First-time post (long-time lurker) so go easy :). I have been at this wildlife photography thing for about a year (seriously anyway). It is a struggle at times but so rewarding when it actually works. Attached is an example of when it didn't work and I would love input on this image. I cranked up the ISO to 2000 (!). Yup, 2000. I think this may be the problem with the lack of sharpness in the image. I ran NR through Noise Ninja but it may have been beyond repair even for this sophisticated software. The RAW image was cropped in Lightroom and selectively sharpened. I also warmed up the white balance a bit. Besides reducing the ISO, is there anything else I should have done either while shooting or in post-editing to save (or at least improve) the image? I have been attempting to get Mountain Bluebird on sage since last spring and this is the closest I have come. This was shot under late-day, overcast, low-light conditions
Nikon D300
Nikon 200-400mm VR at 380mm
f4
1/500
ISO 2000
Shutter Priority
Exp. Comp - +1.3EV
Center-weighted metering
Thanks for any and all input and I am very much enjoying the forums.
Hi Ted, this beautiful bird is a nice choice for your first post (or any post for that matter).
I like the pose and the composition, but I would likely take a little more off the bottom. I'd have to agree you're pushing the limits with an ISO of 2000. At f/4 and a shutter speed of 1/500, I gather there wasn't a lot of light at all. The BG is nice, but a little noise persists. perhaps a gaussian or lens blur would help? (not sure).
Welcome to BPN, Ted! Very nice first post, I like the head angle, setting and BG. I would crop a bit tighter if it is not a heavy crop already and run noise reduction on the background only to keep as many details as possible in the plumage. Keep them coming!
Ted, First of all a big welcome! You'll love the folks here-they are always trying to help and you have alot of really great photographers in this forum! That said,did you run the NR on the entire image or did you select just the BG because it looks like you ran it on the entire image which would soften the bird. Otherwise you have a lovely pose and nice HA w/ a pleasing BG. You could tighten up the crop but I like it as presented.I won't comment on the ISO as I shoot Canon and am not familiar with the capabilities of your camera but 2000 is a high number-you probably needed a flash.
Agree with suggestions Would place the bird closer to the lower left corner, small birds in frame look best by one corner (usually) Good exposure but would suggest using the matrix !!! In that camera I can't see anything but matrix !!! btw sent pm for name change Please get back when you can !!!
HI - A big warm welcome to the BPN family - I am sure you will enjoy it here :) Nice first post. You have a good pose and HA and nice eye contact.
it does look a little soft and a bit noisy for my tastes - as Denise mentioned when running NR make sure you only run it on the BG and not your bird, as he does look to be lacking fine detail a typical problem when applying noise reduction.
I would also use Matrix Metering rather than centre weighted - Arties book has lots of Info as does the educational resources forum.
Keep them coming and don't hesitate to ask questions and comment on other peoples posts - help evryone :)
Hi Ted,
A big warm welcome to our BPN family. I like your first post...I agree with the techs. and the good advise given...good show...loking forward to your next one...:cool:
Hi Ted, big welcome to the flock! We always "go easy" here so don't be shy with your postings. Nice work getting this shot, it just needs a few tweaks as indicated by others. I also would crop a bit all around but that is just my preference. The composition is good as presented but to me the small bird is a bit lost in the frame.
As for the noise, agree that masking the bird and making more aggressive use of NN would be a big help - could also try the blur tool. Looking forward to more of your images!
Wow! Thank you to everyone for the great suggestions and encouragement. You guys are amazing! A quick question. Is there a way to selectively reduce noise in the BG using Lightroom or would I need to do that in Photoshop (I have CS2 but prefer LR)? I don't find it using the Adjustment Brush in Lightroom.
Welcome Ted. You will find critiques here in Eager to learn gentle but effective....sounds like a commercial doesn't it?
Nice 1st post and beautiful bird...keep 'em coming!
Mountain Bluebird on Sage
