Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Flying Fish? Nope Koinobori (鯉幟) and Fun to Shoot !

Carp Streamers are Koinobori

 

In Japan, you see them from late April through the month of May.

They aren't wildlife or, fish jumping out of water but, they can be just as challenging.

So, when there are no critters around, for me to capture with the camera, I shoot Koinobori.

Some of the methods I use are the same as if I were going after wildlife.



Here are a few tips on how to catch these critters with a digital camera.

Spot focus, if you can.

Move around, so the sun is hitting your back and watch the fishes' eyes.

Just like wildlife, they won't hold a pose for you. They are always moving.

The camera needs to in in Continuous Shooting Mode.

When you see the sun light-up the eye, fire away.  Three frames at a time, is what I do.


It might take a hundred or two clicks of the shutter but, who cares ?

With a digital camera, at least you're not wasting film.

When you download the camera, you'll have some different photos to show everyone.

If you ever decide to be a wildlife photographer, you have a head start on the rest of the crowd.



These photos were taken around 8AM at Haneji Dam in Okinawa, Japan.

Early morning or, late afternoon gives you the best light.

That's because the sun is low in the sky.


For directions to Haneji Dam: Checkout Map It Okinawa


More tricks of the trade may be seen in Photo Tips







2 comments:

Okispice said...

Thanks for the tips!
Theresa

RyukyuMike said...

Okispice,
You are most welcome.