Outdoor photos in low light

[JonathanSQ]

Hello all. I just came in from outside a few minutes ago.
I've been watching for birds in the feeder since I got my 75-300
last week or whenever I got it. Anyways this interesting bird that
looks like a Blue Jay (at least to me... who can't tell 2birds apart :rolleyes: )
and my brother wanted me to try and photograph it. Plus my mom has
been wanting me to get some good bird photos for her so she'd have
something nice to pain. Anyways it was HORRIBLY low light... it was
right before it started raining (I walked in the door as it started downpouring).

My question is how do I get good outdoor photos without giving up
my shutter speed so the subjects aren't blurred? Not to mention hand-holding
a 75-300 isn't exactly easy for me 'specially after I just downed 1lt of soda.
Also another downside is I do not own a tripod or monopod so that limits me.

Suggestions? I tried ISO 400, 800, and 1600... horribly noisy and still
not too bright. I'll post a original vs. post-processed later tonight when
I get home. BTW these were all RAW photos...

[robertwgross]

First things first. Get a Canon Speedlite (external flash unit). That will put out enough light for most normal bluejay shots. With this, you can push shutter up to the maximum sync speed of the camera. The flash pop is actually much quicker, so you can freeze action at that speed, even though your instinct tells you that you need to be quicker.

If you don't have a tripod, then get a two-pound sack of beans. Place a piece of heavy furniture near the window close to the bird and place the sack on top of the furniture. Now plop your camera down so that the lens is resting on the sack. When you press the shutter button, try to squeeze it as gently as you can.

Later on, when you've had more practice, you will find other tricks. For example, I have a hummingbird feeder on my patio. But if I have my flash unit on the camera inside the house, a great deal of the light is lost just getting out through the patio window over ten feet. So, I put the STE2 master wireless transmitter on the camera, and then I hang my 550EX Speedlite (set to slave) on the tree just next to the feeder. When I push the button on the camera, the transmitter tells the flash what to do, and it works.

---Bob Gross---

[JonathanSQ]

But wouldn't the flash going off scare off the birds :?
Not sure if I am going to get a external flash anytime soon...
I already spent whatever $ I could've used on my other hobby :lol:

[CorruptedPhotographer]

whats ur other hobby ? ;)

my other "hobby" tends to get expensive ;) ;)

[JonathanSQ]

whats ur other hobby ? ;)

my other "hobby" tends to get expensive ;) ;)

:P Astronomy. Its actually why I bought my 350D, for astrophotography.
I just need a EQ mount and another scope... my current two are for visual observing only.
I'm staying single for abit longer to keep both hobbies alive ;) :lol:

[CorruptedPhotographer]

hahaha good luck and happy shootin ;)

[Merle]

Dear Jonathan,

To accomplish what you wish to accomplish, I'm afraid you will need to break down and purchase a little more equipment. Having two hobbies like yours is like having two steady girl friends. It going to be expensive and you may not be able to do either one of them justice. ;) :) :D

Good shooting to ya !!
Merle