A Morning in the Woods: Capturing Nature with a Canon R5 and an RF 800mm f/11 Lens

TLDR: I grabbed my Canon R5 and RF 800mm f/11 lens, took a walk through the local forest, and snapped some stunning bird photos. Nature and tech collided in the best way possible, resulting in some picturesque moments.

As a bird and photography enthusiast, there are few things more satisfying than a crisp morning walk through the forest, camera in hand. A few months ago, I had one of those perfect mornings when the light was just right, the birds were cooperative, and my gear was ready to perform. Armed with my Canon R5 and the RF 800mm f/11 lens, I set out to capture the avian beauty in my local neighborhood forest.

Preparation and Gear:

Let's talk about the gear first, because who doesn't love to nerd out over some high-quality photography equipment? My Canon R5 is my trusty companion for these excursions. With its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, it captures every tiny detail, which is essential when you're shooting small, fast-moving subjects like birds. Paired with the RF 800mm f/11 lens, it becomes a powerhouse for wildlife photography. The lens, despite its intimidating focal length, is surprisingly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for a long walk through the woods.

The Journey:

I started my walk just as the sun was peeking over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the forest. The air was crisp, the leaves were rustling gently in the breeze, and I could hear the distant chirping of birds. It was the perfect setup for some bird photography.

Finding the Subjects:

One of the first birds I encountered was a European Robin, perched gracefully on a wooden post. The robin, with its vibrant red breast contrasting beautifully against the subtle hues of the background, was the perfect subject. I crouched down, adjusted my settings, and let the Canon R5 do its magic. The result? A stunning image capturing the essence of this little bird.

Next, I spotted a Great Tit flitting through the branches. These birds can be a bit tricky to photograph due to their constant movement and the dense foliage they tend to hide in. But with the 800mm focal length, I could get a close-up shot without disturbing the bird. Patience and a steady hand were key here, and after a few attempts, I managed to get a clear, detailed shot of the Great Tit amidst the leaves.

Challenges and Triumphs:

Photographing birds isn't without its challenges. Birds are unpredictable, and getting them to stay still long enough for a shot can feel like convincing a cat to take a bath. The dense forest environment also means dealing with tricky lighting conditions. However, the Canon R5's excellent low-light performance and the RF 800mm's ability to isolate subjects from their background made it possible to overcome these hurdles.

At one point, I found myself almost blending into the foliage, trying to get a shot of a particularly shy bird. If anyone had seen me, they might have thought I was auditioning for a role in a low-budget nature documentary. But hey, anything for the shot, right?

Reflection:
As I made my way back home, memory card full and heart content, I couldn't help but feel grateful for mornings like this. Photography is as much about the experience as it is about the results. It's about the connection to nature, the thrill of capturing a perfect moment, and the joy of sharing that moment with others.

So, if you're a bird lover, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good walk in the woods, grab your camera and head outside. You never know what amazing shots you might capture.

And remember, in the words of a sarcastic yet lovable friend: could there be any more beautiful moments to capture?

Shot with Canon EOS R5 and RF 800 f11 lens (Check BBPhoto for the gear I'm using!).
All photos are taken by me. If you want to know more, head to beheydt.be/photography or shor.by/BjB for more info.

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