How do I get the whole bird in focus? (Page 2): If you can remember the 60's, you weren't there!

Coker Loc: Havana, IL

If you can remember the 60's, you weren't there!

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

show me the sharpness you are looking for.

fergal

'I tried to use Live View for sharp focus but at that distance, I had a devil of a time keeping the bird in the frame as I tried to use the tripod'

try using a gimbal head - makes it easier to track them / focus on them

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

cjkorb wrote:

I think the shot's are ok, you just happened to be too far away to notice any detail.

What he said.

peddent

what was the aperture set on the lens? seems like it was open pretty wide you had a very shallow depth of field. next time stop down more if you want more in focus.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Here is some advice. Take it or leave it.

You need to get closer.

RRBB have a high affinity for nesting in mustard plants. There are a couple of techniques you could use. Once you arrive at the shooting location, sit down and watch where the adult birds land. They are usually prone to choosing a series of spots at the perimeter of the territory they have set up. This works to an advantage for you. You can often locate where the actual nest site is by just spending some time watching the movements. They weave a nest in the branches of the mustard about 2/3rd's of the distance from the ground.

Get yourself some cloth of drab color(preferably camo but not necessarily) to use as a drape over you and your camera. This next part is important. BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU to the spot you intend to shoot from. they can get you later if they don't want to wait. You should be able to get within 20 foot of the desired spot, (where you scouted them landing the previous visit). Set up your tripod and lens and whatever stool you will be using to sit on. Have your partner drape the fabric over you and then leave the spot. Make sure the adult birds see your partner leave. Birds are not the best mathematicians. Since they can't count, they will want to return to the spot and carry on with their activities. Seeing the other person leave is a good thing.

Remember these things:
1.) Move as little as possible.
2.) Don't go there and expect to be shooting in 10 minutes. Be patient.
3.) Make sure you are comfortable, it could be a while.
4.) Be patient.
5.) Try to get there early in the day. It will give the birds more time to settle down.
6.) Be patient.
7.) Make sure you have a clear view of the spots they are most likely to land. They will probably use those first.
8.) And most important of all - Be patient. You don't need the big lens. If you have one, that's great, but it is not always necessary.

The shot I have attached was taken from the roof of my SUV in a Shopping Mall parking lot. I was standing there for almost three hours waiting for the birds to feed their young and present good shots. They came in about every 5 to 10 minutes. This is one of the shots. I received a lot of strange looks from the passing shoppers, but what the hey, I got better shots than they would have down below. Be patient and good luck.

Female Anna's Hummingbird

Twin 1 Loc: Nor California

Bozsik wrote:

Here is some advice. Take it or leave it.

You need to get closer.

RRBB have a high affinity for nesting in mustard plants. There are a couple of techniques you could use...

Great advice, come next Spring, I will return to this post and see if I have the camo and the patience to give it a try. For now, the field has been plowed.

My wife can roll her eyes one more time when I ask her to give me a hand. Thanks for the information.

USCG Missy Loc: Morriston, FL

ecobin wrote:

You need a greater depth of field - to do that use... (show quote)

That was some info I needed too. Am downloading that app right now. Thanks!

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

USCG Missy wrote:

That was some info I needed too. Am downloading that app right now. Thanks!

Hi Missy,
Hope you enjoy the app. BTW, I'm a consultant for the USCG and I have a lot of respect for them - a great group!

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

One more point to throw in the mix, Twin 1:
Most bird photographers will take hundreds of photos to arrive at one "keeper". If you or I get a "keeper" in our first one thousand photos, it's time to schedule a celebration with cookies and milk! :thumbup:

seagent Loc: Colorado

ecobin wrote:

You need a greater depth of field - to do that use... (show quote)

I agree 100% with your recommendation..also, if you are using a long telephoto use a good tripod.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

Learn the capabilities of the equipment you have. Regarding the small birds; get closer if you can. If you can't, shoot larger birds. Get a longer lens (when you can) if you want to hunt the small birds. There really is no substitute for filling the frame with bird.

seagent Loc: Colorado

Bozsik wrote:

Here is some advice. Take it or leave it.

You need to get closer.

RRBB have a high affinity for nesting in mustard plants. There are a couple of techniques you could use. Once you arrive at the shooting location, sit down and watch where the adult birds land. They are usually prone to choosing a series of spots at the perimeter of the territory they have set up. This works to an advantage for you. You can often locate where the actual nest site is by just spending some time watching the movements. They weave a nest in the branches of the mustard about 2/3rd's of the distance from the ground.

Get yourself some cloth of drab color(preferably camo but not necessarily) to use as a drape over you and your camera. This next part is important. BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU to the spot you intend to shoot from. they can get you later if they don't want to wait. You should be able to get within 20 foot of the desired spot, (where you scouted them landing the previous visit). Set up your tripod and lens and whatever stool you will be using to sit on. Have your partner drape the fabric over you and then leave the spot. Make sure the adult birds see your partner leave. Birds are not the best mathematicians. Since they can't count, they will want to return to the spot and carry on with their activities. Seeing the other person leave is a good thing.

Remember these things:
1.) Move as little as possible.
2.) Don't go there and expect to be shooting in 10 minutes. Be patient.
3.) Make sure you are comfortable, it could be a while.
4.) Be patient.
5.) Try to get there early in the day. It will give the birds more time to settle down.
6.) Be patient.
7.) Make sure you have a clear view of the spots they are most likely to land. They will probably use those first.
8.) And most important of all - Be patient. You don't need the big lens. If you have one, that's great, but it is not always necessary.

The shot I have attached was taken from the roof of my SUV in a Shopping Mall parking lot. I was standing there for almost three hours waiting for the birds to feed their young and present good shots. They came in about every 5 to 10 minutes. This is one of the shots. I received a lot of strange looks from the passing shoppers, but what the hey, I got better shots than they would have down below. Be patient and good luck.

Here is some advice. Take it or leave it. br br ... (show quote)

Great advice and an excellent shot..

:thumbup: