Swainson's Hawk #2

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Same hawk as before... swung back for a look see.



D3 300f/2.8 + TC20EIII (600mm) f/6.3 1/2000 +0.67EV ISO1000 HH cropped to about 60% of ff

Similar problem with right side of the head as in the last post, so I flipped the head, distorted to match, and used the tone/color from the lit side at a slightly reduced opacity, LAB curves for overall tone, detailed & sharpened.

Thanks for looking...

Cheers,

-Michael-

[gary ellwein]

Hello Michael, one should not have to wait four days for an image critique. I have been reluctant to provide same due to my inexperience. Having been impressed with many of your previous images, I do not think this is one of your best. I prefer the first Swainson's image. The over all perspective is not optimum. Its a bit like capturing a pancake on edge. The head, which is the focal point, appears a soft. The beak, which is an important feature on a raptor is buried. I'm not sure about the catch light in the hawks left eye. I'm still impressed with your Photoshop wizardry with the head flip and all. By the way, my wife has informed me I have little tact and few social graces. Once again, thanks for your critiques of my images.


Gary

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Michael,

BIF are challenging as you know. The main issues are light and making the subject interesting or stand out. In a perfect world you want the sun and wind behind you. As mentioned above the pancake angle is not as strong as wings in motion. When possible capturing the feather detail and motion of flight can be powerful and tells a great nature story. So much of the bird is dark and lacks detail and the large crop does not help. It is a nice shot but not your best. Shadows and highlights might help with more detail but subject photo angle creates a challenge. Remember to shot the light and pan to reduce motion blur. Thanks for sharing and please keep them coming. The best way to improve BIF images is to practice every week.

ps - just curious, do you use flash and a better beamer when shooting BIF.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Gary, Jeff,

Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.

Gary, you have the right amount of gentleness with your critique. I think folks here benefit from your comments. It's been my experience that I learn a lot from commenting on other's photos.

Jeff, no flash... one of those skills along with tripods that I've yet to acquire. It's on the list .

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Tripods are essential and will make a world of difference. They can be a pain to carry around but worth ever penny. When I stated photographing birds many years ago I made the mistake of purchasing an inexpensive tripod and ball head. Now I own a Gitzo 3530LS and a Wimberly head - great setup. There is a nice thread in the Education Forum written by James on tripod techniques - nice read.

We expect everyone who posts in this forum to critique others as well. It is a great way to learn, build rapport with members and study the work of others. Everyone had a unique perspective that adds to the richness of the experience. I use to concentrate on exposure techs and now I tend to talk more about the composition, controlling the frame, color, gesture and subject placement. Thanks for posting and please show us more.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Just curious - regarding BIF do you use Al Servo and center point of focus. If not what was your setup.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Just curious - regarding BIF do you use Al Servo and center point of focus. If not what was your setup.

Jeff, in Nikon speak : AF-C, focus tracking with lockon - normal, spot AF with a spot from center to a couple spots off center

That is continuous AF, focus tracking with lockon I think is similar to Canon's predictive, the settings can be short, normal, long or off (which controls how long the AF will track a locked focus subject without switching to another subject). The off center spot selection is subject dependent (long birds such as egrets need the head off center so as not to clip the tail, trying to focus on the head leads to the off center point selection). Nikon also offers a dynamic area AF (adjustable larger area than spot).

Focus tracking setting is a balancing act. If your focus point leaves the bird momentarily, having it on will keep tracking the bird & not switch to the bg.

The settings for bif are a somewhat controversial subject - I've seen quite a range of suggestions (some diametrically opposed).

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Jeff Cashdollar]

I wanted to ensure you were using Servo mode with BIF. I use it all the time with birds, they are always moving even when they seem still. I also use the center sensor with BIF you need to aim and hit your spot (adjust up/down sideways as needed). Focus on the eye, head or neck area if possible. This will help with sharpness, there is a thread in the Education forum on BIF as well. Artie says to hit the neck area when possible.

I should have looked at you kit and noticed the Nikon reference but Servo is the same for both. Have you read the Art of Bird Photography. SOme good stuff on BIF and settings.