Don't be shy to ask for advice

[Peter]

If you are new to birdwatching, then you can ask away on this thread for advice on binoculars, telescopes, fieldguides and all matter of things which might help you get the best out of your new found interest.

If you have been around for a long time (some of us for several decades), then it is still a useful resource to have a thread like this to ask for things such as useful fieldguides if you are planning a trip to foriegn parts. Even thinking of a new scope or camera can make asking here worthwhile if fellow forumers have the experience of the 'brand and model' you are considering.

[Stephen]

I'd also be happy to give any readers advice on photography, choosing lenses, camera bodies or the like, if any reader is thinking about taking up wildlife photography or wants to discuss price and value for money.

I always try to capture birds in flight, something that is often difficult to do.....but that's part of the challenge!
I use a Canon 30D Digital camera with a Canon 400L fixed lens with f5.6. Although this is quite an affordable combination, it's taken me quite a long time to get to this stage of owning (or should I say justifying) such good equipment. Here's a photo I took of a young Lanner Falcon last year in La Janda
Stephen

[john]

For those that don't know Stepehen, I have to add that his is one hell of an offer!  As the sample shot demonstrates he is an excelllent photographer who has captured many enviably good photos of the birds of the area.  I know for sure that when I finally get tha SLR I've been promising myself for years, I will take Stephen up on his offer,

John 

[Mosca]

Hello,

I am new to birdwatching but am enjoying it very much.
One area I am also interested in is drawing birds and artwork containing birds and nature. Are there any copy write issues with drawing birds from other people's photographs? I hope to get involved in field work but am happy just trying to get my eye from photographs.

Thanks in advance


Pete

[john]

If you have been around for a long time (some of us for several decades).............

'Several', Peter?  I wish it was so little............. 

As for using other people's photos for drawing I'd have thought that it wasn't an issue unless you published them.  Even then I'm not sure it's something that would be pursued too vigorously.  When I draw/paint I often use photos for reference.  Generally I find even when using a photo quite closely I shift the position of the wings, tail, head etc to suit the composition.  By the time I've finished  you'd be very hard pressed to decide which photos had been used for reference,
John

[Peter]

Hello,
I am new to birdwatching but am enjoying it very much.
One area I am also interested in is drawing birds and artwork containing birds and nature. Are there any copy write issues with drawing birds from other people's photographs? I hope to get involved in field work but am happy just trying to get my eye from photographs.
Thanks in advance
Pete

In my most humble opinion, how would anyone guess you used their photograph? Not so easy with a blank or different background, subtle changes to posture etc, no chance in my view. Furthermore I imagine very very few photographers would have any problems with your using their work as a reference. It is not the same as publishing their photograph without permission, which of course is never to be condoned.

A big welcome Pete to the forum and society.

Peter

[Mosca]

Thanks for the replies.
I was a little worried about breaking any copyright or stepping on toes but to be honest, everyone bird artist and photographer I have been in contact with has been helpful and kind.

Thanks for the reassurance anyway

Pete