New capture

[Bonsaidad]

Went up the local Country Park with the intention of not photographing any Waterfowl, but we eventually ended up near the center, and my wife had to go and get some food to feed the Ducks and Geese,
Before i knew it some Coots came out of the water for food, followed much to my surprise by a Morehen.
Now we are talking about these getting as close as six feet away, and oblivious to me and the camera, and of course i did not waste the opportunity to take several shots which i hope you like.

I need to know if i can improve on these images, so please give critique when its needed.
















Best regards Paul

[phoebe]

These are fascinating birds Paul. The Coots are especially difficult to expose because of the black bodies and white bills. You did a great job on these. The last shot of the Moorhen is sharp as can be.

[bill_w]

Nice series Paul.. Really like #2&4 great detail and exposures... as far as improvements, my only suggestions would be, if you can, get a little lower on them. I know easier said than done most times lol... Another thing i see that I am guilty of myself A LOT is shooting at max aperture and focal distance. Since most lenses don't do well at these extremes, I've been trying to remember to stop down into the f8 range if possible and pull back on the zoom a bit too... Have seen some differences in just doing those few things...

ps... I keep scrolling back up to #2.. i really like that one

[Bonsaidad]

Originally Posted by phoebe

These are fascinating birds Paul. The Coots are especially difficult to expose because of the black bodies and white bills. You did a great job on these. The last shot of the Moorhen is sharp as can be.

Thanks Phoebe for the reply, and kind words.
When processing i knew they were my best to date of the Coot, i think i was lucky that the Morehen came out at the same time adding to my list of captured birds.



Best regards Paul

[Bonsaidad]

Originally Posted by bill_w

Nice series Paul.. Really like #2&4 great detail and exposures... as far as improvements, my only suggestions would be, if you can, get a little lower on them. I know easier said than done most times lol... Another thing i see that I am guilty of myself A LOT is shooting at max aperture and focal distance. Since most lenses don't do well at these extremes, I've been trying to remember to stop down into the f8 range if possible and pull back on the zoom a bit too... Have seen some differences in just doing those few things...

ps... I keep scrolling back up to #2.. i really like that one

Thanks Bill for the reply and advice.
I am terrible for forgetting to alter the aperture up to as you say the f8 range, so use to shooting birds in the garden.
I am also guilty of zooming out to the max, as you say it wont hurt to pull back a little on the zoom, maybe i got to excited .
I will try and remember the next time!.



Best regards Paul

[gilfish]

I really like the feet on those coots. How lucky to get this close! The only suggestion I would make is to try to minimize the human objects in the pics. I know that isnt always possible. Thanks for posting!

[Bonsaidad]

Thanks for the reply Gil, i would love to capture these in a more natural setting, i will eventually! though, its just a matter of time.


Best regards Paul

[rawpaw18]

Very nice Paul, so great to be able to get so close.
Really nice job with these, like that fourth one

[gjtoth]

I can only echo what everyone else has said, Paul. Nice job.

[uk2usa]

Very nice. I see these quite a bit, but have had the exposure problems that Phoebe mentioned - have not made one shot that compares to these - nice one!