Still can't quite nail 'em!
Oct 26, 2013 17:40:58 #
After my last attempts at the local reserve I took the advice offered by our UHH experts - bought an extender and got a bit closer (and muddier!) - but I still haven't got to the standard I want. Widest aperture available with the extender is f8. Also started shooting in raw and have had to start the pp learning curve. The white egret look a bit pink, but the sun was low.
1/400, f8, 475mm, iso800
1/500, f8, 465mm, iso1000
1/1250, f8, 560mm, iso1000 - oops!, he's hopped out of the water..
Oct 26, 2013 18:18:43 #
The light in #1 and #3 make them very beautiful images, IMO. Attractive poses they have too :)
Oct 26, 2013 19:05:37 #
#3 for me, for lighting and the stalking movement. Keep shooting and posting!
Oct 27, 2013 08:38:17 #
Don't want to step on any toes, but adding an extender will at times limit your shooting capabilities. As mentioned your now at F/8 with zoom extended which lowers your light which in turns ups your ISO, not to mention, lowers your shutter speed as you need more light, all of which will lower the quality of your photos. Bottom line getting closer and only shooting when light permits will yield the best possible photographs. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. This of coarse is My Opinion.... I spend a lot of time locating, learning and approaching my subjects.
Oct 27, 2013 09:01:06 #
Yes, I quite agree fstop22 - in fact these shots were taken on a day I went shooting deer, specifically without the extender as I'd had all the problems you mention on a previous attempt. However, had to put the extender on when I got to the salt marsh as I couldn't get any closer - but I will keep trying. Thanks for your help and time - much appreciated.
fstop22 wrote:
Don't want to step on any toes, but adding an exte... (show quote)
Oct 27, 2013 10:18:51 #
No Problem
Salt marsh is probably the best spot to get water bird photos. If you don't already know, follow the tide charts as the birds are most actively feeding at Low tide when the little fish/crabs ect are easily caught. Low tide also allows you to get a little closer if you have a good set of boots/ not to mention low tide near the shore where you have trees/brush to hide behind. Good-luck, keep up the hunt.
Salt marsh is probably the best spot to get water bird photos. If you don't already know, follow the tide charts as the birds are most actively feeding at Low tide when the little fish/crabs ect are easily caught. Low tide also allows you to get a little closer if you have a good set of boots/ not to mention low tide near the shore where you have trees/brush to hide behind. Good-luck, keep up the hunt.
magnetoman wrote:
Yes, I quite agree fstop22 - in fact these shots were taken on a day I went shooting deer, specifically without the extender as I'd had all the problems you mention on a previous attempt. However, had to put the extender on when I got to the salt marsh as I couldn't get any closer - but I will keep trying. Thanks for your help and time - much appreciated.
Oct 29, 2013 15:55:39 #
Many thanks to everyone that has taken time to look at these shots, and for the helpful encouragement - all much appreciated.
Oct 30, 2013 14:17:32 #
fstop22 wrote:
Don't want to step on any toes, but adding an exte... (show quote)
Thanks for the advise. Being a serious hiker and walker, I do all my photography hand-held. Birds and insects are my favorite subjects. My best lens for the Nikon D7000 is a Nikon AF-S 70-300mm.
I'm learning from experience that getting close is the biggest single factor in getting sharp shots, assuming correct camera settings and a steady hand. A lot of the shooting is in dim light either on cloudy days or late afternoon when the birds are active, but if it's close enough the pictures can still be sharp, clear, and dramatic for an amateur. These three were taken at or after sunset.
Black Phoebe - Lopez Canyon Medium Crop
Rusty and Jo Ann - Lopez Cyn near sunset
Orb web and small leaf - Lopez Canyon Medium Crop
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