BIF and Backround: As a fledgling BIF photographer, I am trying to follow and find slower shorebirds in my camera’s viewfinder. Attached are some of my efforts. The third photo I find...

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

As a fledgling BIF photographer, I am trying to follow and find slower shorebirds in my camera’s viewfinder. Attached are some of my efforts. The third photo I find almost unpleasant to view because of the excessive depth of field. Would I have lost sharpness if I had increased my aperture setting or could I do some post processing in Lightroom to blur/change the backround? I hope this isn’t too elementary of a question. I am often reluctant to post because I am so impressed with the photos I am able to view. Any comments would be welcomed.

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Terrymac Loc: LONDON U.K.

I like no. 3 the best. Looks almost 3D. Thanks.

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

1 & 2 are fine and in focus. A smaller f stop on #3 would have blurred the background more.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

You're right - some of the photos are really impressive, and it is daunting to think that maybe yours might not compare favorably

But the way to handle it is to just do it. Post. You want to learn. I want to learn. Then we need to post samples of what we take. And by the way, I like all three of yours. They're each well-done

I've never even tried a BIF, so you're way ahead of me

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

I use a 70-200mm 2.8 and a 200-500mm F5.6 for BIF. I almost exclusively use f4.5-f8 and f8-f11 respectively. Situations vary. It appears that a small aperture was used on a bird that was relatively close to the background allowing for it to be in relative focus also. I would perhaps have shot wide open. I hope this helps.
Otherwise a nice early attempt and it looks like you are on your way. Keep on practicing.

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

Terrymac wrote:

I like no. 3 the best. Looks almost 3D. Thanks.

Terry Mac,
Thank-you for your response.

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

jimvanells wrote:

1 & 2 are fine and in focus. A smaller f stop on #3 would have blurred the background more.

I appreciate you taking a look.

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

joecichjr wrote:

You're right - some of the photos are really impre... (show quote)

Thanks for your encouragement. The more I learn I realize the less I know.

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

JeffDavidson wrote:

I use a 70-200mm 2.8 and a 200-500mm F5.6 for BIF. I almost exclusively use f4.5-f8 and f8-f11 respectively. Situations vary. It appears that a small aperture was used on a bird that was relatively close to the background allowing for it to be in relative focus also. I would perhaps have shot wide open. I hope this helps.
Otherwise a nice early attempt and it looks like you are on your way. Keep on practicing.

Jeff,
Thank-you for your tips. I appreciate the feedback.

bleirer

You can blur the background in photoshop for sure, i don't think so in lightroom. There are more complicated variations with masks, but this gives easy basics https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/blur-background-for-focal-point.html

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

bleirer wrote:

You can blur the background in photoshop for sure, i don't think so in lightroom. There are more complicated variations with masks, but this gives easy basics https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/blur-background-for-focal-point.html

Bleirer,

Thank-you for the link. I like easy basics

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

A wider f/stop would have been better in this case. Maybe even wide open. 1/8000 for slow-flying birds is a little much. Slow your shutter speed to allow for more light when appropriate. This will allow for wider apertures and better bokeh. You are off to a great start; keep at it.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

bleirer wrote:

You can blur the background in photoshop for sure, i don't think so in lightroom. There are more complicated variations with masks, but this gives easy basics https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/blur-background-for-focal-point.html

Most certainly can in Lightroom as well. And darken, including vignette, which is what I would try.

Here is attempt with Lightroom mobile on iPad.

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bleirer

IDguy wrote:

Most certainly can in Lightroom as well. And darken, including vignette, which is what I would try.

Here is attempt with Lightroom mobile on iPad.

What tool is used for blur in lightroom?

Mainridge Loc: NW Mich, SW Fla

IDguy wrote:

Most certainly can in Lightroom as well. And darken, including vignette, which is what I would try.

Here is attempt with Lightroom mobile on iPad.

Thank-you for viewing and thank-you for your suggestions.