I got up at 5:10am this morning, full of energy and super excited about my visit to Botterblom Nature Reserve.

I arrived at the Reserve around 5:45. I went straight to the pond and started shooting.

Today I used the following gear.

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 10-18mm 1:4.5-5.6 IS STM
• Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS STM
• Canon Zoom Lens EF 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 IS II USM
• Zomei Tripod
• Hähnel Remote Shutter Release
• Kenko SMART Circular Polarizer Filter 67mm
• Prinz Circular Polarizer Filter 58mm

Today can also be classified as a Recce mission. I did not get the photos I visualized. I completely forgot about the ND Filters I bought and if I did use them I think I would be closer to what I wanted. I also realized that I need to be at the reserve as soon as it starts getting light. That is approximately 30 minutes before sunrise.

I started out with my 70-300mm, using my tripod, remote shutter release, and Kenko Circular polarizer. I had to move to so far back and the photo I visualized did not work out. I did take some photos.

I switched to my 10-18mm lens, tripod, remote shutter release, and Kenko Circular polarizer. There were no clouds and the sky was very boring and bright. I noticed that with the Circular Polarizer on this lens there is a blue gradient in the middle of the photo and the sides are still blown out. I turned the polarizer but then the sky got blown out completely and the water is too dark. I tried changing my settings but I just could not get it right. It was super frustrating and I wanted to pack up there and then and go home. But I did not give up. I took some photos and changed lenses again.

Up next was my 18-55mm lens, my tripod, remote shutter release, and Prinz Circular Polarizer. I am used to this lens and polarizer and the photos came out better than the previous ones, but the good light has gone and was becoming very harsh. I will be using this lens on my next visit. The only negative I have with this lens is that I will not be able to do any birding with it. It is a macro lens too and this makes it much easier for photographing flowers.

I switched back to my 70-300mm and started walking around to see what other compositions I can find. I found a few compositions that I will try to capture in proper light next time.

I will post some more of the photos taken on this visit to Botterblom Nature Reserve over the next few weeks.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post and joining me while I explore and discover new Parks and Nature Reserves.

Till next time, keep safe and keep exploring.

Have a fabulous day.

Coreen