| 67 |
Dec 23 |
Comment |
Thank you, one and all.
I knew this image kinda sucks, but I was pleased that I could figure out the reasons why. Couldn't do that about 6 months ago! Still, I liked the composition, even though Michael's crop improves it a lot! The flamingos I didn't mind so much as I wanted the the reflections they provided off the water to make a good background.
The washed-out appearance bothers me, as does the sharpness (or lack thereof). Admittedly, this was taken without a tripod and long before I joined here, so inexperience and use of manual mode (when I really didn't know that much about it) were definitely limited factors -- if I could only go back to do it right! . . .but I can't :-(
While in Kenya I was using my 200-500 telephoto. . .a nice versatile lens -- that is, until a grain of sand lodged in the barrel. Since I could no longer adjust extension, it became sort of a "prime" 500 mm lens. It was difficult to use telephoto feet because I was confined to the Jeep that took us from place to place. Yet another limiting factor that I could have lived without :-(
Anyway
In hindsight, I regret being, for the most part, "under the influence" of a mentor/teacher who demanded I use manual mode (and no tripod) without first teaching me some of the basics. Being a newer newbie than I presently am, this resulted in a LOT of missed shots. I am now enrolled in the PSA photography course and unlearning a lot of bad habits, which improves my technique ever so much, including use of that dreaded tripod. :-) Saving for a trip to Florida this winter so I can practice on that wonderful wildlife found down there -- and taking the tripod with me.
I am interested in Bud's checklist -- what exactly do you check for? And how do you prevent (or at least improve) washed out colors? I would have liked to avoid that line of blown-out white across the pelican's back and don't understand how I could have overexposed given the overall dulled-out colors. It was mostly sunny day, and I have other shots from that location that aren't so bad. so I am mpt sure what I did or how I would adjust in the future.
PS the lens was repaired by Nikon servicers. Not only did they remove the sand grain, they replaced the barrel and several other parts, did a complete clean and re-calibration. It's like a brand-new lens! Cost me a pretty penny, though, but I now have a healthy respect for wind in dry climates and have since made a cloth barrel cover that covers the joint line but allows easy adjustment of the lens barrel (the bought ones are too tight to allow movement).
Thank you ever so much for your advice and kind corrections I really appreciate your time and expertise! |
Dec 16th |
