Hooded Merganser

[Pol]

Re: Hooded Merganser

That look's nice and sharp Pol.

If you've got it setup right it will always freeze any wing movement no matter how fast.

Not sure with Pentax as I have canon, but, basically it's body on 'manual' flash on 'auto or manual' both work, smallish aperture. and max sync speed of body. Also place gun as close as possible. All flashguns have a minimum distance when used on auto, think mine is about 2 ft.

One thing though, it must be a dull day. Any sign of sun and you will get weird double images because of the flash exposure and then the ambient light creeping in for the rest of the exposure.

If I was using only one gun I'd try placing it slightly above the bird but in line with camera and subject. In other words where the sun would be I suppose. You won't get rid of all shadows though with one gun. I find two is a minimum and normally use three, two on bird and one on background as on a dull day it will be very dark depending on aperture.

I could go on and on with this but you may get bored so I'll stop now.

Thanks for all that, Mick. Very encouraging. I'd never, ever get bored with anything you say! It was you who got me started dabbling with these techniques in the first place and I'm always trying various methods based on what you've said and shown - ie props, setups etc.

I have 2 guns. I also have large reflectors, which sometimes help if and when I can manage to get them properly placed and stable.

I think, from what you say, that I've been making the mistake of aiming the guns upwards instead of raising them higher on the tripod(s) and shooting them more level. I'll bear that in mind in future.

I'll let you know if I manage to get anything I consider worthy.

Pol