Blue tit feeding

[EzhilSuresh]

Continuing with my chosen of theme of capturing small birds feeding by the feeder. This blue tit framing is similar to my earlier post of great tit feeding.

All comments are very much appreciated as I try to get good images out of 7D+600F4 IS+1.4x III.

Canon 7D, 600 F4 IS, 1.4x III, AFMA +3, ISO 1000, f5.6, 1/2000, Daylight WB, 65% of original image, used DPP to add sharpness and convert from RAW to JPEG. No noise reduction performed on the image, got to learn to do selective noise reduction.

[Joel Eade]

This one is much better in terms of detail, what did you do differently? (Curious minds want to know)

I assume you are using a tripod, did you alter your technique or get closer? Maybe the light was better or was easing up on the NR the only difference.

At such extreme magnification there is definitely some required technique and practice involving tripods and how to properly steady a big lens.

I like the pose with the foot lifted but you needed his head tilted toward you just a little.

[EzhilSuresh]

Joel, many thanks for your valuable feedback. This was shot at the same feeder from the same distance as the earlier posting of great tit. I think two things may have helped in this image, light being not harsh and no noise reduction. Like yourself, I was curious to get an opinion on this image, though this was a similar shot to my previous post. I want to ensure that basic technicals are gotten right before me going to composition, and post processing.

I tend to follow Arthur Morris' long lens technique. I recently bought Jobu Pro2 gimbal head and Gitzo 3531LS. Personally I can see an improvement in using the whole kit but got to keep practising.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Ezhil,

Joel provided some solid advise I can only add to remember that a photograph should evoke some emotion or tell a story. I too studied Artie's books and his techniques, he is a master of controlling the background and surrounding subjects with soft or muted elements. Glad to hear you are considering more focus on composition start thinking in terms of color, form and gesture. You did provide gesture with the raised foot, nice original element. In terms of exposure, the background looks a bit grainy should run NR especially with an ISO of 1000 on a 7D. Keep up the good work and remember to continue thinking about composition and controlling the frame. The more you post the better you get.

Do you have the tutorial APTATS II, there is a nice section on selective noise reduction, check out the education forum as well.

[EzhilSuresh]

Jeff, many thanks for your valuable feedback. I have the Digital Basics and other materials written by Artie. Got to practice workflow.

I usually do not go beyond ISO 800 as I feel that the image quality degrades unless there is very good light. Some of my earlier postings were with low shutter speed for the 7D+840 combo I'm using hence wanted to get a few shots that were reasonably good in terms of sharpness.