Matt13 Loc: Kentwood, MI

I'm new on here to learn all I can about being a serious photographer. I love taking pictures and I'm nothing more than someone who loves to document life. I'll take pictures of anything that I find interesting and with whatever I happen to have with me. I prefer to use my new Canon EOS Rebel T6 but I still use my Nikon Coolpix L830, Olympus FE-5020 and of course my iPhone7+ (this is what is on me all the time and captures most of my unexpected pics).
This shoot was one of my favorites once I figured out how to use my new camera. I have a lot to learn and can't wait until I'm as good as the people on this forum.

(Download)

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog Matt, enjoy.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Welcome, Matt from Kentwood. Nice shot there.

We try to get down to Aman Park every spring for the bloom.

Mike

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

We all do. Excellent start!

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Welcome to UHH Matt, glad you joined us. Good first post.
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.

Don

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Welcome to the forum.

Joe Blow

Good shot. However, the focus is a little soft. Looking at your EXIF data, it appears you used a Cannon EF 70-300 at full aperture (f5.6). A trick to remember is don't use lenses at the extreme apertures*. Your shot would have been sharper at f8.0 or f11.0. Drop your shutter to 1/500 and raise your ISO to 800 to compensate.

Now this is the scary part. Load that CD that came with your camera onto your computer. There is a program called DPP. It is a Canon photo editor and will do the kind of stuff you need in RAW. Then shoot RAW + JPG. When you d/l the photos, half will have the extension CR2 and a matching set with JPG. DPP will allow you to fix the softness easier than using Windows Photo Editor or any stand alone JPG editor.

* Many laugh at them but there are a group that advise you shoot everything at f8.0. I'm not one of them but they do have a point. Most lenses are sharper a couple of stops up from the maximum and minimum. While that doesn't suggest you should never use your largest aperture, or the smallest, you won't give you your best shots. This is not as much of a problem on some very high end professional lenses. In the meantime though, I recommend you try shooting at f8.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

The Photo Critique section :

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-117-1.html

Advice from the Pros

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-129-1.html

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Matt, Welcome to UHH. Love your raptor shot. Have fun.

justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan

Welcome to the Hog... from someone who grew up in Kentwood.. but now lives a few hours north.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Welcome and congratulations on a great shot!

Matt13 Loc: Kentwood, MI

Thank you. I grew up in Grand Haven but I've been here in Kentwood for awhile. I miss the "Big Lake" and my family is there so I go back a lot.

Matt13 Loc: Kentwood, MI

Thanks Joe. That is the reason I registered here today. I want to learn things like what you wrote. The cd you were talking about wasn't in my kit so I need to investigate where I can get one for editing. The photo shop editing software is too pricey. The picture I posted was taken in September and I am eager to get back out there. I have shot some football games, basketball games, marching band and a swim meet since then. Everyone of them has different issues I needed to figure out but it's fun learning.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Welcome to the forum!

photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ

Welcome to the Hog