THE NEST.
For nest photography a tripod is in nearly all cases necessary, other wise you have under-exposed films through trying to make snap shots when a time exposure is demanded. In selecting your point of view, place the camera so that if possible the eggs are just visible. Do not, however, move the eggs to suit your convenience, and do not try to get a full view of every egg and all the nest. Let the photograph show decidedly the environ ments of the nest, even if you have to introduce something to accentuate it. Just as with the low growing flowers, the fact that a ground nest is on the ground is made evident by the introduction of a chestnut burr or some such object. If the nest is in a very low bush, perhaps within twelve or fourteen inches of the ground, then a daisy (if the nest is in the open) will make this fact clear. Avoid cutting away vegetation about the nest, as it will expose it to possible thieves as well as the elements. Bend such twigs as are in
your way. When the nest to be photographed is above the reach of a tripod you may find it necessary to secure the camera to a branch, to do which a ball and socket clamp device is most convenient. We frequently find nests placed towards the outward end of a branch just beyond the height of the camera. If the branch is not too stiff it may be drawn down by means of a cord, but as this has the effect of tilting the nest to an unnatural angle, it is well to prop up the branch with a forked stick placed between the nest and where the cord is fastened. Always be careful to notice whether the wind sways the branch containing the nest. If it does, secure the branch in one position, either by cord or prop, before focusing. To make a successful picture of a ground nest, let the camera be very near the ground, within a foot if necessary.