Thanks for the confidence. Great subject, they should be here another day or so. I am going back to the water to see what I can get.
It was a long shot and the light faded about the time they were close enough. I took what I could get. Whales often feed in this area and don't seem to mind the boats.
Canon specifically says the back button will not work in the full auto mode.
If you shoot a RAW file you can assign the white balance later, Keeps it simple.
IMOP the answer would be yes, a 100mm macro lens would give a better close up photo. Look around for a used one. There are many not being used and some good buys to be had. (CraigsList, B&H would be a place to start)
Reduce your ISO to 100 and use a tripod.
You aren't going to convince everyone as to the merit of a GND. The closer you get it in camera the less post processing you will have to do. That said I am quite impressed with what can be done using Light Room 5 and a RAW file. Personally I am not a fan of HDR if when you get done it looks like it. If I can't tell then you did your job.
I have bought several used cameras from B&H and was satisfied. There are some REALLY good deal to be had if you don't the "latest & greatest" Recently bought was a 30D with lens in a 9 condition for $250.00. I know what I paid for my other 30D when new several years ago and it was a whole lot more than this.
Thanks for the feedback. They are a lot of fun to make and a way to have those photos we all have in the computer out and being viewed.
I liked them. Hard to find a snow leopard in the wild.
We take photos but getting them viewed is sometimes a challenge which is where this site can come into play. Most of my photography is done while riding my motorcycle in Oregon and northern California, a reason to get my dead ass off the bike seat. I put together this photo story, Settle Down. (copy & paste link)
http://vimeo.com/86460177 My hope is that it will inspire you to make and post one of your own. Hope you like it.
Thanks for the responses. Sometimes I feel limited in shooting scenarios and then I come up with a few I like.
The sun has moved north of the lighthouse ever so slightly, I stopped along the beach on my way home a few evenings ago. Besides the ocean and setting sun the most prominent feature seemed like it would be the light house however today the tide was out just right for some shots north. I wish I had brought a ND filter to soften the water but still was pleased with what I got. I went back the next evening with a ND filter but the tide cycle had the rocks covered at sunset. Hope you like them.