Hawk

[John Davenport]

Took this yesterday late almost dark with my new Canon 300mm 2.8 with 2xIII and 1D MKIV
1/100 f5.6 iso 3200 Hand held at 600mm I think its out of focus?? To yellow? I am beginner.. I will work on it more later. He only give me a split second..

John D

[Jeff Cashdollar]

John,

Let me begin by saying, IMO there are two sides of critiquing an image and remember that is just giving my opinion. The first, what I feel when I see it and the second looking around and offering my advise on composition, framing, exposure and things of this nature. Regarding the first, I really like this picture, the balance, the feel, the background the overall simplicity,..fantastic! You have captured the strength and beauty of this creature, just look at the feather patterns on the breast and that stern look.

Did you use the new Canon 2.8 II lens?

That much detail at 600MM, HH in low light shows solid field technique, did you brace yourself as you know raising the ISO really helped with the light. Granted it is not critically sharp but might good. In terms of color cast it might be a bit warm let's see what other say. The main issue for me in the bottom of the frame wish for more room but you can add canvas and extend in post production. Check out the Education and Tutorial Form, there is an easy to read thread regarding this process. Did you use center sensor for focus. Often when this is the case it can cause the bottom to be short especially with longer vertical subjects. There is a sightly distracting yellow spot on the RHS of the frame as well. I might use the clone tool or a tighter crop to repair.

One good technique to check framing is to take a sheet of paper and try alternative crops. In this case take the paper and cut off some of the right side and see how you feel.

John, welcome aboard and please post often and feel free to critique others, this is a place to learn and help each other.

[John Davenport]

Thanks for the ideas. the lens is a type I canon 300mm 2.8 IS plus canon 2x III convertor. That was my first day with it. it was luck i was setting on the back porch playing with my new toy and he flew up to my fence, what luck.. It was almost dark i didn't have time to do anything but to take the shot. Hand held no brace. This is the longest lens i have ever seen in person and its heavy with the 2x evaluative metering AV plus about 1/1/3 comp. I am new to light room and still figuring it out. I could have done better on the PP. On the right and left are trees I didn't change them they are as shot.

Jeff thanks for the help. When i get time i will work on it more.

John D