Using a Coolpix 990 is very easy but sometimes frustrating. Since it is an older camera type it is quite slow to start up and the delay in the shutter release can cost you a brilliant picture but for me it’s advantages clearly outweigh these drawbacks. Since I am so pleased with my Coolpix I have not looked at any other camera’s so for your readers this may not be too informative. The most important thing is getting to know your scope-camera combination. Trying and experimenting with all possible camera settings is essential. How quickly can you set up? What is the best setting for dark birds against a light background or vica versa? What do you do when your subject will not stop moving? Asking yourself questions like these and try to find solutions that work for you is the best way to learn. The best place to do this is in a controlled situation such as your back-yard where you can play around with the light, different objects etc. A few hours spent this way will teach you lessons that may enable you to take the pictures you want to take.

13- I really like your photo of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Firstly it’s a species you don’t see every day! Secondly, you have captured the moment perfectly and, finally, for the impressive range of colours in the image. Did you think your photo will be the winner of the competition? Could you describe the photo of your Buff-breasted Sandpiper for us? For example, your feelings, the composition, camera values, where you took it, at approximately what distance etc.

De Slikken van Flakkee in the southwest of the Netherlands are probably at it’s best in September, there are waders everywhere in a great landscape. It was formed in the seventees when the closing of the Brouwersdam cut of the Grevelingen Estuary from the North Sea as part of the Dutch Delta plan. All the mudflats that had been submerged beneath the water twice daily now suddenly became permanently exposed. Thirty years on the soil is still full of salt and that shows in the vegetation. Finding the Buff-breasted Sandpiper in a bright red salicornia field together with René van Loo was great but that day we had very limited time to enjoy it. We managed to get some reasonable shots, but after taking those we had to leave very quickly. Fortunately we had some time two days later and after searching for three hours we refound the bird sleeping with some Ringed Plovers three kilometres from where we had first seen it. We now had all the time we needed to wait for good light and for the bird to start being active again. After about half an hour it got up, walked closer to the car, and started to preen. It was now almost seven metres from the car and filled the entire frame. So much for composing a picture, starting the car to move back would have scared it off so I tried to get as far away from it as possible within the confinement of our car. It was preeningas if we were not there and took it’s time with every feather. Most birds, including waders will strech their wings after they have finished preening and this bird was no exception. After at least ten minutes it first stretched it’s left wing and then, to my relief also it’s right wing. I was lucky to capture the moment where both the wing and tail are stretched, it’s a over before you know it  and with the delay on a Coolpix you can only hope that you pressed the button on the right moment. Fortunately it worked out fine.

I had read about the Swarovski Digiscoop competition and decided to enter almost on the last day. Knowing that many people take their photography much more serious than I do, I never thought a had a chance to win. Imagine my surprise when I got an email saying that I won the first prize!