Just learning; need critique

I'm just learning the in's and out's of my camera (Xsi) and would really like to get better, so comments are more than welcome (I'm strong and determined, so be brutal). My biggest task that I'm working on right now is getting the sharpest image out of my equipment (lens: ef-s 55-250mm IS).

Original: (Of all the places to land - right behind the only big tree nearby)

Doobie,

That's a pretty danged good shot actually!
I also have a Xsi and a 55-250mm, it's a pretty good lens, not the greatest birding lens though, but for an all-around lens, it's pretty good quality.
(I rarely, if ever use my 55-250 though since I got a larger lens, but I still like it)

You have it perfectly focused on his eye, that's for sure!
What I would suggest is, (of course get in as close as possible) look up the "Rule of thirds" on Google and see what that's about, it'll help you out in cropping in camera, or, post=processing...
I would've also tried to move around to where that tree trunk wasn't in the shot so much, if you could, sometimes I know it's not possible, the cropped image doesn't look so noticeable though.

Try not to shoot when the sun's so high in the sky, it makes for unflattering shots, but I know, we can't always pass up a shot when we see it, but 'just in case'! heh

The background has a lot of noise, along with your camera, you should've gotten a CD that had Digital Photo Professional (DPP) on it, that has options that can help that, especially if you shoot in RAW.
If you don't shoot in RAW, please check that out also, you'll really be glad you did, you can do a whole lot more to save bad images, and all kinds of things using it.
(.jpegs just don't have as much information in 'em)
If you already know this, then maybe someone else can benefit, I don't mean to go on, but I did... heh

If you plan on shooting more birds, definitely consider a longer lens, look at what other here have and after a while you'll 'get it', if you don't already.
It took me a while to "get it", but when I did, I knew that I couldn't use my 55-250mm anymore and expect shots like they were getting.
Now that I do have a longer lens, I still have trouble, but it's not the lens's fault. heheh
This is not a 'have to' thing, but most here think along those lines.

Anyway, maybe this'll help some... Nice shot though!

Randy

Thanks a bunch! I still have a lot of research to do

Pretty nice shot. One key to bird shots is to use your center focus point only. If you have your camera set to automatically choose the focus points try changing to center point. You will need to shoot in one of the creative modes. I like to use AV(aperature priority). Your manual will tell you how to do this. Spend some time looking at the Bird section of this forum. Those guys really know their stuff and can give you some good tips.
Clay

get closer or get longer glass, one or the other cause you can only crop in so much. is AUS we do something called pishing, its were you make a raspy "pish" noise which draws small birds in to investigate, don't know if it works in the US but just throwing it out there because its a good way to get the little buggers to come closer in. last thing i will say is light. try to work out which time of day and weather conditions produce the best quality ambient and make a note to go out in those conditions. you can get as close as you want with the best subject matter and composition but if you light is crap you might as well not bother.

Pishing works here in the States as well. It really gets the chickadees and titmice to flock you, among many other species.

I will definitely give the "pishing" technique a try on my next outing, and I'm quickly understanding that lighting is very close to "everything" in photos. Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate the help.

I've also been looking into longer glass, but just not something that's in the budget at this time. Sooner or later though...

You can try pishing or whatever else someone tells you to do. But first learn to maximize the potential of your camera. Learn to use the creative zones on your camera. Then, get a longer lens if you think you need one. And, go to the Bird section of photo sharing if you realy want advice and honest crituqe of your bird photos. Most of all, keep shooting and have fun!
Clay

That's a pretty crisp shot from as far away as you were! Nice job. Good color, too. Cardinals are generally more orange then red, as your shot shows.

The best way to shoot birds is to lure them close to your lens with FOOD!!! Cardinals are a pushover for the black oiled sunflower seeds. Buy a 10lb bag at Home Depot and put out a dish of them. Cardinals will flock to the feeder! Just be ready to continually chase away the squirrels, though! LOL.

dave

I'm thinking I'll start feeding/luring birds, and I really wouldn't mind taking a few snaps of squirrels as well - at this point I'm not picky about my subjects. I shoot as much as I can, but I think I'll have to start focusing on settings and their effects. I learn a little more every day, and this forum is a huge help - thanks guys/gals.

You know, I really love hunting, but I think I've changed my weapon of choice! I think there's a lot to say about being able to watch your target walk or fly away.