Sorry, that was a reply. Two shots back.
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Sorry, that was a reply. Two shots back.
Oh, Ok--
two shots from today
7D, 700mm 5.6, f5.6,1/1600, ISO640
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/550x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/0358.IMG_5F00_1094.jpg[/img]
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/5543.IMG_5F00_1093.jpg[/img]
thanks for viewing
Great shots everyone. The pictures in this thread are very inspiring and completely amaze me most days. The HB shots are spectacular.
I haven't taken many bird shots since getting my 300 F4 IS, but since winter is coming around in the area I am starting to see more raptors. Here is one I captured the other day. It is a little over sharpened, but thought it turned out ok. I really wish he was on a branch or something, but I guess I light pole will do.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D...9_15_21376.jpg
Jayson,
really nice Cooper
A couple more recent HB shots with multiple flash setup....a la Bob Williams
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/7853.343V5248.jpg[/img]
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/6433.343V5264.jpg[/img]
Thanks Joel. Those humming bird shots are unreal! Did you use the flashes to black out the background or was there something planned for that? I really like the way it is isolated on that background.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayson
Thanks Jayson.....
the idea is that you set your exposure to NOT allow any ambient light into the image. This means that without the flash the image will be black (completely underexposed)
So the image is illuminated by ONLY the flash which has a very short duration of around 1/15,000 sec. Since I had no flash to illuminate the background it remains black.
Bob explains it much better in his Humminbird tutorial.
Joel
thanks joel, But you shot those wonderful Hummers. Based on recommendations from the readers, I tried something a little different yesterday---But I must explain: Two weeks ago, I promised the wife I would move my "studio" of of the back porch and I did. Packed up everything for the year and started thinking about our migrant bird season which is fast approaching. Unfortunately, I still wasn't satisfied ending the HB season with problems, so I did a partial set-up yesterday evening. No back ground, no flowers, just work on getting the bird right. And I think I was pretty close. The major change was setting 3 flashes to 1/64th power and wow, out of only ten shots, my keeper rate was 80%.
Here are a couple--My focus was a little soft at the eye but that really wasn't what I was working on---anyway, here they are---
f/16, 1/125th, ISO 200, 3 flashes @1/64th
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/0285.IMG_5F00_4267.jpg[/img]
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/3414.IMG_5F00_4273.jpg[/img]
the flashes were set up as 1 low right, 1 low center and one high left---I really like the way this particular configuration lit the bird---what do you think?
Bob
Here is one more that I just though was cute---looks like he is spitting something out that he didn't like"
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/1423.IMG_5F00_4002.jpg[/img]
Bob,
looks like the shorter flash duration (1/64 power) cleared up the ghosting quite nicely....cool beans!!!
Joel
Bob - You have most definitely reached perfection on these shots! I am so happy for you that you were able to solve your dilemma with the ghosting! Looks like you will be able to start the next hb season off with a bang!
DD, Joel, Thanks---Now all I need is about 10 430exII flashes so I can get the bird and the background well lit: In reality what this would do is significantly improve the keeper rate with distant backgrounds---But.....We have all seen some pretty decent shots with just 1-5 flashes, you just have to be willing to shoot more and accept a smaller keeper rate. I am not sure it would be worth the investment to improve that keeper rate---anyway, thats my story and I am sticking to it--I have discovered that the more ambient light you can eliminate, the better off you are---so maybe just some pieces of black cloth will help---Next year, my back porch could look like a maosoleum :)
Bob,
I think you can probably pull it off with the gear you have......the shorter flash duration seems to be the key. Just use one flash on the background and all the others on the bird, maybe add some small softboxes to get a softer more diffuse light.
I predict you will have it perfected to a new level next season, you have been so persistent and methodical there;s no doubt it will happen.
As for keeper rates....I am usually excited to get one or two really good shots from each backyard session.
Joel
I don't really do these. Went to the Waterfowl Management Area today for something different. Went at the wrong time of day.. noon. Got a couple that are pretty cool. Not much detail in the feathers so I converted to B&W.. I'm pretty sure that my shutter speed was WAY too slow. I have no idea what this breed is, btw.
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/1000x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/4578.IMG_5F00_1264_2D00_2.jpg[/img]
Canon 7D; Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L; 1/400 sec.; f/5.6; ISO 100
1D3
300mm 2.8L version 1 + 2.0 TCII
iso 1600
f/5.6
1/400
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/3122.343V0494.jpg[/img]
Molting Juvenile Cardinal
1D3
300mm 2.8L + 1.4 TC
1/500
f/4.5
iso 800
I used 3 flashes on this one .... 580 EX II on camera and 2 430 EXII's off to either side at 45 degrees all set to 1/8 power manually.
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/6371.343V5521.jpg[/img]
Call it cheating. Bald Eagle at Busch Gardens.
50D 70-200 f2.8L IS II @ 160mm 1/250" f2.8 ISO500
http://jimslamepics.smugmug.com/Vaca...6949DPP-XL.jpg
Thats not cheating it
At Rocco,
Looks like an Ibis to me.
John.
We have spenta lot of time discussinghow to perfect hummingbird photographybut occasionally nothing goes right yet you still end up with a good or even a great shot---Here is my example of that very situation---an old shot from last year.
Flashes didn't fire
To much ambient light
Poor settings
Mediocre camera and lens (400D and 100-400)
But it is still one of my favorite H-bird shots to date
http://rwilliamsimaging.com/img/v4/p1065667702-4.jpg
Bob
This is this best shot I have ever seen. I love the background, love the fact that only the head is in focus, love the drop of nectar on the beak and I love the effect generated by the wings.
PS: Do you realize how depressing it is to us mere mortals (weeps quietly).
Beautiful eagle photo!
And Bob, wow ...all I can say is just WOW!
Love the latest hummingbird Bob, the purple in the background really makes it look great (as does the focus on the drop on the beak).
.
Meanwhile, I was out Orienteering today, first time in nearly 10 years, half hiked, half ran the whole course with my camera backpack on because i don't like leaving it in the car (heat as well as thieves).
Saw these guys just after the finish line, grabbed the camera out, but didn't get set up properly, probably the lowest keeper rate i've ever had. The first ones were too backlit and dark, so boosted by a stop in raw conversion and lost a bit of detail. I wish the flying one was in better focus, but i still like the effect and it's not as bad when shrunk this much (and can't decide which of the two looks better).
and the last guy was up in a tree with branches in front, even spot AF kept hunting and swapping between the two, so i MFed it, then didn't get the CPL turned properly before the shot, then he flew off.
Anyway, still had a good hike, which was the point. It's some kind of Pardalote (probably Striated Pardalote), by the way...
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/600x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/1351.IMG_5F00_8438rcs600x900.JPG[/img]
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/600x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/6283.IMG_5F00_8440rcs600x900.JPG[/img]
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@ Raid, @ Denise, Thanks, I just wish I could say I planned this shot, unfortunately it was just one of those lucky ones.
Bob
Thanks Dr. C
Bryan, I LIKE THIS SHOT, You nailed it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Williams
That is a great shot - reminds me of home!
But...I don't see a bird. Wait, there it is...nope, that was a small speck of dust on my screen. Well, lovely shot, nonetheless!
Sorry all, I thought I was in the "Best Current Shots" thread when I posted this. When I went back and looked for my post and didn
Got this one today
7D,500mm,f4.0, 1/640,ISO800
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/500x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/8875.IMG_5F00_1228.jpg[/img]
Ok, to make up for my previous post, I went and found a bird in my collection. Not very good, but still qualifies as one of my "best" bird shots. Not my forte.
http://www.pbase.com/bryanking/image/138352667.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJphoto
JJ....cool pose, love the toes spread out like that, well done
Quote:
Originally Posted by BryanKing
Bryan..the Golden Gate shot was awesome, would make a fabulous large print.
I love the feathers on the back of the Peacock...you captured the iridescence nicely, the birds head/eye area does appear to be in shadow....fill flash might have helped here.
Black Capped Chickadee
1D3
420mm
ISO 1000
f/4.5
1/500
580 EX II -2 1/3 stops ETTL
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/5076.343V9855.jpg[/img]
Another GBH shot
7D 500mm 4.0, f4.0,1/1250,ISO1600
[img]/resized-image.ashx/__size/800x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/7674.IMG_5F00_1265.jpg[/img]
thanks Joel for the comment!
nice shot as usual Joel, lots of details, well done!
another back yard visitor, shot this one using live view with the camera connected to my MacBook Pro via usb. Raw conversion with DPP.
1d3
300mm 2.8L (bare, no TC)
ISO 1000
1/250
f/8
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/15/0878.DPP07DB091B0E1C15.jpg[/img]
Joel, Nice shot of the dove----as usual. How did you like shooting from your laptop. I have often considered trying this with the hummers because it would be much easier to identify detail problems such as ghosting, fine focus etc--more so than the screen on the camera allows. I just have never gotten around to it---what
Thanks Bob, actually it was a first for me ....
I had printed and set up an ISO chart in the yard and was checking the AF microadjustment of the 300 with my 1D3 when the dove appeared so I took the opportunity to try it.
I actually was thinking about possibly using it on HB shots as well. (...great minds....?)
It is very different not looking through the camera, would take some time to adjust to it but you