JimBart wrote:
I took a walk in the local preserve today and took a few bird shots. Although they are not the best they will have to do as the day was cold and grey skies. What am I doing wrong........Something seems to be lacking
Blue skies are forecast for the weekend
Thanks for the help
Nature photos lean more to luck than getting things the way we wanted it, unless we make the great effort of setting up the shot like using feeders & blinds.
For a general walkabout shoot, here's some stuffs to consider:
1. Know your quarry, so you can somewhat predict what it is going to do and set up an ambush shot(pre planned composition) accordingly.
2. Try to get in the same level. Shooting up or shooting down usually do not make for a good composition because we are used to seeing them that way, so it does not make for a special looking shot.
3. Avoid clutter. Strive to make the subject a hero and everything else in the frame supporting it. Think how the scene would look as a silhouette.
4. Shooting from the windward side so you point the camera downwind. Birds generally fly or perch looking into the wind. This means getting face or side photos instead of tails.
5. Use the lowest f-number you can unless you want to include the background.
6. Focus on focus! Always try to focus on the eyes, or keep in mind what you want to hero and focus on that.
7. If it is moving, give some room for cropping. If it is still, then shoot to final composition. Move closer if needed.
8. Shoot as much as you can, use multiple exposure mode. Don't be a sniper unless you have reached proficiency.
9. Chimp whenever possible. Outdoors, lighting can change by the second. Adapt & adjust
10. Plan ahead, imagine the shot and give it time.
11. Use the longest & fastest lens you can hand hold. Reach is king and light is queen when it comes to wildlife photography. Comfort, control, mobility & smooth operation are your aces.
12. Study your captures and others, and try to figure out where it can be improved. Repeat the shoot and study it again. Sometimes it takes multiple tries or days to get one good perfect shot.
I use this list as my own guide in getting the shot i want. It is not complete by far or perfect, but IMHO, a good base to build upon.
Good luck and may you always have brightlight and smiles.