Waiting and hoping, and wishing

banehawi (Critique Team)

8

8 Aug 2011 - 10:56 PM

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Theres a few issues with this shot that provide a good opportunity to learn. Though its not a bad shot, I think you will agree the colour is way off, - especially the sky; and theres a noticeable amount of digital noise in the image.

EXIF data:

This indicates you chose Shutter priority, and then set it to 1/1000. Fair enough, - using a lens where you can go to 300mm, and you want to be ready for a fast moving subject. This is a static (for a while anyway) subject, and in that case, Aperture priority, using perhaps f/8 would be ideal.

This brings us back to the Shutter priority mode, and as I said thats fine with one noticeable exception. You set ISO to 1600, which due to excellent light being available, forced the aperture all the way to a miniscule f/22, - the reserve of landscape photographers. So, - when you set the shutter speed, - make sure you have the LOWEST ISO possible that will support the exposure. Always check, and you will end up with much better shots!

You dialed in a -1 exposure comp for some reason, - you need to check your histogram when you do this, as youve underexposed a little. This is also a questionable change when using spot metering, as spot, centered on the bird will give you a good reading for the bird without the -1, and will be forced to compensate for it.

The colour balance is well off where it should be. I dont know if this is AWB or set manually, but you can see the difference when its modified in my upload.

So approach you next shot differently. Continue to use Shutter priority at 1/1000 if you will be shooting mainly birds in motion, but remember to check you dial down ISO to the lowest you can while still maintaining good exposure, - if you go too low, the aperture icon will flash in the viewfinder until its right. It will take time to absorb all this and in time you will do it automatically.



Hope this helps,



regards


Willie

Constructive Critique!