My Near Misses

Critiques [Translate]

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• sle2006 (449)
• [2006-06-05 8:53]

A wonderful sight! (despite all your self critique) The image look sharp and exposure is just right to me.

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• Platypus (276)
• [2006-06-05 9:10]

This not that bad ! I like those photos in fact.

But it is true... you can do better I think, even more so if you are this close to the birds :
1. for the light, can't you position the feeder so that the light would come in the front of the bird, not in his back ?
1bis. as you are close, you can as well use artificial light ! A simple flash would enhance the brigthness difference between the top and bottom of the bird. Moreover you might be able to freeze the movement thanks to faster shutter speeds.
2. the background : replace the feeder with plants they usually feed on. Why not put the same syrup in/on the flowers, it should work as well (smell...)
3. Focus is more difficult I think... you will have to shoot dozens of photos to get the one you wanted anyways. But you would not like shooting photos if it were not challenging, would you ? I would recommend to use a tripod, set the focus you think is right and then shoot as much as you can :p. The bird will end up in the focus range at some point !

Have fun, and I hope to see more hummingbirds soon !

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• jchemas (3386)
• [2006-06-05 9:40]

This is a good composition Leisa.
This set of pictures has great colors and details with good POVs and BGs.
Regards
JC

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• timonejoon (758)
• [2006-06-05 9:54]
• [+]

Hi Leisa

Personaly, I don`h have any problem with the feeder as i like the different colors, probably you can cover it by leaves. about the pictures, I think you say everything. I just watch and enjoy.

TFS
timon
(* please at least writte the shutter speed and F, it will help me a lot to learn, thanks)

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• SkyF (8113)
• [2006-06-05 10:24]

Hello Leisa,
beautiful captures of the hummingbird. I'm hoping to catch one this summer in my garden, last year I was to slow ;-).
Very nice collage.
TFS..Sky

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• aido (4048)
• [2006-06-05 11:08]
• [2]

Hi Leisa,

Some very nice shots you have there. It seems you've already critiqued yourself :-) I'd add that I think (if possible) if you move to the right or move the feeder so you have a clear view of the birds face the angle would be better. Also consider using fill-flash, it will bring out detail in the darker areas. Ideally natural light on the face would be perfect, however not always possible.

Having said all that I think you already have some very good shots, 1 and 4 especially. I think your shutter speed is spot-on, you've got good detail in the body and still nice movement in the wings, I would say essential (for me anyway: everybody thinks differently) with this bird, as the fast wing beats are a characteristic. Exposure is good, just those slightly burned whites which are sometimes unavoidable. You've also isolated the bird against a perfect background. I agree about the feeder, got any green paint?? :-)

For focus, I would always auto-focus with focus set to continuous (I don't know what it would be called on your camera).

Some nice shots and if you improve on this you'll have some fantastic work!

Regards,
Adrian

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• jcoowanitwong (11461)
• [2006-06-05 11:57]

Hi Leisa,
I like No 1,3,4. For No.2 just a pity that could not have a clear view of the face. Great sharpnes, POV, composition. Very well done. TFS
JC

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• cam (360)
• [2006-06-06 6:24]
• [2]

Hi Leisa
Well,4 great shots I will have like to have made myself.You are harsh with yourself and I understands you ,wanting to improve.The comments already done are going to be helpful to all of us.I am surprised that they come as close to you.
Have a nice day
Charles