Post Your Best Nature Shots!

[Garrett-Grimsley]

Took some inspiration from the other "Post Your Best ****!" threads and decided to create one for nature. I'm a big fan of viewing and taking nature photos. I'm talking about wild animals, flowers, greenery, landscapes, etc.


So show off your best!





I'll start off with one, and post another once in a while to bump the thread.


http://fc80.deviantart.com/fs34/f/2008/291/7/e/Deadly_Water_by_Garrett_Grimsley.jpg


Canon Rebel XT 350D, 1/250 second, F/6.3, 200mm, ISO400

[Colin]

Where did you Safari on that shot [:)]?

[Garrett-Grimsley]

Where did you Safari on that shot /emoticons/emotion-1.gif?





Haha, no safari. It was taken at the National Zoo here in D.C. back in August. They just have a intresting area for the lions/tigers, and this fellow happened to be in a place that I framed perfectly. He wasn't still at all, the bugger kept walking around.


I'll try and find a shot of the whole area to show what i'm talking about.

[Colin]

Hopefully this works....


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/2006-10-18_BananaScorpion_0003800x8.jpg


The banana slug wasn't actually attacking the scorpion. I stepped on that scorpion the day before. The banana slug just came back for cleanup.


But I like to imagine a battle!


Safari in San Diego, one of the natives said something offensive to another local....


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/2008-08-10_SanDiegoWildlifePark_018.jpg


Caught this dude taking a bath in my sink


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/2008-08-19_FlyBoy_0006800x533.jpg


The infamous and elusive refuse-seeking Slobber Bear


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/20080309_DuckPondDay_023SlobberBear.jpg


Caught the Tiger Monkey with the old "Hey, here's a mirror" trick...


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/2008-08-10_SanDiegoWildlifeParkPink.jpg

[Madison]

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[Colin]

sweet toad!

[mattsartin]

Blue River in Leavenworth, IN


Canon Rebel XTi 50mm 1/200s ISO 100 f/2.8


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txxcOCWRgac/SRhjXZd1B3I/AAAAAAAAD1I/ic1TFiYIQ7Y/s512/IMG_0056.jpg

[alex]

Foothills above Boise, ID


XSi, 17-55mm f/2.8, Av mode, 35mm, 1/100s, f/5.0, ISO100


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[EdN]

Here are a couple of recent shots of Trumpeter swans. For this one: 5D Mark II, 300mm F4 IS, 1/1600 sec, F25, ISO 400


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_2488cr.jpg


For this shot: 5D Mark II, 300mm F4 IS with 1.4X Extender, 1/1600 sec, F9, ISO 400


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_3922cr.jpg

[Madison]

sweet toad!
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>








Thanks Colin. It's my favorite Toad. So very ugly but smug looking. Sometimes he sits in just the right spot to take a cool picture. But if you're not careful he will run off and hide.

Oh and Alex: That is some seriously wicked light. Amazing! Here's a landscape I did this week. I am not happy with it to be honest. I've been doing these experiments to try and photograph and postprocess landscapes here in the area to get a Dutch painting feel but I am failing.

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.11/bergsevoormeer1.jpg

[Benjamin]

Nice thread![:)] I'll post some of my best shots already uploaded.





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.70.Sample+Pictures/_4000_UBC-_2D00_-The-Last-Day-of-Year-2007.jpg


The last day of 2007 @ UBC, Vancouver, Canada.


Canon Rebel XTi + 70-200/4L IS @ 155mm, F11, 1/50s, ISO100





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.70.Sample+Pictures/West-Vancouver-in-B_2600_W.jpg


West Vancouver in B&amp;W


Canon Rebel XTi + 17-85/4-5.6 IS @ 30mm, F8, 1/50s, ISO100





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.70.Sample+Pictures/The-Butchart-Gardens-2007.jpg


The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC, Canada


Canon Rebel XTi + 70-210/4 Macro @ 140mm, F5.6, 1/200s, ISO100





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.70.Sample+Pictures/A-Little-Bird-in-a-Big-Big-World.jpg


A little bird in West Vancouver


Canon Rebel XTi + 70-200/4L IS @ 191mm, F4.5, 1/500s, ISO200

[alex]

Thanks, Madison, glad you like it! My only regret is that I used such a large aperture. It was taken before I really understood the DOF aspect of aperture control...As a result the image is a little soft for my taste.

[IAMB]

I'm kinda partial to this one for some reason:


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.23/IMG_5F00_1837.jpg


30D, 100mm macro @ 1/160 and f 8.0, ISO 100

[Flish]

This one turned out pretty good...


EOS 40D,EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, 1/80@f5.6, ISO 100, Focal length 225mm


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.83/IMG_5F00_2717.jpg

[EdN]

Here's a winter shot. 1/640sec, F/8, ISO 200, 70-200 F4IS at 200 mm/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_2022rr.jpg

[Tim]

Silver Cascade in Crawford's Notch State Park in New Hampshire



30D, 17-40 @25, f22, 1/3s, ISO100


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[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.33/Spring-is-in-the-air_2100_.jpg


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/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.33/Osprey-and-Trout.jpg


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A few of mine, I have posted these in the past, hope ya'll don't mind. I'm too lazy to post the EXIF, if you're interested please let me know.


All taken in the wild.

[Jon Ruyle]

Those are great, Sinh. I recall you posting a few of those bird pictures and that they were taken with a 400mm f/5.6. Were all these pictures taken with that lens? (I'm specificially interested in the hummingbird picture, since I've been toying with the idea of getting a longer lens to shoot hummingbirds).

[HiFiGuy1]

Sinh,


Those are some really nice shots! I would like to have the EXIF data if you don't mind taking the time, as it is very helpful for beginners like me in climbing the learning curve. It is amazing what one can glean from looking at a shot, and then seeing the parameters under which is was taken. If you can remember, you might even post some distance information for each shot so we can get an even better perspective.


Thank you in advance!!

[clemmb]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.67/IMG_5F00_0034a.jpg


<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"]
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"]Rocky mountain national forest<o:p></o:p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"]XTi,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] 24-105f4 @ 105, f4 1/160sec<o:p></o:p>
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[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Thank you HifiGuy1 and Jon Ruyle,


All images were photographed with 40D, 400 f/5.6L usingAperture Priority,Evaluative Metering, AI Servo AF and if I remember I set the white balance to one of the presets otherwise it's AWB. The files are recorded in RAW formatand converted in DPP to JPEG before further enhancement in CS2. I usually crop for artistic reason, increase the contrast, adjust the brightness, resize and sharpen using the USM feature.


1. Hummingbird: f/5.6, 1/1000 sec., ISO 400


2. Herons Nesting: f/6.3, 1/1600sec., ISO 250, +2/3 Exp. Com.


3. Western Grebe: f/5.6, 1/500 sec, ISO 800, Noise Ninja


4. Osprey: f/5.6, 1/2000sec, ISO 250


5. Heron with fish: f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, ISO 200


The minimum focus distance of the 400 f/5.6L is11.5ft (3.5m), so this is as close as you can get. I used to shoot with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS and was able to get as close as 5 ft to a hummer. To get close to a hummingbird, you have tomove slowlyand not make any sudden movement. The best thing to do is observing where the hummer normally comes to feed and then waitabout6-8 ft away (for 70-300, 70-200, 200 and 300 fixed). The bird may fly awayat firstbut if you patiently wait, it'll trust you andcome back. Make sure you don't wear bright color clothing. /emoticons/emotion-1.gif


I don't remember the shooting distance, I apologize.

[Jon Ruyle]

Thanks for the detailed info, Sinh. Your pics make me want the 400 f/5.6 (I know that's irrational- you probably could have taken just as nice pics with any lens, and even if I had the 400 f/5.6, I wouldn't have gotten those cool bird shots [:)]) The 100-400 objectively seems like a better deal to me than the prime: with zoom and IS it seems like it should cost more (the 70-200 f/2.8 IS costs like 3 times as much as the 200mm f/2.8 prime, for example). Yet I like the *idea* of the prime better. (Heart wants prime, mind wants zoom). Any thoughts? I hope I'm not getting too off topic.


I haven't had a problem getting close to hummingbirds. In fact, I use my 70-200 with extension tubes to get just a few feet away (you can see them at http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Hummingbirds# ("http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Hummingbirds), and I've embedded one below... I likned to these before in an earlier thread). As you say, you just have to wait. The problem for me is everything else, he he.





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1DIIN 70-200 f/2.8 IS + extension tubes (160mm @f/4) 1/1250 sec iso 1250

[Jarhead5811]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.06/XSi-012small.jpg


XSi w/a 12 yearold EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM II (300mm @ f/5.6) 1/60 secISO1600

[Garrett-Grimsley]

Here's one from when it snowed here last month. Taken with the cheap Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6. About the only thing I don't like from the image, is the CA on the branches. Although not a big issue in the resize below, it's a pain to look at full size.


http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs41/f/2009/035/c/e/Red_by_Garrett_Grimsley.jpg


Canon Rebel XT 350D, 1/250 second, F/8, 300mm, ISO200

[Madison]

Wow the more pictures I see, the more I realise wildlife in my country is incredibly boring compared to the colorful wildlife of some of y'all. Those humming birds are amazing. And that red bird: woooooooow! I can only see those in a zoo here.

[Tom Alicoate]

Wow! somw great pics here already, and I am sure there are a lot more coming from everyone else. Here are my entries:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/3132850110_19f8a1aeac_b.jpg


Orca near Orcas Island WA





Captive Wolf from Brookfield Zoo IL


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2165203972_2049acf860_o.jpg





Coyotein Yellowstone NP WY


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2818393854_f20eb9fd7c_o.jpg


Artist Point Yellowstone


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2869586861_4fb4a70832_o.jpg

[Tom Alicoate]

Sorry those didn't work too well.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2869586861_cdf3a217dc.jpg





With Flickr I seem to have the choice of too big or too small unless I repost all as originals that will fit this site. Unless I am missing something. I will go back and check the FAQs/Stickies to figure out how better to do this. in the mean time if you want to see the larger versions: http://www.flickr.com/photos/talicoa ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/talicoa)


Great thread!


Thanks,


Tom

[Dallasphotog]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.00/TM_5F00_Squirrel.jpg


XTi, EF70-200MM F/2.8 L IS USM @200MM, 1/800, F/2.8, ISO-400

[pkChileHead]

Taken up in Iron Mountain, MI


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Canon XT, EF-S 10-22, f/4.5, 1/50th

[EdN]

Here's a three photos taken today:


Canon 5D Mk II 17-40mm F4L, f/8, 1/125s, ISO 100, 21mm/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_4901r.jpg


Canon 5D Mk II, 24-105 mm F4 IS L, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 100, 105mm/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_4822r.jpg


Canon 5D Mk II, 17-40 mm F4L, f/8, 1/125s, ISO 100, 17mm/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_4912r.jpg

[waltgary]

I don't pretend to think this isa technically worthy photo but a Canadian Lynx in NE Mn is rare. This was taken during a February '09 camping trip near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, NW of Ely. He/she gave me little time to mess with camera settings while attempting to stand somewhat still on snowshoes. Actually it's probably a good thing as I often screw them up the more I tinker. We have a domestic cat and the difference in size was remarkable. While they overtly appear similar, dimensions seemed all awry when I was looking at it in person. If you note closely you'll see an area of hyperpigmentation in the left iris. This is an iris nevus according to the U of M School of Veterinary Medicine. Our state DNR wanted to know if I'd "tracked the cat". I explained that I probably couldn't track a snowmobile driving through the woods in winter, let alone this lynx. It's better to be lucky than good. gary


40d, 70-200/2.8 IS at200mm, Tv at 1/800, f/5.6, ISO 400, center point AF, and spot metering


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.20/2009_2D00_02_2D00_01_5F00_00048-Lynx.jpg

[cian3307]

All taken with a 400D and 300 f/4L


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[devsalvi]

Some Pictures from Orlando wetlands.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands027.JPG


Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:400
Exposure:1/2000 sec
Aperture:6.3
Focal Length:310mm
Flash Used:No





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands016.JPG


Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:250
Exposure:1/2000 sec
Aperture:5.6
Focal Length:400mm
Flash Used:No





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands042.JPG


Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:250
Exposure:1/400 sec
Aperture:5.6
Focal Length:310mm
Flash Used:No





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands051.JPG


Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:250
Exposure:1/800 sec
Aperture:5.6
Focal Length:400mm
Flash Used:No














Cheers!


Dev

[waltgary]

Ok, obviously I didn't reduce the size of the photo enough as it cropped most of it. Does anyone know what the size limit is in pixels?


Thanks, gary

[devsalvi]

Hi Gary,


I resized the pictures to 640 but i think even 800 should work too.





Dev

[waltgary]

Thanks Dev. gary/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.20/2009_2D00_02_2D00_01_5F00_00010-Lynx-full.jpg

[devsalvi]

One more from the wetlands.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands053.JPG


Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:250
Exposure:1/400 sec
Aperture:8.0
Focal Length:100mm
Flash Used:No





The foreground was due to overcast skies and the background is lit by the sun shining through in between the clouds.





Cheers!


Dev

[Jon Ruyle]

Devsalvi-


I love that last one with the white bird walking down the road.


Jon.

[samoksner]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1342/1279526043_96c3f8ad52_o.jpg

[kdw9885]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.52/Lion.JPG/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.52/Tiger.JPG


1D Mark III ISO400, 1/60, F6.3 200mm White Tiger


1D Mark III ISO400, 1/160, F.13 148mm Lion





This was taken while on vacation in Vegas.

[Ehcalum]

/resized-image.ashx/__size/400x600/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.72/multomathfallsBW_5F00_small.jpg


Ok I cheated, this is from my old Minolta Maxxum 5 and not my 40D

[devsalvi]

Thanks Jon.

[Garrett-Grimsley]

http://fc19.deviantart.com/fs33/f/2008/291/3/b/Otters_by_Garrett_Grimsley.jpg


Canon Rebel XT 350D, 1/250 second, F/6.3, 135mm, ISO400

[Colin]

I posted this elsewhere, but the above inspired me to recycle my efforts [:)]





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[Rodger]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QRGWuXF8tks/ScwMSEtfMWI/AAAAAAAAAyo/GSEK8ptYc9U/s800/_MG_8844edit1.jpg ("http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N72Vx08YJGplDm652WsMGA?authkey=Gv1sRgCN24-IbWjrnfdQ&amp;feat=embedwebsite)





http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QRGWuXF8tks/SXk7mLn0wvI/AAAAAAAAAKc/vYB-ti2nSy8/s800/_MG_2756edit1_J.jpg ("http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pw7qF1MBFU363LpYlOJirg?authkey=Gv1sRgCN24-IbWjrnfdQ&amp;feat=embedwebsite)





1. 20D, 50mm 1.8 II ::: 50mm, 1/250, f/2.0, ISO 200, Manual exposure. (I should have used a smaller aperture. And the focus looks really soft.)


2. 20D, 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 ::: 28mm, 0.3, f/5.6, ISO 400, Manual exposure. (view of the sunrise from my room)


Any critiques are more than welcome. I enjoy learning how to make good pictures. haha These pale in comparison to some of the ones on this thread.

[TheRoff]

I thought that I would add a couple. Here is natures bounty and big sea little gull.


http://i.pbase.com/g1/62/861962/3/105558621.mjH340KH.jpg





http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/861962/1/111072729.H3P0KwMI.IMG_2169_alt_edited1.jpg


Larry

[MOF_Sydney]

A couple of my picks. (Both are holiday snaps. What do photographers do on holidays? They take photos of course!)


This is Serena, a rare white tiger. Photographed through glass so I wasn't actually in any danger taking it.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.86/Serena.jpg





The second photo was taken on a dinner cruise in Nelson Bay (about 200 kms north of Sydney). The flash was able to penetrate the water a short distance so you see the dolphin below the water as well as above it. (A moment later the spray obscured the part below the water so the next shot in the sequence was a lot more ordinary. But I do like this one.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.86/Dolphin_5F00_04.jpg


This photo gave me "bragging rights" on the boat. None of the other people with P&amp;S cameras got anything. The slow focus (in very low light) plus the shutter delay meant they missed the dolphin every time it surfaced. (I used manual settings and manual focus - picked something on the boat about the same distance away as the water was below, focused and moved the switch from AF to MF).

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-8-2009_3-48-03_PM.jpg


Killdeer - 40D, 400 f/5.6L, 1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 250, Exp. Comp. -2/3, taken @ San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, CA


Larger version http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8925052&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8925052&amp;size=lg)

[Jon Ruyle]

Beautiful! The larger version is even nicer. Composition, color, great.


You broke the rule that says the ground line shouldn't be in the middle. I bring this up not to detract from the photo, but to cast doubt on the rule! (Maybe the rule works sometimes)


On a totally unrelated note, this picture illustrates how with a long slow lens, one can get a nice dof and still have a wonderful background blur.


I live pretty close to Irvine but don't think I've ever been to the San Joaqin Wildlife Sanctuary. Methinks I should.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Mob, I really like your dolphin shot. The tiger potrait is missing the catch light


Jon, hope to run into you in the near future at SJWS. Just look for a slim Asian guy about 5'9 wearing a brown hat and carrying a 40D &amp; 400 f/5.6L combo. [:)][:D]

[Jon Ruyle]

Jon, hope to run into you in the near future at SJWS. Just look for a slim Asian guy about 5'9 wearing a brown hat and carrying a 40D &amp; 400 f/5.6L combo


I'll be the slim white guy about 5' 9" wearing a tan hat and carrying a 5DII with vertical grip and 70-200 f/2.8 IS.

[Oren]

Mof, the pictures are great, I like them both.


And Sinh Nhut Nguyen, I don't know what to say - your bird pictures are truely amazing.

[Madison]

Rodger: i love that picture you did of the sunrise!

[George Slusher]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_7612_5F00_clone_5F00_crop_5F00_sh_5F00_80 0.jpg





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Not great, but interesting. I was shooting the bird's mate on a nest maybe 300 ft away (not so great, given the distance--see below) when I heard this one calling from quite close. I turned and there he/she was, maybe 40-50 ft away, net. I had my 100-400mm L lens on the 30D and starting shooting rapidly, in case the bird would leave. Many of the first 50+ were terrible because the wires got in the way, but I didn't want to move in fear of spooking the bird. Gradually, I was able to move a bit, as the bird seemed not to notice--or, at least, not to care much. (I was beside my car, but moved a short distance into a field.) I was also constrained by the sun--you can see that it was essentially directly behind the bird. I was able to clone out the wires in some shots, including the first one above. The light was very strong, with deep shadows, about 2pm standard time near Eugene, OR (about 44 deg N). I lightened the shadows in Photoshop Elements 4 to show more detail on the bird's body. The color difference may have been due to the exposure compensation: 0 in the first shot, +0.7 in the others, all ISO 100. The first two were taken with the 100-400mm L @ 400mm. As the bird seemed to be staying around, I switched to a 70-200mm f/4L IS, including for the third shot (at 189mm). All the shots were cropped. I have most in RAW, but, given my "skill," I'm not sure that would make much difference. (I tried one, but didn't improve it.)


The three below are of the mate on the nest, taken with the 100-400mm L + 1.4x teleconverter @ 560mm. I've included the uncropped shot to give an idea of how far away the bird was. That necessitated manual focus (at f/8), which was not easy. (I wish that I had a 500mm f/4L IS!) I tried to focus on the sticks in the nest, as I couldn't see detail on the bird that well. I had IS turned off, as I had the lens sitting on a Kirk "Fat Bag" on the roof of my Prius. It probably should have been turned on or I should have used a tripod, though this was a lot faster and hid me from the bird. (It also allowed me to react immediately to the appearance of the other bird, very close and at a high angle.) These are cropped--no adjustments. (ISO 100, exposure bias 0.7 in hopes of getting more detail, given the bright sky.)


All told, I shot over 400 photos. Thank heavens for digital cameras! I pale to think what that would have cost with film.


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[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-10-2009_2-58-36_PM.jpg


Green Heron @ Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, CA.


40D, 400 f/5.6L, Aperture Priority, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO 400. The bird waslit by 5pm sunlight. The water was much lower than the bird and in deep shadow. Thanks for viewing and commenting.


Larger version http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8024232&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8024232&amp;size=lg)

[Garrett-Grimsley]

Took this long ago in my front yard.


http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/808bou/IMG_0016-Edit-2.png


Canon Rebel XT 350D, 1/750 second, F/4.5, 192mm, ISO800

[Madison]

There's a weird shadow on the rocks of that bird. Combined with the lighting direction that should cause that shadow, and the lighting of the bird itself... it's off. Weird. It looks like there are two light sources to me: one that caused a small strip of shadow on the rocks (coming from behind the bird) and one that illuminates the bird) coming from in front of the bird, aka the camera).


The lighting is interesting, but it looks incredibly artificial to me. Still a pretty nice shot though!








Garrett: The black 'n yellow color scheme of your picture is very beautiful.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Madison, which one would you refer? Original JPEG or Original Raw? Give me your e-mail I'll send it to you, I'll also let you know my minimal editing on this image[:)]


Sinh

[Madison]

Hey! Why would I want your files? I am just saying the lighting looks weird, it happens. I've had more than a few moments behind a camera where some buildings were lit beautfully and teh background was dark dark sky and it looked like I flashed the entire building (which is technically not possible, yet it did look like this). This is what light can do sometimes. Even natural light can look off or artificial. I don't need your files, but thanks.


PS: I am intrigues by your name. What is your ethnic background if I may be so bold? It sounds so mysterious.


PS2: Your picture reminded me that I once shot a heron too. It made a circle with its neck:

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.11/Blijdorp2_2D00_96.jpg

[pkChileHead]

A cicada pirched on a plastic rope.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.68/Cicada_5F00_SM.jpg





40D, EF-S 60mm, f7.1, 1/10, color corrected &amp; sharpend in PS Elements 6.0

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Madison, I should have asked "If you want the original file I can send it to you so you can see what I did with it." I apologizel for sounding rude[:)], yeah the image does look like flash was used. The reason for that is that I stoodabout 8ft abovethe heron, and the heron was about 2 ft above the water, the 5pm sun was behind us and at the angle that could only light up the bird. 20 minutes later the bird was also in the shadow because the sun went lower.


I'm Vietnamese. [:)] Sinh-Nhut means birthday, Sinh means birth, Nhut means dayand Nguyen is my last name. I was born on Christmas' Eve, one day before Christ's birthday, hence the name.


Very nice shot of(if I'm correct) a yellow-crowned night heron, I like the way you cropped it.


ChileHead, very nice macro shot, I would like the see the whole head in focus.

[EdN]

Thanks for explaining the meaning of your name. Your name , phonetically, means "birthday" in more than one asian language.


I've enjoyed looking at your wild bird pictures.

[Madison]

Sinh Nhut: thanks. What a great name to have. My name means nothing hahahaha. Consider yourself blessed. What a beautiful choice.





I don't know what bird it is. I know it's a heron. But it *could* also be a crane of sorts. I forgot to tag.

[pkChileHead]

Hard to do at that range. Very limited depth of field and he's got a big head!

[rebel_XTc]

Great lighting! Here's my attemp.../cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.28/Croc-Star_5F00_SQ.jpg

[Shanmugam]

Posting few of my pictures.


200mm


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.29/P_5F00_0075.JPG








300MM with 1.4xTC , canon xti


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300MM , canon xti


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[Oren]

Sinh Nhut Nguyen, if not too hard, I'd like to see the original JPEG (before post processing) of this or any other of your pictures you've posted here. The reason is that, as I told you before, you have the most impressive photos over here and I'd really like to know how much post processing you use on your photos.

[Bill W]

local beaver pond in Haverhill Ma., taken w/40D, 100-400 at 400mm, f8, 1/640, ISO 640


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/wingingit.jpg





Plum Island Ma., taken w/40D, 100-400 at 100mm, f11, 1/320, ISO 400


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/windblowingwaves-7264.jpg








file:///C:/Users/Owner/Pictures/Plum%20I%20sland%20landscapes/wind%20blowing%20waves-7264.jpgfile:///C:/Users/Owner/Pictures/Plum%20I%20sland%20landscapes/wind%20blowing%20waves-7264.jpg

[Alan]

This gal was pretty bold, and appeared to want me to give her a lift. 40D, f/8, 24-105 f/4 @ 105 mm, ISO 100, 1/100 sec.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.34/turkey.jpg

[Rodger]

Bill W, I love that second picture!


And thankyou Madison. Haha I almost missed theschool bustrying to get that sunrise picture.

[Colin]

Love the crocs (or are those gators?) with the reflection.

[jeffersonposter]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.05/Jackson-Co._5F00_09-04-12_5F00_0003_5F00_edited_2D00_3.jpg


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These shots are around Jefferson in N.E. Ga., Jackson Co. EOS 5D, 70-200 F4 IS @ F8, ISO 500

[Bill W]

Thanks Rodger....it was taken last Dec. on a cold and windy afternoon....but the lighting was worth the chill and sand blasts.


Regards


Bill

[Bill W]

Sunrise on the Merrimack River, Newburyport, Ma.





http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/sailboatsunrise.jpg





Regards


Bill





file:///C:/Users/Owner/Pictures/Screen%20Saver/sailboat%20sunrise.jpgfile:///C:/Users/Owner/Pictures/Screen%20Saver/sailboat%20sunrise.jpg

[Dumien]

So, I never took real "wild life" pictures, but as I was walking near the lake, yesterday's afternoon, I found this little fellow hanging around.
The shot was taken with a 70-200 F2.8 @ F2.8, ISO 400 and 1/800 shutter speed. I really like it =)





http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5272/dpp0015wtmk.jpg

[devsalvi]

Hi Dumien,


The picture has nice colors and i am no expert at this, but i think the background is distracting. If you shot it at f2.8 i don't know how to get a wider DOF for this pic. Maybe at 200mm ?





Cheers!


Dev

[Dumien]

Well, I took it at 200mm... the bird was quite far, so to get close enough I also had to crop a little bit...


anyway, thanks for the comment ;)

[btaylor]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.34/3441617690_5F00_ded8fe8ce5_5F00_b.jpg


Heron @ Paluma National Park, North Queensland, Australia. 40D | 28-135mm @ 135mm&amp; f/5.6

[Joel Bookhammer]

Great pic btaylor, was this indoors? the lighting reminds me of some pictures I did at an aviary, but non the less great shot!


thanks


joel

[btaylor]

Thanks mate. No that one was up in the mountains on an overcast day so the lighting was nice and even.


Cheers, Ben.

[Colin]

Great Birdie picture!

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

btaylor, I like color and clarity of that image, very nice heron, what kind of heron is that?

[btaylor]

I have no idea what type of heron it is sorry. I believe it's a black and white heron with a yellow beak. :-P

[Fred Doane]

Great shot Ben, I love how the heron is framed between the two tall pieces of grass.


Fred~

[devsalvi]

Hi Ben,


That picture has scored back some quality points for 28-135. Great shot!





Cheers!


Dev

[Stephen Probert]

Here are a couple from this last weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3448215155_93d246890f_o.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/35781691@N05/3448215155/)





http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3449029566_572c9e40fc_o.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/35781691@N05/3449029566/)


Both were shot on a 400D with a 70-200 f/4 IS. 1/250s and 1/200s, respectively, f/4, ISO100. The first shot is cropped about 60%, the second is not.

[quattrophinia]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.27.32/WL2.jpg


I used my 17/55mm f/2.8 IS USM for this shot so I was pretty close and they were very curious...

[ace111]

Ants building a nest? using leaves [:)]


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3228752626_964ac2833d.jpg

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

American Avocet Courting Ritual, this is a few seconds before the "action" [:)]. Lying flat on my belly, 40D, 400 f/5.6L, f/7.1, 1/1000 ISO250, heavy crop and noon lighting. Taken at San Jaoquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, CAhttp://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-16-2009_2-53-31_PM.jpg

[Colin]

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/2009-04-16_Primordial800x497_0002.jpg

[EdN]

It's Blue Heron Time! Taken on Wednesday 5D MkII, 300mm F4L &amp; 1.4X, ISO 400, around 1/1250s or 1/1600s, f/6.3 or f/7.1. All images cropped.


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[Bill W]

EdN....nice pics.


Approximately how far from the subjects were you when you took the pics?


I have a rookery nearby and I can't get any closer than 150 yards to the nesting site.....the trees are surrounded by water.


I didn't get any I'd want to post after cropping and enlarging and other various CS3 tweakings.


My equipment; 40D, 100-400IS, monopod.


Regards


Bill

[George Slusher]

Bill:


If you can, borrow a Canon 1.4x extender and try it out or get one on eBay--or new ($290 at B&amp;H). You'll have to focus manually, but you'll get a bit closer (560mm). The 1.4x extender is pretty good, but the 2x is a disappointment. With the 40D, like my 30D, if you use the 1.4x extender, it will turn off autofocus, as the maximum aperture will then be f/8. (There is a way to bypass that by taping over certain contacts on the extender, but I haven't tried that.)


The first and second below (they are the same image) were taken with a 100-400mm L IS plus 1.4x extender on a Canon 30D (f/9, 1/400 sec, ISO 100). I had the lens sitting on a bean bag (the Kirk Fat Bag) on the roof of my car. I had my left hand &amp; arm on top of the lens (good super-tele technique). IS was off, but it probably should have been on. (The 100-400mm L IS should be turned off if it's on a tripod.)


This is a 100% crop (i.e., you're seeing the actual pixels, not scaled) to 800 x 600. It is difficult to focus, as you can see, but it got me closer to the nesting osprey. (I posted other shots of this bird and its mate earlier in the thread.) A less-than-perfect shot is better than no shot at all.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_7476_5F00_crop2_5F00_800.jpg


Now, here's what the original image looked like, though this has been scaled to 800 wide.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_7447_5F00_800.jpg





Last, here's a similar shot without the extender (not cropped, but scaled to 800 wide) so you can see the difference in size.





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_7476_5F00_800.jpg

[EdN]

Bill W


I think I was around 100 yards or so at closest to the Heron nest. The nests are in trees that are on a downward slope so the closer you get, the farther up you have to shoot. Also, have to shoot south into the sun most of the time.


I also used a monopod on the static nest shot. The 1.4X is actually pretty good but finicky to use. Handholding to shoot is not recommended even at high shutter speeds like 1/1250s. I couldn't get sharp pictures until I used a monopod, spent a lot of effort finetuning the manual focus, and bracing myself before shooting.


Airborne shots were hand held using AI Servo which did a reasonable job focusing on the bird.

[Rodger]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QRGWuXF8tks/SeqOwgvtnxI/AAAAAAAAA68/QHArdcUqvEk/s800/712275-R1-12-12Aedit2.jpg ("http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1VBSCm2y0nIn2XmqgBlYUg?authkey=Gv1sRgCL3Cib_JoYujw QE&amp;feat=embedwebsite)






I know this is "The Digital Picture.com" So Im tentative posting this shot taken with a Canon AV-1 50mm 1.8 lens lol. It doesn't compare with most of the bird pictures on here but this is my personal best.


Post processing includes: sharpening, colorcorrection, and removing part of a house from the lower left-hand corner. Any advice on making the spot where I took the house out look more natural is welcome. I used mostly the clone stamp with a large brush, hardness at 0% with a little bit of the healing brush to make it blend better.

[Colin]

Rodger, that shot is superb.

[Rodger]

Thanks Colin! :D


Notice thesquirreldeath trap on the middle feeder. It's a piece of wood with nails sticking out of it (invention of my grandpa). The squirrels don't bother him anymore.. haha

[Bill W]

EdN;


Thanks for the info on your shots...they're even more impressive at that distance and they increase my interest in a prime telephoto.


Here are 2 examples (I wouldn't post except to use as comparisons to yours) because though (IMHO) they're interesting action shots, they're too far away (about 150 yards), hence lacking detail. My equipment for pics; 40D, 100-400IS, monopod and cable release, pp in CS3, cropped and enlarged to about 80%....any larger and they really start to break down.


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/anotherstick-1.jpg





http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/rtntobase-1.jpg





Thanks


Bill

[Jon Ruyle]

Bill-


Those are great.


I'm not sure a 400mm prime would have helped your sharpness that much, at least not the f/5.6. (I'm not basing that on experience, but rather by comparisons of 1-1 crops of the 100-400 with the 400 f/5.6 on this website, so take it for what its worth).


More focal length would help. [:)]


Jon.

[EdN]

Bill W:


Those are excellent shots. I know how difficult it is to get good ones because the ones I posted were the result of 326 shots I took that morning. It's really difficult to get the focus bang on as the AF is easily distracted with peripheral objects around the subject and adjusting focus manually while squinting through a tiny viewfinder without a split prism requires patience. And when you do get the focus, you better be still or else the shot is blurred. That's where I discovered holding my breath and the monopod. Reach is also an issue that I could use more of any time. And the mood of the birds. I'm ready to go back once the weather gets better again.


Hope to see more of your shots posted.


Regards.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Want to pump this thread to 100 posts [:)]. Here's something I posted a while ago. I went out one early morning to photograph Osprey fishing for trout, instead I stumbled across this Great Blue Heronswallowing a trout. It took him a long time toget it down.


Canon 40D, 400 f/5.6L, f/5.6, 1/320, ISO 3200, Noise Ninja.


Larger version http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8486619&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8486619&amp;size=lg)


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.33/A-mouthful_2100_.jpg

[Bill W]

EdN;


Thanks for the compliment on my pics....and I understand the difficulty; over 200 hundred shots at the rookery. I was hoping for a couple that had more feather details, e.g. yours and Sinh Nhut's pic. The GBHs put on a great display in spring.


Re manual focus; I tried 5x live view MF, but that's a tough trick w/the monopod. When do you think Canon will come out IS for live view? [:D]


Jon;


Glad you liked the pics...thank you. Actually, I'm actually trying to talk myself into the 500 plus 1.4x....if I can preserve my marital bliss, I'll start saving my money. [:)]


George S;


You're correct about the pics....take it when you can get it even if it's less than perfect. 1.4x on the 100-400IS....hmmm, hadn't thought of it.


Sinh Nhut Nguyen;


What was your approximate distance from your GBH?


Thanks again folks for your input...


Bill

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Hi Bill, I was about 20 ft from the GBH. I bet I could come andcatch that bird, he was so into swallowing the fish that he ignored everything around him!

[kwc]

There are some amazing pictures here. This is a pelican flying over a bay still showing Hurricane Ike damage./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.52/Pelican-in-Flight-Sunrise.jpg

[kwc]

Hmmm...maybe I'd better figure out how to upload pictures without having half the photo cropped out...

[EdN]

I did the same thing as you before I learned what works. Crop or resize your image so it is 800 pixels wide at the maximum. Fits perfectly and displays perfectly.


Regards

[Dave Metcalf]

Here are some shots from last summer on a small lake near Traverse
City, Michigan. All were taken with a EOS 30D, with an EF 100-400
f/4.5-5.6 L IS lens (rented from Lens Rentals -- who have given me
great service by the way -- can't recommend them high enough).


Enjoy


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.63/IMG_5F00_4000_5F00_ed_2D00_1_2D00_levels_2D00_2.jp g


Loons adult and immatures -- 400mm, f/7.1, 1/400 sec This image has been photoshopped a bit to tone down the green reflection from the woods along the lake shore.





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.63/IMG_5F00_4118_5F00_8x10.jpg


Great Blue -- taken from a kayak (hope the folks from Lens Rentals aren't reading this!) 400 mm, f/7.1, 1/400 sec





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.63/IMG_5F00_4405_5F00_edited_2D00_1.jpg


Immature Bald Eagle 275 mm, f/8, 1/500 sec





Let me know what you think. I've been a serious amateur for a while -- and having a blast.

[kwc]

Thanks for your help, EdN. Very much appreciated!

[George Slusher]

For Dave Metcalf:


I can't give a technical critique. I just wish that I had taken them!


Looks like you may have used the 100-400mm zoom.

[Garrett-Grimsley]

Took this in my backyard yesterday, first nice, bright blue sky in a long while. Glad spring is coming. [H]


http://www.cubeupload.com/files/384e00img3082edit.png

[piiooo]

Since we're talking eagles here's mine:


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.31/IMG_5F00_1182-m-copy.jpg

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Dave, I like the loon and low angle you shot it. Just a few suggestions on the GBH and the ealge, for the GBH the bird's going away and it's also out of focus, for the eagle I think a tighter crop would be nicer. Good luck next time [:)]


Piioo, nice eagle, I would like to see more wing details and the bird coming at you. [:)] Good luck next time.


Reddish Egrets are not indigenous to Southern California, they are home to the gulf coast states. Last summer we had 3 visiting Bolsa Chica, while the other 2 went to breed, this young bird stayed and has made BC its home for the past year.


Larger version here http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7972432&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7972432&amp;size=lg)


40D, 400 f/5.6L, f/6.3, 1/1250 sec, ISO 250. http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/1-23-2009_3-35-49_PM.jpg

[Bill W]

piioo;


I agree w/Sinh's critique, but sometimes you just have to take what the subject gives you.....nice capture of an ABE.


Here's a juvie BE I captured returning to my car, after being out all morning looking for BEs....of course the nice light was gone!


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/ABEJuviePrelaunch.jpg


BEs are making a come back in my area but are still relatively rare which is a perfect segue into this photo another rare visitor to my area; juvie Snowy Owl


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/PISO1.jpg


A more recent photo and not so rare but a tough bird to capture unobstructed and relatively close; N. Flicker


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/NorthernFlicker2.jpg


Regards


Bill

[piiooo]

Sinh, Bill,


thanks a lot for your comments. I am a newbe in bird photography, but I'm trying. It's not easy to get eye contact, frontal presentation, without dictracting bacground/foreground, and what I think ismost important - without harassing the birds. I just spotted an osprey platform, let's hope I'll get some nice shots.


Sinh -any advice onphotographing ospreys?

[devsalvi]

This birdie showed up outside my work. Thank god i carry my camera everywhere.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/_5F00_MG_5F00_9233.JPG


125mm, f5.6, 1/320, iso 400


Lens was the kit lens 28-135 IS





Cheers!


Dev

[George Slusher]

Dev:


Very nice! It's also good that you had the presence of mind to get that quick shot.

[Charlie_M]

I've been spending a lot of time in my garden since I bought bird feeders. How I love f/2.8 @ 200mm.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.60/IMG_5F00_1244-_2D00_-Version-2.jpg

[stampedingturtle]

First time posts [:)]any constructive criticism is welcome.


All these where taken with a Canon 450D and an EF70-200.


Seagull.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.72/Bird-800x.JPG


Swan.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.72/Swan-Drip-800x.JPG


Young swan.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.72/Swan-Drip-2-800x.JPG


Regards,


Paul

[Jon Ruyle]

I especially like the seagull. I'm assuming that one was heavily cropped... (only because it would be tough to get that close with a 200mm lens)

[stampedingturtle]

Yes it was cropped down by quite a bit, fortunately it was out the centre of the lens so it was pretty sharp.

[devsalvi]

This was taken recently at lake Eola in Orlando downtown. The setting sun provided the golden light on the buildings. And a flash was fired to lit the swans which created an "effect" on them :)


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/3474019265_5F00_e5abf9d39f.jpg
<table id="Inbox" width="100%" cellspacing="0"]
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]


Exposure:
</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]0.033 sec (1/30)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]


Aperture:
</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]f/6.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]


Focal Length:
</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]50 mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>


ISO Speed:
</td>
<td>400</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>





Another Swan picture. lighting from the setting sun


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/3474826686_5F00_07ddba1ba8.jpg
<table id="Inbox" width="100%" cellspacing="0"]
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]Exposure:</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]0.033 sec (1/30)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]Aperture:</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]f/5.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]Focal Length:</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]130 mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ISO Speed:</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>





I thought this was funny. Kids and parents go away from each other. My fiancee thought this was cute.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/3474828522_5F00_3e8a355061.jpg



<table id="Inbox" width="100%" cellspacing="0"]
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]Exposure:</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]0.003 sec (1/400)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]Aperture:</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]f/5.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 120%;" width="30%"]Focal Length:</td>
<td style="font-size: 120%;"]120 mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ISO Speed:</td>
<td>


100
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

[Bill M.]

What a great thread! Here are some pics I shot over the weekend. These were all shot with a 5D II and 100mm Macro, ISO 1600, f8, and between 1/200-1/400 second. I probable could have gotten away with using a lower ISO, but the 5D II has given me more flexibility...any critiques welcome!


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.24/IMG_5F00_0627c.jpg





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.24/IMG_5F00_0698b.jpg





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.24/IMG_5F00_0710d.jpg





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.24/IMG_5F00_0757c.jpg

[devsalvi]

nice pictures Bill.. how do you get close to them and not scare them off?

[George Slusher]

Bill M.:


Nice shots of the butterflies. I can't give a technical critique, but it does look like the 5D II has superb high ISO performance, which helps a lot with macro shots. It also goes to show just how good the Canon 100mm Macro lens is. One reviewer thought it was the sharpest lens he'd used, any make, any mount, any length. (Those who have the 300 f/2.8L IS may disagree. [:)] I don't, though, if wishes were ponies ...) He also said that it focused faster than his eyes could. That is a bit of an exaggeration, especially as the reviewer isn't an old f*rt like me, but the point is well-taken.

[Bill M.]

Devsalvi: Ahh, I am at one with nature [;)] not really, I went to an indoor butterfly garden and part of me thinks that they are just used to having people walk among them, but they are difficult to shoot. I was chasing a particular one around for a long time but it would always fly off when I came near it.


George: I love the 5D II. I moved up from a 20D and it is world's apart in ISO performance. I would never even shoot over 800 ISO before and now I'm comfortable shooting at 3200 with minimal noise. I've always enjoyed the 100mm Macro, with the 20D I had a little more reach and now I have to get a little closer. I would love the 180mm Macro but I think I need a 16-35 II first. The 100 is very sharp, whether or not it's my sharpest I'm not entirely certain. I don't have one of the long primes that is on everyone's wish list but my 70-200 f4 IS is damn sharp.

[Jon Ruyle]

I went to an indoor butterfly garden and part of me thinks that they are just used to having people walk among them, but they are difficult to shoot.


Your experience matches mine: at an indoor butterfly garden, sometimes they just sit there. Sometimes they land on you. No problem at all getting close.



with the 20D I had a little more reach


On the other hand, the 5DII has the same pixel density as the 20D, so you can crop to get the same reach as the 20D and still have just as high resolution (8mp).


You can have your megapixels and eat them, too. Or something.

[George Slusher]

Bill M.:


I agree about the 70-200mm f/4L IS. In fact, when I got a 70-200m f/2.8L IS, I kept my 70-200mm f/4L IS, as well. For many uses, especially outdoors, it's superior to the faster lens, both in optical quality and the IS. It's also a lot lighter and easier to carry. I've read quite a few articles by bird photographers who carry it along with their 500mm L lens for landscapes, butterflies (especially with an extension tube or a close-up lens/filter), birds in flight, etc.


Nowadays, I mostly use a 100-400mm L IS for nature/wildlife, plus a 17-55mm f/2.8 IS or 17-85mm IS and 100mm Macro. Add a Sigma 10-20mm &amp; Canon 1.4x extender and I'm set for 'most anything. That all (plus the 30D w/grip &amp; various doo-dads) fits in a Think Tank Speed Racer ("http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_SpdRcr.php). (I could use the smaller Speed Freak if I didn't use the grip on the 30D, but I've found that the grip is more comfortable and makes the camera + lens easier to handle. I have large hands--one of the reasons I got the 30D rather than a Digital Rebel.) If I'm going "minimalist," I take the 100-400mm, 17-85mm (the 17-55mm is a better lens, but that would leave a big gap in length, plus it's heavier), 1.4x extender and 77mm Canon 500D close-up lens ("http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Canon-500D-Close-up-Lens-Review.aspx) (plus 67-77mm step-up ring) in a smaller bag, Think Tank belt system, or vest.

[Itheone]

A few from me:


http://www.prphotographyonline.com/img/v7/p5558522-3.jpg





http://www.prphotographyonline.com/img/v8/p383941391-4.jpg





http://www.prphotographyonline.com/img/v7/p1007570071-3.jpg





http://www.prphotographyonline.com/img/v8/p786769424-3.jpg





See more at: www.prphotographyonline.com

[Bill M.]

Jon, you are absolutely correct that I do, effectively, have the same reach as I did with my 20D. I'm just getting used to the wider field of view I have now, but I can crop to my heart's content, knowing I canstill get a decent print in the end...


George, your minimalist kit is somewhat similar to mine, I basically carry the 5DII with a 24-105 and the 100-400 to have a pretty good range. I should consider carrying the 500D as well....

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

I want to add these to the "Post Your Best Nature Shots."


It's a thread by itself here. http://community.the-digital-picture.com/forums/t/1059.aspx ("/forums/t/1059.aspx)


American Avocet Courtship and Mating. Taken with 40D and 400 f/5.6L @ San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, highlight tone priority was used.


1. The foreplay...


f/6.3, 1/2000 sec., ISO 250, Exp. Comp. -2/3


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-27-2009_12-43-23_AM.jpg


2. The love making...


f/7.1, 1/2000 sec., ISO 250, Exp. Comp. -2/3


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-27-2009_12-42-42_AM.jpg


3. The cuddle after....


f/7.1, 1/2000 sec., ISO 250, Exp. Comp. -2/3


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-27-2009_12-41-54_AM.jpg


4. I'm done and I'm outta here..../emoticons/emotion-2.gif


f/7.1, 1/1250 sec., ISO 250, Exp. Comp. -2/3


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-27-2009_12-43-58_AM.jpg


Thanks for viewing and I would really apprieciate your comments.


Nhut (Nate)

[George Slusher]

"Thanks for viewing and I would really apprieciate your comments."


Wow! Is that a sufficient comment?

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Thank you George,


I went out to shoot some ospreys, most of the birds have gone to breed except this youngter. For this image I like how he holds the fish, looks like he's holding a hoagie.


Thanks for viewing and I really appreciate your comments and critiques.


40D, 400 f/5.6L, f/7.1, 1/1250sec., ISO 320, Exp. Comp. +1, highlight tone priority. The white bg is the overcast sky.


larger version: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=9080703&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=9080703&amp;size=lg)


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/4-30-2009_12-04-48_AM.jpg

[Oren]

Hey Nhut, great shot as always... can you send me the original of this (above) picture? But please don't resize it. If the original is RAW, just convert it to jpeg - but please don't resize.


BTW, I was at a park yesterday and tried to shoot *flying* birds for the first time with my new 50D. 99% of what I got doesn't worth it, but I've got 1 or 2 reasonable (relatively speaking) pictures. All I've got right now is the 17-85, so I zoomed all the way in and tried to do the best that I could. Unfortunately, I did 2 serious mistake:


1. I put the AF on AI Focus instead of AI Servo (I was sure I was shooting with AI Servo)


2. After getting dark birds, I thought "well the problem is the sky so I might just switch to spot metering" - but today I read a little bit about bird photography and realized the mistake I did... there is no way that the spot metering will work with such small birds flying at damn high speed very high in the sky LOL [:P]





So Nhut (or anyone else who photograph birds), do you have any suggestions of what are the ideal camera settings for shooting flying birds high at the sky? (except to getting a longer lens lol)


As I see it now, I **guess** that I should use (I assume shooting outside with daylight):


1. Av mode


2. Evaluative metering


3. AI Servo


4. Adjust the exposure compensation to at least +1





But what about the aperture?


What is the minimal shutter speed needed to freeze the bird?


Should I turn on highlight tone priority?


Should I use continuous shooting or single?

[devsalvi]

Hi Oren,


I think the camera automatically switches from the AI Focus mode to AI servo mode when it senses moving objects based on the focus point.


Some tips:


High ISO, Tv mode -shutter speed: 1/500 atleast (varies on the available light), high speed continuous shooting.


Finally a USM L telephoto lens for a very good reason. They focus very quickly and accurately.


some samples./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands010.JPG





Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:400
Exposure:1/2000 sec
Aperture:6.3
Focal Length:400mm


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/Orlando_5F00_wetlands024.JPG


Model:Canon EOS 40D
ISO:250
Exposure:1/2000 sec
Aperture:5.6
Focal Length:400mm

[Jayson]

Here are a couple I snapped a couple days ago while taking the kids for theirride (I was parked when I took them). I had to take them out the window so they are not that crisp. Did a little bit of sharpening on the last two. All were taken with an XSi, 70-200mm f4 @ f5.6with a kenko 1.4 extender, iso 100. First one was approx 100mm and the other two were at 280mm. The last two were heavily cropped. Could someone tell me what the white bird is...I think it is some type of Heron. ???


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.64/2009_5F00_04_5F00_27_5F00_IMG_5F00_0574.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.64/2009_5F00_04_5F00_27_5F00_IMG_5F00_0713.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.64/2009_5F00_04_5F00_27_5F00_IMG_5F00_0714.jpg

[EdN]

Here are some various bird shots, taken over the last few days. /cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_6057cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_6168cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_6275cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_6399cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_6570cr.jpg

[devsalvi]

Could someone tell me what the white bird is...I think it is some type of Heron. ???



<div style="clear: both;"]</div>








A Snowy Egrett! :D

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Devsalvi, it's actually a great white egret [:)]

[devsalvi]

Thanks :)

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Hi Oren, here is my e-mail nhuto@hotmail.com ("nhuto@hotmail.com), you can shoot me an e-mail or just reply to this thread and include your e-mail, thanks


I'll go in details of whatIdid to that image.


my regular settings of the40D and 400 f/5.6


1. AV mode.


2. f/5.6-8 (f/5.6 about 90%)


3. I adjust the ISO to get the adequate amount of shutter speed, at least 1/1000 sec.


4. AWB or Daylight


5. AI Servo AF (even for still subject, I don't have time to switch)


6. Continuous Shooting-6.5 fps


7. Evaluative Metering


8. Exposure Compesation: I don't have a specific setting for this, you have to rely on the histogram and the highlight alert function. If bird flying on bright sky, I usually dial +1/3 to +1 1/3


9. Highlight Tone Priority is used when bird has a lot of white details


10. sRGB color space


11. RAW - Sharpness: 4, Contrast: 1, Saturation: 1, Color Tone: 0


12. If your lens has Image Stabilizer, turn it off for action because with IS it actually slows the AF a bit to lock onto the subject


13. Try to get as close as possible without harming the subject and interfering its naturalbehavior


14. Patience


15. Practice, Practice and Practice ([:)] sorry the last3 are not camera settings, but they're very important)

[Jon Ruyle]

Nhut (Nate),


Your last two posts are great. Your bird pictures have great composition, color and sharpness (and I know that a sharp lens is only the beginning of getting pictures with that look... I also own sharp lenses, but...)


You sure get out a lot. Maybe if I got results like you, I would, too [:)]



Nhut (Nate)


Do you prefer to be called Nate, or Nhut?

[Oren]

Nhut, thanks for the help, I'll try that next time - I was actually using similar settings. Here's what I was using (with respect to your list above):





1. I used Av


2. I used f/5.6 99% of the time


3. I actually was adjusting the ISO to get shutter speed of 1/1000 at least and sometimes even higher


4. I used AWB all the time - I simply totally forgot about the WB setting LOL


5. After realizing I made a mistake, AI Servo was used all the time


6. Sometimes I used continuous sometimes not, I wasn't sure which one would be better - now I know[:)]


7. As I said, I was using spot metering - BIG mistake, I will be using evaluative next time


8. I used 0 - 1 exposure compensation


9. Didn't used highlight tone priority


10. sRGB of course


11. I was shooting JPEGs, not RAW - I'll try RAW next time


12. The lens I was using has IS, but I use it as few as possible to save energy - even at relatively slow shutter speeds, so of course I didn't use it while shooting flying birds at high shutter speeds


13. I got very very close (I could touch them if I wished) to some birds later on, but of course I couldn't get close to the flying birds at the sky





As for the image example I asked you about: I'll send you my email in a sec... thanks again

[Jayson]

Thanks for the reply on the name. I have never seen one of those in person before. Thanks.


Jayson

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

My name is Nhut, I'm sure not too many people hereknow how to correctly pronounce it and no it's not "nut"[:D], so just call me Nate.


Here is what I did to theOsprey Imagebefore posting,

Crop - 3888x2592 to 3347x2281
Increase Exposure to +.50 in DPP (to brighten up the shadow, and eye)
AWB to Cloudy (It was a cloudy day)
Standard Picture Style to Potrait (this also brigthens up the shadows and the eye a bit)
Highlight from 0 to -4 (I did this because I want to bring back some of the details on the osprey forheadthat were lost when I increased the exposure +.5 in step 2)
Convert to JPEG and open in Photoshop CS2
I use the Magic Wand to select the yellow part of the eye and increase the Brightness to 30, Contrast to 15, and Saturation to 15 (If you selectively choose any area in the image it's best that you do it before resizing because the image is larger and you can do so with more accuracy.)
If I post at T.D.P. I resize to 750x500, on Photo.net it's 1200x800
Increase Brightness to 20 and Contrast to 10 to the entire picture.
Sharpening using Unsharp Mask function.



For 750x500 I use Amount 100%, Radius 0.2 pixels, I apply sharpening 4 times
For 1200x800 I also use Amount 100%, Radius 0.2 pixels, I apply sharpening 6 times
11. For Photo.net I also add the border
12. Save and post on web http://gfx2.hotmail.com/mail/w3/ltr/emoticons/smile_regular.gif

I'm not a Photoshop Guru, I learn as I go and I learn by reading, viewing, asking questions in forums and trail/error.Each image has different work done to it, I don't have a set editingprocedure. I adjust/enhance to my taste and correct when someone comments.My #1 priority is to get it right the first time and use editing softwares to enhance the image.

Youprobably noticedthat I mentioned about the eye a lot. It is very important to get the eyein focus, brightand visible.If the image is missing the eye, something else has to be significant to take over for the missing eye.


I hope this answers some of your questions, and again I really appreciate your interest in my photography.

If you have time check out http://www.birdsasart.com/ (http://www.birdsasart.com/]<span style="color: #0066cc;), lots of resources especially the bulletin archive.

Take care and God Bless

Nhut (Nate)

[Oren]

Ok, here is mine from yesterday:


It was heavily cropped from 4752x3168 to 1456x1280, then resized to 800x703 to fit this forum. Except the cropping and resizing, 0 (yes ZERO) PP was done.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.41/IMG_5F00_0782.jpg

[cian3307]

I usually take shots in RAW but flicked my 400D into 'Sports' mode and snapped this kestrel as it zoomed past. Got really lucky with the eye contact! 400D + 300 f/4L. Tv 1/2500 sec, Av f5, ISO 200./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.16/Kestrel_5F00_2.jpg

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Really nice shot cian, I like the wing pose, fanning tail feathers and the head angle. have you tried cropping tighter?

[cian3307]

Thanks Nate, but I'm not in your league when it comes to bird pics! Afraid its already cropped and IQ suffers if I crop any further. I need more glass or more megapixels[:(]

[Jon Ruyle]

Very cool, cian.


That eye contact really makes the pic IMO, and the detail is great.

[Colin]

Way cool.

[Matthew Gilley]

40d ISO 800 70-200 IS @ 200mm F2.8 1/320.


All are cropped at least 50%


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.30/IMG_5F00_2522.JPG


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.30/IMG_5F00_2523.JPG


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.30/IMG_5F00_2528.JPG





Would love any critique - especially on exposure and PP. I think
highlight tone priority would have helped - the head's highlights are
blown. I also debated between more DoF vs higher ISO.

[EdN]

Nice shots! Having stalked Great Blue Herons myself, it's a game of luck and patience and I think you had both. Looking at your photos,you didn't havea lot of light to work with so I don't think you could have changed ISO, shutterspeed, or aperature to get better results. I think what you got is pretty good for the conditions.

[Colin]

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/_MG_9511DoeHead-800x533_sRGB.jpg





http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/GoatPenAdventure_20070405AuburnHoof.jpg

[Dave Johnston]

Just some recent ones. Spring is here!!! That cute kid, Colin.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.47/IMG_5F00_8586-copy.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.47/xaaaa2.jpg

[Colin]

great blue on that dragonfly!


Nice light on the goat.


Aww, the fuzzy duckies are so CUTE!


They grow up to be pretty dirty.


We used to have some ducks and geese in a way too small backyard. I really liked how they ate snails. We got an above ground pool, about 3 feet high, and they and the geese would get all excited and swim around underwater like they were flying. We threw a couple hundred feeder fish in there, and they really had a good time. Way messy though. Within a couple days, you couldn't see the bottom, then algae and mosquito larvae soon afterwards.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

when the duckies are grown up and fat, I have a great recipe for them.

[Bill W]

2 summer residents have returned;


Oriole on 5-5-09


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/Canon%20Digital/BWIO2.jpg





Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5-6-09


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/bikejanitor/Canon%20Digital/Rose-breastedGrosbeak.jpg

[Don Burkett]

Some great shots in this thread. Here are some of my favorites.


Yertle the Turtle: 40D 560mm f/13@ 1/125 tripod AP+1/3 center crop


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/100717266/original.jpg


Eagle Eye: 40D 400mm f/5.6 @ 1/50 ISO 100 AP -1/3 tripod center crop


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/102181136/original.jpg





Into the Sunset: 40D, 390mm f/5.6 @ 1/8000 ISO 500 offhand


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/99260654/original.jpg





Sundown Swan: 40D <span class="exif"]1/200s f/6.3 at 280.0mm iso800 tripod


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/95955082/original.jpg





Thanks for looking. More at [View:http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/animals] if you're interested.

[Rodger]

Yertle the Turtle: 40D 560mm f/13@ 1/125 tripod AP+1/3 center crop





Don, is that a Seussicalreference!? My school just got done doing that musical so my mind is still in Suess land.


Sorry, totallyirrelevant, but I just had to ask.


Very nice pictures by the way!


I like "Eagle Eye" the best. :D

[Don Burkett]

Yertle the Turtle: 40D 560mm f/13@ 1/125 tripod AP+1/3 center crop





Don, is that a Seussicalreference!? My school just got done doing that musical so my mind is still in Suess land.


Sorry, totallyirrelevant, but I just had to ask.


Very nice pictures by the way!


I like "Eagle Eye" the best. :D
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>





Indeed it was. Dr. Seuss was my favorite as a child and a favorite to read to my children.

[HiFiGuy1]

Here are a fewI got with my 40D and "lowly" kit EF 28-135. They are unprocessed except for resizing.


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_0619-1.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_0625.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1234-1.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1301-1.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1428.jpg


Okay, I cropped this next one a bit.


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1440-1.jpg


Suggestions for cropping, processing RAWs, and composition are all welcome.

[HiFiGuy1]

Just opened DPP for maybe the first time. [:$] Here is my attempt at editing the GBH portrait using the CR2 (RAW) file.I increased sharpness to 4 from 0, changed WB to Daylight and "converted and saved" to a 16 bit TIFF. Then I re-opened the TIFF, cropped it to fit on this page and then saved as a JPEG. Downloaded to PhotoBucket, and here we are! Is this a good workflow?


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1440portrait.jpg

[IAMB]

when the duckies are grown up and fat, I have a great recipe for them.
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>





You wouldn't mind sending it my way, would you?

[HiFiGuy1]

when the duckies are grown up and fat, I have a great recipe for them.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>





You wouldn't mind sending it my way, would you?
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>






Yeah, me too. I know where some grown up ducks are right now! [;)]

[Mark Elberson]

Canon EOS 50D
EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
400mm
800 ISO
Tv : 1/400
Av : 5.6


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.13/Post-Your-Best-Nature-Shots_2100_-_2D00_-Frog.JPG

[Fred Doane]

Awesome shot Mark, love the composition.





Fred~

[devsalvi]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1234-1.jpg






<div style="clear: both;"]</div>








i remember the duck pair !!! is from altamonte? just a wild, i mean WILD guess...

[kam007]

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.27.wildlife/Bohemian-Waxwing-1-_2D00_-27.JPG


<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"]Bohemian Waxwing -Canon 50D 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM, no idea on the ISO or the "1/???", I am a complete ameteur-


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.27.wildlife/Cedar-Waxwing-2-_2D00_-02.JPG





<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"]Cedar Waxwing -Canon 50D 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens. Again, ameteur, don't know ISO or anything else.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

I've been missing all the fun lately. Here is my latest Addition to "Post Your Nature Shots"


I would really appreciate your comments &amp; critiques, thank you very much.[:)]


1. 40D, 400 f/5.6L&amp; 430EX, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO 400, Flash +1/3


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/5-12-2009_4-36-42_PM.jpg


2. 40D &amp; 400 f/5.6L, f/7.1, 1/1000, ISO 320


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/5-6-2009_11-30-31_PM.jpg


3. 40D &amp; 400 f/5.6L, f/7.1, 1/1000, ISO 250, Exp. Comp. + 2/3. Do you think I should crop tighter?


http://www.pscvn.org/members/308/5-12-2009_4-59-25_PM.jpg


Larger versions


http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8969174&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8969174&amp;size=lg)


http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=9127572&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=9127572&amp;size=lg)


http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8997757&amp;size=lg ("http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8997757&amp;size=lg)

[kam007]

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"]Hey - I think these photo's you posted are excellent!I can't give much criticism since I am unfimiliar with taking professional photos and the terms that photographers use, but your photo's are great. I don't even know how to change (if it is even possible) the ISO, "+1/3", f/??, etc.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Kam,


thanks for the comments..


You can adjust the ISO in 1/3 increment on your 50D but you need to do it in the creative modes (AV, TV, M). Please check your manual for more information.


I've beenusing my 40D since Oct. 2007 and I still checkits manual from time to time. I wantto make sure thatI still know the camera inside out.


If you're new to photographymany thingsin the manual can be confusing, please ask here and a lot of us will gladly help you.

[Colin]

Nhut, your pictures are always good.


I'd like to offer something negative just to keep you in line, but I can't think of anything....


Cheese. You need more cheese in the pictures! [:)] So there...


Hummingbird my most favorite of the set.

[HiFiGuy1]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/HiFiGuy1/_MG_1234-1.jpg






<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>








i remember the duck pair !!! is from altamonte? just a wild, i mean WILD guess...
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>






Altamonte? Not familiar with that. No, these are wild ducks I found on the EasternShore ofMobile Bay. The longest lens I own is only a 28-135mm, but I discovered that by beingVERY patient and sitting down on the ground, I was able to slowly scoot over to them without spooking them. Otherwise there would have to be a LOT of cropping and not much residual detail. I am going to go back and try to process these shots in EOS Viewer Utility from CR2 (RAW) so maybe the results will be better. This is just a JPEG pretty much out of the camera. Anything I can do to even approach the incredible quality of Nate's stuff would be a big improvement.

[Oren]

Nhut, there's nothing to comment really - all we can do is learn from you.


And no, you don't need to crop tighter, it's fine as it is.

[cian3307]

Nhut, I love your latest pics, but especialy the Tern shot - I know how hard it is to catch them in flight like that, my trash bin is full of unsuccessful attempts!

[Bill W]

Nate;


First off, nice captures of all 3 w/the Rufous and Tern being my favorites....not that the Curlew(?) isn't nice, but I'd loosen up the cropping a bit on the 12, 3, and 6 sides. The 3 side is just a bit too balanced w/the 9 side....leave a little extra space for the bird to fly to.


I just rec'd my new flash (580EX ll for my 40D) to help capture my hummingbirds. I noted your setting of flash +1/3; what was you reasoning for making this adjustment? And if you have any other suggestions for captures w/a flash, please feel free to include them.


Thanks in advance


Bill

[Dann Thombs]

Took this a few weeks ago on a local seal tour. Used my 300mm f/2.8L + 2x TC. Then a bit of cropping.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3408770943_8067813db1_o.jpg
Canon EOS 40D, 1/1600, f/10, 600mm, ISO400

[cian3307]

Nice shot dann, seals can make great subjects - those big brown eyes! here's 2 of mine: 400D + EF 28-80 (yes, the crappy kit one!) Tv 1/160 Av f11 ISO200./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.16/IMG_5F00_2728_5F00_1.JPG/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.16/IMG_5F00_2705_5F00_1.jpg

[Dann Thombs]

Wow you were able to get close. I love the second.

[Rod Robinson]

Here is one of my favorites. It was taken in Samburu National Park in Kenya./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.67/19.elephant-crossing.jpg

[Rod Robinson]

Whoops. I guess that was too big. I'll post a smaller one so you get the full picture.


Rod Robinson


www.theimagesofafrica.com

[Rod Robinson]

Here's a smaller version./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.67/elephant-crossing.jpg


Rod Robinson


www.theimagesofafrica.com

[Rod Robinson]

Here is another one I took in the Serengeti in Tanzania./cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.67/looking-at-you_2D00_lioness.jpg





Rod Robinson


www.theimagesofafrica.com

[EdN]

Rod


Great photos! I love the first one and respect the second one! Certainly not backyard or backroad pictures.

[cian3307]

Wow you were able to get close. I love the second.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>



But not too close - they can give a nasty bite and I don't like to disturb them too much. You won't get anywhere near as close to the adults.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragements, especially Bill for the critique on the whimbrel photo (curlews look similar but have longer bill). I did what you adviced and it turned out much better. The reason for +1/3 compensation because I shot with a 400mm lens and ideally I should have used something like the better beamer to extend the coverage of my flash output. However, I didn't have one, so after taking a few shot at 0 compensation I found out the images were a little dark.


Dan, 300 f/2.8 + 2x, how do you like that set up?
Ciann, the baby seal on the second image is really nice, I like how you got really close and low to it.
Rod, the elephant safari image is nice, only wish the oof bush isn't there. Must be a thrill to go on Safari, I would love to go on one in the future.[:)]

[Rod Robinson]

Cian,





That's not a cub. That's an adult lioness.


Rod Robinson


www.theimagesofafrica.com

[Rod Robinson]

Excuse me Cian. I got caught in your message to someone else. My mistake.

[Dann Thombs]

Dan, 300 f/2.8 + 2x, how do you like that set up?





It's a dream. A 600mm f/5.6 that's still pretty sharp wide open. Can't beat it. Plus you get to keep the minimum working distance of the 300, so you can do some moderate macro if need be.

[George Slusher]

Walking through the woods near the stable where my horses live ...


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_8324_5F00_8.jpg





This is just as it came from the camera's JPEG except for scaling. The white balance was set to shade, as I had been taking pictures in the shade. I also used Digital Photo Professional to adjust the white balance of the RAW picture (I usually shoot in RAW + JPEG). Daylight is shown below, but I don't like it as much, even though it's more accurate. The warm glow with shade balance looks better to me. What do you think? (Cloudy was sort of between these, naturally.)


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_8324_5F00_daylight_5F00_8.jpg





Canon 30D, EF-S 17-85mm IS @ 50mm, f/8, 1/400 ISO 400 (I could probably have gone to ISO 100, but many of my other shots around this were at 1/60 or so.) Style is based upon "Landscape," with Sharpness 4 &amp; Saturation 2. I usually leave it there, as the colors are more vivid, unless I'm photographing people (which is not often)


P.S.: Just for kicks, I opened this in Photoshop Elements and tried the various "auto" choices in the Enhance menu. You really don't want to see what "autosmart fix" did. Sometimes, autolevels does a good job, but, in this case, autosmart fix lightened the shadows a lot, darkened the highlights a bit, and changed the color so that the mud is almost purple. Even more fun was setting the white balance to tungsten. You should try that, sometimes--shoot in RAW and play around with the white balance, style, etc. That's a good way to learn just what the effects are.

[Dann Thombs]

Even if it's not 'accurate', I tend to like a warmer white balance on nature shots. The first one is much better, so I think you chose well.

[George Slusher]

Who's been here?





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.54/IMG_5F00_8330_5F00_8.jpg





(Yes, I know what sort of animal made the track.)


Canon 30D, EF 100-400mm L IS, 350mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO 400.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

That's a racoon's paw print.[:)]

[Dann Thombs]

Or a feral human.

[Dann Thombs]

Managed to get one good shot today. Windy as anything, but that did work to my advantage since the bees were cold and didn't want to fly.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.37.Macro/20090514_5F00_123130_5F00_bumblebee_5F00_crop_5F00 _720.jpg

[HiFiGuy1]

That's a really nice shot of the bee. What gear and settings did you use for that?

[Dann Thombs]

Canon 5D II, 180mm f/3.5L Macro, 1/320, f/10, ISO800, +2/3EV


Background is other flower and/or sky. Boosted shadows in Photoshop and then some slight selective noise reduction.

[Fred Doane]

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; color: #000000; font-size: 9pt;"]Ok so here's my attempt at a nature shot but I have to admit it wasn't quitea nature shot. I found this little guy outside and brought him inside for a little photo shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] Don't worry I released him the second I was done right where I found him. I used two 32" umbrellas with 2-580 EX II speed lights for main and fill light and a 580 EX as a hair (antennae?) light and a ST-E2 transmitter to set the flashes off.<o:p></o:p>


<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; color: #000000; font-size: 9pt;"]1Ds Mark III, 24-105 L IS @ 105mm, Canon 25mm extension tube, F16, iso 100, 1/100<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; color: #000000; font-size: 9pt;"]<o:p>/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.52/Praying-Mantis.jpg</o:p>

[Jon Ruyle]

Sweet!


I'm surprised you were able to get so close with only 25mm of extension at 105mm. How much did you crop it? It looks great in any case.

[Colin]

Double sweet!

[HiFiGuy1]

<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #000000; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"]Ok so here's my attempt at a nature shot but I have to admit it wasn't quitea nature shot. I found this little guy outside and brought him inside for a little photo shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"] Don't worry I released him the second I was done right where I found him. I used two 32" umbrellas with 2-580 EX II speed lights for main and fill light and a 580 EX as a hair (antennae?) light and a ST-E2 transmitter to set the flashes off.


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #000000; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"]1Ds Mark III, 24-105 L IS @ 105mm, Canon 25mm extension tube, F16, iso 100, 1/100


Fred,


Shame you don't have better gear. That could have been a really nice shot! [:D] Just kidding. of course, it is a very good shot. It doesn't matter that it was staged. It came out very well.

[Fred Doane]

Thanks guys,





Jon - it was a horizontal shot so I cropped the left and right sides and resized. He was probably about 4 inches long so I didn't need a super macro lens for the shot the 24-105 with the extension tube did the trick. A macro lens is one of the things on my list though.





HiFiGuy1 - Gotta start out somewhere I'll try upgrading my equipment as soon as I come up with some money [;)]

[HiFiGuy1]

HiFiGuy1 - Gotta start out somewhere I'll try upgrading my equipment as soon as I come up with some money /emoticons/emotion-5.gif
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>



I understand. Hey, when you're ready, let me know, I'll take your old junk of your hands. Of course, I couldn't give much for it, mostly I suppose I'd be doing you a favor by giving it a new home. I'm just sentimental that way, I guess. [:)]

[Mark Elberson]

Great shot Fred!

[twistedphrame]

Best? probably not but found this 2-3 foot black snake today hiking:http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh125/kz308/IMG_8969.jpg


taken from about a foot away (she was calm for some reason: either molting or breeding)


24-70 f2.8 w/ XTi


70mm AV:2.8 Shutter: 1/640 AV mode ISO 100

[Oren]

Camera: 50D, Lens: 17-85, Focal length: 85mm, Mode: Av, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter: 1/320, ISO: 100.


Shot as RAW, converted to JPEG using DPP. Contrast: +1, Highlight: 0, Shadow: -1, Color tone: 0, Color saturation: +1, Sharpness: +4.


Resized to 800x533 and then unsharp mask was applied 5 times with Radius: 0.2 and Amount: 100%.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.41/cat.jpg

[prayharder]

I found this out in our shop this morning...


It was taken with a Hand-held 40D and a MPE-65mm f/16 1/60 sec ISO 500.





I really need to get a macro rail and the twin light macro flash !!!


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.61/YellowJacket.JPG

[devsalvi]

Playing hide and seek!


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.65/OgAAAHOq599fl0sRTvfyI20sZYRBp1qPjrpME2HkfLj8sJdXE2 WCmFN8NusBaUsJFdIzOYh9kZLHTFGf_2D00_IFeq_2D00_Hk0D wAm1T1UOBlGGNXxL3qdNqMX4Zkvp0pSsZO.jpg

[Madison]

Technically not the best picture but the caption in combination with the picture made me laugh!

[devsalvi]

I agree :D...


I posted it cus i thought it was funny...

[Steve Eisenberg]

This is the Bee Assassin and it's prey.


Taken with a Canon XTi, Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro at 1/200 F14, ISO 100, Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1 Flash at +2 FEC (should have been +3) and Lumiquest Promax Softbox. Post-Processed with Canon DPP, Click White Balance using a Lastolite Ezy Balance greycard. +1 Brightness, and 7 Sharpness.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/3540768594_e6319a2c81_o.jpg

[Colin]

Sweet. Love it!

[Steve Eisenberg]

Thanks!

[Benjamin]

My recent trip to Elora in Ontario, Canada. The light is quite strong at the moment I took it and I think I also slightly overdeveloped my film. So the contrast is ultra high. But I'm still happy with it though.[:)]





/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.24.70.My+Gallery/Elora-_2D00_-The-Abandoned-Architecture-2009.jpg


Canon 1V-HS + 16-35/2.8L II on Ilford HP5 Plus 400, Nikon 9000ED scanned.

[Garrett-Grimsley]

Got home a few minutes ago and let my dog out, this bugger was on my fence and managed to capture a few shots before he noticed me and flew off.





http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/808bou/IMG_3494.png


Canon 350D, Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6_/\/\_ISO400, 300mm, f/5.6, 1/1000

[joback]

Three Novembers ago I mail-ordered a Canon 100-400L IS lens.Withinan hour of recieving the lens, I was atmy local community park to test it out. I arrived right at dusk. I took the followinghand held shot of a moving subject at 400mm on a Canon 20Dwith ISO set at only 400. It made me think the IS was way better than Canon had advertised. That's natural autumn color from nearby trees reflecting on the water. Camera bodies come and go, but I've grown to love that zoom lens.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.83/Bird_5F00_Egret_5F00_7395.jpg

[Fred Doane]

John,


Great capture! I love the color of the water and composition. Makes me wanna go out and buy that lens right now.


Fred~

[Dann Thombs]

Yes you need a disclaimer since I want to rack up my credit card even more and pick up that baby. Love the colors.


This is the only decent shot I've taken lately. I really need to get back out into the field.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3553050154_50d3d1d95e.jpg

[chrisc]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.52.chris/IMG_5F00_3882_2D00_compressed.jpg

[chrisc]

I'll try to get it to fit - new at this


MT Hood near Portland Oregon - October/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.52.chris/IMG_5F00_3882_2D00_compresses-web.jpg 2008 - Canon G9

[chrisc]

Canon G9


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.52.chris/G9-ZOO-4_2D00_18_2D00_09-_2800_45-of-48_29002D00_compressed-web.jpg

[joback]

That's a most impressive shot of Mt. Hood. Lovely.

[chrisc]

Canon G9 - Mt Hood Oregon


/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x640/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.52.chris/IMG_5F00_3861_2D00_compressed-2.jpg

[joback]

This shot of a 1200 lb bull elk in Northern California was taken with the same 100-400L lens as the egret. Don't tryframing this beast with a short lens!/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.83/Northcoast_5F00_Aug_2D00_2007_5F00_1837.jpg

[joback]

Chris: The first composition was fine, but this second one is evenbetter. Thanks for sharing!

[chrisc]

Thanks Joback - Final one


/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x640/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.52.chris/IMG_5F00_3838_2D00_compressed-3.jpg

[joback]

Chrisc: That's another great shot of Hood.

[SupraSonic]

edN that's FANTASTIC

[chrisc]

Used a circ pol for all of these shots - unfortunately camera was set to JPEG and i didn't check - had problems withblown out whites on some pics - i will look at them in LR2 later - thanks for your comments - i like contrasty pics and here is an example - wish the center small tree wasn't there


/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x640/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.52.chris/IMG_5F00_3874_2D00_1_2D00_1.jpg

[Oren]

We all like contrasty pictures - that's our nature.


Hmm... did you put the CPL on your G9? is it possible? or that picture was taken with a DSLR?

[joback]

Oren &amp; Chris: As long as you're enjoying yourselves, that's what really matters.Take lots of photos and experiment with adjusting them. You get good at this the same way you get to Carnegie Hall: Practice, practice, practice. Enjoy developing your own unique style. -John

[chrisc]

Oren,


You can easily put a CP on the G9. Canon makes a lens adapter (plastic), but the one I own is from Lensmate - it is 6061 aluminum, bead blasted, and anodized to exactly match the G9 finish - much nicer than the Canon adapter. It bayonet mounts to the G9 body after taking off the decorative ring around the lens.


It acceptes a 58 mm screw on filter or auxillary lenses - I used my 58 mm Kaesiman B + W Circular Polarizer

[Dann Thombs]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3576707813_53d0416772.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/3576707813/)


Had some success with this picture I think. Picked and held some pansies behind the weevil to add soem color.


Canon EOS 40D, MP-E 65mm, 1/250, f/11, ISO100, MT-24EX twin light, handheld

[Jon Ruyle]

Awesome, Dann!

[Colin]

Love the bug!

[btaylor]

Great shot Dan. Here's one I got the other night.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.28.34/3575342699_5F00_b536a4353b_5F00_b.jpg


Found this little fella on myshirt as I was sitting on the couch. I've just bought the Kenko extension tube set as a cheaper alternative to a macro lens and I must say I'm very impressed thus far (obviously still learning to use them as well). To put things into perspective, this little guy is perched on the top of a wooden skewer I had sitting on my dinner plate after some lovely chicken kebabs.


40D, ISO 100, 1/500, all three Kenko extension tubes stacked with Canon50mm f/1.8 II prime stopped down to f/10.


Lighting was from 420ex (camera right) attached to a home made diffuser that extends from the flash out to the front of the lens and a halogen lamp (camera left). Flashcompensation set to -2.


Enjoy.

[EdN]

Fishing the fisherman . . .


I took these shots several days ago. This is the first time I'veseen an Osprey with a fish but even more remarkable, itwas being chased by a Bald Eagle which I guess was looking for a free lunch. The duel between the two birds was like mini-fighter plane combat, and itwent on for quite a while but the Osprey was smart and agile. It was able to outmaneuver and finally frustrate the Eagle before going off the have lunch.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_7843cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_7849cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_7865cr.jpg


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.22.66/IMG_5F00_7873cr.jpg

[Rodger]

EdN those are intense!!!

[joback]

EdN: Very nice shot--stunning, actually--of our nation's symbol, The Robber!


By the way, when posting shots, please let us know what equipment you were using. Thanks.

[Colin]

Not nearly as cool as the bugs or aerial combat, but I got a leaf on a weed in my yard. I thought it was neat.


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n87/boujiluge/2009-05-27_Leaf-Backlit_0001800x115.jpg


Tv( Shutter Speed )1/320
Av( Aperture Value )4.0
Metering ModeEvaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation0
ISO Speed200
LensEF24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Focal Length70.0mm

[EdN]

joback:


The photos of the Eagle and Osprey were shot with a 5D Mk II at ISO 400. All the shots were at 1/2000s. The first two were shot at F/9; the third one at F/6.3; and the last at F/5.6.


The lens used was a 300 F4L IS with a 1.4X Extender.

[Fred Doane]

EdN,


It looks like they were considerably cropped from the original. How much of the original image were those crops taken from?


Fred~

[joback]

Thanks, EdN: Your results are great.If it was me, I might have gone with a higher ISO to better freeze the action when the subjects were crossing the field of view (rather than coming at the lens).I've pushed my 5D pretty high with my 100-400L and found the results very pleasing. That said, I can't argue with your obvious success!

[EdN]

Fred:


You are so correct. The photos are indeed crops, about the center third of each frame and then reduced to fit the format of this forum.


joback:


Thanks for your comments. When I showed up, the air battle had just got started and my camera and lens was still in my back pack. I got the lens on the body and just tried to follow the action using the pre-set of TV=1/2000s and ISO 400. I didn't have a lot of time to consider higher ISO's or higher shutter speeds because the furball was already in progress. I'll certainly try it in the future.

[kam007]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.27.wildlife/Sandhill-Crane-_2800_female_2900_-1-_2D00_-25.jpg





I did what some of you guys suggested (this was a few weeks ago). I never had my pictures on RAW, but this one was. Tell me what you think, constructive critisism is always appretiated. Thanks!

[kam007]

/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.29.27.wildlife/Sandhill-Crane-_2800_female_2900_-1-_2D00_-25.jpg





I did what some of you guys suggested (this was a few weeks ago). I never had my pictures on RAW, but this one was. Tell me what you think, constructive critisism is always appretiated. Thanks!

[Rodger]

I think the whole reflection of the bird in the water would look cool rather than cutting it off halfway. Maybe that wasn't possible because there was grass instead of water or you could get a wider focal length, but thats just my two cents.


(Maybe leave more of the picture to the right also. It would give the bird someplace to be looking to rather than off the frame)


I like how the nest is in the shot though :)

[Stratification]

New to the forums and figured I'd throw up my contribution. Working with the Canon 100mm Macro we recently got, basically a lucky shot.


http://g.virbcdn.com/i/resize_500x500/PageImage-339056-1567242-GrowingPains.jpg ("http://virb.com/levitationdesign/photos/3154816/fullsize)

[joback]

Stratification: Good job. Some photographers won't admit it, but a lot of our best shots rely on a at least bit of luck. The best way to make Luck your best friend is to practice, practice, practice.Best regards- John

[Stratification]

Thanks John, practice I do. I try to get out and shoot every day. I should expand on lucky, I didn't see the Aphid until I had the leaf focused, and didn't see the skin under him until I got it back to my computer. So the best sort of luck, and thanks again.