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Steve Gettle
United States
Приєднався 17 лип 2016
Welcome! We are Steve and Nicole Gettle this is our nature photography channel! On this channel we are going to share tips tricks and techniques about nature photography. We like to do all types of nature photography from landscapes, to birds and mammals, and macro photography. Stay tuned lots more to come...
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve and Nicole
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve and Nicole
Fill Flash for Bird Photography - Fill Flash Made Easy
Fill flash is one of our most important tools for bird photography. It is unfortunate that many photographers are intimidated by the thought of using fill flash. In this video we make it easy. We will tell you what equipment you need and how to use it. We will also tell you exactly how to setup your camera and flash for perfect results every time. Below are links for all the equipment that we talk about in this video.
Telephoto flash brackets: www.tripodhead.com/products/flash-bracket-telephoto-brackets.cfm
If you have a ProMediaGear Katana Jr. or a newer Wimberley Gimbal head you need the F-9
If you have a 1st generation Wimberley gimbal head you need the F-4
If you are using the Wimberley Sidekick you will need the F-6
If you are using a ballhead or want to handhold you will want the F-1
There are many other options for flash brackets you can try this other suppliers as well:
Kirk Enterprises: kirkphoto.com/flash-brackets/telephoto.html?id=42
The Gimbal head that we use (and LOVE) The ProMediaGear Katana Jr. promediagear.com/collections/gimbal-heads/products/gkjr-katana-pro-gimbal-tripod-head
The Flash Battery pack we use: www.amazon.com/s?k=Fomito+Godox+PB960+Portable+Extended+Flash+Power+Battery+Pack+Kit+Dual+Output&crid=2CJKFW7K0XMRX&sprefix=fomito+godox+pb960+portable+extended+flash+power+battery+pack+kit+dual+output%2Caps%2C146&ref=nb_sb_noss
The MagMod flash extender kit: www.amazon.com/s?k=MagBeam+Wildlife+Kit&crid=MH95ZQKWI9RS&sprefix=magbeam+wildlife+kit%2Caps%2C121&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
The Better Beamer Flash extender: www.amazon.com/Better-
Beamer-Extender-FX-3-600EX-RT/dp/B000SLNNG4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FJ7MRC7YKHWM&keywords=better+beamer+flash+extender&qid=1670787883&sprefix=Better+Beamer%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-4
Off camera flash cord for your specific camera and flash: Nikon we use the SC-28
Telephoto flash brackets: www.tripodhead.com/products/flash-bracket-telephoto-brackets.cfm
If you have a ProMediaGear Katana Jr. or a newer Wimberley Gimbal head you need the F-9
If you have a 1st generation Wimberley gimbal head you need the F-4
If you are using the Wimberley Sidekick you will need the F-6
If you are using a ballhead or want to handhold you will want the F-1
There are many other options for flash brackets you can try this other suppliers as well:
Kirk Enterprises: kirkphoto.com/flash-brackets/telephoto.html?id=42
The Gimbal head that we use (and LOVE) The ProMediaGear Katana Jr. promediagear.com/collections/gimbal-heads/products/gkjr-katana-pro-gimbal-tripod-head
The Flash Battery pack we use: www.amazon.com/s?k=Fomito+Godox+PB960+Portable+Extended+Flash+Power+Battery+Pack+Kit+Dual+Output&crid=2CJKFW7K0XMRX&sprefix=fomito+godox+pb960+portable+extended+flash+power+battery+pack+kit+dual+output%2Caps%2C146&ref=nb_sb_noss
The MagMod flash extender kit: www.amazon.com/s?k=MagBeam+Wildlife+Kit&crid=MH95ZQKWI9RS&sprefix=magbeam+wildlife+kit%2Caps%2C121&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
The Better Beamer Flash extender: www.amazon.com/Better-
Beamer-Extender-FX-3-600EX-RT/dp/B000SLNNG4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FJ7MRC7YKHWM&keywords=better+beamer+flash+extender&qid=1670787883&sprefix=Better+Beamer%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-4
Off camera flash cord for your specific camera and flash: Nikon we use the SC-28
Переглядів: 10 913
Відео
Alaskan Brown Bear Photography Tour
Переглядів 2,4 тис.3 роки тому
Are you ready to walk with bears? Join us for an epic Alaska adventure to photograph Brown Bears inside the iconic Lake Clark National Park. From intimate bear portraits and interesting behaviors to beautiful "animalscapes" of bears in the snow-capped mountain vistas, the photographic opportunities of this trip are amazing! There is a reason why Lake Clark National Park is one of the most sough...
Learn what to do before you even push the shutter release
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 роки тому
Most great images are not spontaneous. They are more often well thought out and carefully crafted, taking in to consideration such things as what you choose to include in the frame, lighting, the background, your chosen perspective and many other elements. In this talk, Steve goes through his entire process. From seeing and identifying the image to choosing the message, and the step by step pro...
How to Use Neutral Density Filters with Moving Water
Переглядів 9864 роки тому
In this video made in Michigan's upper peninsula we are going to talk about how to get dreamlike effects with moving water using neutral density filters. We will be using the Haida M10 filter holding system which gives the photographer the ability to incorporate a polarizer along with two 100mm square neutral density filters. This allows to take light away without effecting the color balance. T...
Photographing Fall Color Reflections
Переглядів 2,5 тис.4 роки тому
In this video we are going to show you how to do one of our favorite and most creative techniques for photographing fall color. I call this photographing light reflections because we are going to combine fall foliage and water to make creative and unique images. We made this video near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. A great place to visit to photograp...
Ground Blind With Reflecting Pond
Переглядів 12 тис.4 роки тому
Learn how to build a reflection pond with inground photo blind for your backyard nature photography. In this video we will give you a tour of our very favorite new blind. We use it for photographing birds, squirrels, racoons and so much more. It is a great way to create some very unique and exciting images complete with a reflection of your subject!
Backyard Bird Photography Studio
Переглядів 33 тис.4 роки тому
Photographing backyard birds is fun and easy. In this video we show you exactly how to do it, from selecting your location, creating the feeding station, as well as countless tips on exactly how to make dramatic images of these beautiful subjects. Here are the links to some of the things we talk about in the video: Here is the link to the special suet mix we use: juliezickefoose.blogspot.com/20...
Detroit Public TV Detroit Performs Steve Gettle
Переглядів 8314 роки тому
Steve is super honored to have been featured in a segment for the Emmy Award Winning PBS show "Detroit Performs". Special thanks to Sarah Zientarski-Smith Producer, Editor, Interviewer, and Storyteller extraordinaire, and Chad Schwartzenberger Videographer, who’s artistry and vision are very much apparent throughout the video.
Photography Blinds - From Bag Blind to Floating Blind
Переглядів 15 тис.4 роки тому
Portable photographic blinds are an important tool in our nature photography. In this video we discuss the main types of portable photo blinds that we use: from a temporary bag blind or chair blind, to a dedicated photography blind and end with our adventurous floating blind. Tragopan Photography Blinds - For a limited time, use the code Gettle20 for 5% off your purchase: photographyblinds.com/...
Creating Backyard Habitat for Nature Photography
Переглядів 7 тис.4 роки тому
Take a stroll though our meadow and backyard pond, and discover the rich habitat that we created to support wildlife and provide great subjects for our nature photography. The native plant meadow was created specifically to attract and support butterflies and other insects. For a complete list of the plants we used here in Michigan, and their wildlife benefit follow this link: stevegettle.com/2...
The Story Behind the Images - Finding Your Own Photographic Style
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
This is a custom presentation we did for a group in England. They picked the images and then I built a presentation around the photos they selected. In the end it became about how to find your own creative photographic style. For a complete set of the notes for this program use this link: stevegettle.com/uploads/2020/08/Notes-1.pdf This program was recorded via a zoom presentation so the qualit...
Thanks for this, bit late to the show but I have a question. I need to photograph some Barn Owl fledglings, but it is inside the barn where it's dark, do you think I would be better off using a natural lighting system (directional) light? Or fill flash in this instance. I have a 600 f/4 and anticipate being able to use a fairly slow shutter speed when the chicks are roosted outside the box, but in the low light of the barn. Thanks if you see this!
Sorry for the delayed response I have been off the grid. For a situation like this where you have very little natural light and total control I would light the entire scene with flash (actually multiple flashes). Assuming that would be possible. If not I would still use flash to bring in more light to the what I assume is a dimly lit scene? Please keep in mind that the number one priority in a nest situation is always to not disturb the nesting birds so take your time and move the equipment in slowly over the course of days. Good luck Steve
@@SteveGettle No worries and thanks for the reply and advice. I will have a think about how best to approach with flash..
Excellent content
Thanks so much
I love all your videos. I wonder if you have one for hummingbird photography with the multiple flash set up.
Thanks for the kind words. Because of our intense travel schedule lately I have not had much time for youtube But that would be an excellent topic once we have more time Steve
I saw you have both a Better Beamer Flash Extender and MagMod Magbeam. Which do you prefer? Some people complain about extra weight of MagMod for handheld shooting - is it enough to make a difference?
Excellent question I use both for exactly the weight issue. When I am shooting around home and not handholding I prefer the MagMod, because I feel it throws more light. But when I am travelling I mostly use the Better Beamer because it is so light and compact.
@@SteveGettle Very helpful, thank you!!
Wouldn't they still show up even if you weren't in a blind?
Possible, certainly the less timid birds like chickadees and such, but the jumpy things like cardinals etc. definitely would not. In addition and more importantly they would not be as relaxed and photogenic, if they are terrified that a human is sitting 15 feet away!
@@SteveGettle ua-cam.com/video/GnY6_H8sEwc/v-deo.htmlsi=3W1ElX2r4f7vbReV
The Kirk semi-circular bracket seems to no longer be available
Dang that is a shame thanks for the info!
Beautiful yard work and photos! Amazing!
Thank you very much!
Really good information and great photos!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
Very well done. Finally someone that sings the virtues of having a zoom lens. So many, talk about fixed focal length only. I use a zoom lens because it has much more flexibility. I love the flexibility of the the Olympus 150-400 f/4.5 with 1.25 TC. Can focus as close as 1.3 meters.
Absolutely! zooms have come a LONG way! super helpful when you are shooting different sized subjects from a fixed location - like a blind. Yes that Olympus zoom covers a lot of ground a great wildlife lens for sure. Steve
To be honest I like the no flash pictures better because they have better contrasts but this is very interesting stuff!
That is valid and legitimate sometimes for sure. As a general rule however when I have a flashed image and one with no flash in the same shoot I generally prefer the flashed one. Mostly for the extra color the flash brings out. Thanks for sharing your thought provoking thoughts though Steve
Very excellent
Many many thanks
I have a 3-way pan head tripod--would that work with any setups? I don't love the tripod as it is easy to tip the camera forward unfortunately, but I am using it because we already own it. Thanks!
Hi unfortunately that is a tripod head that most of us start with. It is very cumbersome and virtually impossible to use on a moving subject. I would recommend you invest in a good ballhead. Much more user friendly. But hold on to that pan tilt head it is useful for landscape and macro photography.
So beautiful!! Love your work!
Thanks so much!
Another brilliant tutorial. Many thanks 😀
Our pleasure thanks for checking it out!
Nice Pictures.
Glad you like them!
Very informative video. Haven't tried flashing birds myself yet. One thing irritates me: The Cardinal @21:21 looks clearly better without the fill flash (on my screen and to my eyes). While the fill flash improves the lighting on its underside imho the plumage on the front (chest) looks washed out and looses detail on the flash picture. I would clearly keep the no-flash version.
Thanks for the feedback, it is virtually impossible to process images for all of the different devices the video will be played. I see the videos on my tv screen and want to take them down lol! Steve
Isn't it dangerous to trigger a flash to birds in someway? I usually avoid using flashes because I've been told that doing so will harm the birds.
I appreciate the question and your concern, the well being of our subjects must always be a TOP priority! This is a controversial subject and there seems to be a lot of misinformation out there regarding this question. Most of it seems to be propagated by the birding community. First of all let me say there is no way to know for sure. But I do have a ton of real world experience using fill flash for bird photography. I have made many hundreds of thousands of images of birds using fill flash over my career and have only had one bird ever react in any way to my flash and that was a violet saberwing in Cost Rica that flinched in response to the pre-flash, in that case I simply turned off the flash and continued shooting. Additionally, I once sold some work to a veterinarian ophthalmologist for use in his office, and had the chance to ask him his thoughts on the subject. He qualified his answer with "of course there is no way to know for sure". But he speculated that the flash of light was so fast that most animals (birds included) would not even register the burst of light. Think of what would happen should an owl be flying through a dense forest at night and he was blinded by a flash of lightning? Thanks again for your concern! Steve
Thank you both. Loved this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
could you link to the gimbal you are using please. thanks!
Here you go Bill! promediagear.com/collections/gimbal-heads/products/gkjr-katana-pro-gimbal-tripod-head#judgeme_product_reviews Absolutely the best I have ever used and I have used them all. Steve
A lovely video to encourage the people to change their back yard to a nature photography studio. I am on the same project and will create my own set up for macro and bird photography.
Good for you. We have gotten so much joy from our meadow project - as well as countless images!
You have a wildlife garden to die for: it is absolutely stunning.
Thank you we really enjoy it!
Do u normally use TTL. From my experience TTL seems to want to correctly exposed the entire frame and so I get branches and leaves all bright and the tiny bird all washed out. When I dialed it back on manual it works fine but it's a trial and error on how much and very often the bird is gone. Any suggestions. Also any tips on using flash to stop motion of BIF especially take-off and landing. Thanks
Yes TTL is the only way to go - The trick is to dial in a minus 1.7 flash compensation, this will just put out just a kiss of light to fill in the shadows and bring out the colors. Doing it in manual is just a shot in the dark, TTL is much better no guessing. As for stopping action I use high-speed flash for that which is another very complicated subject. You might be able to find a program I have done called "Frozen Moments" That explains that subject in great detail.
For your 3rd setup..how was the bracket mounted to the arcade Swiss for hand held? What bracket would work? I'm currently running a sidekick and f6 bracket on ballhead..
Thanks I am glad you found it helpful. Here are the brackets we recommend for different configurations. These are all wimberley brackets Telephoto flash brackets: www.tripodhead.com/products/flash-bracket-telephoto-brackets.cfm If you have a ProMediaGear Katana Jr. or a newer Wimberley Gimbal head you need the F-9 If you have a 1st generation Wimberley gimbal head you need the F-4 If you are using the Wimberley Sidekick you will need the F-6 If you are using a ballhead or want to handhold you will want the F-1
Top video: thanks a lot. The amazing bit is, although I have owned a MagMod extender for a few years, I have hardly ever used it. Yesterday, I dug it out ready to use with my Olympus OM1 + 300mm f4 and FL900R speedlight. I will use this set up for butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies too far out (or inaccessible) for my new 90mm f3.5 macro and STF-8 twin flash on my second OM1 body. This video has been of great value to me; as I was unaware of the 50mm optimum zoom setting for the fresnel lens. I will be trying it out today at 1/250th up to 1/5000th HSS (FP). I agree with you with respect to birds and flash. My experience is that they appear fascinated rather than bothered by it. One of your macro videos brought me to your channel, so I have now subscribed.
Thanks I am glad you found it useful. We will be working hard to produce more videos when we can!
Love your work! Have you ever considered using TTL flash triggers in place of the cord? They're good for multi-flash set-ups, too. Thanks for taking the time to both entertain and educate us. Cheers, George.
Appreciate your thoughts and feedback George! Yes I use and Love Pocket Wizards a lot especially for multiple flash setups. Steve
Thx Steve for all this usefull information. When shooting from a public hide, We don't have the vertical space to use such a flash setup. Usually I don't shhot with flash, but soon will have to do on a specific location. So what about the steely eye issue if I off center my flash horizontally which will be my only option. By how far should I have to do?
Glad you found it useful. Yes you may not have room in every shooting situation. Some blind manufactures actually have designed the openings for using fill flash! Tragopan being the best example. As for the Steely eye question I have not tried that but I would think moving it off4-5 inches should work. But make sure you are checking images on occasion to be sure you are not having a problem Good Luck! Steve
@@SteveGettle Thx for your reply. I'll try as per your recommendations
You guys are lovely.
Thanks we have a lot of fun!
Loved your video. The first video I have seen explaining how to use the Better Beamer and Mag Mod with settings. I have always done natural light bird photography with a Wimberley vII gimbal, bought the Better Beamer and Mag Mod as well as the flash bracket to eliminate shadows but I have never used flash and no one explained it as well as you so they have been sitting unused until now. One question: How does from camera to bird distance change your settings?
Hi Anita I am so happy to hear you found it helpful! If you are shooting in TTL mode - flash to subject distance should not matter. In TTL your flash sends out an almost imperceptible test pre-burst to measure how much light you need and then adjusts automatically to give you the right amount of light for your subject. It works very well - almost like magic!!!
@@SteveGettle Thanks Steve! Appreciate your reply. Have to dig out my flash bracket and get started using flash. Have to say putting the MagGrip on my flash was much harder than I anticipated. My husband got it but don't think I will be taking it off anytime soon.
What mode are you using, and what is your F-stop?
Hi Gary I shoot in either Aperture priority or Manual, however the mode you shoot should not affect the fill flash in any way. Same with what aperture you are on, I shoot many different apertures depending on the situation and what I am trying to accomplish ie controlling background or getting enough depth of field to cover my subject etc.
An amazing video. Your creativity to make these photos is outstanding.
Hey David! Thanks so much. It was great sharing our birds with you.
Excellent episode, loved it a lot. Is fill-in flash for wildlife and birding allowed in Competitions or will it eliminate the enrty photos?
Hi Abdul thank you for the kind words. I do not know of any competition that bans any kind of flash from entries? Steve
Another great video you two! 300 days on the road, oh my. You might want to rent out your house on VRBO! Thanks for the great info, will look for Christmas sales for some of the gear.
Great idea!!
Question? If you have a bird outside, but you are inside, and going out will scare it off, can you shoot with the Better Beamer through a window, or will it just reflect off the glass?
Have not tried that but I am pretty sure it would just pass right through you might lose some light to the glass but not much. See you in in Canada. Have a great Christmas Peg!
Used the pop up flash on my D810 & was surprised at how much light it put out for small backyard birds at around 60-70’. Same with the SB700 mounted on camera for some herons at well over 125’ with no flash extender. Both times got the steely eye depending on the angle of the eye to camera & was wondering if the red eye option would work for birds & wildlife. One thing I noticed while using flash for some flower/macro photos is, the birds will come & perch fairly close to watch what is going on for a while. Great vid.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Getting that flash off the hot shoe will virtually eliminate red-eye or steely eye. My understanding is that the red eye reduction that is available in some cameras simply fires a "pre-burst" of light to make the pupil smaller and try to reduce the chance of red eye that way. Steve
This is such a great video. I cant wait to get up there in 2024.
You're gonna LOVE it!
Great video, I have a wooden blind too and I'm having problems fitting camouflage for the window... I was using spy glass but it reports loss in sharpness and light so I'm trying to replace it... Would be great if you can explain a bit more detailed how you fixer the camouflage and the brown mesh sleeves :) Thanks
Thanks for the interest! I just stapled the camouflaged materials around the opening and then cut a hole for the lens to poke through. It seems to work well and can be easily replaced after a year or two when it gets too worn.
@@SteveGettle thanks for the info, I will try it
Great video with amazing images. What time of year did you take this trip? How long was the trip for?
Hey John thanks for the kind words! The trip was in early June and we do 5 days with the bears, It is an awesome experience. Our 2023 trip is fully sold out but we will be announcing 2024 dates soon Steve
Those are AWESOME shots, guys! Sometimes in life you just have to "Take The Bull By The Horns" and make it happen. You two did a fine job of achieving just that - love it! 🥰
Thanks so much!
Wow Incredible ideas guys!!! Can't wait to see more projects! Awesome
Thanks for the encouragement! We appreciate it.
Beautifull! Please keep doing macro photography tutorials videos! I love your back yard and the way you guys explain!!!
We really Love Macro photography - more to come for sure!
May I ask what lens focal length you used for most of your bear portraits?
Hey Remy, My "bread and butter" lens for this trip is the Nikon 180-400mm. I also use the 70-200mm for the backed off "Bearscape" images. But this is a special location where we can comfortably get closer to the bears then most other locations.
Incredible and inspirational stories. It all looks such fun. Thx :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is great but where do you get all of the different branches (artificial?) and if real, how do you keep them alive?
Ha Ha - No artificial perches here! You will see beautiful perches all around you once you start looking.
Great project and video. Thanks for the video tour.
Thanks for watching!
This is so awesome! I have shown the blinds to my husband, who is retired and always looking for a project. He reminded me that in our area, the snakes and spiders would love to have a cool dark place to call home. I hadn't thought of it - was having such a lovely daydream about the blind and reflecting pool, but reality is a dream-killer! I can deal with the non-venomous varieties, but we have several types of venomous snakes near our home as well as brown recluse spiders...also field mice from the farmland surrounding us. Do you have any of those problems, and if so, how do you deal with it?
Never had any kind of problem with anything like that???
@Steve Gettle great that you're free of all that! My brother-in-law told me that he doesn't believe we'd have problems. He grew up playing with siblings in their family storm shelter, and never had those problems. I think it's worth a shot!
Cool thanks for the idea :)
Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. I think it's pretty neat how you both enjoy the same hobby. Y'all have some nice photo shots.
Thanks Terry, we both enjoy what we do!
This is awesome
Thanks so much!
Love your work Steve. I am a bird photographer in Belize and herd you mentioned Belize as one of the many places you enjoyed visiting and I thought that was cool! Great work by the way.
Thank you for the kind words Aaron. I enjoyed my visit to Belize very much.
Great job,all the work will reward you making your time together so rich
Thanks and yes... we do get untold rewards every day from all of the hard work!