Not quite sure about this one. Taken in the Burren last summer with 350D 300mmf4 IS handheld. All advice etc. greatly appreciated.
Cheers MJ
Posted by Sean Bolton on December 13, 2006 at 12:29 PM
Hi Michael
Essentially there is nothing bad about this shot, a good portrait of a reed bunting with a good pose and nice light. For me there is a bit too much empty space above and to the left of the bird, and I would consider cropping in a bit tigher. (A picture editor might however appreciate the space for text).
You could also try lifting the shadow area on the bunting as well to reveal a little bit more detail in this area.
I am considering cloning out some of the foliage and cropping tighter. I am still not getting the critical sharpness that other forum members seem to be getting with similar equipment and conditions.
Cheers
MJ
Posted by Tim Munsey on December 13, 2006 at 3:05 PM
Yep a lift and a crop is required I reckon, I found sharpness improves with practice. Also I used shutter priority initially to keep the speed up and increase the chance of getting a sharp pic. Of course if you were a nikon man you could go manual and let the auto ISO handle the exposure.
Tim
Posted by John Chapman on December 13, 2006 at 3:08 PM
Hi michael
nice image and I agree with the other which have been made.
John
Aberdeen
Exif on shot
1/640 sec., F/8, ISO 200, 350D, 300mm f4 IS
Posted by David Kjaer on December 14, 2006 at 3:40 AM
Hi Michael
Re. 'critical sharpness' even though your lens is IS and you have a fast shutter speed it rarely meets the standard of an image taken on a sturdy tripod!
An attractive shot,and well done capturing a clear and unobstuctive view of the bird,against a nice blue sky too,which is always a bonus,and adds to an images overall appeal.
The light can have a huge impact on the apparant sharpness,also I'd agree with David's suggestion of always using a tripod whenever possible.
Discussion
8 repliesCheers MJ
Essentially there is nothing bad about this shot, a good portrait of a reed bunting with a good pose and nice light. For me there is a bit too much empty space above and to the left of the bird, and I would consider cropping in a bit tigher. (A picture editor might however appreciate the space for text).
You could also try lifting the shadow area on the bunting as well to reveal a little bit more detail in this area.
A nice capture though and a good effort handheld.
cheers
Sean
I am considering cloning out some of the foliage and cropping tighter. I am still not getting the critical sharpness that other forum members seem to be getting with similar equipment and conditions.
Cheers
MJ
Tim
nice image and I agree with the other which have been made.
John
Aberdeen
Do you have any exif you can post?
I'm with Sean on lifting some detail out of the shadows and the bird moving right and up in the comp'.
Regards
1/640 sec., F/8, ISO 200, 350D, 300mm f4 IS
Re. 'critical sharpness' even though your lens is IS and you have a fast shutter speed it rarely meets the standard of an image taken on a sturdy tripod!
David
The light can have a huge impact on the apparant sharpness,also I'd agree with David's suggestion of always using a tripod whenever possible.