I used to take pics years ago with b&w film and a minolta xd11....my brother got me started back about 2 years when I decided to get a 40D. I became a little more serious about it this year and purchased the 300 f2.8L as well as the teleconverters. I'm working out of a setup in my backyard and by reading on the internet about proper technique...still on the upslope of the learning curve but enjoying it immensely.
This was taken with 40D, 300mm f2.8L + 2x TC, 1/250 sec., f/6.3, iso 640, fill flash -1 2/3 ev
Cropped just a little off the right, used levels, viveza and NR on background, USM
Backyard setups can be very artisctically rewarding as you get to choose and control the BG, perch, light angle, and various other factors. Having said this, I notice the light is coming from behind-left of your subject, creating less than ideal lighting on your subject and perch. Try to position yourself with the sun at your back if possible, or photograph at a time of day when the sun is behind you if this is your BG of choice (which is looking very nice BTW). You'll be OK all day in overcast conditions though!
Juncos make good backyard subjects, and you got this one in a nice typical pose. I suppose it was attracted with a feeder? Looking forward to more form you...
Welcome Joel, Dan pretty much covered the main points, especially regarding the light. I do like the complimentary colours in the BG. I would maybe take a little off the bottom. Keep them coming.
Very nice grand entrance :) with beautiful background and subject. I used Viveza to selectively lighten the face a tad.
Looking forward to more from you!
Thanks to all for the warm welcome and suggestions...I'll be posting and hopefully learning/improving along the way. As a relative rookie I very much appreciate the level of expertise represented here and the willingness to take the time evaluating images and teaching is so valuable. Best photography forum I've found on the net....kudos to all.
First Post, Junco
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