Laughing Wood Storks

First of all, the obvious--(slapping myself on the head)--why did I cut off the bird's head? I thought the shot was funny anyway. But I am just learning and am getting frustrated that I cannot seem to get a sharp photo. Any suggestions on how to get skilled at focusing? Maybe I didn't use proper settings, either. I'm guessing I should have used a smaller aperture. Like I said, just learning and don't want to give up because of constant poor results.

Rebel xTi
400mm f/5.6 w/ 1.4x extender (560mm) -- rental, had to return it today
@ f/8, 1/400

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actually,
if you hand held that shot in that low light at 560mm (which is actually 900mm on a crop body like the rebels have) that is pretty damn good even if you used a tripod its pretty good.

youre right about not cutting the beaks/bills off. I do it too though. Live and learn.
Keep shooting youre doing great!

Thanks. I never thought about it being almost 900mm because of it being a crop body. Yes, I did use a tripod and it was overcast. There are just too many things to think about when taking a photo! I know it will come to me with practice. I appreciate the encouragement!

The shot looks a bit underexposed. When you have a lot of white occupying the space of the frame, you want to overexpose because the camera wants to meter a gray and will underexpose the whites. Try bumping the ISO next time.

You could probably improve that shot a lot in Photoshop/Lightroom. If you turn your image editing OK sign on, someone might be able to show you how

Just turned on" Imaging editing OK". Thanks.

There you go, Chris. Some nice detail in their faces hidden in there!

With the adjustment made by Sheryl, this is pretty good for a first outing with a good, long lens

Especially when shooting long focal lengths, it's important to keep your shutter speed up when hand-holding. Try aiming for keeping 1/640 or higher when shooting 400mm+. Don't give up, it takes a little while to really get comfortable shooting that puppy, but it will shine for you once you get it down.

Your exposure was definitely a stop or two too low for that shot; most likely from zeroing the needle on subjects with that much white. Grab a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson to get some of the basics for metering; you'll want to understand WHAT the meter is actually telling you before setting your exposure.

Some "quick and dirty" tips, though:

Exposure: When determining a "correct" exposure, the camera attempts to render the metered subject at a "middle gray" luminance. This means that if you zero the needle on a pure white subject, you'll severely under-expose the overall shot; if you zero the needle on a pure black subject, you'll severely over-expose the overall shot. Two options for your shot that would have, probably, gotten you good and close would have been:

a) Spot meter off the bird, itself, and set your exposure to indicate around +2 on the scale
b) Spot meter off the water and set your exposure to, around -2/3 to -1

ISO: Do not be afraid to raise your ISO. In the conditions this appears to be shot under, ISO 400 would have been more appropriate.

For focusing: Remember the aforementioned "keep your shutter speed up", when shooting hand-held; also, get a good, solid stance. Feet slightly spread (about shoulder-width apart); support the lens with your left hand around the lens mount; tuck your left elbow in, tight, against your body; breathe; squeeze the shutter button. Additionally, you may want to crouch and use one knee as a place to rest your elbow; or go completely prone and shoot from the ground.


Keep at it and keep posting! There's lots of learnin' to be had around here

^ Wonderfully written Eric!

Thank you sheryl for the edit. Beautifully done. Now, can you clone in the rest of the beak that I cut off? LOL. And thank you eric for taking the time to provide me with your suggestions. I had to chuckle at your suggestion to get down on the ground. I had to replace my flip flops with shoes and socks because I was getting bitten by those wonderful Florida ants!

I returned the lens today so I will have to practice more with my Sigma 70-300. A big step down but still good for gaining experience. I'm thinking that I may opt for the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 rather than the prime lens. I think I would prefer the zoom.

Christine

Heh...yeah...you *do* sort of have to watch WHERE you're laying down when you get that low

The Sigma should give you plenty to practice with at the long end. I can highly recommend the 100-400; it's my most used lens by FAR and I prefer to have IS available (even if it's the older version).

Sheryl did a great job on the edit.
I have a few pictures she could fix up!