This is my first post to this forum. I am just getting started in taking 'serious' bird photos and would like some simple advice on how to improve my images.
So here is one I took this week; a pair of European Hobbies at rest.
(Full frame using Canon 20D, 400mm 5.6 L lens, 1/500 secs, f/5.6, ISO 3200, handheld)
Hi Julian - A big warm welcome to the BPN Family, I am sure you will find this a great tool to help you improve your photography.
Ok - with this shot s presented - the birds are too small in the frame for the viewer to be able to tell what type of birds they are and lack detail (If it was your intention for it to be a shot of the birds)
If you intended for it to be a habitat/shilloutte the same applies there is too much habitat in the shot, IMHO for this type of shot the simpler the better, so that all the viewers attention is placed on the birds.
So you need to get physically closer,use a tele-converter or a longer lens.
With the techs - like how you have tried to keep a good shutter speed, by increasing the ISO - but I think 3200ISO might be a bit much for the 20D.
Keep them coming - you will be amazed at how quickly you can improve by just keeping a open mind and listening to what the kind folk here have to say :)
Julian, welcome to the flock! Lance has the techs covered for you. I do like your composition and the colors of the scene, just would like to see the birds be the center of attention. Getting in close is one of the challenges of bird photography! I think you'll find the environment here to be very supportive and educational. I know my camera has gotten a lot better since I've been here... :D
Agree with suggestions Composition wise I like how you got the trees framed and only wish the bird was more toward the corner. Small birds in frame usually look best closer to one corner. ISO wise do go as high as you need but not this much.
As new cameras come out you can increase the ISO The current leader is the D3 which need little if any noise reduction at 1600 20D is not in that range but its always possible to clean things up afterwards !!!
Hi Julian,
Welcome to the PBN family...I like your composition as a habitat record capture...agree with Mr. Peters' assessment...I also like the framing used by the trees...looking forward to your next one...:cool:
Welcome as well, I am going to assume you wanted the birds to be the main subject matter, not the habitat. If I am wrong, let me know and we will take a different approach.
First of all, I was surprised to find out that with a 400MM lens (I shot the 400 MM 5.6 as my primary setup), I needed to be within 25 feet to get a close, detailed quality shot of a small to medium sized bird (even considering the 1.6 crop factor). The bird needs to fill at least 20% of the frame in my opinion. Interesting to know, if you divide the lens focal length by 50 you can determine the magnification. For example, 400 / 50 = 8. Hence, the lens is equal to a 8x spotting scope. Nice, but one must still get real-close to see any detail (e.g. feathers).
Additionally, the 400MM 5.6 does not have an image stabilized, you will do best to use a tripod or beanbag. By the way, purchase a good tripod and head, talk about ROI!! I have a Gitzo 3530LS and a Mongoose mount.
Reviewing your techs: the aperture is wide open (good) and the shutter speed is greater than 1/focal length (1/400) you dialed in 1/500 (good), the ISO is too much. Now in my opinion, I do not like to shoot higher than 400, maybe 500 at best. I use a Canon 40D.
On balance, great first post, much better than mine. Next time, get close, use tripod or support and keep ISO around 400 if possible.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 05-25-2009 at 08:21 AM.
Yes, this was intended to be a birds in their habitat/ silhouette photo. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to physically get any closer as the birds were the other side of a river.
Neither do I currently possess a teleconverter, as I have just about bankrupted myself purchasing two L lens and a used 20D plus battery grip! : )
At the time I was carrying only the 400 5.6 and there was nothing obvious to rest my bean bag on, so it was a case of using ISO 3200 or not taking the photo. (At present I tend not to carry a tripod, but guess if I want to get the most out of this lens I will have to do so at times.)
All of this may sound a bit defensive, it isn't really, I am just trying to explain the circumstances under which the photo was taken. I shall keep in mind your suggestions and try to imply them in the future.
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