Bald Eagle defending nest - 2
Artie,
Thank you for your advice.
Here is the sequel to the previous post. It was taken at 1/2000 shutter speed. The osprey is obviously out of focus. Try as I might, I couldn't figure out a way to increase the depth of field while maintaining a high shutter speed. The best I could do was to crank the ISO to 800 and go with f11.
Shirley
Crank the ISO higher so that you can still use a small aperture at a high shutter speed.Originally Posted by Shirley Woods
I'm not sure you need to shoot at f11 though. I think it also depends on the angle you shoot at. If the birds happen to fall in the same plane as the depth of field's, say, they're both at same distance from and parallel to the film/sensor plane of your camera, it would be easier to have them both look sharp at the same time. If you shoot far enough, you'll get a deeper depth of field, too.
As far as this photo goes, I think you should have taken it farther away. Or wait until the osprey came closer to the eagle. If you were farther away, not only would you have a better chance to have both birds in the same frame, the angle of view would also not look that steep like it is now. There're also quite a few distracting elements in this photo, as far as I can tell (I believe Artie also has pointed them out in your previous post). The exposure could be better, too. I'm guessing for this one, even if you shoot at f5.6 or f8, it may not improve the sharpness of both birds, but the exposure could have improved.
Another thing is it would be better if the eagle turned towards you more.
This could have been a good action/behavour photo as far as I can tell.
Just my thoughts.
Let's hear what other more experienced folks say.
Last edited by Desmond Chan; 08-09-2008 at 05:15 PM.
Hi Shirley - include the tech details when you post a image will help others help you.
Like the action you were trying to capture and the outstretched talons.
Think you really had the odds stacked against you here - looks like the light was fairly harsh which is going to make it hard to get a nice exposure and details in your blacks and whites.
I dont know if you could have changed positions or not, but the angle you are shootng from here has caused you a number of problems - the branches at the front of the frame (that will block the action) and caused you to CLIP the wings of the bird on the right. Generilly speaking if is worth being in the photo - its worth it all being in the photo, unless you are deliberatley CUTTING a birds wings/legs off on purpose to fit a compositional purpose.
I am sure you will get lots of helpful info - BPN is such a great place
Keep them coming :)
agree with lance on this one!! i dont think you could have gotten both birds sharp at any setting!! maybe best to try for one or the other in this case. interested in hearing more from others myself!!
big welcome to BPN!!! it's a great family to be a part of!!
With the Osprey coming in bent for **** with its talons down I would have focused on it and let the rest fall where it may. Excellent analyses by Desmond above.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.
Great action Shirley Sure wish you would have had better light for this one !!!
Agree with Aritei on zeroing in on the Osprey Dof wise at infinity is very good. Here I would try selecting the Osprey and lightening a little. Do be careful since it will introduce some noise !!!
Posting Permissions
