Perch Test

[Keith McHugh]

I tried out my first usage of a set up perch, a blind, and seed attractant today. i know it is not much, and it is a little bit of a crop as well, but I sat in the perch for 2 hours to get 15 seconds of this song sparrow. What do you think about composition, BG, placement of bird, technical aspects of the photo, and do you have suggestions for a beginner at setup bird photography?

Thanks!



D80 Camera Body
200mm focal length (I know, but i am a poor college student...The teleconverter will be here shortly at least...)
f/2.8 @ 1/1250
ISO 400
0 EV
On Tripod

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Keith

Firstly try to compose in camera and avoid big crops and a poor quality image, as this must have looked tiny in frame, therefore move closer to the subject. You need to also think with your subject as to whether the shot needs to be shot portrait or landscape and how it would work in frame. The 'perch' is just as important as the subject, something old & shabby just detracts from your image, therefore look at new branches with perhaps some buds on it, or apple blossom with some flowers, or on a mossy log that adds interest, but it must be in keeping with your subject. not something that would dwarf it. Place your 'perch' with a good distance behind it to help diffuse the BG and avoid bright hot spots, take shots prior so you can change or move position.

With little birds like this I tend to find shooting at f/7.1 - 8 good as you can retain the lovely texture & detail. You might also find you need a longer lens to achieve you goals, but hopefully a TC will help.

Have a look through here to:
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...splay.php?f=30

Good luck

Steve

BTW Could you perhaps reduce or tone down your 'signature' on the image, it's rather large and is very dominant in relation to the image. Many thanks.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Keith Great points by Steve !!!

With a 200 mm lens you could do well, is it a prime or zoom? If prime try getting a converter, they are not very expensive ! As is just set up the blind closer to the perch, keep as much room as you can behind to stop down as still have a blurred bg !!

As presented you want the bird toward one of the corners, central positioning is not optimal !! You did expose the image properly and like the PS work !!! If able best to have the bird looking in your direction a bit more !! For static and just singing seems to work best !!! ... also not these are the most difficult to go after ... little birds !!! Most go after them with a 600 and converters !!!

[Dave Mills]

Hi Keith,great advice by Steve and Al. In addition the equipment for this type of shooting is critical to success. As mentioned these birds are small and generally skittish. Unless you can get close you need the reach to have them fill a reasonable amount of the frame..

[manishkshukla]

Agree with above comments. You are too far for this bird and a 200mm focal length. A closer approach, or a longer lens is needed. Still, I really like the singing pose, diffused light, and pleasing background (except for the dark patches).