DocDav Loc: IN

I have photopgraphed flowers for years. Still not much good at it. More recently I have started trying birds...when they hold still for me that is. Have just learned about BBF and will try that.

Looking for criticism, hints etc. So going to post a few I just did in Kenya

Sorry, going to try again. I hit "send" before I meant to. Open to tips on sharper focus, composition....using a Canon 80D with an 18 - 400 mm lens

Thanks

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Not bad. So what was wrong with your flower images? Flowers I feel are my forte.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

Can't see anything wrong with this set...good work.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Doc, I believe your photos a very, very close to being great or they may be there already.

Your camera lens combination is a great pick for wildlife and I had the same combo for a long time. Many other UHH members have that combo and post the results here for others. Here is what I would
do to improve on my photos:
1. Click on the option for photos to include the details (store original). This would allow us to view the detail of a photo.
2. Use a high shutter speed along with a small lens opening to increase your depth of field.
3. Allow your ISO to climb up above 100, this allows number two. You do not want it to go much above 1600 in my opinion.
4. Look at other's photos posted not only in this section but other sections. I post most of my photos in close-up.

These are just some of my opinions based on my own findings in the last 5 years or so.

Greg

Lonestar North Loc: Lakeland, FL

Nice photos. You are well on your way. Here are a couple tips I would offer. Always try to get the eyes in focus. When possible, try and get down (or up) to the bird's eye level (your crane shot). Shoot in continuous mode. Often the first two or three clicks miss the action and the third is the magic. I shoot mostly in AV mode. Set my depth of field and then work shutter speed and ISO to light conditions. I also use an 80D and no worries using higher (ISO 800-1250) Watch out for distracting backgrounds. Often moving just an inch can clear a cluttered backdrop. The toucan looking bird has some distracting (to me) white right around its head but there is a space just right of his beak that would have worked nicely. Close up portraits are fine but don't be afraid to zoom out sometimes to show the bird in its environment. Try and get to know the bird's traits then work that into your shoot. For example anhinga often toss their catch in the air to gulp it down. Wait for it and click away. Your flamingo shot is cropped square. I like to crop so as to have the bird flying into some space. Good luck and remember, birds don't require model releases.

DocDav Loc: IN

Thanks. Actually, due to the lighting, some of the shots are already at 1600 ASA. Some less.

Will continue to try. It's the flying birds that are the most difficult and I think that BBF technique (once I get used to it) may help here.

David

DocDav Loc: IN

Will see what happens if I re crop the crane pic. That is the jpg but I have the raw file on the disk.

I do try for the eyes, but find the damned birds don't like sitting still (neither does my wife) while Im composing. Probably why I have 2000 shots and so far only a handful of acceptable pics.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

I enjoyed these images.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Looks to me like you are off to a good start. Back button focus is essential for birds in flight. Also, I would suggest you consider using the rule of thirds in these images; leave room for the birds to "move".

DocDav Loc: IN

Thank you!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

The Flamingo is a little soft (eye out of focus) but the rest of them are quite nice.

DragonsLady Loc: Los Alamos, NM

I like the last one best.