I came across this guy today on a drab, overcast morning. I had time to capture six images of him; this is the best one. I sent the images to my Recycle Bin right away but then realized this would offer a very good chance for some valuable C&C. So, I retrieved the images, cropped this one 50%, applied only exposure and sharpening in Lightroom. The camera settings I used were "left over" from two days earlier. I was so anxious to capture the Reddish Egret that I forgot and did not take time to change them. What could I have done differently to have got a decent picture of this goofy bird? We have, I believe, only three here and I seldom see them, and I blew my chance . . . I don't want to do it again.
Hi Wendall - Practise,Practise, Practise - is what it is going to take to get to the stage where you can look at a scene and decide what EV you are going to need to use.
Arties Book has all the info and is extremely easy to follow.
Here's what i would do - take the first shot - have a look at your histogram to see whats going on and from the histogram decide whether you need to add or subtract light based upon what effect you are trying to acheive.
Use your overeposure highlights and the histogram to get your exposure correct.
I like the xtended wings - HA could use a little turn towards you.
:)
Hi Wendell These are difficult birds to capture in less than ideal conditions and the crop doesn't help,
Would suggest trying to get in closer. These birds will perform and give lots of chances. Use your 1.4X and move around keeping with sun behind you, the bird will pay little attention to you. Keep in mind under the listed conditions you were probably needing to add light.
Thanks Lance and Alfred. I'm concluding that with the conditions as they existed and the lens length limitation I was working with that I could not have captured a satisfactory image -- perhaps a slightly better one, but not a good one. I'll get back to work . . .
Reddish
