zdncer Loc: Vancouver, WA

Used Shutter priority, 1/1600-2500, ISO 400, f6-10, Continuous focus. Sony a6000,18-200 Sony lens. All hand held while leaning against the window as we were not allowed to get out of the car due to signage of possibly scaring them away.

We are going to try snowy owl's this afternoon. Any ideas??? How to help them come out better than the eagles.

Sadly these are the good ones of the bunch.

Thanks Everyone,

JK

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

All are terribly under-exposed. I have to ask why you chose shutter priority? You are using a slow lens in poor lighting conditions. My choices likely would have been Aperture Priority at F8, ISO 800 (or higher if needed), and EC at +1 or even higher because of the clouds causing the backlighting of the subject.

zdncer Loc: Vancouver, WA

Thanks I will try that today.

I used that because when I googled what to do in these conditions that is what it told me to try. I did try some aperture priority and some on auto since the images were so bad. Still, Nothing was really great. I did forget about the EC though. I was so excited to see them and their dance and then frustrated because I couldn't get out of the car to get better angles and use the tripod.

My first time shooting eagles. And I am still learning camera also. Not a good combination. Clearly. But I gotta try and ask for help.

Thanks, I do appreciate any I can get.

I did buy Gary Friedman's book on the a6000 so maybe I will at least know how to use the camera soon

JK

mtparker Loc: Cape Charles & Springfield, Virginia

These appear to be back lit or your exposure settings are wrong (under exposed). I can't download and look at them.
Use aperture priority and test exposures while shooting if you have time.

For birds (and most subjects really) there is no substitute for getting close. Look at the size of the eagle compared to the whole frame in each of your images. You max out at 200mm. If you can't get closer, which many birds will not tolerate, then you need a longer focal length. I'm not sure you'll be able to get close enough to a snowy owl to get the images you want with the gear you have.

Good luck.

zdncer Loc: Vancouver, WA

I figure that is correct but I am still going to give it a try just the same.

Unfortunately, I am not where I can rent a longer lens at this time. Gotta make do with what I have.

Thanks,
JK

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

Anytime you have more background than subject, the camera's meter is going to go with the background reading (unless you use spot metering), which, in this case, is wrong. If nothing else, meter on the tree trunk and lock that exposure. That should be close to the bird's exposure. The sky will be blown out but the bird will be exposed correctly. Sometimes you have to fool the camera in extreme situations.

zdncer Loc: Vancouver, WA

Oh. OK. Thanks I will try that too.