J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice shots.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks! Glad you like them.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thank you...appreciate your comment.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Glad you commented....I will try staying at f8 next time and see what I can do with the ISO and shutter at that AP....thanks for the suggestion!

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks...and mine too! Just love watching them.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks Bill! I do have BBF already set and focus on AF-C but used the Group Focus instead of single, never thought about changing the EV...duh!! I will have to remember that next time. I am starting to get better at panning with the eagles flying...at least this time I was able to keep them in the frame! ! Usually I end up with half a bird in the frame, that's why I kept the focus on the Group instead of single....just not quite there yet to trust myself with the single...lol

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks!

billbarcus Loc: IPNW

Yes, getting half a bird in the frame comes with the territory of bird photography - aggravating. You will, however, be totally amazed at the results using Single Point focus. If you don't believe me yet, just keep shooting Group focus and learning new cuss words.

SP only takes a few shots and a little panning practice to get used to, and you will be amazed at the keeper rate. I know Steve Perry endorses Group Focus, but he also uses SP too and puts it right on the eyeball. Group is wonderful for stationary subjects. An otherwise perfectly focused eagle without that icon glaring eyeball and pupil in focus is a reject for the trash bin.

Also ... forgot to mention ... use a tripod!!! Handheld VR isn't all it's cracked up to be. I never, never go eagle shooting without my tripod. Never. The tripod alone will vastly improve the keeper rate.

If you don't have one, get one. At first you'll cuss it, then suddenly you'll fall in love with it. If you can afford it, get a Gimbal type head. I shoot with a Manfrotto 393 attached to a Manfrotto 055 tripod. The 393 can be had for a fraction of what the Wimberley sells for, and it works as well, or better. Fancy gear with fancy prices doesn't take good photographs.

I suspect you're riding your horses into that nesting area. Fashion a scabbard to carry the tripod.

I've offered my suggestions to you Cindy because I believe you are sincere about learning techniques to become a better photographer. I took one look at your photographs and immediately knew what was lacking and needed.

Hey, here's a little tip on panning those birds. It's like shooting Trap with a shotgun. Keep BOTH eyes open, pan slightly ahead of the bird and when you see its head poke into the frame, start firing. I fashioned a little red fiber optic sight onto the top of the sunshade with super glue - Two-way tape works. Flush mount. Works like a charm.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Bill...thank you so much for the info and suggestions.....we were actually in our fishing boat on the Noxon Reservoir when we spotted the nest...made the hubby drop me off on shore and he continued to fish....hmmm....can you see where my priority lies! He just laughed and dropped me off.

I do have a tripod but it's a cheaper model ($89) and have used my scabbard when on the horses to carry it when we go into the back country. The scabbard works great! I will need to get a better tripod and it's on my wish list already....so many things on my wish list! I promise to switch to Single point focus and practice next time I go out (and more than likely do a lot of cussing as well). Come to think about it....I can practice on smaller birds here at the house, we have a bunch of Magpies and Geese around here.

Do you have the single point centered or off slightly to one side?

billbarcus Loc: IPNW

Centered. I am going to PM you.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Very nice

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thank you!