Obviously I am new at this, and now at the point that I can get the flight shots (no more luck...all skill :D). So the next step is processing the photos. I have CS4 (not sure if it is a blessing or a curse) and not doing great with reading the instructions and getting the proper results according to critiques on previous photos. So here is a quick grab shot that I only cropped a little behind the Egret, shortened the bottom and front slightly, and sized it to fit here. I like the wispy back feathers and the IF wing position - other than the shadow on the right wing that looks like the water. So....what do I do to make this a really good shot?
Nikon D300 Nikon 300/2.8
ISO 400
F/5.6 @ 1/1600
Manual, Hand Held
Hi Ken, pass some of that skill on to me, please;) I'm still working on BIF captures. I like the wings-up position and the wispy feathers; the head is angled away and therefore less sharp than the feet/body and on my monitor it looks like some of the whites may be a little hot (mid-body). I would wish for more room for him to fly into, that said, getting the right composition with BIF is a real challenge for me.
Regards,
Katie
Hi Ken Pretty much same as you in the experience department so can't help much in CS4. Like the pose and background. Bird looks under exposed to me and head is soft. lets see what the experts say
You did well with the exposure since the whites look reasonable, do need the extra room for the bird to fly into ... but there is nothing wrong with a square crop as presented, just a different choice.
Regarding CS4 the best advice I can give you is to look at Arties Book, he takes you step by step on how to process an image, just what you need without undo complex steps. After you follow a couple, you should be doing some on your own without a problem. I find most problems with images is too much PS work !!
Hi Ken - yes Arties book for sure - Then its a matter of jumping right in here and ptting what you have learnt tinto practise on other peoples images as well - No better way to learn.
Some of the whites do look a little hot - make sure you have your over exposure warning/blinkies turned on in camera so that you get a visual warning of any over exposure.
What to do
