Yesterday I went to the wonderful Argatay Red Kite Centre. to photograph red squirrels in the morning and the Kites in the afternoon. The Warden (Lynn) was very friendly and helpful, and that added to the experience. To spend almost a whole day doing nothing but observing nature is a great way to spend time – it is very good for the soul.

However. The photography was another thing. When the subjects are still (squirrels will often sit and eat) – it is easy. When they move (when not eating squirrels move very quickly) less so. Despite all the hype about autofocus and eye detection, they move way too fast for the camera to keep up. Unless some Canon ambassador knows better. SO my method was restricted to manual pre focussing. In the wood it is (relatively) dark so you are using fast lenses with a narrow depth of field, which means your focus has to be spot on. Let’s just say I need some practive.

With the Red Kites, it’s easily to focus when they are gliding or flying; when they dive, I again found the camera just could not keep up.

Anyway – back to the drawing board. Like panning, practice, practice ,practice.

I’m already planning my next visit!