Is there a fence in your way? No problem! Use these camera settings to make the fence disappear in your photograph.
- Use the longest focal length of your telephoto lens. If you are able to put the lens within an inch or two from the fence, a 100mm focal length will work. The farther away you are from the fence, the longer the focal length you will need to make the fence disappear. Generally, if you are a few feet away from the fence, then a 400-600mm focal length will be necessary.
- Put the lens physically as close to the fence as possible.
- Use the maximum aperture or largest lens opening, which is the smallest f-stop (f/2.8 – f/6.3).
- The animal must be at least a few feet away from the fence between you to make the fence disappear in your photo.
- Do not use flash.
- Use Auto Focus Mode Continuous (C) or AI Servo. If you find that your camera fights to try to focus on the fence, then change Auto Focus Mode to Single.
- Use Auto Focus Area Mode Single, Spot or a Small # of Focus Points.
- Avoid areas of the fence that are in the direct sun; instead look for shaded fence areas.
- Place the camera’s focus point on the animal’s eyes or face.
- If the camera focuses on the fence, physically move the camera a little to bypass the fence.
Kathleen,
I visited Out of Africa today while in the area based on your photos of the park. Try as I might I could not get the fences to disappear in my photos–probably because the critters were too close to the fence. Even so, I must say, your photography of the Out of Africa animals in their enclosures is amazing! I so wish your 11/2-3 workshop wasn’t full… I would love to be able to get photos half as amazing as yours!
Shari