Mirror, dear mirror, who is the nicest in the whole land?
Critique Style Requested:Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Common merganser couples in Plitvice national park in Croatia. They could not care less that I was trying my best to capture them on my sensor. What looked like quiet diving and cleaning activities, turned into an argument (the 1st picture). I suddenly understood why in Dutch, these ducks are called sawbills.
Specific Feedback
I had several opportunities, as you can see. I could even give composition some attention. I would have liked some more action, but the shoot (5 minutes) finished as the birds went to rest. I might encounter these birds in Belgium next winter, if I am lucky. Any useful tips of what to specifically look for?
The settings for the last picture of this series were extreme, simply because I forgot to adapt them when I found myself suddenly in the open and out of the woods.
Technical Details
Canon EOS R6 with RF 200-800mm lens
ƒ/8 - 9
1/500 - 6400
400 - 800mm
4000 - 12800 ISO
Hi Xavier, nice series showing the birds in action or at least moving about. Details look good for the most part even though the first bird is somewhat soft when viewed large and I think there are some blown out feathers in the third image. I think you can lift the shadows some on the bird in the last image. I can’t comment specifically on Belgium birds, but as far as advice concerning what to look for in these situations, I tend to think be ready to capture fast action when there is a chance for it even though the birds are still at times. Lately I’ve been using higher ISOs (given latest noise reduction software) and trying to maintain a relatively fast shutter speed even in rather low light. Given the relatively high ISO used, you seem to be already on this track.
A very nice series of the Mergansers, Xavier. I do think Allen has covered the pluses and minuses-I can’t think of anything to add there. I like the settings you used for the most part. I’m not sure if the whites in the third image are blown or if there’s just enough motion blur to blend out the detail in them-wings can move very fast sometimes.
