GBH Pose

Gallery: AvianPosted September 2, 2012110 views5 comments

This was one of the first images I snapped with the new Sigma on last week. They are usually so skittish here, I didn't think to turn the camera to shoot vertically, so this is a bit of a crop to make it such. A bit underexposed probably too, but much better than any with the old lens.

D90, ISO-500, 1/1250th, f-8, 500mm, HH. Larger posted, thanks for your comments/critiques.

NOTE: Had a chance opportunity with a hawk yesterday as I was driving with a buddy (well, HE was driving). I saw the hawk fly into a tree about 50 yards away and got him to stop the truck. With my window down, the bird suddenly went to the ground, eying up a snake. Perfect chance! I hurriedly picked up the camera which was on 300mm, got one shot off, and my friend opened his door before I could get to 500. Oops, bird flew off!! I missed!! lol.

Anyway, I made a major crop when I got back just to see what it looked like--what a difference between new and old lenses in noise, etc. etc.!! Very exciting to see and to keep learning with it.

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Alan Murphy on September 2, 2012 at 1:00 PM

Nice comp Bill.

Registered on December 3, 2003, 192 Posts, 739 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on September 2, 2012 at 2:36 PM

Hi Bill, Things are definitely improving. Here's what I'd suggest now that you've got the glass.
1. Either shoot later or earlier in the day to get better light.
2. Get the light on the right side of the bird instead of backlighting as in this shot. This will help your focus and exposure and will keep the shutter speed up.
3. Get down lower for a better angle.
4. Turn your iso down to 200 or so wiith this camera. The noise is pretty evident in this shot.
5. Use a good tripod and head. If you're shooting from a car, use a beanbag to rest on. Make sure that the car is turned off before shooting. The photo is still a bit soft.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Karon Welter on September 2, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Nice pose of this heron. This heron looks very alert as he surveys the area!

Registered on November 10, 2008, 67 Posts, 543 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on September 2, 2012 at 11:36 PM

Nice pose, Bill. Looks like you're dealing with some pretty harsh light here. You mention being underexposed, but the highlights already look hot.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on September 3, 2012 at 9:25 AM

Thanks guys, Charlie I shoot early a.m. 95% of the time--I just happened to get the lens via UPS and put it on my camera at 2:30 p.m. It was a very sunny day, so you are correct. Dennis also, I guess I was referring to some of the points on the bird itself being under, some over. Also, it was impossible to get lower here, as there was a lot of high reeds and growth directly in front of me all around. Yes, the ISO is a great point, I notice it quite a bit with the D90--though not near as much in my brief experience with this lens. The tripod I have, the setup (head) for a big lens is yet to come... all very good advice, again, this was a "drive-by" I really didn't expect, in horrible light. Much appreciated advice, and I know it was as much in general terms for future reference as it was for this particular image.

Thanks!

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments