-
Pileated in flight.
I was hesitant to post this image since the ISO is so very high, and the tip of one of the wings is cut off by the frame. Nonetheless, I think this might be the most interesting bird photo I have taken to date. At least the eye is about as sharp as one could expect with a high ISO; and if there is one thing I have learned from this forum when it comes to birds in general and birds-in-flight in particular, the eye (if nothing else) should be in sharp focus. I spotted this bird perched on the branch behind it and waited for it to fly. It was so fast, I could only get one frame off with the bird inside the frame, even though I was on high drive mode.
Canon 60D, 300mm f4 L + 1.4x, @ 1/2000, f6.3, ISO 3200, HH.
-
Hi Ron,
You didn't mention what post processing you have attempted. Adding some wingtip back is possible. Also, what did you try for noise reduction? Yes it is a noisy image, but I think you could recover something.
-
Excellent shot. I, too, think that the noise could be reduced. I use Topaz Denoise, and at first I just hit the preset that looked the best and went with that. Now, on really noisy shots, I take the time to adjust each option, and find that I can get decent shots (good enough for the web) at 1600 ISO with my T1i. It did take much trial and error, and reading lots of Topaz tutorials, to gain the skill, but I guess that's the price we pay in a digital world. And, depending on your PS skills, the left edge of the shot could be expanded and the wing tip re-built. In any event, kudos on a great shot. Better to get it at less than optimal quality than to not get it at all.
-
Ian & Eic, you are probably both correct in suggesting that I could do more to improve this image. Cuurently, I have only applied some noise reduction with Canon's software. In the future, I plan to update my version of Adobe Photo Elements which is a bit dated (and cannot edit RAW files). I am a bit hesitant to invest in yet a different software program since I am already familiar with Photo Elements, and would find the learning curve of a new system of organization and editing daunting,
-
I think you can still get a free trial of Noiseware pro at http://imagenomic.com/ if you feel like playing.
-
Post a Thank You. - 1 Thanks
-
BPN Viewer
Ron,
Excellent advise above and I use Topaz as well. The image is compelling IMO just look at those primary feather and wing span - you caught a great moment in the beauty of flight. Sometimes these rough candid shots have there own appeal. I probably would rebuild the wing tip and run NR to produce a less grainy image. Do you own copy of "The Art of Bird Photography" or "Digital basics". These are great education reference books, I own both and probably never go more than 90 days without referencing either one. They provide instruction on extending the canvas, rebuilding wing tips and things of this nature. Also, visit the Tutorial and Education Form for more information. This is a great image with some post processing it can be even stronger IMO - keep em coming.
-
Post a Thank You. - 1 Thanks
-
-
Wow Ian. That looks great to me. Thanks. I will need to learn more about noise reduction software. I am still under the impression that stronger noise reduction can reduce overall image sharpness. But your efforts look great.
-
There is no question that NR can reduce quality if not use sparingly. With a good exposure, I tend to use it on the BG and select out the main subject. In this case, however, the subject was so noisy that I gave it a try there as well.
-
Post a Thank You. - 1 Thanks
