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Joel, Thanks for addressing each one of my questions!
Your contribution to this thread is greatly appreciated. I was using a 300mm lens with a 1.4X extender (420mm) and I put 2X in my post by accident, so I will edit my original post. Your concerns regarding the extenders impact on AF and IQ are duely noted. I
Richard,
I imported your last image into CS5. Looking at the bird, the front edge of the wings are clipped (ie overexposed) but the rest of it is good. With BIF make sure you use manual mode and expose just for the subject and not the background.
I also did the following
1. an adjustment layer for Levels adjustment
2. shadows/highlight adjustment
3. 2 rounds of smart sharpen filter 180% 0.4 pixel radius
4. noise reduction on the background
5. crop to get the bird out of the center
Hope you don't mind me messing around with your pic, but I think it helped some to bring out detail
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/3225.Untitled_2D00_1.jpg[/img]
Thanks Joel, it looks great! No, I don't mind at all. I don't have Photoshop but it's something that I would love to learn how to do.
I will post 2 Screen Shots which also contain the Histograms. The first one is the original, and the 2nd is after I tweaked it in Aperture.
Both are Un-cropped.
[url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53022431@N03/5185424091/]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1421/...904081bd_b.jpg[/url]
After post processing: If a setting wasn't used I closed the feature, but you should be able to compare the two.
[url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53022431@N03/5185450741/]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/...b5a6fc3f_b.jpg[/url]<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]
In reality the field in the picture looks more like the 2nd one than the 1st one.
<span style="font-size: small;"]Comments are welcome by all,
Rich
Richard,
On the original you can see on the histogram that almost all the data is pushed to the left, this means that the image is (in general) underexposed. This definitely reduces the ability to get maximum detail. There might not have been anything you could do if the light was low. You could have tried a higher ISO and lower f-stop. Usually I take "test" shots and check the histogram if I can. You want more data pushed to the right side without going to the edge. The image on the LCD may even look a little washed out, but if you do this you
Here is an example where you can see the histogram pushed away from the left with some data over to the right but not clipped.
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/7762.Screen-shot-2010_2D00_11_2D00_17-at-8.36.27-PM.jpg[/img]
<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]Hi Joel,
The light was varying, in out of the clouds all afternoon. I certainly could of used ISO 800. I was also using a Circ. Pol filter which loses a 1.3 stops and may explain the slightly blue color in the original that you had noted. I'm torn between not clipping the whites and underexposure, (great example) so I'll try pushing the histogram to the right more, without clipping the highlights. I do that with white uniforms too. The 7D does have highlight alert, but I have it turned off, so I'll give that a try as well.
I always shoot in RAW, so I'm onboard with that too! Thanks about the TIFF tip, I was aware about it, but I haven't been saving in TIFF. I didn't see any large BIF today, so I guess I had beginners luck previously. It was very windy today, probably about 25mph so, I guess they were all hiding.
Thanks Again Joel and<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]have a Great Night,
Rich
Maybe not the "best" but I thought it was a good catch.
Two adult eagles just battled an Osprey. The baby fled to the ground. After the battle they came in and hid the baby in the bushes.
5D MarkIi, 500mm F4L...and croped
[View:http://community.the-digital-picture...neric/utility/http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/...31b92ea643.jpg]
This an Egret, taken in early Sept. in Florida
1D MKIII
500mm f4L + 1.4TC
f/10
1/1250
iso 400
manual mode
evaluative metering
processed with ACR and CS5
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/0474.343V1216.jpg[/img]
thanks Joel for all your informative posts, really appreciate it.
BTW, may I ask how to post screen shot? thanks!
Hi Everyone.
I love this thread. Great pictures everyone.
I hada littletime in Florida a week ago, but here are a few that I think now qualify as "my" best bird photos. All shot with a Canon 7D and the 100-400L:
400 mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th, f/11....this picture represents my first real attempt at post processing. The original was underexposed on the Osprey but perfectly exposed for the clouds. I've adjusted brightness, contracts and "mid-tones"
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Components-UserFiles/00-00-00-46-64-Birds/Osprey-2.JPG[/img]
360 mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th, f/11
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Components-UserFiles/00-00-00-46-64-Birds/Pelican-1.JPG[/img]
250 mm, ISO 400, Exp Comp+2/3, 1/1000th, f/10...this may be my entry into Assignment 14....still debating.....
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Components-UserFiles/00-00-00-46-64-Birds/Bird-1.JPG[/img]
400 mm, ISO 400, 1/1250th, f/13
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Components-UserFiles/00-00-00-46-64-Birds/Sandpiper-1.JPG[/img]
Thanks for viewing and C&C are welcome....
JJPhoto, with regard to screenshots....
On a PC I think you can hit the PrintScrn key, then open Paint....under Edit hit paste....you can then save it as a JPEG
On a MAC I think you hit Control /Shift / F3 and it will automatically put the screenshot on your desktop as a .png file
Then you can open the file in PP and edit / crop ....etc......etc...
Joel
thank you Joel! that really helps.
Kayaker, these are nice shots! I like the osprey in flight very much, really great eye contact! it would be perfect if the wing tip didn't get clipped.
So much helpful information in this thread! Thanks everyone.
Here's one of my favorite bird shots, taken at the local zoo here in Upstate NY.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/...76d2e3cc_z.jpg
Prey by C Double W, on Flickr
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJphoto
Thanks JJ. [:D]I have to admit, I don't think clipping the wing was running through my mind at the time....more like "he knows I am too big, right?" [:P]That is the most I've tracked a bird. Lesson learned for meis topull back on the zoom a little quicker next time.
Thanks again, Brant
Ok, here is my submission for the week:
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s9/v14/p466952345-4.jpg
Not great, But I couldn't resist showing all those turkey lovers what a real set of drumbsticks look like [:P]. Sandhill Crane
really nice Bob, I think it
I agree, Sandhills are gorgeous...I love the gold and grey tones on the wings
Thanks Joel, JJ, They are fun birds to shoot and around here--southwest NM, is a wintering site for them, its an annual thing that I always look forward to. But I have to admit, I find them very challenging to shoot and really capture thier colors. They are fairly shy birds and getting with a 100 yards of them isn't to hard, but 50 yards is tough. Also, shooting them against a blue or blue/grey sky isn't normally complimentary for them, thats why I try and shoot inflight with the landscape in the background-----But... they don't follow direction very well---kinda of like two year olds. Here are some of my favorites of these birds---some you may have seen before.
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s8/v10/p291365012-4.jpg
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s7/v7/p313638546-4.jpg
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s8/v10/p263347896-4.jpg
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s9/v15/p23036467-4.jpg
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s8/v11/p257048341-5.jpg
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s7/v8/p308874218-4.jpg
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/s9/v0/p300629828-5.jpg
Nice Sandies, Bob. Some suggestions, hope you don't mind... you gotta keep the horizon straight and birds need to fly toward you or at least parrell to you, not away [:D]. I need to make a pilgrimage to Bosque Del Apache [:D], any serious bird photographer has to go there at least once inhis or her life right?
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uxe7FqpWNN4/TO.../IMG_6075c.jpg
Osprey and Rainbow Trout
Taken at 7AM, Canon 7D + EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, f/4, 1/2000, ISO 1600, Manual Exposure, Tripod.
Thanks for viewing and please feel free to critique, comment and question. I'm open to anything [:D]
Nate,
@Joel, Nice Composition and creamy bokeh on the Egret shot.
Rich
Thanks Rich.
Bob, I wish I was close to the Sandhills, looks like some great opportunities.....you should just go ahead and order the 800 mm lens !!
Nate, Nice action shot, I might try toning down the splash just a little, very cool capture.
Joel
This is a group of Terns from my Florida trip in September
1D MKIII + 500mm f/4L + 1.4 TC
manual mode, evaluative metering, center AF point, AI servo mode
1/1250 f/5.6 iso 400
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/5657.343V2065.jpg[/img]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kayaker72
Kayaker, In general you probably don't need f/11 for birds, you can drop your f-stop a few stops and lower your ISO, remember the name of the game for BIF and action shots is fast shutter speed and low ISO. You can get away with it at the beach, because you have plenty of light, however f/11 is above the DLA for the 7D, so diffraction starts to creep in and remember at longer focal lengths your DOF is deeper.
Great capture on the Osprey, good head angle, nice wing span although it's slightly clipped (it happens). I don't like the cropping, as I feel it's too tight. The head is right in the center of the frame, both horizontally and vertically. Since this was a tight shot, if you can't crop it horizontally, then at least try to remove the birds head from then center of the frame by leaving air and space below the wings in the frame, not only will this remove the bird from being perfectly centered it will also give a sense of height and flight to the bird.
All of the shots, especially the 2nd shot over the water is definitely screaming for a Circular Polarizing filter. Keep in mind that you will lose 1 -1.5 stops with the Circ. Polarizer, which is another good reason to widen your aperture.
I love the 3rd shot, nice capture, great composition, very sharp. The last one is a little soft.
Keep shooting and posting,
Rich
@Chris, I love the contrast of the birds; head, feet and tail against the water and rocks. Nice WB and saturation without being too much.
Very Sharp too!
Rich
Hi Bob, I Love the first Sandhill Crane shot in the single post above.
Regarding the set above: Great action int the first one, watch the horizon though. The 2nd one looks very sharp. The 3rd shot would be my favorite, if it wasn
Joel, you
Nate the Great does it again!
You guys are killing me this 500mm f/4L lens.
Great action capture, excellent sharpness with a nice creamy background. The only way that it could be better was if the bird was flying in the other direction and towards the light. But, I don't know if even you could control that one!
Rich
PS. I love the frame too! What program is that?
@Joel, Great shot of the Terns. I am in the process of collecting pennies on the street corner to fund my 500 or 600, but its still a ways off. Maybe I'll make a bigger cardboard sign. ANy way, seeing yours and nates picks keeps me motivated and focused on the task.
<div id="ctl00_ctl00_content_content_ctl00_fragment_121 6_ctl01_ctl00_PostForm__QuoteText"]Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinh Nhut Nguyen
Nice Sandies, Bob. Some suggestions, hope you don't mind... you gotta keep the horizon straight and birds need to fly toward you or at least parrell to you, not away [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]. I need to make a pilgrimage to Bosque Del Apache [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img], any serious bird photographer has to go there at least once inhis or her life right?
</div>
Thanks Nate, and No, I don't mind the suggestions at all, In fact, I appreciate them ---There is a little bird sanctuary only about 20 miles from my house that typically has more sandies that the bosque does. I think I'll make an early morning run tomorrow and see if I can't apply the lessons you offered. And if you make it down this way, let me know. I can give you a pretty good first timers tour. Great shot of the Osprey, and I like detail inthe water action.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lane
Thanks Rich, I agree with you--Most of these are older shots, but I do need to get out and do a little Micro adjust on my 100-400, and above all, start using my gitzo more often. I think all of these were hand held [:S]
@ Kayaker---These are nice shots and Rich makes somesolid points forimprovement.
Bob
Rich,
Thanks for the tips and suggestions. Hopefully I'll get to practice again soon [:D]
Brant
From my backyard setup using the 1D MKIII and 300mm f/2.8L + 1.4TC + 580 EXII + Better Beamer
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/1004.343V8867.jpg[/img]
Wow, amazing shots everybody, I missed the party!
HDNitehark, what a story of nature!, I was wondering would it better if you should video instead.
congratulations, Brendan, the"post your best bird shot" thread is getting closer to the 1000 posts , we have not seen you for a while, maybe you will post the 1000th post?
here is my recent shot just to celebrate the coming 1000th post
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/8284.IMG_5F00_1177.jpg[/img]
thanks for viewing!
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/550x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/0535.Pelican-1.jpg[/img]
Took this last weekend. Canon 40D, 70-200mm (@200mm), f4, 1/2500s. Not my best bird shot ever, but for some reason I was drawn to the colors produced. Very ominous; like jaws is going to come out of the water and eat this pelican.
How about your worst bird shot?
Well, It's the story that really matters. Some of you may remember that some time ago I posted a question about how to achieve focus in pitch black conditions---I realized that you could infact do this at least with a 580EXII and a 7d. With flash mounted and tunred on you can hit the Depth of field preview button and the modeling flash (Series of rapid fires) will engage and if your quick enough on the focus button, you can actually achieve focus during this cycle. Now, an experienced photographer would probably ask---"why would you want to" of course I failed to really think about the "why" and was obsessed with the "how". Well, I went out before dawn this weekend (as many wildlife photographers do" in an attempt to to get set up and ready for first light. I got to my blind early, got set up and had some time to play. So I knew my birds were out on the water based on the "morning chatter" that sandhills are known for. Though some light was starting to creep up over the mountains, it was still too dark to see anything so I decided to put my "focus in the dark" method to practical use. I pointed the camera in the general direction of the chatter, did my new found focus trick, then fired off a few shots. Now, keep in mind, these birds were about 75-100 yards away and you could not see them with the naked eye. Here is the result after pushing the exposure to about 75%, maxing out the noise reduction and significant cropping----What you end up with is:
<span style="font-size: medium;"]GHOST BIRDS:
<span style="font-size: medium;"][img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/5516.ghost-birds.jpg[/img]
It neverdawned on me that shooting wildlife in the dark with a flash would result in the infamous "red eye" or for cranes--"white eye"----
Note to self: Don't try and out think the Canon Engineers, there is probably a reason why they didn't offer the feature in the first place.
I often find, that I learn more from my failures than I do from my succeses.
Bob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel Eade
Sorry to hark back a few posts so I quoted the pic for relevance. I don't shoot birds I do shoot children (man that sounds bad)and I notice you say this is centre AF point in AI Servo- but there's nothing in the centre! Is this a crop and did you focus on the bird in the air? I'm curious as I often get poor framing as a result of using centre point AI Servo. Do you accept the framing to use the centre point then crop to achieve the desired result?
I figure BIF are similar to capture compared to children at martial arts. Always in motion and unpredictable. Thanks for any AF tips. For relevancy I'm using a 1D mkIIn.
Paul.
Paul,
The image is cropped but beyond that, what I was doing is focusing with center point and then holding focus lock with my right thumb while recomposing the image in the camera then firing the shutter. In this case I focused on one of the group and the bird flight came in at just the right time, I wasn
JJ,
Nice pose, nice capture and spot-on exposure.
Rich
Bob,
Very interesting and creative stuff there. It looks like it could be the cover for a Stephen King Novel.
Rich
dsiegel,
Nice composition of the Pelican. I also like the calm, deep-blue look of the water too. However, it also appears that the birds white balance may slightly towards the blue or cool side. This may be due to the reflection off the water or the slight blue tint on a CPL filter.
Rich
Rich,
Yeah, that was caused by intense sun reflection. I
I