The family and I spent a few hours at a local conservation area today. I managed to save 3 photos out of the couple dozen I took, but they still aren't great.
I didn't take my tripod with me - and I think it would have helped.
Keep in mind that to avoid water glare/reflection, using a polarizing filter may help. So, in the top photograph, such a filter could have at least tamed the attention-grabbing reflections, putting more emphasis on the two ducks.
Keep in mind that to avoid water glare/reflection, using a polarizing filter may help. So, in the top photograph, such a filter could have at least tamed the attention-grabbing reflections, putting more emphasis on the two ducks.
I'm not sure that there is a polarizing filter available for my camera. Is there any way to kind of force it within the camera ?
Keep in mind that to avoid water glare/reflection, using a polarizing filter may help. So, in the top photograph, such a filter could have at least tamed the attention-grabbing reflections, putting more emphasis on the two ducks.
I'm not sure that there is a polarizing filter available for my camera. Is there any way to kind of force it within the camera ?
Sorry about that. Now that I see that with your camera the best bet would be to change the perspective (e.g. point-of-view, angle) at which you compose the ducks. Maybe getting a little lower will make it so that the water reflection is not so pronounced. The same with moving to one side or the other.
I know with such models as yours, they are not always cooperative and patient, so it just takes practice to be able to "think without thinking". As Erin Manning would say, "the more pictures you take, the better you get."
I'd have loved to get right down at water level to get these photos - but we're in a restricted area, and my luck lately - there'd be a warden there as soon as I set foot off the designated trail. *lol*
There must have been 2 dozen ducks in this small area of the pond - and all were very busy.
I'm hoping to get back in a week or so, and remember my tripod next time.
I like to use reflections rather than avoid them ...
Colourful trees/bushes, flowering or full of autumn colours work best, but a good strong green is good. A blue sky reflected makes for nice water too. Try to find a spot where the water is fairly calm (I don't know how big your "pond" is, but the lodge I shoot at has a calm end and a rough end!) and get the sun behind you if possible.
Finally, get in as tight as possible. Usually the beauty in a duck shot is in the detail.
Keep in mind that to avoid water glare/reflection, using a polarizing filter may help. So, in the top photograph, such a filter could have at least tamed the attention-grabbing reflections, putting more emphasis on the two ducks.
I'm not sure that there is a polarizing filter available for my camera. Is there any way to kind of force it within the camera ?
In order to attach any filter to your camera you need an adapter. Then you just buy the filter size required by the adapter.
Bird shots are tougher than most folks think - particularly those birds with white feathers. Here are two major items that will help tremendously:
1. Exposure compensation - meter off the white feathers and then maybe even drop that a little. Your whites are blown and the feather detail is lost. You will love the difference this one suggestion makes.
2. Just like people, watch the eye carefully. Since bird eyes are mostly just black dots, it will make all the difference in the world if you can catch a glint in the eye. Try to get that white sun dot in the bird eye.
1. Exposure compensation - meter off the white feathers and then maybe even drop that a little. Your whites are blown and the feather detail is lost. You will love the difference this one suggestion makes.
How do I do that with a P&S camera ?
Originally posted by tcmartin:
2. Just like people, watch the eye carefully. Since bird eyes are mostly just black dots, it will make all the difference in the world if you can catch a glint in the eye. Try to get that white sun dot in the bird eye.
If you don't have manual settings, then zoom in on the white portion, get the exposure setting on that bright white area, and zoom back out to compose your shot. Or, if an area in the water seems even brighter, set your exposure on that.
Keep in mind that to avoid water glare/reflection, using a polarizing filter may help. So, in the top photograph, such a filter could have at least tamed the attention-grabbing reflections, putting more emphasis on the two ducks.
I'm not sure that there is a polarizing filter available for my camera. Is there any way to kind of force it within the camera ?
Sorry about that. Now that I see that with your camera the best bet would be to change the perspective (e.g. point-of-view, angle) at which you compose the ducks. Maybe getting a little lower will make it so that the water reflection is not so pronounced. The same with moving to one side or the other.
Great advice. Before just 'pointing and shooting':
1. Look and see which way the sun is shining. Try and put it behind you.
2. See what's reflecting in the pond. Is it distracting the shot? I commented on the 1st 2 shots.
If you have the chance, go back and try those same shots again. You'll surprise yourself by just taking a couple of extra minutes.
I didn't have much choice in the lighting - there is only 1 side where I could get photos from (basically on a bridge) as the other sides are restricted access and I don't have enough zoom to work them from the trail area. I'll try a different time of day next time though, that might help.
I admittedly gave no thought to the reflections - but will now that it's been pointed out. Live and learn.
I'd have loved to get right down at water level to get these photos - but we're in a restricted area, and my luck lately - there'd be a warden there as soon as I set foot off the designated trail. *lol*
I'd have loved to get right down at water level to get these photos - but we're in a restricted area, and my luck lately - there'd be a warden there as soon as I set foot off the designated trail. *lol*
Thats an easy one to crack - use a monopod, set the timer then just hold the monopod over the edge of the bridge. I do this with my 5D and 100mm lens and get some really excellent images. Feels a little scary though hanging an expensive piece of electrical equipment off the end of a stick, just 2 inches from the water.
btw - the shots are upside down and will need rotating in post processing
I'd have loved to get right down at water level to get these photos - but we're in a restricted area, and my luck lately - there'd be a warden there as soon as I set foot off the designated trail. *lol*
Thats an easy one to crack - use a monopod, set the timer then just hold the monopod over the edge of the bridge. I do this with my 5D and 100mm lens and get some really excellent images. Feels a little scary though hanging an expensive piece of electrical equipment off the end of a stick, just 2 inches from the water.
btw - the shots are upside down and will need rotating in post processing
Sure sure - go and make it sound easy !
I haven't got a monopod (and the majority here would likely laugh at the sad excuse I have for a tripod even).
And, in all honesty - I'd be too afraid of dunking my camera to try it, even to get a good shot.
AH well - some day I'll be able to lay on my belly again and get low-angle shots that way.
I'd have loved to get right down at water level to get these photos - but we're in a restricted area, and my luck lately - there'd be a warden there as soon as I set foot off the designated trail. *lol*
Thats an easy one to crack - use a monopod, set the timer then just hold the monopod over the edge of the bridge. I do this with my 5D and 100mm lens and get some really excellent images. Feels a little scary though hanging an expensive piece of electrical equipment off the end of a stick, just 2 inches from the water.
btw - the shots are upside down and will need rotating in post processing
Sure sure - go and make it sound easy !
I haven't got a monopod (and the majority here would likely laugh at the sad excuse I have for a tripod even).
And, in all honesty - I'd be too afraid of dunking my camera to try it, even to get a good shot.
AH well - some day I'll be able to lay on my belly again and get low-angle shots that way.
Tripods are only monopods with three legs!. They still work upside down ;-) Give it a try you might look stupid, but I think your images will improve because the perspective is from subject's eye level which always works better for wildlife shots.
some day I'll be able to lay on my belly again and get low-angle shots that way.
That's what I miss about my P&S camera (Canon Powershot S2 IS)--the LCD screen swings out and swivels so that when the camera is on the ground, I can see the composition from above and behind.
some day I'll be able to lay on my belly again and get low-angle shots that way.
That's what I miss about my P&S camera (Canon Powershot S2 IS)--the LCD screen swings out and swivels so that when the camera is on the ground, I can see the composition from above and behind.
