D90 with 80-400 VR at 260 mm, slightly cropped. ISO 200; Aperture Priority, Matrix Metering, 1/3200 @F5.6, -1.7 EV; beanbag support on car window.
I know I clipped the whites a bit on the leading wing edge, and the focal point was not right on. I quickly fired off three images, but like the sense of upward motion in this one the best. Comments for improvement greatly appreciated.
I like the sense of upward motion too, you also has a nice eye contact and good under wings details. Light seem to be coming from the top, maybe a cloudy day, early morning or late afternoon light will help you with the exposure here (less contrast). The background is a little busy, might try to desaturate it a bit. As for the focus, I still try to get that right too.
You did as well as possible from your position, only better light would have helped. For white birds you need it ... a couple of hours after sunrise you need to pray for clouds !!! I like the bird placement in frame with plenty of room to move into
On the tech side you can safely shoot without support, at that focal length and reasonable shutter speed. Will make panning with the bird easier. Exp wise you will be safer setting in manual. When you pick the bird the meter will close, pick something dark in the bg meter will open ... One other point to consider is the number of AF sensors used ... with a busy bg best to use center only and place on the bird !!!
Hi Bill,
I like the capture...you did quite well considering the lighting condition, I like the placement of your subject in frame and that sharp eye...good show...looking forward to your next one...:cool:
Thanks guys. Alfred, the metering advice is very helpful. In this instance I would have had time to take a reading off the stationary egret and then set in on manual to follow the bird as it took off through the busy BG. I had the AF set on single-point, but I often have trouble keeping the center point on the flying bird -- not so bad with egrets, but the terns are impossible.
I've tried a version that applies a Gaussian blur to the BG, which makes the egret stand out better from the busy BG. But in the process it left artifacts of my masking process, especially around the legs. My masking technique leaves something to be desired. In case anyone is still following this thread, I would appreciate any comments, both on the repost and on masking using Photoshop Elements. Thanks.
I like your repost version, but maybe just a tiny less blur to give a little more hint of the environment.
As for photoshop I'm not good with masking either, maybe try to zoom in a lot and try experiment with brush hardness and opacity.
Great Egret Taking Off
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