Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
- View Large
- Vote
Join to Vote
You must join ePHOTOzine to vote. - Comments
-
I spotted this Red Kite whilst on a trip around Woburn Safari Park. He/She was one of a pair that were soaring high, hoping to steal a little carrion from the Lions. It was a beautiful sight to see.
I am not very good at Photoshop etc, but I did adjust the background as it was a very grey day, I also adjusted the levels on the Kite so it stands out much better than my original photo.
Please feel free to add a modification as I am trying to learn how to get the best from my photos 
Thanks For Looking, and all the votes and comments on previous uploads, much appreciated
| Brand: | Sony |
| Camera: | Sony A200 |
| Lens: | Tokina 75-300 Manual Zoom |
| Recording media: | JPEG (digital) |
| Date Taken: | 1 Apr 2011 - 12:27 PM |
| Focal Length: | 250mm |
| Lens Max Aperture: | f/5.6 |
| Aperture: | f/5.6 |
| Shutter Speed: | 1/500sec |
| Exposure Comp: | 0.0 |
| ISO: | 100 |
| Exposure Mode: | Program AE |
| Metering Mode: | Multi-segment |
| Flash: | Off, Did not fire |
| White Balance: | Auto |
| Title: | Silently Soaring on Fingered Wings..... |
| Username: | 
SammyRatFan |
| Uploaded: | 5 Mar 2013 - 5:35 PM |
| Tags: | Birds, Birds of prey, Kite, Nature, Red kite, Wild, Wildlife / nature |
| VS Mode Rating |
Unrated These stats show the percentage of wins and the rating score that your photo has achieved. You can go to the VS Mode by clicking on this icon. Signup to e2Signup to e2 to see which photo this has won or lost against in the vs mode |
| Votes: | 50 |
| Modifications Welcome (Upload a Modification) |
Comments
Excellent capture of a really magnificent bird!
George
You have a good capture, sharp and no missing bits of wings and tail. You obviously have good technical panning technique, because Red Kites are the masters of flight and will jink and turn in the wink of an eye, so very well done.
However, your exposure was a little off and it has made the Red Kite a little dark and I note you mention that you had lightened it a little already. The shot was darker than you hoped, because you used program AE and multi segmented metering, which is fine if the Red Kite was against trees in the background. When it is against sky, the sky is very bright and that adversely affects the meter, which will compensate and try to darken the whole scene down to what it considers to be a good average. When you recognise a situation like this, consider using exposure compensation of around +1.5 stops and then you are exposing for the bird and disregarding the effect of the sky.
Hope that helps and I have also uploaded a modified version, where I have brought out a little more detail.
Quote: You have a good capture, sharp and no missing bits of wings and tail. You obviously have good technical panning technique, because Red Kites are the masters of flight and will jink and turn in the wink of an eye, so very well done.
However, your exposure was a little off and it has made the Red Kite a little dark and I note you mention that you had lightened it a little already. The shot was darker than you hoped, because you used program AE and multi segmented metering, which is fine if the Red Kite was against trees in the background. When it is against sky, the sky is very bright and that adversely affects the meter, which will compensate and try to darken the whole scene down to what it considers to be a good average. When you recognise a situation like this, consider using exposure compensation of around +1.5 stops and then you are exposing for the bird and disregarding the effect of the sky.
Hope that helps and I have also uploaded a modified version, where I have brought out a little more detail.
I am always unsure what program is best to use, I usually try different settings and take a lot of shots and see how they come out. I guess I should read up a bit more on the differences so I can make sure the modes are correct so I will get the best out of the subjects I shoot.
Thanks for your help, comment and vote , very much appreciated
Sammy
I think thats a terrific catch, don't know much about photoshop myself and still have a lot to learn, a guy told me that when the sky is a bit dull and grey to use a ND filter (neutral density), don't know if it will help as i've yet buy one to try it out, maybe someone can enlighten us a bit more.
Terry.
Can anyone enlighten myself and Terry about ND Filters??
Great shot lovely detail. Aren't nd filters used when its too bright and you want a slower shutter speed or maybe want to use a wide aperture? Not sure but I am sure someone on here will know
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Related Content
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
