I am having problems with Green Grass/ shrubs cause distortion with my photos (Page 2): ---------------do you shoot "auto" or "manual" ?-----try shooting in manual and adjust your...

GAH1944 Loc: SW Mich.

---------------do you shoot "auto" or "manual" ?-----try shooting in manual and adjust your f-stop and shutter speed for compensation-------take several shots to find what's right for you------I hope this is of some help

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

As others have alluded to, it looks like a depth of field issue. You're shooting at a super-zoom and your subject is in focus, anything in front of it (and sometimes in back of it) will be out of focus. You may not even be aware of the branch or leaf sticking up in the photo until you've downloaded it.

You can use a narrow depth of field to your advantage; it can act as an abstract frame for your subject. But, as you see in some of your photos, you do not want the leaves or branches to cover your subject.

Again, you may not even be aware of the intruding objects when you take the photo and when you look at the photo on the lcd screen (those screens are awfully small!).

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

photoman022 wrote:

As others have alluded to, it looks like a depth o... (show quote)

Thank you Photoman. Yes, the screens are small , and I don't Always notice this as I'm shooting.
But I am starting to get the idea. I will think more about what's around the image (foreground, background etc_). I do often shoot close to the subject (usually I am photographing birds)....with the aim of having the bird be in focus.

Thank you very much for your advice.

Jim

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

GAH1944 wrote:

---------------do you shoot "auto" or "manual" ?-----try shooting in manual and adjust your f-stop and shutter speed for compensation-------take several shots to find what's right for you------I hope this is of some help

Thank you very much. Usually I have been shooting in Automated "Bird Scene mode" where you have very little control.
I have been experimenting with shutter priority and manual modes, more and more. I do like having some control .

I appreciate your advice. I am trying to learn how to be a better photographer. And I really enjoy it.

thanks

Jim

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

Flyerace wrote:

Jd, I took the big leap and removed my UV filter o... (show quote)

Thank you very much for your wisdom and info.
I do use a lens hood (but have switched from the plastic one (with scooped out sides) to a rubber one.
I took off my UV Filter , and the last two days, I can see a difference in my photos.
I shot some ducks on the water, and they looked so much clearer and distinct.

I have been lucky enough not to drop the camera yet.....but came very close (I had a flimsy monopod, which suddenly collapsed on me. The camera was headed straight for a rock......Yikes. Luckily I had my hand on the strap, and caught it in time. I have since replaced the monopod.

One big reason for switching to the rubber lens hood, is shooting thru glass. At the Zoo, some of the animals are behind glass. If I allowed the previous lens hood touch the glass at all, the camera would freeze up.

Thanks again for your info.
I am learning as I go. and I do appreciate learning from others.

thanks

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

rmalarz wrote:

There is nothing you're doing that is wrong, at le... (show quote)

Bob,
Thank you very much for your efforts and advice.
I downloaded your image, and can see a difference. It does then to be the Greens that cause this effect.
I will have to re-adjust my camera to minimize this affect.
It makes sense to me what you are saying.

I will do some experiementing with different positions and settings, and see what works best.

thanks again, as I appreciate your input.

Jim

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

jdtonkinson wrote:

Ok thanks for your input. I will make an effort to do so.

Sorry JD, I wasn't trying to be snarky. I like the affect in some cases but make sure you have clear line of sight with borders on your subject or the close in out of focus foliage will bleed into your sight lines.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

DanielB wrote:

Sorry JD, I wasn't trying to be snarky. I like the affect in some cases but make sure you have clear line of sight with borders on your subject or the close in out of focus foliage will bleed into your sight lines.

No I wasn't offended.
I do appreciate the suggestions.
I asked for input, so I can learn how to get better results.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

You are shooting at f5.6. Depending upon distance to main subject the DOF could be quite thin. So as above the "green" looks like out of focus foreground. In focus foreground often gives a "3D" perspective

IDguy Loc: Idaho

jdtonkinson wrote:

Ok...thank you for your advice. I may try removing the UV Filter. the other issue , I'll try to be more aware of what I'm focusing on, and what is in the fore grown.

I am trying to keep the main subject in focus.

I am somewhat new at this, so I am trying to learn as I go.

thanks

Jim

If you have to shoot through greenery or fences use your lowest f-stop. And be sure to get the focus on your subject. Some of the foreground stuff might go away.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

jdtonkinson wrote:

Thank you very much. Usually I have been shooting in Automated "Bird Scene mode" where you have very little control.
I have been experimenting with shutter priority and manual modes, more and more. I do like having some control .

I appreciate your advice. I am trying to learn how to be a better photographer. And I really enjoy it.

thanks

Jim

Manual isn’t a help in these cases. Try A or, if your camera has it, P.

Also use single point focus and, if your camera has it, spot metering.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

You can also try reducing green saturation.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

you sure that is not plants in front of the lens. sure looks like it to me.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

You have out of focus foliage between you and your subject. The camera focus and exposure look good, it's just those pesky leaves and such! In some realms of reality, that is called target fixation...concentrating on what you are shooting at, and forgetting everything else. In photo, mostly not dangerous, but in other situations...Don't feel bad, we all have or will do it!

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

bleirer wrote:

Do you have a lens protection filter on? Are you using a lens hood? Take the first off and put the second on.

Absolutely NOTHING to do with what is shown in the photos. frankraney nailed it!