I was trying out my new Nikon D-300 in the charred hills of Chino CA. after the recent fires. I saw this Roadrunner in a cactus patch was sitting in. The clouds graciously parted just long enough to allow this shot.
D-300, 300 f/4, TC 1.7IIE
ISO 1000, f/6.7, 1/400, handheld
Good exposure, pose and eye contact Having the raised crest is also a plus !! Bg is busy and there is one bright leaf I would tone down, btw you could blur the bg a bit, maybe to the degree a 2.8 wide lens could do !!! I like it a lot .... big congrats on your new camera !!!! Read the manual, it has a ton of cool features, make sure to try 14 bit when speed is not needed.
Good advice from Al. I would consider a pano crop and trim from the top as even though the BG shows good habitat I find it competes with the bird. Burning in the pale areas would also be an option. I'm on a monitor at work which isn't the greatest but it looks as though a bit more sharpening would be useful.
I need to figure out how to sharpen for the web. The original looks very nice. I will work on the background as suggested. I've noticed various file sizes for some photos posted. What's the appropriate size ?
Here is useful link to read through regarding sharpening http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=18534.
I did a quick edit to illustrate some of the points I was suggesting - crop, burning and some sharpening - I use Photokit sharpener a fair bit and find it useful
I appreciate your input. This forum has been a real wealth of knowledge. I've got a long way to go as far as my PP skills go and also learning how to use my D-300. But, I have never had a hobby that I have enjoyed as much as I have bird photography. I went out yesterday and spent a considerable amount of time with a Cactus Wren in the state park behind my house and had a great time. http://bmanzo.smugmug.com/photos/427088787_jG8Gw-XL.jpg
How's this for a distracting background ? I've got some work to do on this one !
California Roadrunner
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