Barn Swallow

[Mark Schack]

Thanks for any critques, especially camera setting suggestions

Nikon D40
Sigma APO 50-500mm
Aperature Priority
ISO 200, 1/320, F/6.3, 500mm

[Graham Smith.]

Mark, you've got a nicely posed barn swallow with a very good head angle. the subject is a little underexposed, as it would be nice to be able to see more detail in the dark areas (ie., flight feathers and face). BG is nice, but I might be tempted to move the diagonal branch on the lower LHS (maybe). There also appears to be a noisy border around this branch, perhaps an artifact of NR on the rest of the BG(?)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the pose and soft light. As for exposure, you could have dialed in a bit positive EC to get more details in the shadows.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Nice shot, I love these guys. The shutter is a tad slow for me and produces a softer image. Try increasing the ISO, one of the saying of bird photographers is "better sharp than soft with higher quality ISO". When shooting at 500MM, you need all the speed you can get. You could have opened up the aperture as well, but I do like the 6.3 DOF.
Great HA and expression. I agree with Graham, little underexposed, check the histogram and try to move it right, stopping before it clips. Great setting, I like the composition. What a beautiful baby.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Mark - all great advice above - is a little under exposed - make use of your histogram when taking your images - there are quite a few threads in the educational resources forum or if you need any help just give us a yell.
As presented would run some NR on the background and use your levels to make a adjustment - little tip === In P.S holding done the ALT key whilst sliding the adjustment sliders will change it to a threshold allowing you to set your Black and White points.

Keep them coming :)

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Mark Just the mentioned under exposure Just guessing 2/3 If you open the image in PS will bring lots of noise !!

btw ISO wise you will have lots less noise at 400 properly exposed than 200 opening in PS !! Increasing the ISO will give a higher shutter speed and safety is always good !!! ... one last point .. some fill flash will give a catchlight which livens the eye !!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Mark,
I like the composition and capture...the techs. have been covered, and very good advise given...the main thing that catches my eye is the dark area around the eye, which needs to be lighten and selective sharpened...looking forward to your next one...:cool: