Tonight was my second attempt at wireless photography. The set-up is quite simple. There's a small hand-held transmitter unit:
And the receiver fits on to the camera, thus:
I then go back indoors and keep watch. After about two hours of taking 'test' shots of nothing happening I'd all but given up and had moved away from the window to check some things on the computer. When I popped back to look again, I saw some movement, hit the trigger and…
The 'stranger' fox
As you can see he's heading away (with a Markie, which I had put on the step to attract his attention). He returned a couple of minutes later, and I got this:
I could no doubt have got more shots, but I don't want to be greedy and I'm not sure how well he will tolerate the flash. I may try to find a different angle for the camera, and use a slightly longer zoom in future. One thing is certain though… I wouldn't have got either of these shots by sitting out in the garden. So I'm well pleased with the new gadget and can see that it will get lots of use. 😀
On a completely different note, I saw my first frog spawn of the year today. It was in the dew pond at work. It can't be long before we get some in the garden.
Camera note: the shots of the remote and camera were taken with the EOS 400D, Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro and Canon 188A flash unit. The foxes on the other hand were taken with the EOS 40D, EF 24-105 F4L IS USM and Canon 430EX flash unit, set on a Manfrotto 458B Neotec tripod and triggered remotely with the Hähnel HW 433 C80 Pro Remote Control. The camera settings were f/13, 1/60s, manual focus. The lens was at its widest, 24mm focal length.
Vulpes vulpes
27 Feb 2009Nice baptism of 'wireless-gadget-thingy-majiggy'! 😉
gdare
27 Feb 2009:hat: :cheers:
Technology is winning 😀
SittingFox
27 Feb 2009Well done!! :yes:
And frog spawn already… :eyes:
Flying Red Fox Blog
27 Feb 2009Thats really clever well done. :yes: Yes thats a good idea not to do it too much as the stranger fox might get shy. 😛
I wonder if Nicked Ear Vixen will have her cubs soon, the stranger fox might be her mate looking for food hopefully.
Ukwildlife
27 Feb 2009Great stuff – you've got to love technology 🙂
As for frog spawn Ive actively been seeking amphibians and spawn this last week, but not seen anything round here yet. Perhaps I might have more luck in kent this weekend
annoushkiss
27 Feb 2009Congrats, Words!!!
You've got him/her! Ande the shots are very nice 😀
Words
27 Feb 2009Darko, all praise the technology 😀
Words
27 Feb 2009Adele, thanks! I seem to recall the pond at work had spawn first last year as well (I should check old entries). Must be to do with the size/temperature. Ours doesn't get much sun.
Words
27 Feb 2009Neil, thanks! I certainly do love the technology. Simple and it does the job 😀 Good luck spawn-hunting. Still nothing in the garden here.
Words
27 Feb 2009Thanks Vulpes!
Words
27 Feb 2009Mark, thanks! I've been determined to find a way to crack this, and it looks as though I've found a way 😀 I haven't seen nicked-ear for a while, but hopefully she is still around.
Words
27 Feb 2009Thanks Anna! I was pleased to get something. Will keep trying for more 😀
cakkleberrylane
28 Feb 2009Oh it sounds like fun. I was thinking about setting up a trail cam in our state park.
Words
28 Feb 2009Lois, yes it's certainly a change. I watched for two hours tonight and he showed up when I was typing up tonight's blog :insane: I'm still contemplating a trail camera!
anonymous
19 Mar 2009Joannah writes:
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Joannah
http://2gbmemory.net
Words
19 Mar 2009Thanks!