Another Garter Snake Conversation: Well, I hope I understand how to use the new software! Here goes! On my last offering it was suggested I focus on the eye, so I really tried! This...

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Well, I hope I understand how to use the new software! Here goes!

On my last offering it was suggested I focus on the eye, so I really tried! This was shot in the early evening. The sun was still up, temperature in the mid 70s. Mr. Snake was very accommodating and didn't leave until I tickled his tail.

I was using my new camera, a Nikon D5500, with a AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1;3.5-5.6GII lens. So much to learn!

Please feel free to comment, make suggestions, comparrisons, etc.

Thank you for looking and have a beautiful day.

JL

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

A tough subject to capture, for sure - in lower light, the snake's movement, and your limited focal length. Your focus appears to be sharpest on the rock in #1 and further down his neck in #2.

Even though your ISO would have increased, consider shooting faster than 1/60 sec on a moving subject. Regarding focal length, do you have any plans to purchase a longer lens? B&H Photo Video, Adorama, KEH and others all sell used lenses if you are looking for a less pricey investment.

I have two used lenses from B&H that I'm very happy with.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Linda From Maine wrote:

A tough subject to capture, for sure - in lower li... (show quote)

DH has a longer lens. I was way too close to the snake to use his lens. It is a AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 GED.

Both are new to me so any suggestions are highly appreciated.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Nice captures.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

More thoughts: I checked your last posting and see that Bozsik uploaded some photos as examples of sharp eyes. What's equally important about his is how much of the frame is filled with the subject. Very engaging. You can likely crop yours, but the focus is still an issue. And also very hard to focus on such a tiny area (the eyes) of a moving subject, with that lens. Just too far away.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

run4fittness wrote:

DH has a longer lens. I was way too close to the snake to use his lens. It is a AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 GED.

Both are new to me so any suggestions are highly appreciated.

I have a Canon 70-300 mm lens and even with the IS (VR to Nikon users), find I need to keep the shutter speed at least 1/250 sec to prevent motion blur - from my own swaying, not the subject's :) (and I hate tripods!)

Since you were at 55 mm in these shots, seems like you could have used the 55-300 lens at about 100 or 150 mm.

If your interest lies mostly with wildlife, I recommend you go out as often as possible with the 55-300, keep the shutter speed at 1/200 or faster, and practice with moving subjects. There's no substitute for practice, practice, practice.

Also check your user manual for information on focus point info on your camera, and perhaps ask for tips in a main forum topic.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I shoot mostly wild life and grand kids; the grand kids are just as hard to shot a wild life, constant motion. I have a D7100 and a 18-300 DX lens. I went through what you are going though now; not long enough lens. You have an excellent camera for what you want to do but you just can not get close enough with that lens, even though the lens to is an excellent lens. It just isn't long enough. Your shots aren't that bad. You have the right ideas: getting down low for this subject and focusing on the eye. If your 5500 has center focus use that and you will have an easier time getting sharp photos. If money is an issue I would go to 'used' at one of the reliable places like B&H or Adorama or KEH and look for a lens. I wouldn't go shorter than 300. These have great reputations and will stand behind their products.

Your doing just fine and remember the 'Ps' patience and practice. Good shooting

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

angler wrote:

Nice captures.

Thank you, he was such a willing subject also.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Linda From Maine wrote:

More thoughts: I checked your last posting and see that Bozsik uploaded some photos as examples of sharp eyes. What's equally important about his is how much of the frame is filled with the subject. Very engaging. You can likely crop yours, but the focus is still an issue. And also very hard to focus on such a tiny area (the eyes) of a moving subject, with that lens. Just too far away.

Yes, I have been practicing with cropping and other functions. I understand not having everything centered, etc. Plus some things just look better when not centered.

How would you crop these to make them better?

Thank you for your input.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Linda From Maine wrote:

I have a Canon 70-300 mm lens and even with the IS... (show quote)

Oh yes, love the wildlife! I do spend a lot of time in the woods. Just more peaceful and so much to see.

I did notice if using the longer lens, I cannot be as close, or is that just me? I know not every thing needs to be right in your face, but to me something like this gets lost in a lot of background "noise". Hope I am explaining that correctly.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

tramsey wrote:

I shoot mostly wild life and grand kids; the grand... (show quote)

Thank you! I will check more on the camera. After all, I have only had it one week! I am also reading the "Dummy" book for this type of camera. Lots to remember and then try the next time! But it is fun and I do occasionally get a good one.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

run4fittness wrote:

How would you crop these to make them better?

Thank you for your input.

Since you weren't able to get sharp focus on the snake's head, probably these won't be ideal for cropping. Again, referencing Bozsik's posts to your earlier topic where he has subject very close in frame, using the 55-300 to get the snake larger in the frame would be a goal worth working towards.

The other consideration would be an animal "in its environment." I often love photos of birds that are not close-ups, but that show a pretty setting (flowering tree, for example) or in beautiful light. Lots of possibilities though I know very well that critters are often not cooperative to the photographer

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Linda From Maine wrote:

Since you weren't able to get sharp focus on the s... (show quote)

Thank you. This fella was crossing the logging trail I was hiking on. Could not pass up the opportunity. Shall keep looking!