Long-eared Myotis

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 1, 2012390 views13 comments

This is a different type of Bat from my last post. I'm still working on the setup, but so far so good. I have 4 types of Bats here and I'll try to get one of each. A new pool for shooting will let me change the angle of view for future shots....

D800
4 flashes
laser trigger
200mm
1/250
f16
iso 800

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 1, 2012 at 7:41 PM

Sweet capture! I like the many apparent insects sharing the frame and the dark background sets everything off nicely. This is a case where I might toy with removing the diagonal twig in upper left, but this is pleasing as presented. I am looking forward to more in the series!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on October 1, 2012 at 7:53 PM

Charlie,
I like this one also, the water makes for a great back-ground and the reflection a real bonus.
Your efforts are well worth the results so far.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on October 1, 2012 at 10:37 PM

Really like this series Charlie. I'm glad someone is out there working on photographing this under-represented part of our native fauna. I've seen very few bats this year in no. CA and no raptors where we generally seen 1 or 2 most every day. I don't think this was a good year. Your bat shots are really good and I've enjoyed every one. Keep 'em coming.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Verdon on October 1, 2012 at 11:20 PM

wow, nothing else

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on October 2, 2012 at 12:11 AM

Exquisite detail in this little fellow. The wing position and open mouth couldn't be better.
LOVE bats, and sure wish there was a batty pond near here.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on October 2, 2012 at 1:58 PM

Simply jaw-dropping Charlie!

Lon has a good point there about the twig. Further I think this could have been even better with the reflection included. But these are no nits; great work!

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on October 2, 2012 at 2:09 PM

Wow!! This is really great. Very nice work

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on October 5, 2012 at 9:39 AM

That's really awesome... I'd consider cloning the stick out in the background and maybe doing some work on the eye to reduce the flashes - depending on the final destination of a photo like this

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on October 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM

Charlie, really nice job. I echo Peter's comments about working with "under-represented" species. I love seeing nice photos of these guys. Keep it up.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on October 7, 2012 at 8:26 AM

Cool shot Charlie! Add some blood on that waggin' tongue for a real Halloween treat?

Look forward to more in this series - Well done

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Colin Pickett on October 10, 2012 at 3:14 PM

Wow brilliant image, would like to see how this was done.

Very envious

Registered on December 30, 2004, 23 Posts, 156 Comments

Comment posted by Robbie Knight on October 14, 2012 at 1:48 PM

Thanks for sharing. I have tried in the past but not been able to get a full frame / in focus / without shutter speed issues (read soft)...... Prey tell on the methods to get this resolution ! Again, thanks for sharing and love the eyes/mouth/implied action. RK

Registered on April 10, 2010, 30 Posts, 135 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on October 14, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Hi Robbie, Thanks for the comment. These two links should get you started. The first shows the general setup. Instead of infrared, I use the Nero Trigger on the laser setting to trigger the camera. You'll need a laser pointer that is aimed at the sensor on the Nero trigger. When the Bat flies through the beam, it triggers the camera and flashes. You can find the Nero Trigger on line.

Camera is set on manual to sync with the flashes at 1/250. F16, iso 800. Flashes on 1/16 power to get a high flash speed. You'll need 4 flashes. Lens is also set on manual focus. Prefocus on the spot where the Bat is most likely to go through the beam. Usually if you watch them for a while you can see that they fly into the wind and always come to the same spot. You can guide them by screening off most of the surface and just leave a 1 x 3 meter "runway" for them to swoop into for a drink.

The best time to get them is just after sundown and just before sunrise, but they'll come sporadically all night long. You'll need to set up your camera to run off of a 12 volt battery so that it can be on all night, otherwise you'll have to stay up all night changing batteries. These triggers keep the camera in "on" position, so there is quite a battery drain. My Nikon D800 can use a 12 volt adapter so that I can power it off of a car battery. Also, you'll need battery packs for the flashes. Basically you set up in the late afternoon and leave everything on until next morning. Make sure to check your focus, lighting, etc. before leaving the setup be. On a typical night I get around 200 photos.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1213851/Stunning-shots-thirsty-bats-swooping-lick-water-garden-pond.html

http://nerotrigger.com/

This is very similar to the multi flash photography used on Hummingbirds. It is the high speed of the flash, and not the shutter speed of the camera, that freezes the action. Camera at f/16 - f/22 gives you the depth of field to make sure that you get them sharp.

Last night I counted approximately 90 Bats coming out of my Bat Box at sunset.

Best Regards,
Charlie VanTassel

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments