Posted by John Swift on November 13, 2006 at 5:36 AM
D2x, 300-800 @ 800mm, ISO640 1/250 @ f5.6, manual exposure, C1 Pro, NN in CS2.
I struggled with the light yesterday, I had a few seconds of sunlight as the sun crested the hills which lit up the subject beautifully, as it did with the grasses surrounding it which spoilt things slightly
However, this was my first attempt at the Grouse and was great experience, can't say I enjoyed shooting the 300-800 from a beanbag in the car too much (a sporty car at that) far too twisty and painful, and I long for the time that Nikon give us VR in a long lens! An extra stop of light would be great too.
What did I learn?
I need to figure out a better support platform. I had a beanbag on top of Lowepro on the passenger seat - too wobbly!
My vocal impression of a calling Grouse improved no end.
I need a balaclava - the strong wind was biting despite fleece headgear.
Had some framing and composition issues - I note that a lot of the sitting portraits are too low in the frame and would have benefited from shooting verticals. I shot standing birds vertical and these work nicely.
Struggled to find the AF button with gloves on - I separated this function for focus and reframe purposes beforehand. Fine bare handed though.
Road surface was a good mid tone to meter from.
I'll definately be going back - I want a shot showing those glorious fluffy feet.
Regards
John S
Posted by Chas Spradbery on November 13, 2006 at 6:44 AM
John
I think the hardship was worth it. This is a great result.
Chas
Posted by Rob Fisher on November 13, 2006 at 8:28 AM
John,
Great image.
The OOF foreground frames the Grouse, and the catchlight really adds to the picture.
Maybe crop some of the space above the Grouse, to move the eye up to upper third.
Appreciate the info on how you took the shot, very interesting.
Posted by Sean Bolton on November 13, 2006 at 1:51 PM
Hi John
Great shot, despite the less than favourable conditions you have come away with a very appealing and eye catching image. No real nits from me. Enjoyed your write up too.
cheers
Sean
Posted by Alan Bryant on November 13, 2006 at 2:03 PM
This is really nice.Great looking subject and i love that forground grass.
Great write-up aswell .
Posted by Vincent Jones on November 13, 2006 at 2:28 PM
I echo the above comments made, great story line John,
One species I have never seen
Vince
Posted by Graeme Lee on November 13, 2006 at 2:30 PM
Thanks for the detailed write up. Overall a wonderful image for me. Subjectively, I'd crop a small amount from the right and top. Great as is though!
Graeme
Posted by Brian Phipps on November 13, 2006 at 6:02 PM
Discussion
12 repliesI struggled with the light yesterday, I had a few seconds of sunlight as the sun crested the hills which lit up the subject beautifully, as it did with the grasses surrounding it which spoilt things slightly
However, this was my first attempt at the Grouse and was great experience, can't say I enjoyed shooting the 300-800 from a beanbag in the car too much (a sporty car at that) far too twisty and painful, and I long for the time that Nikon give us VR in a long lens! An extra stop of light would be great too.
What did I learn?
I need to figure out a better support platform. I had a beanbag on top of Lowepro on the passenger seat - too wobbly!
My vocal impression of a calling Grouse improved no end.
I need a balaclava - the strong wind was biting despite fleece headgear.
Had some framing and composition issues - I note that a lot of the sitting portraits are too low in the frame and would have benefited from shooting verticals. I shot standing birds vertical and these work nicely.
Struggled to find the AF button with gloves on - I separated this function for focus and reframe purposes beforehand. Fine bare handed though.
Road surface was a good mid tone to meter from.
I'll definately be going back - I want a shot showing those glorious fluffy feet.
Regards
John S
I think the hardship was worth it. This is a great result.
Chas
Great image.
The OOF foreground frames the Grouse, and the catchlight really adds to the picture.
Maybe crop some of the space above the Grouse, to move the eye up to upper third.
Appreciate the info on how you took the shot, very interesting.
Rob
I like the shot.
Wish you had better light though.
Cheers
Great shot, despite the less than favourable conditions you have come away with a very appealing and eye catching image. No real nits from me. Enjoyed your write up too.
cheers
Sean
Great write-up aswell
One species I have never seen
Vince
Graeme
Cracking job for your first attempt on Red Grouse!
David
dennis