Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Camera faux pas

Jilda and I spent the morning at the doctor's office for a routine exam and to get a flu shot. We had lunch at Nikis, one of our favorite restaurants in Birmingham. The food is excellent and the service is great.

Once home, we promptly decided to take a nap. Yes, we do that on off days. Sue us.

When my timer went off we sat there for a moment. I heard her exclaim – LOOK!

Out in the birdbath was a yellow cardinal.

The birdbath is about 30 feet from our great room window and I knew the phone would not do the lovely bird justice so I stepped over and got the camera and snapped on a 200 mm lens.

On automatic, the camera wanted to use the flash and I knew this was a non-flash photoshoot so I flipped the dial over to M (manual) and set the aperture to f18. This would ensure the bird would be in focus.

I smiled as I snapped several pictures. The bird must have sensed that we were watching so it flitted off.

When I stepped over to the couch to show Jilda my photographic prowess. The image below is what I saw. Studying the camera more settings I realized that I had set the aperture to f18, but the shutter speed was set to 8000. I think that setting is what photographers use when they shoot portraits on the surface of the sun.

So, you'll have to trust me when I say the yellow cardinal was beautiful.



13 comments:

  1. Should have used the phone.

    Interesting, my research was unable to find a "rare" yellow cardinal anywhere but Alabama, specifically Shelby County Al.

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  2. A shutter speed of 8000! Who knew this was possible? You can always pass this image off as one taken on the dark side of the moon
    Alphie

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  3. Been there, done that (or something very similar). You have my heartfelt sympathy.

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  4. I trust you. I'm sure the bird was beautiful.

    Love,
    Janie

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  5. A great chuckle at the end of the day.
    Joy

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  6. I'm sure the yellow cardinal will return if you put some food down for it. Better luck next time.
    Hugs, Julia

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  7. I've never had the pleasure of seeing a yellow Cardinal, I would have thought it was a canary :)
    Hopefully, it will return.
    Jo

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  8. Ahhh I have enjoyed so many pictures just like that one. OUCH! Glad t know that even experts miss read those many dials, buttons and whistles on a good camera! At least 99% of the time you get it right. I would be 3%. LOL
    Sherry & jack

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  9. Oh my I've done that one before. It's easy and you are not alone. Been there and done that one. Better luck next time!

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  10. Darn it! I have never seen a yellow cardinal. Way to go RICK!!!!
    Lisa

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  11. hahahaaa-I have done that more than once but usually the birds take off before I even get to take any picture. I think this yellow cardinal was meant just for you two.

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  12. I have only seen one yellow cardinal in my life. I can say it was beautiful. At least you and Jilda were able to see it.

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  13. I've never seen a yellow cardinal, in fact I didn't even know they existed! So cool! I hope it visits again and your camera behaves!

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