Birds

[reddmann]

I'm still using the 75-300mm non-is for practice until I get a better lens. Any constructive criticism/comments welcome. Thanks.

[derfy1212]

I like how the light is shining on parts of the feeder, it is to bad it isn't on the birds. The background looks great.

[reddmann]

Thanks, derfy.

[boatwake]

Some of my thoughts when viewing this picture. IMO light is the most important factor to a photograph. It's hard to tell from just this photo but does the backside of the bird feeder (birds) have better light. Try different angles to get the birds in different lighting. Get used to laying down or getting higher than your subjects but always think of your light source. Remember the rule of thirds but don't be afraid to break rules. Sometimes the abstract wild shot you try out in the field will bring a wow from you when you look at it on the computer. When photographing birds, animals, people etc. remember the eyes are the most important part that HAS to be in focus. Focus on the eyes. Keep your iso relatively low to help reduce noise in your photographs. Theres tons more but I think the most important thing is to not be afraid to try different settings, different angles and so forth. Take lots of pictures but don't just get lazy and snap away hoping for a few good pictures out of too many shots that had no thought behind them. Definitely experiment but try to learn from mistakes and apply it to your future photography. I know this wasn't directed totally towards this one picture but I have seen you asking for any ideas so I think these may be of help.

[Skippy]

James, I think boatwake is right. With this lens light is the key. You have a really nice bokeh in this and if the light had been shining on the birds, it would have made all the difference.

These are titmouse, one of my favorites at the feeder.

Skippy

[Bishop]

Though I lure birds into my yard with feeders, I don't like "birds at the feeder" photos. I always shoot them when they are in different branches of the trees around the feeders. If you don't have trees around the feeder, make some. Go into the woods and get some good sized branches and plant them around for the birds to land on, it really makes the shot much better when you eliminate the feeder

One trick I do is to continuously shoot when I get focused on a bird. They move around so much it's VERY HARD to get them focused well. By doing about six to ten shots of them continuously I usually end up with more than one good one

[EricD]

Though I lure birds into my yard with feeders, I don't like "birds at the feeder" photos. I always shoot them when they are in different branches of the trees around the feeders. If you don't have trees around the feeder, make some. Go into the woods and get some good sized branches and plant them around for the birds to land on, it really makes the shot much better when you eliminate the feeder

One trick I do is to continuously shoot when I get focused on a bird. They move around so much it's VERY HARD to get them focused well. By doing about six to ten shots of them continuously I usually end up with more than one good one

Ditto.....


Nice pic!

[reddmann]

Thanks for all the replies. It's been so rainy and cloudy here this week, I just happened to catch a quick moment of sun shining through the clouds, though the birds definitely were in the shade. As soon as the rain stops, I'll be practicing with the new cam in better light (sunlight). And I agree, I'm very big on birds at the feeder shots, looks much nicer in the tree or flying, but right now, I'm taking all the practice shots I can get. Thanks again for the comments/advice. I really do appreciate all the knowledge I'm gaining from this forum.