The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The lighting in the Costa Rica rainforest is a huge challenge - I usually can’t move fast enough to dial the ISO up or down, before the bird flees
Specific Feedback
Even an ISO of 2500 didn’t freeze these quick little feet
Technical Details
Sony A1
600 mm
Exposure Time: 1/400 sec
F Number: f/8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 2500
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I like the jumping pose, Sandy, and the bit of motion blur in the feet adds rather than detracts. I could see working on the cap on the head-they’re as bad as an osprey head for trying to maintain detail. Maybe see if you can pull the highlights down just a tad there, though it doesn’t look like it’s blown, just very bright and at a tough angle to pull out detail.
Hi Sandy
The small amount of motion-blur is ok and you know the head is clipped. I think there maybe some confusion in your setting? Exposure setting of 1/400 to 1/1000 are ok for slow move birds, birds in flight setting of 1/2000 to 1/3200 will frees the wings and keep your image sharp. Auto ISO will track your f stop, exposure time and EV setting.
Peter
Hi Sandy, I love the hopping pose, what an awesome shot of a really cool bird!
It is a very vibrant species, and I think you have done a good job of conveying its bright colors!
There are many many different ways of getting rid of the noise generated by high ISO, but it is possible to (lightroom does a good job, there are also a few third party denoisers that do the trick). I think the most important thing when shooting birds is to make sure that your shutter speed is fast enough. I believe @peter also recommended 1/2000 - 1/3200 as a good range to leave your shutter in, I would go a step further and recommend leaving your camera in shutter priority mode at 1/3200 as a default for shooting birds.
I hope you post more picture of the birds in costa rica!
(this is my first critique, so if my critique needs critiquing, please let me know, thank you)
I really like the colors in this bird. I also enjoyed seeing them in Costa Rica and they are hard to photograph because they move so much. Yes the head is a little bright, but it wouldn’t take much to bring it down. You got a good pose and jump. Nice detail. Great background. And yes, the light under the canopy is a real challenge.
