JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

I rented a Tamron SP 150-600 lens to try on my Nikon D7000. A trip was planned to photograph Sandhill Cranes @ Horicon Marsh, Wis.

The freeze came and the cranes moved on before I could get there but the trip was planned and the lens arrived so I determined to make the drive and find other things to photograph.

A few samples from the trip for your review.

Thanks for taking the time to look and comment.

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SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

#1 - Composition is not there with the horizon dead center. The jetty leads the eye to the right, away from the lighthouse. Why ISO 400 when you have this much light? The high ISO caused you, or the camera, to choose f/18. Probably should have been shot at ISO 100 and f/11 for less noise.

#2 - Again, no need for ISO 400 for this shot. It just increases noise. No need for 1/1000 speed. Could have been shot at ISO 100, f/11 at 1/250 sec for less noise

#3 - Again ISO 400 not needed, and f/22 is asking for diffraction problems. Looks like some camera shake as everything is slightly blurry.

I noticed all shots had the camera set for -4/3 compensation. What were you trying to accomplish by doing this? I realize you may have been experimenting with the lens but I don't think your camera settings are bringing out the best it has to offer.

JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

thanks a lot for your honest and candid reviews, I need to think about everything you said and try to understand the "whys" myself.

Yes some experimenting was for sure going on with limited time at location and with the rental of the lens as well so I know I was pressing the issue to some degree. Also, yes, some camera shake is likely, all we hand held because of bitter cold the only support I was getting was from the car window frame, not setting up a tripod.

lporrel Loc: California

The first shot does not follow the rule of thirds, but it _generally_ works for me. The line of the jetty does take you past the lighthouse, but then the waves bring you back. The lines pull the eye around quite nicely. Also, even though the composition is technically split horizontally down the middle, it doesn't feel like it. It does have too much sky, which you could easily crop out--especially if publishing only online.

The second shot also works for me. I wonder why you composed with more space behind the subject (instead of in front), but again, it works. The graininess is not a problem for me since the image is essentially monotone; so, the grain actually adds some interesting texture (IMO).

I dislike the third shot for several reasons, including the placement of the horizon and the fact that it appears to be out of level.