First Post-Gull in flight

[stevehill]

My first photos working on BIF. I'm having a difficult time with getting a sharp image with waterfowl in flight so the gulls this morning offerred a slower option for me. Is there a more appropriate focusing setting? Any and all help very much appreciated! I'm interested in learning more about post processing, I use a MAC with CS4 and Lightroom.

Cannon 7D, 400 mm, f/8.0, ISO 400, 1/2000,
Spot focusing, Partial metering setting, Aperture priority, AI Servo

Post Processing- none

[John Chardine]

Hi Steve- You don't need to set "spot-focusing" to capture sharp BIF. This one looks sharp so you did a nice job on that score. I find just using the centre focus point with a custom function to move the point to surrounding points works well. Your light is coming from the left so you have severe shadows. Flash could have lit up the right side of the bird. Best to position yourself so that the light source is more or less behind you to get more even light. if you clip the wing tips I crop in close. I would lighten the eye/face and try a tighter crop. I find BIF takes practise and the more you do it the better you get.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Steve and welcome to BPN! You will find lots of useful information and friendly advice here. Thank you for your membership support.

Nice critique by John, right on the money. I would add that, for my eye, I would suggest a bit of saturation - especially on the bill and eye. Good job on the flight capture, it will become easier with practice. Looking forward to more!