Keep Focusing

One thing that I make sure to do when I travel to photograph is stick with a subject that interests me for a long enough period of time.  I will try different angles, different apertures, and different orientations.

This past weekend, while visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, I found myself photographing a group of beautiful peacocks.  They were displaying their gorgeous feathers while trying to attract the females’ attention.

I could have just taken a couple of shots, looked at the LCD, and moved on once I captured something that I was satisfied with capturing.  Instead, I stayed photographing those peacocks until I had clicked the shutter 211 times.

By taking 211 photographs, I had the opportunity to capture the peacocks at their best.  I never really know what I have until I get home and load the images onto my computer.  After loading the 211 images, it was easy to delete any that were not in sharp focus.  I then looked through the rest of the images to choose my favorites to process.

I liked this one because the focus was more on the head and neck of the bird instead of the feathers which usually get top billing.

This one focuses on the profile as well as the feathers.

I chose to process this one as the bird was looking forward.  I also really liked the detail in the feathers at the bottom of the image.

Most of the peacock images I have taken in the past have been in landscape or horizontal orientation.  I made a point to take some using the portrait or vertical orientation this time to add to my portfolio.

The next time you find yourself photographing a subject that interests you, make sure to take your time.  If you take the time to try to show your subject in different ways, you will find that you have some keepers when you get home.

Which peacock image is your favorite and why?