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Thread: Newbie here. First keeper- Mallard

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    Default Newbie here. First keeper- Mallard

    Canon 50D
    300 f4
    1/5000 5.6 ISO 2000

    Went to local park the other day and not long after getting there, this guy and his girlfriend blasted off. I'm very new to photography and know this isn't up to par with the beautiful work seen here. I just wanted to post and hopefully get some much needed advice. [IMG][/IMG]

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Don:

    A big welcome to BPN. This is a great place to learn and grow as a nature photographer!

    Your mallard is sharp, well exposed, dynamic wing position, good catchlight in the eye.

    A few things to think about for next time. Most bird images are most appealing if you can catch them before they pass your position, so they seem to be coming towards you. Yours is just a bit past, although his head is turned back towards us a sliver, which helps.

    In regards to your camera settings: It is rare to need 1/5000s for stopping birds in flight. Something in the 1/2000s range will handle most situations. The reason this becomes important is that you had to push up your ISO to allow this setting and the result is noise in the image, most noticeable in the darker shades of the background. Not bad but noticeable.

    From a composition standpoint, it is nice to have some lead room in front of a flying bird so the have 'room to fly into'. This takes some pre planning during the shooting phase, to adjust your focus point chosen to give your bird more lead room in the frame.

    With a fixed focal length lens, sometimes they are just in to close, so not a lot of options in camera, and you have to add canvas in post production. Sometimes that is pretty easy, other times not. !

    Ducks at the local park are a great way to practice. Gulls are good as well. Practice, practice, practice, so when the unique bird/situation presents itself, you are ready!

    Look forward to more!

    Cheers

    Randy
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    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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    Randy,

    Thanks so much for the input. In all honesty this mallard lifted off so quickly I was still trying to decide if I wanted to try full Manual or AV and was in AV when he took off. I just got on him and took some shots. I was very happy with the shot but didn't know why the "background" noise. I am headed out now to see if I can get some birds in the early morning light.

    Thanks again for your help,

    Don

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Very nice shot and welcome. Randy has given you some great pointers there, you may wish to consider using curves to lighten the darkest plumage a little, alternatively you may find Shadows/Highlights a little easier to begin with. SIO 2000, there is a little noise there but I would never have guessed you has such a high setting. Keep them coming!

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