The summer has been too hot and it has been too long in between photo trips. This week I went out to Black Point Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Fl to get back in to nature photography. I was surprised to see a good amount of birds on the refuge. I caught this mottled duck taking off and thought I would pass it along for comment.
I used an EOS 40D in AV mode. I intended to use a f/8 setting but somehow the camera gremlins changed it to 5.6. I know that I am the only one that happens to. :D The shutter speed was 1/800 and the ISO was at 400. Faster would have been better. I'll double check next time. I used the Canon 500mm f/4 lens with a 1.4X extender.
Hi James - love the action, but to my eyes there is no part of the image that is really sharp - even with a full on blur generally you want some area to be sharp to draw and hold the viewers attention. Mr Duck is also flying away from you - you needed to be more to the left - if possible of course. He needs more room up front to fly into.
Its all about patience with these guys taking off.
Looking forward to seeing more :)
The f 8.0 would have given a slower shutter speed !!! In these I find going to manual is a big deal with the changing bg giving a different exposure (on auto modes)
For the bird going slightly away a slower shutter speed might have been better. Glad you had some birds in your area, pretty much dried up around here for the summer !!! ... except for bugs :)
Hi James,
A fine looking duck and the heated action...I agree with Mr. Peters on the techs...would like to see him taking off your way...looking forward to your next one...:cool:
I appreciate the comments. It is important to remember to have that point to draw and hold the viewer's attention. AL, I know you tried to teach me about using manual mode, but I seem to have gotten away from it. I'll need to pay more attention to using it in the field. Thanks.
If it is sunny and the right time consider the sunny 16 rule. I would have shot this wide open, the techs are not bad. ISO=400, f/5.6 (with TC) and 1/800. Just have to pan or use tripod and Al Servo too. Lots of action, might need more shutter - nice effort.
Hi Jeff. Hope things are well. Truthfully, I just shot with what I had on the camera. I was so intent on the duck that I forgot the camera. If I had been thinking, I would have checked the camera just after the tri-pod tips hit the ground. Thanks for commenting on the shot.
Blast Off!!
