Posted by Andy Stunell on September 8, 2009 at 10:41 AM
This was taken at RSPB leighton moss in early august. i like this shot but something just seems not quite right with it
ISO 400
SS 1/100TH
F 5.6
400MM + 2xTC
1DMKIII
approx 50% crop from the top, 30% from RHS and 105 from LHS
Thanks
Andy
Posted by Andy Astbury on September 8, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Perhaps it's because it's been shot with the sun more in front than behind you - this usually has the effect of making the image look a bit flat, especially when you are looking slightly down on your subject as here Andy.
If you try and do too much levels adjustment you'll may end up blowing the whites in the tail feathers - they are nearly there now, and the chest area, where the darkest shadows are is devoid of detail and will just go even 'blacker'.
The best way to avoid this is to keep the sun at your back, that way the directional light from the sun will work for you, not against you.
It's a nice comp of a moorhen doing what it does best
Posted by Andy Stunell on September 8, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Thankyou for the reply Andy, i appreciate you taking the time to do this.
I think i will try to get a similar shot next time i am out but shooting with the sun from behind me. I need to experiment more with lighting from different directions so it could be a good exercise
Cheers
Posted by David Taylor on September 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM
I agree with what Andy has said, but this shouldn't stop you from shooting into the sun. Most will be failures but every now and then you should come away with something really worthwhile. Keep on experimenting, the best way to learn.
I think the real problem for me, is the position of the bird in the frame, it just seems too high, not everything works on a thirds hot spot, try lowering it, until it is on the center line or slightly below.
A bit of levels and curves might make it pop a little bit more.
Posted by Lee Newman on September 8, 2009 at 7:03 PM
A nice capture & good reflection, Nits already covered
Lee
Posted by Mark Davies on September 9, 2009 at 5:56 AM
Unfortunately I agree with Andy,grrrr he makes ya mad.Thanks Obiwan . LOL
My take on it with PS.A return may be better as the idea is right and there is an image as a keeper there .
Posted by Andy Stunell on September 9, 2009 at 7:48 AM
Thanks Mark I agree thats theres a keeper there. I had been watching them for about 45 minutes and there wasn't a breath of wind, will have to find a better spot for the return.
As for Andy's comments im happy to take advice from a pro (or anyone else for that matter) as it can only improve my images and help me get to the standard i want
Discussion
7 repliesISO 400
SS 1/100TH
F 5.6
400MM + 2xTC
1DMKIII
approx 50% crop from the top, 30% from RHS and 105 from LHS
Thanks
Andy
If you try and do too much levels adjustment you'll may end up blowing the whites in the tail feathers - they are nearly there now, and the chest area, where the darkest shadows are is devoid of detail and will just go even 'blacker'.
The best way to avoid this is to keep the sun at your back, that way the directional light from the sun will work for you, not against you.
It's a nice comp of a moorhen doing what it does best
I think i will try to get a similar shot next time i am out but shooting with the sun from behind me. I need to experiment more with lighting from different directions so it could be a good exercise
Cheers
A bit of levels and curves might make it pop a little bit more.
Lee
My take on it with PS.A return may be better as the idea is right and there is an image as a keeper there .
As for Andy's comments im happy to take advice from a pro (or anyone else for that matter) as it can only improve my images and help me get to the standard i want