Hi,
I have been a lurker for quite some time and feel nervous about posting my photos as I see how wonderful many of yours are but, I got my brave on and here is my first try.
Orange-crowned Warbler taken handheld with Canon 40, 100-400 L lens, ISO 400, F/5.6, 1/400 s at 260mm. It was a very sunny day at high noon so the light is harsh. I added some gaussian blue around outside to help minimize the background some.
Hi: Good identification of a sometimes tough bird to put the correct name too. The orange crown is tough to get as light must be reflecting just right on top knot.
For a first post I think you did well, a bit of selective sharpening, especially around the eye with the addition of a tiny glint would improve things.
You will get some good tips from the monitors that will keep you on the right track for improving your photos.
Hi - A big warm welcome to the BPN Family - good to see you posting, dont be nervous we are gentle here in ETL - also don't hesitate to comment on other peoples photo's - helps everyone learn.
Starting off with the little guys - tough guys to start with - they dont stay still for long.
I like the pose and the head angle is close.
Rather than flood you with a heap of info - here are the two things that I think will help you the most.
1. Mixed light - very rarely works with your bird in mixed light, some in shadows some in areas of bright sunlight.
2. Best results will come from even lighting - this means lining the sun up at your back and having your shadow pointing towards the bird.
3. Soft light - typically early morning / late afternoon - mid day sun's harsh light can make it very hard to expose your subject and also has a very flat feel to it.
Opps that was one extra - sorry :)
Keep them coming - happy to help in anyway we can :)
Welcome and congratulations on your first post. The subject is photographed from a nice low perspective, which is very good, and that generally gives an intimate connection to the viewers. Having the face and eyes making a connection would be an improvement. Sometimes just waiting a few seconds ... or making some noise to attract attention might help. For hand-hold, trying a faster shutter speed would help offer you more chances of preventing motion blur.
Hi Debbie,
A big warm welcome to the BPN family...:) I like your first post...Like Mr. Peters mentioned, we are here to help each other learn, get better, and move to the next level...:D I agree with Mr. Peters' fine assessment...I might suggest on opening or lightening the eye a little bit to bring out the details...I'm looking forward to your next one...:cool:
Thanks guys! I knew that the lighting was really harsh and bad. Getting those Orange-crowned Warblers low to the ground can be hard at times. I appreciate the feedback. I am going bird photographing tomorrow morning and will work on keeping my shadow facing the bird if there is lots of sunlight.
Hi Debbie, welcome and good for you for jumping into the water! Nice bird to chose for your first post. The little ones are hard to capture. You did a good job of getting close enough to get this one.
The mixed light is definitely hard to deal with. Better to work the bird until you get one type of light only if you have to shoot in the middle of the day. Shade is best as it gives you nice even light. For this one, the flash on your camera would have helped to even out the light and add the catch light in the eye. Would also suggest bumping up the ISO for better shutter speed, which would help with sharpness. I'll take noise over blur any day... ;)
Big Warm Welcome Glad you decided to post !!! Only way to go !!
You picked a tough bird to photograph, all those little guys are difficult and focal length really makes a difference for full frame images.
Great advice from comments Main point is look for soft light and avoid mixed light ... seldom will have a keeper with mixed light !!! Looking forward to many more !!!
First Time posting - Orange-crowned Warbler
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