 Donna Rowley |
photographing animals in captivity Hi all, I've just been given a minolta 7000i AF camera and am interested in taking some good pictures of animals at our local zoo. I'm a bit of a novice at this game too. It's autumn here so most of the critters have retreated indoors and behind glass. When I try to focus on them the AF makes all the right noises but focuses on nothing - or wont let me take the picture when it eventually does. Its also pretty dark but I cant use a flash and a tripod wont get me close to the glass. So whats the answer - should I be close to the glass anyway?! Why can't I focus? (By the way, I've used this camera outdoors and everything works fine so the problem is me, not the camera!) Help! Donna
|
|
|
|
||
|
Jon Close |
First, get the user manual for your camera and read all of it. You can download it from Konica-Minolta for free at http://kmpi.konicaminolta.us/eprise/main/kmpi/content/cam/cam_SupportCenter/Support_Manual. Where point & shoot cameras generally use active infrared autofocus and can focus in total darkness, most SLRs use a passive through the lens autofocus that needs a minimum amount of light adn subject contrast to work. In dim light they will hunt and give up after running from near to infinity. Many SLRs, like the Maxxum 7000i, will not release the shutter unless it can confirm autofocus. If there isn't enough light or enough contrast in your subject you'll have to switch to manual focusing.
|
|
|
|
||
pcmlphotography.com - Pamela C.M Lammersen Contact Pamela C.M Lammersen Pamela C.M Lammersen's Gallery |
hello Donna Jon said it well re the shutter releasing. For sure get the manual that is a must, but also get used to using the focusing screen in your camera (again the manual will tell you how it works). Depending on what you are shooting the AF may not always be your best friend. When I am taking photos at a zoo I try to never use a flash unless it is 100% necessary (because I dont want to scare the animals). If you find you want to use a flash and your subject is behind the glass do not shoot straight on to the glass or you will get the flash reflected/glare in your print - shoot on an angle to the glass and you will normaly avoid the reflection/glare good luck what a nice gift to be given. -Pamela
|
|
|
|
||
|
Kip T. Berger |
Would suggest using a circular polarizer if shooting through glass to help eliminate reflections.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||