Taking-a-Morning-Flight

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
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Taking-a-Morning-Flight.jpg
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Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

A Blue Heron captured at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach Florida.

Specific Feedback

A general perspective on appeal, effectiveness, and areas of improvement.

Technical Details

Exposure 1/800sec at f/11 Exposure
Exposure Program Aperture priority
Metering Mode Pattern
ISO Speed Rating ISO 250
Focal Length 240 mm
Nikon Z8
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S with Z TC-Z0x

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1 Like
2

Hi Ray, nice catch of this heron in flight. I especially like the topside view of the wings. Also like that there is more room in front of the bird than behind. The bird is slightly flying away from us which isn’t ideal (bird is slightly past the viewer).
Sharpness looks good to me. Actually 1/800s is a slow shutter speed for birds in flight. It worked okay here on a big, relatively slow bird. I typically shoot birds in flight at least at 1/2000s and preferably faster than that. I’m sure the Z8 can handle ISOs much higher than 250 which would be a way to get to faster shutter speeds. Shooting at a slightly wider aperture may help also in some situations.
Congrats on capturing this pleasing image.

1 Like
3

Nice one, Ray. I like the full wingspread and the sharp. bright eye. I also like how he/she is heading towards the trees in the background.

Nice camera set up too. I have the Z8 and 100-400. Great gear.

1 Like
4

Very nice job, Ray. Ideally it would be coming toward you, but there’s no control over that and this angle shows the bird well. Detail is excellent. Given that you’re in Florida and it seems like everyone there shoots the larger birds, you don’t need to use too high a shutter speed, but as Allen mentioned, if you’re going after song birds, higher speeds are definitely required (as do catching the Osprey hitting the water).

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Thank you Allen, David and Dennis, I appreciate your input. Dennis, I live near Portland, OR, just visiting family in Fort Lauderdale. I grew up in Miami.