure.

Slow shutter speed

Small lens aperture