vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I've been trying to get better shots in general and better shots of egrets in particular. Today I went out with the intention of paying closer attention to all of my camera settings rather than just randomly shooting. I think the first two in this series may be my best efforts to date. When needed, I leveled, cropped to an 8 x 10 format, added contrast, touched up any noise and did as much sharpening as the image allowed without looking like too much.

I would love suggestions for improving these.

Not as sharp as I'd like.


Same photo with more cropping


#3 - Any better?


Same pose as #3 - more cropping


#5

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

Hey Vicki, number 3 is super! Nice and sharp and well composed with the full reflection in the frame.

You're right about the sharpness of the others. Remember, we focus on the bird's eye or at least something that is at the same distance from the camera. Use a single point and one shot (Not Servo) for autofocus when you have a sedentary bird such as you have here. Yes the bird is walking but it is perpendicular to the lens axis and they move slowly enough that it is possible to focus and recompose quickly enough that the bird will not go out of focus. Just remember to keep refocusing as the bird moves closer or farther away. Your work keeps getting better and better.

Just as a review, you place the focus point on the bird's eye, half press the shutter button to focus, recompose while maintaining the half press, then shoot.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks so much for the prompt critique.

I'm having a lot of trouble focusing on birds' eyes when they're so far away (this one was about 50 yards at its closest). I've been waiting for the camera "beep"to tell me when it's done focusing, but I don't think it's always accurate. Any suggestions? I'd get closer, but water and fences get in the way most of the time.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Agree on #3...white birds tricky,but you're getting there!!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You certainly have exposure of white birds conquered! #3 is lovely.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks rlaugh. It has certainly been challenging.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks Linda. Conquered? I don't know. A "happy accident" is more likely.:-) What can I say? I paid more attention to settings. Duh!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I find it very easy to forget about settings when out experiencing the beauty of nature. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the moment ;)

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Yeah, and it can be very disappointing when you get home and have nothing to show for your effort except a sunburn. :-)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

:thumbup: :thumbup: