Hi everyone, how are you doing out there?
These are some crazy times but I'm grateful we can communicate in this way.
My name is Marina Cano. I'm a Spanish wildlife photographer and a Canon Ambassador.
I've been taking wildlife pictures for 20 years
and my work has been published in the cover of National Geographic,
and has been in the final of the Wildlife Photography of the Year.
In this time I've also published four books of wildlife.
And what are we doing here now?
Going to Africa?
Maybe not yet, but let's dream about it.
And, how? Well, by preparing our equipment as if we are going to go to Africa tomorrow.
Sometimes it's difficult to choose what to bring in our trips.
I've gotten many requests about which, when, how and where I'm using my lenses.
I'm going to talk about this, but tell me something.
Did you find a way to keep on photographing wildlife from home or around home?
I'm sure you did.
I've discovered the most incredible life from the window is the perfect moment to photograph birds in flight,
play around on low speed and get the ethereal effects.
As well to make some macro pictures for the fortunate ones that have a garden.
Let's start with one of my favorite lenses, this 600mm.
It's light, sharp, luminous and with the best quality.
This lens allows me to get very close and fill the frame with my subjects.
I can get texture and detail with incredible quality and sharpness, but it's not all about technique.
I love the intimacy that creates the nearness.
I can achieve fearless compositions where a little part speaks volumes.
In addition, I can dip nice by using big apertures
and place in some limits very close to me in the foreground, like grass or leaves.
The 200-400mm lens.
Another favorite because of its versatility without losing quality.
When you are in a 4x4 in Maasai Mara, there are some times with very limited movement.
So to be able to go from 200 to 560 is priceless.
While this magnificent lion walked towards me, I could set up a vertical composition
to frame him fitting perfectly in the picture.
I did the same with this spectacular matriarch,
and while she was moving I got this powerful portrait at 560mm
with a 1.4 converted built on the lens.
In both pictures I was able to quickly prepare the composition
while they were walking in perfect symmetry towards me.
This versatility allows us to achieve this close up hippo portrait,
where we can even count the hairs in his mouth,
to landscape photography with this elephant in the Maasai Mara Stern.
Are you already feeling Africa calling?
This man, the weather, the electric storms, the sun, the hot wind and the wildlife.
Is it heartwarming?
If I close my eyes I can breathe Africa.
Let's keep preparing this Safari.
The 300mm lens, 2.8.
If you want to be totally free and forget about tripods or monopods, this is your lens.
Totally high-quality lens that stands out for its luminosity and sharpness.
You can easily and quickly change angles for broad compositions.
To lie on the ground, near wild animals, you have to be first to move with a light lens.
Also its lightweight allows you to wait for the perfect moment.
And, the 100-400.
Now, if you want a zoom and a lightweight lens, this is the one.
You can carry this lens in your handbag like you carry your sunglasses.
If for whatever reason you cannot afford other professional lenses,
this one will fulfill all your expectations.
From close portraits, birds in flight and landscapes,
we can get to the most impactful photographs at any time.
In all my trips to Africa, I always take it with me because it's a small item and versatile.
And then I choose one of the big lenses.
It can be the 600 or the 200-400.
I evaluate the place I'm going, the movement I can make and the species I'm going to photograph.
And with all these elements in mind, I make my choice.
I know some of you have already photographed wildlife from home,
so I would love to see your work and to know which one is your favorite lens.
When you post it on Instagram use the #CanonConnected
where you can also tag me @MarinaCano.
Please surprise me with your creativity.
Thank you so much guys.
Stay safe and all the best.