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DENMONKEY
13th of December 2006 (Wed), 00:29
Hi all, Ive been viewing the site for quite a while now and have taken a wealth of knowledge from it. Just need to put it into practice now.
A friend of mine has recently picked up a new dslr so I now have someone to shoot with, which is nice.

We managed some time at a local reserve around the pond.
I made a friend in the form of a large swan.
It's breeding season so I think her fascination with me was more a protective one. Being that she gave me a few pecks while I was there.
I now know not to move away at speed, else they decide to give chase.
So stand your ground and cover up certain parts of your anatomy :confused:

Luckily since she was so intent on being anywhere I was, it made for some nice close up shots. I did have concerns she would have a go at the camera but it all turned out well.

I'd like your input on these ones.
Especially the Emu.
He was in a cage and I had to shoot through a hole in the fence. Since I was so close I refrained from using a small amount of flash to bring him out.

I had the light metering mode on average and I think I paid the price for having my close up subjects under exposed. These arent good examples of what Im refering to but hopefully you get the idea.
It was a super bright day around the pond but due to our positioning it left the sun behind the subject.
Would I have gotten a better exposure up close if I used spot metering instead?

Anywho, as always input or edits appreciated.
here is a couple I liked. Hope you do to.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k179/DENMONKEY/PICS/bb132Standarde-mailview.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k179/DENMONKEY/PICS/bb112Standarde-mailview.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k179/DENMONKEY/PICS/bb161Standarde-mailview.jpg

lkb-28
13th of December 2006 (Wed), 04:20
Hello Denmonkey;
Welcome to the forum...
Sounds like you had a lot of fun with the Black Swan...
On the editing front - there is much you can do with the head shot.
- Try adjusting Shadows/Highlights to reduce the glare [Darken Highlights by 50%];
- Select the BG and add Noise Reduction to add more blur;
- Select the bird and add some Saturation and a bit of Unsharp mask.
Here's a real quick play to show waht you can do...
Good luck;
Cheers;
Lee