Osprey - Looking for constructive comments and criticism: I've been reading this site for about 5 or 6 months and have learned a lot from the commentary on how to improve photos from...

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

I've been reading this site for about 5 or 6 months and have learned a lot from the commentary on how to improve photos from all aspects. This is my first attempt at posting photo's for your review and comment, and I would appreciate any recommendations for improvement.

I took the attached pictures the other day while visiting family in Fremont, WI and developed them with darktable. Both are of ospreys, probably a mating pair, The first was sitting on the nest and the second was in a tree and spooked when I tried to get closer. Both are pretty heavily cropped.

Details
Nikon 3400
Nikkor AF-P 70-300mm 4.5-6.3G ED kit lens
Other details should be in the EXIF data

Thanks!
JC

(Download)

trainspotter Loc: Oregon

Nice bird in flight shot.

Drip Dry McFleye

I spent roughly 8 hours over three different days hanging around two different osprey nests. The delete button got a heck of a workout! It ain't easy! The best advice i can offer is to read Steve Perry's e-book on wildlife photography. It's well worth the price he asks. Steve is a stand up guy who knows what he is talking about.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Some purple fringing (chromatic aberration) that could be removed in post. (Not sure if darktable does that).
...nice grab

treadwl Loc: South Florida

The are laudable efforts as a beginning. I would offer several suggestions. The shot on the next is way too dark. I would wait until the sun is hitting the nest so that it lights up. You did well capturing the bird in flight however, what you have is the classic butt shot. If it is an active next, just wait for the bird to leave and then return. Get it coming back to the nest. It will usually stand up as it lands which makes for great wing spread shot. Frame your shot while the bird is away and then just wait, and wait. Eventually it will come home.

Good luck.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

It takes a little luck and some planning for this to happen but try to set up with the wind and the sun at your back. Birds like to land and takeoff into the wind, increasing your odds of a good shot.
I like to have direct sunlight on the birds eyes if I can.

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Thank you, Trainspotter!

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Thank you, Drip Dry McFleye. My brother-in-law and I were out for a drive and we got lucky. That said, still may shots deleted.

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

crazydaddio wrote:

Some purple fringing (chromatic aberration) that could be removed in post. (Not sure if darktable does that).
...nice grab

I didn't notice the fringing until I saw your comment. It is less pronounced in the download, but I'll work on it. I'm pretty sure darktable can handle it, but I've got GIMP if not.

Thanks!

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

treadwl wrote:

The are laudable efforts as a beginning. I would ... (show quote)

Thank you for the advice!

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

BassmanBruce wrote:

It takes a little luck and some planning for this to happen but try to set up with the wind and the sun at your back. Birds like to land and takeoff into the wind, increasing your odds of a good shot.
I like to have direct sunlight on the birds eyes if I can.

Great advice BassmanBruce!

Thanks,
JC

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

jcryan wrote:

Great advice BassmanBruce!

Thanks,
JC

...and try to shoot in early morning or evening for takeoff and landing shots. Birds eye is more likely to be in the sun.
Check wind direction as it should be blowing towards the sun and you should have the sun at your back or side .

2 examples
1) how not to do it. Morning sun is at the Goose's back. Detail is lost despite raising shadows in post.
2) Better. sun is camera right, good detail on wings of front bird. (Not a great photo but illustrates the point)

Hope that brings home Bassmans point.

Keep shooting.

(Download)

agillot

in san diego we have a few well positioned nests .the first shot , the nest is too high for great pictures , but you will get descent shots landing and taking off .if you get youngsters in the nest , when they learn to fly , they will stand on the edge of nest and exercise their wings . a bright sun low is best for lighting .so morning or late afternoon best .a osprey with a fish also a good subject .

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

crazydaddio wrote:

...and try to shoot in early morning or evening fo... (show quote)

Thank you for the advice a examples!

JC

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

agillot wrote:

in san diego we have a few well positioned nests .the first shot , the nest is too high for great pictures , but you will get descent shots landing and taking off .if you get youngsters in the nest , when they learn to fly , they will stand on the edge of nest and exercise their wings . a bright sun low is best for lighting .so morning or late afternoon best .a osprey with a fish also a good subject .

Agillot, unfortunately my opportunity for Osprey is coming to a close, but now that I am beginning my retirement, I hope to put the excellent advice to good use in my soon to be new home in the Dominican Republic.

Cheers,
JC