Trying to catch a flock of birds.
Jan 5, 2012 10:56:00 #
I tend to get better focus when flying birds have sky as a background over having the ground as a backdrop. The auto focus seems to want to lock on objects on the ground other than the birds but don't let this stop you from shooting the low flying birds. Just shoot shoot shoot. Good light and fast shutter speeds help. There is much good advice here on this topic.
Jan 5, 2012 12:41:22 #
A lot of practice, anticipate/be ready & plenty of patience. The more you shoot/practice, the easier it becomes. The fast flying ducks present a good challenge. Their movements are quick and the fly 35-40 mph
Good luck
Good luck
Jan 5, 2012 15:53:11 #
If the sky is bright, and the birds are darker, you should use exposure compensation, 1/2 to one stop +.
Jan 5, 2012 16:29:39 #
artlover
Loc: NM
Be very quiet. Where we live the birds are doing their thing and do
not get upset. I once had 8 birds take off after a thunder noise.
I cropped each and every one and they weren't too bad. The
camera I used then was the 3.2 MP I had at the time. It worked
well. :-)
not get upset. I once had 8 birds take off after a thunder noise.
I cropped each and every one and they weren't too bad. The
camera I used then was the 3.2 MP I had at the time. It worked
well. :-)
Jan 5, 2012 17:18:11 #
I usually put my Nikon D5100 in Shutter priority at about 2500 to 3200. Then I pan with the birds and start shooting. Keep panning as you shoot. I usually start shooting when they take off and follow them as they go by. Good luck in practicing. :):):)
Jan 5, 2012 17:27:14 #
nikondaddy
Loc: Mayfield,Kentucky
actually it,s a great shot showing flight and action in a pan. Shoot it at a higher shutter speed at least 200th or more and 1000 will naill it.
Jan 5, 2012 19:02:58 #
Jan 5, 2012 21:16:30 #
alycat,
I am using Canon XSi. Lens 55mm-250mm IS lens is on it most of the time.
I am using Canon XSi. Lens 55mm-250mm IS lens is on it most of the time.
Jan 6, 2012 00:11:58 #
Di: Camera has the capibility, fairly high shutter speed, try exposure comp. More exposure so the birds won't be sillouettes, and keep shooting.
Jan 9, 2012 18:35:48 #
Looks like the shot was made early or late in the day in a low light situation. You may need to increase the ISO way above the 400 mentioned by an earlier poster in order to have enough light to stop the action.
I agree with the others on panning. I found it helpful to go to a park and practice on runners, cyclers, cars, etc.
I agree with the others on panning. I found it helpful to go to a park and practice on runners, cyclers, cars, etc.
Jan 9, 2012 22:20:16 #
Ok here is the problem that I see with camera or me. Panning is a hit or miss technique- so following sometimes will get me one out of 5 shots - (maybe). Either the Canon XSi does not do well with low contrast or low light situations, or I am just not getting settings right . If I go for 1/1000 image is too dark .I am at a loss for F stop. I am using Canon 55mm-250m IS lens and it will not go lower than F 5.6 - even in manual. Right now I am taking up suggestion on practicing shooting moving cars .
My goal is to catch flight of ducks either taking off or landing in water. So for now I will practice and get back with shot soon.
My goal is to catch flight of ducks either taking off or landing in water. So for now I will practice and get back with shot soon.
Jan 9, 2012 22:35:08 #
The advantage of panning is that since you are theoretically following the birds (cars etc) you do not need as fast a shutter speed. You will also get the backround blurred which is beautiful when one wishes to show "action and movement." In other words the backround will be blurred and the birds sharp. If you use to fast a shutter speed you won't get this effect. With the widest lens opening as a limitation you should also boost your ISO as much as possible. I would think you could capture the birds with 1/200, perhaps even less and still get shar photos with the birds motion frozen.
Jan 10, 2012 19:00:23 #
Not to beat this thing to death, but here is an example of panning quickly (duck flying 35-40 mph) at only 160th of a second. Not as clear as I would like, but you can certainly tell he is moving from the blurred background. A little luck helps too!
Jan 10, 2012 21:35:38 #
Steve H.
I agree . Thanks for sharing. There are times when those perfect shots are good luck and good timing.
I agree . Thanks for sharing. There are times when those perfect shots are good luck and good timing.
Jan 10, 2012 22:19:44 #
Gil wrote:
... (duck flying 35-40 mph) at only 160th of a second. Not as clear as I would like, but you can certainly tell he is moving from the blurred background. A little luck helps too!
Two observations, if I might:
1) Practice tends to create luck, and
2) If its head was stationary in relation to its body, your image of the duck would be sharper. I'd suggest that your choice of shutter speed was pretty much as perfect as your panning execution, in that the duck's body is sharp and the blurred wings and head add to the sensation of motion. That looks darn good to me!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.