Just got in from another session with the badgers,I am still using the tree stump to bait and have been putting some peanut butter on the top in the hope that it will stand up to try and reach it,but tonight it climbed up on top,I didnt really have the flash guns set up for this and its left the background abit dark
Canon 20D 70-200+1.4X Manual 1/90@F10
Hello Dave
Performing badgers, eh? Very clever! I don't have a problem with the black BG, in fact I think it works well. Maybe clone out the bits of "floating" foliage at the back. Nice image.
Best wishes
Phil
Another great badger image, I too would be temted to remove some of the bg that has been lit, like it loads... (can't wait for the juming through hoops image )
Posted by Paula Graham on June 20, 2006 at 9:57 AM
Interesting and unusual badger shot. I prefer a dark bg too.
As you allude to in your narrative, the flash isn't quite as well balanced in this shot as it has been in the majority of your earlier images; you are certainly putting the hours in and definitely getting the hang of it .
From what I can tell of your set-up, (4x EX550s?), I think you could move the flash units further apart to light up a larger "arena" and this might give you greater flexibility in the type of shots you are getting.
You want to think about whether you want to persist with the stump, as well. To me, inclusion of the stump gives the images too much of a baited set-up look. Now that you have the badger's confidence, and they are used to coming to your location, I'm sure you can come up with another way of presenting the food that is a bit less obvious. This probably sounds a bit over-critical, but I know how much effort and disruption it takes to work with badgers, partcularly at this time of the year, and not to mention the mozzies! I think you can be getting some better stuff now with a bit more thought about the set-up.
Yep i totally agree with your comments Phil and the stump is on its way out-Think the badgers have eaten most of it anyway,Dont mention mossies i was down at the river this morning and must of had 100 on and around me at any given time until 8am when the heat really started,Not been a good 24hrs-fell down the stairs yesterday,bitten to bits day and night,my new chest waders started leaking today and to cap it off i put my 1.4x on the car roof and yes youve guessed it drove off never to be seen again-going to lock my self in the bedroom now
Discussion
7 repliesCanon 20D 70-200+1.4X Manual 1/90@F10
Performing badgers, eh? Very clever! I don't have a problem with the black BG, in fact I think it works well. Maybe clone out the bits of "floating" foliage at the back. Nice image.
Best wishes
Phil
John
David
From what I can tell of your set-up, (4x EX550s?), I think you could move the flash units further apart to light up a larger "arena" and this might give you greater flexibility in the type of shots you are getting.
You want to think about whether you want to persist with the stump, as well. To me, inclusion of the stump gives the images too much of a baited set-up look. Now that you have the badger's confidence, and they are used to coming to your location, I'm sure you can come up with another way of presenting the food that is a bit less obvious. This probably sounds a bit over-critical, but I know how much effort and disruption it takes to work with badgers, partcularly at this time of the year, and not to mention the mozzies! I think you can be getting some better stuff now with a bit more thought about the set-up.
Best wishes