Elusive White Birds: I've had a terrible time getting decent captures of egrets (and most white birds). Today I had better success. Some of these are better than others. I'm just happy...

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I've had a terrible time getting decent captures of egrets (and most white birds). Today I had better success. Some of these are better than others. I'm just happy I didn't blow out the whites completely. You be the judge. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for looking.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Have the same problem with white objects and light colored backgrounds, have you tried using a polarizing filter to see if that makes a difference

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Nice shots..nice DOF!!

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

White birds are terribly difficult. Of course lowest ISO,then y'have to sneak up on them and put salt on their tails,and use a big white reflector to fill in the shadow side.Ambitious project!

smsouthers Loc: Jacksonville, Florida

vicksart wrote:

I've had a terrible time getting decent captures of egrets (and most white birds). Today I had better success. Some of these are better than others. I'm just happy I didn't blow out the whites completely. You be the judge. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for looking.

Nice pictures! Love the Snowy Egret, and number four is my pick!

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

dooragdragon wrote:

Have the same problem with white objects and light colored backgrounds, have you tried using a polarizing filter to see if that makes a difference

I've thought about it, but need to cart around more stuff so I can play with different tools. Usually I've gotten so caught up in the moment, I forget to try other things other than basic camera adjustments. Today with these, many were shot with the white balance set to shade though it was a midday full sun situation.

Hopefully I'll have another opportunity soon.

Thanks for looking and giving some input.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

rlaugh wrote:

Nice shots..nice DOF!!

Thanks rlaugh. I always appreciate your looking and commenting.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

smsouthers wrote:

vicksart wrote:

I've had a terrible time getting decent captures of egrets (and most white birds). Today I had better success. Some of these are better than others. I'm just happy I didn't blow out the whites completely. You be the judge. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for looking.

Nice pictures! Love the Snowy Egret, and number four is my pick!

Thanks for looking and the compliment. I appreciate it.

jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR

Nice shots.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

jeanbug35 wrote:

Nice shots.

Thanks jeanbug35 - gradually getting there...I hope.

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

vicksart wrote:

I've had a terrible time getting decent captures of egrets (and most white birds). Today I had better success. Some of these are better than others. I'm just happy I didn't blow out the whites completely. You be the judge. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for looking.

Nice set Vick :-D

snowbird Loc: Indialantic FL /Lakewood NY

White birds are difficult. I think the # 3 is the best composition. In avian photos you generally want to get the bird's eye looking at the camera. You also want to have light on the bird's eye possibly a flicker of light on the eye called catch light. Early morning light tends to be softer. You are less likly to blow out the highlights. Many cameras tell you if have blown highlight it shows blinking lights in the blown area. In bright light underexpose by one or two stops. Bracket if your camrea has that capability. I just posted a red-shouldered hawk that has many of the features that I discussed.

prince Loc: England

great shots I would be very pleased with them :thumbup:

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent set Vicksart.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Nice set. Best to spot meter on the birds if you have that option...White balance can be adjusted in post if needed, but if you blow the highlights, they are gone. If you can't spot meter, then bracket your exposure...