Question about wildlife camera traps.

[Josh]

Hi All,

New to the forum.

Just wanted to stop in and ask a question before I start rigorously posting

[Josh]

...sorry...didn't mean for my last post to get cut off like that. Not sure what happened. Anyways, I use primarily commercial camera traps to photograph wildlife. I'm looking for a forum that to post these pics on that doesn't have a main bent towards hunting (not against hunting, but just get tired of the anti-wildlife sentiment that sometimes prevails on the hunting forums...in other words...if it isn't a deer or a turkey, then it's of little importance).

Would this forum be a place to post such pictures? If not could you direct me to an appropriate forum?

Thanks!

Josh

[Grandpaw]

...sorry...didn't mean for my last post to get cut off like that. Not sure what happened. Anyways, I use primarily commercial camera traps to photograph wildlife. I'm looking for a forum that to post these pics on that doesn't have a main bent towards hunting (not against hunting, but just get tired of the anti-wildlife sentiment that sometimes prevails on the hunting forums...in other words...if it isn't a deer or a turkey, then it's of little importance).

Would this forum be a place to post such pictures? If not could you direct me to an appropriate forum?

Thanks!

Josh

Welcome to Photography Review! Yes this is the forum for any Nature & Wildlife pictures you may want to post. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you may use to get your photos, we will be glad to take a look at them. Post away, Jeff

[Josh]

Outstanding!

Well, I'll start off with a few recent shots. I guess the biggest difference between the photos I get of mammals and what folks using real cameras get is that latter will produce stunning pictures.

I use my cameras for wildlife monitoring and inventory purposes, so I'm more interested in determining what species are present at a given site and so I often get less-than-perfect looking pictures. However, obtaining pics of some of these species is amazingly difficult. So, the fun for me is to go out, read wildlife sign, find a spot that appears to be a good location to catch pics of wildlife and THEN see if I know as much as I think I do (and frequently I don't ). In other words...see if I actually catch photos of the critters I thought were there to confirm my suspicion....OR see if I can be willy enough to draw things into the camera without spooking them (this is particularly difficult for canines!).

here are a few random shots that I've obtained recently:

Obviously, deer aren't that difficult to get pictures of in this manner (they are everywhere). But, we don't get snow down here in NC that often, so liked this one.





'possum and a deer...


Always a treat to catch canines on the cameras. Pair of grey foxes.

[mjs1973]

Thanks for sharing! I have a game camera that was given to me last year, but I have only used it once so far. It was like Christmas when I got the film back because I had no idea what I had captured. I plan on using it again once it warms up to scout out some areas. I don't think the batteries would last too long in the cold now so I don't have it set up.

[Fiat Lux]

Hi all.

Another lurker here. Josh asked the question, and I've wondered myself. It appears the response is positive. Not to highjack Josh's thread but just to confirm the photos are appropriate here's a couple of my own.

Hope this is OK. If not, please feel free to say so.








I have more if anyone is interested (I'll post in a new thread.).

Thanks,
Rick.

Edit: Well.....what am I doing wrong?

[Josh]

Digital wildlife camera traps have become very common, and one can get a good camera that's reasonably priced ($200-$250). Some units take AA batteries, and one can throw a set of lithiums in, which will last for months. I've never used a film camera trap, but have heard their performance varies.

If you'd like some suggestions on good cameras to use, let me know! There are alot of products out there now, and a fair number of them don't live up to their advertised standards!

Josh

[Josh]

Hi all.

Another lurker here. Josh asked the question, and I've wondered myself. It appears the response is positive. Not to highjack Josh's thread but just to confirm the photos are appropriate here's a couple of my own.

Hope this is OK. If not, please feel free to say so.








I have more if anyone is interested (I'll post in a new thread.).

Thanks,
Rick.

Edit: Well.....what am I doing wrong?

Hmm...wonder what happened? Maybe it's the online source you use to host your pictures? I used Photobucket...but don't know if that matters or not.

I hope you can get it figured out! I (for one) would love to see your pics!

[Fiat Lux]

Thanks Josh,

You may be right. My website is flash based, could that be the problem?

Anyhoo, let's try it another way....

[Kokopeli]

As previously stated, as long as wildlife / nature is involved, this is the place. We are all about photography here so if you have pics (that you shot) then bring 'em on!

[Josh]

Nice bobcat pic!

What type of camera are you using?

[SmartWombat]

The EXIF information says that bobcat was captured with a Canon 20D, processed through Digital Photo Professional.

[Fiat Lux]

Yes, they were taken using a Canon 20D, a programmable controller using either a PIR sensor or two IR beam sensors, off camera flash (to fire the strobes) and one or two slave strobes.

[mjs1973]

Yes, they were taken using a Canon 20D, a programmable controller using either a PIR sensor or two IR beam sensors, off camera flash (to fire the strobes) and one or two slave strobes.

I would be very interested in learning more about your setup. Can you give us some more specific details about your setup?

I'm assuming the camera must go into "sleep" mode to save the batteries and then come on when one of the sensors is tripped? I have my old DRebel that doesn't get used much that I would be willing to use for something like this, but haven't given it any real serious thought or done any investigating on it.

[Fiat Lux]

Hi mjs1973,

Because of the way the controller works the camera needs to stay on. I use a battery grip and swap batteries about every twenty-four hours (first thing every morning). The camera batts will last, at least, thirty-six hours but I've never run out of power so I don't know exactly how long they'll last. Also, no auto exposure or auto focus, manual only.

The controller is the trick, I'm using "The Time Machine by Bryan Mumford".

[OldClicker]

Yes, they were taken using a Canon 20D, a programmable controller using either a PIR sensor or two IR beam sensors, off camera flash (to fire the strobes) and one or two slave strobes.

Is the Time Machine firing the strobes or is the camera? If you could get your flash(es) more off center I think you could lessen the 'demon eye' look.

Love the racoon checking out the 'posum's find. I think this type of 'really as is' photo is a great addition to what we normally see.

Terry

[Fiat Lux]

The Time Machine uses an assortment of sensors, acoustic, PIR, IR Beam, laser, etc. The controller fires the camera and the "flash in the box" (connected to the camera) fires the strobes.

Yeah, the "devil eyes" were a problem I believe I've resolved.

I really could use some tips, tricks, techniques, etc., for lighting though, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Loupey]

...Would this forum be a place to post such pictures?...

Sure, Josh! Thanks for starting this thread.

Be it by whatever means, as long as it is "nature and/or wildlife based", Paul and I will leave it here


Welcome to the site!

[Josh]

Sure, Josh! Thanks for starting this thread.

Be it by whatever means, as long as it is "nature and/or wildlife based", Paul and I will leave it here


Welcome to the site!

Great! I really appreciat it folks!

[Singletracklovr]

Hi Josh,
I enjoyed checking out your shots.
Would like to see pictures of your setup if you ever take a second camera when you go out.
I have a nikon d80 that never gets used anymore. I'll have to see how long it will stay on with 1 battery.

[Josh]

Hi Bob!

Well, my cams are all commercial "trail cameras". So there's no specific set up as far as film type, flash type, f-stop...etc.

What I tend to focus on his hiding the camera from potential theives (and there are many!). So, I put mine in a metal "lockbox" designed for the brand of camera. I then use a heavy duty padlock on it (spray-painted flat black). Then...I try anything to break up the square shape of the box without looking unnatural (which isn't easy).

Here's an example...this isn't the camera I've posted pictures from previously in this thread, but it gives you an idea.

So...the goal is outsmarting wildlife (i.e. picking a good spot that will yeild photos, but not spook the animals)...and outsmarting theives!

[jaimej26]

http://jaimejohnson.zenfolio.com/

Here is one of my favorites from last summer..



A second camera is visible behind the three lions..

[OldClicker]

http://jaimejohnson.zenfolio.com/

Here is one of my favorites from last summer..

A second camera is visible behind the three lions..

Great capture - love to see the big cats. - Terry

[Loupey]

Whoa, Jaimie, what an awesome shot!

Your persistence and hard work paid off.

[PWhite214]

This is very interesting. I wish I had more time to experiment, but I can enjoy the posts and wonderful photos here.

Thanks,
Phil