I Am Trying To Make Progress...
May 2, 2023 19:26:23 #
Hi Friends...this is my first attempt to post a picture, and seek feedback. For a number of years, I have been lazy, and shooting on automatic or program mode with a Nikon D7200 with kit lens. On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I was very disappointed in my photo results (shooting in low light under the jungle canopy) and resolved to upgrade my equipment and learn how to use it properly. I purchased a Nikon D500 and a AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm 1:4.5-5.6G ED. I took this photo this afternoon. The bird was somewhat hidden within the lower branches of a large tree, in shade. This Barred Owl was very cooperative, and I took a number of photos at different F-stops, Shutter Speed, ISO, etc. To my eye, this photo was the best, at f/5.6, 1/200 sec., ISO-1400, +1 exposure bias, Focal Length 370 mm. Any suggestions for me?
May 2, 2023 19:49:06 #
That's a really nice shot Tom. Not sure if you're already using it but I only ever use spot focus for all my bird shots...I also have a D500 and love it... 
Ron.
Ron.
May 2, 2023 19:57:11 #
Sunsetpar wrote:
Hi Friends...this is my first attempt to post a pi... (show quote)
Wonderful result! In the camera settings, consider changing to AF-C for continuous focus while you shoot in bursts. For processing, consider commercial software. You might sharpen this image as well as process the noise of the background details. The Windows Photo Editor has suppressed the AF location, but it seems you captured the leaf rather than the eyes. I'm guessing, since the image EXIF no longer includes that AF position.
Look too at your colorspace setting. The posted JPEG uses Adobe RGB, rather than sRGB. If you're shooting JPEGs in Adobe RGB, consider changing to sRGB. Or, using commercial software that outputs sRGB after editing in Adobe RGB. The image has subtle tones of a shaded area. But, a bit more 'pop' to the colors, via global or color specific saturation, would be suggested. The use of something other than sRGB may also contribute to the dull appearance of the image.
May 2, 2023 20:03:24 #
great advice,,i'm still learning from your suggestions! thanks,luke
May 2, 2023 20:55:34 #
May 2, 2023 21:08:49 #
This a wonderful photo. I like the leaves in front of the owl. All in all i think it's well done. Spot focus is the way to go.
May 2, 2023 22:14:26 #
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May 3, 2023 10:03:14 #
Great capture!!! You will enjoy the D500,i have one and like it very much.
May 3, 2023 12:08:19 #
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May 3, 2023 20:20:17 #
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