First try at Bird Flying (Seagull)

It's a huge crop so it's noisy, but a little + exposure compensation, like 2/3 or 1 would have helped a lot, it would lighten up the shaded side of the bird.

Thanks for the reply. I can see what you mean (I think). But I dont have any editing software that can do what you sugest. Just paint shop.

Your in luck then, cause you set Exposure Compensation in your camera, before you take the picture. I'm not familiar with the 400D, but read the book, it should be in there.

In short, when you are shooting in daylite, but the bird is between you and the sun, or in this case, the bird is above you with a lot of shade on his body, you want to lighten up the shaded side to bring out the detail. You do that by setting Positive exposure compensation. This over rides the shutter settings and tells the camera to leave the shutter open just alittle longer, and that will expose the shaded parts a bit more. You also shoot black birds this same way, to bring out black feather detail.

White birds, or when the sun is at your back, use some negative exposure compensation, so the whites or brites don't get blown out and loose all detail in them.

Thanks for the info Canonloader.

I see. How the heck does one do a what you sugest. When a bird gives one a chance, of takeing a photo for about 3 or 4 seconds, and then is gone.

There is more to this Digital photography game than first meets the eye. Good job one does not have to pay for film.

Again many thanks for the advice, will now put my specs on, and do some more reading.

Nice bird Pampers - looks like a juvenile Herring Gull.

The 400D is, I believe, well known for under-exposing. I have one with this problem and I must set a permanent +1 exposure compensation or it under exposes. I should send it in to Canon really, but would be lost without it even for a few days

Not bad for your first shot. Mine were much worst! I do agree with the others on exposure though.

I'm currently using a 400D so I may be able to offer some help. When I shoot Seagulls in flight, I set the camera in Tv mode with a speed of 1/1000 to 1/1200 (depending on the lighting). The ISO normally ranges about 100-200 again depending on the lighting. The exposure also depends on the lighting. To change your exposure all you have to do is hold the button down that says Av with the +/- box next to it while turning the dial at the front of the camera. Turningn the dial to the right is what you want to achieve in this shot. Turning it to the left will make the shot darker. You'll see the settings change in the LCD screen.

Because seagulls are pretty difficult to expose correctly, I normally start off with taking a shot or two to see how it looks. If the whites are blown out I try changing stuff around a little bit.

If you're serious with trying to 'perfect' your technique on shooting Seagulls I have a couple of ideas for you. 1... Go to the beach with some crackers or cereal, etc. Once you start feeding one you'll have tons to photograph. It may be easier for you to bring someone with you to do the feeding while you shoot... 2) If the beach isn't an option for you, you might have the same chance if you simply go to a fast food restaurant. We have tons of Seagulls at our local McDonald's. Just go in and get a side of french fries to feed them.

Good luck!

Mandy, your kidding?

French Fries is the only thing Micky D's does right. Feed them those trash McBurgers instead.

Mitch - Can't argue with you there, but the fries are cheaper and they got a bit further than burgers. Can't imagine either one is to healthy for the gulls though, but considering some of the other junk they eat...