CHG_CANON wrote:
A few points to consider.
1, Most of the images are not in the sharpest focus on the eye / face. The EXIF data is incomplete, so I'm unsure of the AF configuration to add more actionable feedback on how to better track a moving subject.
2, You have spot metering, where for the second juvenile gull from the top, you have blown-highlights on the bird's head. You'd be better served with the Nikon Matrix metering, shooting in RAW, exposing to the right, and adjusting in post. Consider this approach against these spot-metered results that failed to meter the critical 'spot' in the birds head, failing to assure these bright areas were not over-exposed.
3, Several of the images are oddly cropped. Typically, you'll leave 'room' for the bird to 'fly into'. I'm not against unusual positioning. But still, leaving some room around the bird, if planning to show the full body, is beneficial. The swan taking off from the image-right could be better positioned in the frame, say with more space to the top and right, and the head positioned along the bottom 1/3 guide, possibly with the eye-drawing orange falling exactly along the frame's vertical center line.
4, When you really hit the sharp focus, consider closer crops to harvest those details. I'd rather see a close crop of this take-off swan than any of the other slightly unfocused results. That is, you're only as good as the weakest image you share. Find your best, delete the rest.
5, The final family of swans is too dark, possibly under-exposed in the original. The histogram falls to the left, documenting this visual assessment.
6, Skip the rear-views of animals. These rarely work. You won't have to make these hard <Delete> decisions on these frames if you just don't capture them while out shooting / practicing.
Keep practicing!! Also, look at the pixel-level details as you cull and edit the results. Hopefully, you have regular access to this high-action location to consider the ideas above in practice.
A few points to consider. br br 1, Most of the im... (
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As I read your comments I could see the sense behind your comments even if some of the tech jargon left me behind a bit - so thanks will have a closer look and see how I can improve!!