6 minute read
About Di Schwartz: Resident Bird Nerd & Talented Photographer
Hi Canadian Lakers! I am Di Schwartz, resident bird nerd. You may have seen my bird photos over the years in the Canadian Lakes News emails, and more recently in the issues of The
Canadian Laker magazine. I am 70 years old and didn’t begin bird photography until about eight years ago, so it’s never too late to begin.
I’m sometimes asked how did I got started in bird photography?
I don’t have a background in photography, and I did not set out to become a photographer, but here I am, and I am loving it. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and chronic fatigue. This slowed me way down and forced me to quit my busy paralegal job.
While I need to rest often, I discovered my great interest in photographing birds because it required little of my energy reserve, and well, who doesn’t enjoy birds?
Years ago, I looked through a book of bird photos taken by a friend and thought “I’d like to do that.” I didn’t have any instruction, but I had observed what was possible, and simply began taking photographs with the camera that I owned at the time. My advice is do not let inexperience hold you back. I took thousands of photos that were discarded as I practiced my newfound interest. There is a learning curve, but with the digital technology of today, it really is inconsequential...just hit delete. It is gratifying to see your own personal improvements, simply from practicing and enjoying your results.
If I’m at home on a winter’s day, I set up the tripod in front of an open window. Since there is no threat of bugs, I grab a jacket to keep warm. I have some trees that are close to the window and provide a great staging area with a feeder nearby to attract the birds. During the summer months, I can set up the tripod on the deck outside.
I’ll tell you more of my story through the FAQ’s and most commonly asked questions posed to me.
Q. How do you get those shots?
Photography is pretty much a solo activity, but I have to say that my husband, Al, expands the possibilities for me. There is teamwork involved. Once we see a bird on the lake, he is great at steering the boat to line up the shot perfectly, so that we quietly drift toward the intended loons, swans, or ducks without invading their space. I can then concentrate on my photo shoot without the concern of simultaneously navigating the boat. If I’m shooting from a kayak, it is a bit trickier to manage, and of course there is no room for the tripod.
We also go on nature drives around Canadian Lakes. High on my list is photographing the Osprey. I have a favorite spot where we park the truck and wait. I shoot from the passenger seat window. During the summer, the female Osprey is generally on the nest with the chicks, while the male is out looking for fish. I have learned from observation that the female will usually chirp when her partner is coming in with a fish meal, and this gives me a heads-up to get the camera ready for the shot.
Q. Do you have a favorite bird to photograph?
Great Blue herons are my favorite bird to photograph. I keep an eye out for any herons that may be along the shoreline or sitting on the roof of a pontoon boat. They fly with grace and are able to shape-shift. I admire the variation in diverse types and colors of feathers, including wonderful long, hairlike feathers that flow in the breeze.
Green Heron
Photography by Di Schwartz
Q. What type of camera do you use?
I have graduated to a couple of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras. First, I bought the Nikon D5300 and recently upgraded to a Nikon D500. Both were purchased online. There are many good camera options today. Initially, I set the camera on the sport setting and used it like a point-and-shoot camera. I am just now learning how to make some basic camera adjustments by studying YouTube instructors. I have a 150-600 focal length Tamron zoom lens. I do appreciate that I can edit a photo, to zoom in even more. Ideally, I like to see the feather detail and the eyes up-close.
Q. Do you have any tips for beginner bird photographers?
Remember to look up. When we are out for a drive, I have spotted birds up high in treetops, including eagles. I once found an Osprey up on a branch above our truck. I got out of the truck and set up the tripod. I was surprised it did not take off. As I began shooting, I could see it had prey in its talons and was enjoying a nice fish dinner. It was the closest I have ever been to an Osprey, and the photos captured good detail.
In seven years of living in Canadian Lakes, I have taken photos of more than fifty species of birds. It is always a thrill to see a new species for the first time, which can happen during migration season. I’ve also photographed fox, deer, porcupine, opossum, squirrel, muskrat, groundhog, chipmunk, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, butterflies, the sunset, and of course, the ever-changing landscape. With intention, decide to look around and notice nature’s gifts. You may be delightfully surprised by what you see.
Ideally, when shooting, I try to have the sun at my back or to my side, just not in front of me. Otherwise, the photos and your subject appear dark and shadowy. I use the Audubon app on my phone to help with bird identification, or a Google search.
Always carry a spare camera battery. After a shoot, I put the spent battery on the charger as soon as we return home. This prevents occasional disappointment when it is time to go out for a shoot and there are no charged camera batteries.
A gentle word of caution. We have seen some close calls on the lakes, when boats speed around and don’t notice the birds out in the middle of the lakes. They are small and easy to miss bobbing on the surface. When the loons are diving, they may surprise you where they surface since they travel so far underwater. Please try to keep an eye out for the safety of our feathered friends.
Birding is different every day. The light is ever changing, along with the seasons. The birds morph from eggs to chicks, to juveniles, to adults in a truly short time, and some lose their feathers during the molt. And there is something sacred about a bird’s song. The best part about bird photography here in Canadian Lakes is that I get to share my photos with the community.
You probably don’t see too many fishing boats with tripods, a camera, and a giant zoom lens, but give us a friendly wave if you should see us out on the lakes. Happy birding!
Feel free to send questions, comments, or feedback to dschwartz500@sbcglobal.net.
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