Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

[borisbelchev_bspb]

Again i will be happy for critics and advices :-)

Camera Model Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Shooting Date/Time 5/25/2008 7:06:31 PM
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1000
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Metering Mode Partial Metering
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF300mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Focal Length 420.0 mm
Image Size 3888x2592
Image Quality RAW
Flash Off
White Balance Mode Auto
AF Mode One-Shot AF

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the pose, setting and eye contact. The bird looks a bit soft and it would have been good to have the sun in your back. Keep them coming.

[Robert Amoruso]

Boris,

Nice looking bird and you did well getting him on the take-off. Unfortunately, he went backward from you focus point and is a bit out of focus. You could do a selection of the bird and sharpen it some more - not a solution but will make him appear sharper. I like the subtle perch we is on and the background flowers on the left The green background is also nice.

[Brian Wong]

Hi Boris!

I do not know if this tip is available for the Digital Rebel, but the custom function #4 on most Canons will allow you to temporarily fix, lock, and hold the focus while pressing on the "*" (star) button. When the bird is stationary (before take off), try holding down that button/setting ... which will also help pre-focus your lens. Then release the button to activate the camera's autofocus (now set at the pre-focus position), as the bird takes off. This should help you improve your keepers!